My wife and I decided to go back to Japan for the third time after falling in love with this country a couple of years ago. We decided to visit some places we adore (Kyoto) and add those things we missed on our first trips. The summer heat was unbearable, and didn't give in for a single day, but despite that we managed to basically see everything we planned for. Instead of Tokyo, the cheapest option for us this time was to fly to Nagoya (we live in Finland for the record), which is a more than enjoyable city, despite not being up there with the big names. Our 2 weeks itinerary saw 3 days in Kanazawa (with a day trip to Shirakawa-go), 3 in Kyoto, 2 in Shuzenji on the Izu peninsula, 2 in Hakone and 3 in Nagoya with a day trip to Tsumago, on the Nakasendo way. Kanazawa has some nice interesting historic districts that justify the nickname Little Kyoto, plus an incredible food scene (especially if you love seafood). In Kyoto we have given a chance to the national museum, visited a bunch of temples we missed the other times and revisited some others, in particular Ginkaku-ji, among my favourites along with a nice stroll on the philosopher path. Hakone and Shuzenji are both famous for the onsens, but are quite different. The whole Hakone area is quite popular and with lots of things to see and do. Shuzenji on the other hand feels more authentic and relaxed, perfect for some relax.
Locations: 1. Mirai tower, Nagoya 2. Nagoya castle 3. Lantern at Osu Kannon temple, Nagoya 4. Modern torii at Kanazawa station 5. Garden at a samurai house in Kanazawa 6. Lotus flower at the Kenrokuen garden, Kanazawa 7. Heron at Kenrokuen garden, Kanazawa 8. Temple at Akarizaka, close to Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa 9. Higashi Chaya street, Kanazawa 10. Panoramic view on Shirakawago 11. Traditional houses of Shirakawago 12. Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto 13. Joren falls, Izu 14. Wasabi cultivation, Izu 15. Ginkaku-ji temple, Kyoto 16. Owakudani slopes, Hakone 17. Ships on lake Ashi, Hakone 18. Toyota 2000GT, Toyota museum, Nagoya 19. Tsumago, end of Nakasendo trail.