Spend the day in Osaka, Japan's second most important metropolis.

Go on a day trip to Himeji to see Himeji Castle and Mount Shosha.

Take a limited express train from Osaka to Kinosaki. Explore the quaint hot spring town and stay overnight at one of the ryokan there.

From Kinosaki, take trains to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views, before heading to Kyoto. Alternatively, visit rural Miyama to see traditional thatched roof farmhouses along the way to Kyoto.

Spend two full days in Kyoto exploring the many treasures the old capital has to offer. Consider our suggested Kyoto itineraries.

Travel from Kyoto to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, and overnight there.

Leave Nara after breakfast to go to Ise (about two hours by train), the site of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, the Ise Shrines. Consider stopping at Iga Ueno along the way to learn more about ninja.

Take a train into the Kumano area at the southern end of the Kii Peninsula.

Spend a full day exploring Kumano with its ancient shrines and pilgrimage trails.

Get up early and head to Koyasan, the center of Shingon Buddhism, and one of the best places to experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging (shukubo).

Head back to Osaka.