Osaka / Kyoto: Todai-ji, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari and Byodo-in

There are around 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine, to worship the Shinto god of rice, Inari. The shrine is famous for its Senbon Torii, which consists of thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form a stunning, immersive pathway up sacred Mount Inari. In the 1300 years since its establishment in 711AD, people have gathered at this shrine to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, the safety of their homes and families, and the fulfillment of various wishes.

Nara Park is a must-visit destination in Nara City and is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Covering a vast area of 660 hectares, the park is famous for its free-roaming deer and renowned temples. These gentle creatures are considered sacred messengers of the Shinto gods and roam freely throughout Nara. Over time, they have learned to bow to visitors as a request for treats. For more than 1,300 years, humans and deer have peacefully coexisted in Nara. Today, these deer are protected as Natural Monuments and are revered as sacred animals within the city.

Todaiji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines, and places in the city of Nara. The main hall of the temple, known as the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), was recognized as the world's largest wooden building. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha, known as the Daibutsu. This 15-meter-tall seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

Uji is famous for its green tea production, and this charming street is lined with shops selling a variety of tea and tea-related products. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Uji, as it showcases Japan’s rich tea heritage and offers a glimpse into its fascinating history. As you stroll down the cobblestone path, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves. Here, you can try tea-flavored “dango” dumplings, noodles, ice cream, and donuts. Take your time to wander through the souvenir shops and eateries. At the end of the street, you'll find a Starbucks that serves its popular Matcha Frappé.

Byodo-in Temple is one of Japan's best-preserved national treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most iconic structure within the temple is the Phoenix Hall, which has wing-like corridors on either side of the central hall, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings. This design was chosen for the obverse side of the 10 yen coin.

Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park is an island park surrounded by the Uji River, which divides the water's flow downstream. The park is connected to the riverbanks by three bridges. There are many scenic features including a 13th-century stone pagoda that stands 15 m tall. In spring, the park offers beautiful views of cherry blossom forests, and visitors can often see birds soaring in the sky. Red-colored bridges connect the pathways on both sides of the river, and it's interesting to see ducks diving into the fast-flowing river to catch fish.

Murasaki Shikibu is the author of 'The Tale of Genji,' written during Japan's Heian Period (9th-12th centuries). This tale is considered one of Japan's greatest literary masterpieces. The final ten chapters are often called the 'Uji-Jujo' because the main stage of this magnificent literary work is all set in Uji City. In honor of this connection, you can find the novelist perched beneath a lone pine alongside the famous Uji Bridge. Uji Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Japan. It's believed to have been constructed for the first time in 646, more than 1300 years ago. The current bridge was completed in March 1996, and it features bronze ornamental caps along its balustrade made of Japanese cypress. With this, the historical image of Uji Bridge is retained and the design harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. This bridge has always been familiar to people as a symbol of Uji, as a place of scenic beauty.