cruise
Osaka
Once the short-lived imperial capital of Japan , Osaka is often considered a gateway to cities like Kyoto and Nara . Hop on the famous Shinkansen ( bullet train ) and travel at speeds up to 200 mph , getting you to Kyoto in 13 minutes or Nara in just 45 .
Considered the country ’ s cultural heart , Kyoto offers a glimpse into old Japan . It ’ s home to over 1,600 temples and 400 shrines that make for excellent photo opportunities — from the iconic tunnel of 10,000 red torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine to the gold-leaf-covered top floors of Kinkaku-ji (‘ Temple of the Golden Pavilion ’). Combine a traditional geiko ( geisha ) performance with a tea ceremony in Gion , find tranquility within the 800-year-old Shorenin Temple ’ s garden grounds , and roam through halls of history in Kyoto ’ s largest and best-preserved castle , Nijo Castle .
In Nara , spend the afternoon with some of Japan ’ s cutest residents , the wild sika deer that roam freely throughout Nara Park . Considered sacred , these deer have been protected by the city for over 1,000 years . Continue the superlative sightseeing with a stop at Todaiji Temple , which , until 1998 , was the world ’ s largest wooden building . It ’ s home to the largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana .
For those staying in Osaka , hunt down a DIY okonomiyaki restaurant , where mixing up ingredients and grilling at your table is half the fun . Melt away at Spa World , a multilevel complex broken up into different Japanese onsen experiences with aroundthe-world themes ( just be aware , you ’ ll be completely in the buff ). For family-friendly fun , one of the largest aquariums in the world , the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan , is located within walking distance of the port . Come here to meet marine life found along the Pacific Rim , including penguins , whale sharks and dolphins .
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