Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

14 Day Pass - Summer
adventure Itinerary
Nara is one of Japan’s oldest cities and the country’s first permanent capital back in 710. Among its top attractions are the Todaiji Temple,
an 8th century Buddhist temple that houses a large bronze Buddha statue; the Horyuji Temple, which contains the oldest surviving wooden
structures in the world; the Heijo Palace, which served as the emperor’s official residence in the 8th century Nara Period; and Nara Park, a large
park that is about a 20-minute walk from Nara Station and is home to hundreds of deer.
Day 8 – Kyoto to Fukuoka (Spend 3 nights Fukuoka)
After spending a few days in Kyoto, head south to Fukuoka and get acquainted with one of Kyushu’s largest and most historic cities.
Catch a Shinkansen at Kyoto Station headed to Shin-Kobe Station, and then take another Shinkansen to Hakata Station. The entire trip takes
about three hours and is fully covered by your JR Pass.
Day 9 – Enjoy Fukuoka
Upon arriving at Fukuoka’s Hakata Station, you can start your adventure right away. In addition to its temples, shrines and other historical
attractions, Fukuoka offers many fun and enjoyable spots for people who like to eat and shop. Even after the sun sets, the city remains vibrant
and full of energy, with its beer gardens and night markets.
From late in the afternoon and into the night, Fukuoka beer gardens serve some of the best quality beer you will ever taste. You can try Asahi,
Kirin and other locally made beers at some of the city’s most popular beer spots, such as the Asahi Beer Garden, Centrahaza Hakata Beer
Garden, Barbecue Garden, Shibafu Beer Garden, Sushi-ko Sky Garden, and Horror House Tenkugofu. These establishments often offer all-youcan-eat-and-drink
specials.
For locally-made products, handmade crafts, food and snacks, and other goods, the Fukuoka Night Market, located by the river and close to
Canal City, is the place to be. Aside from the wide selection of merchandise for sale, it also has stalls that offer fortune telling and massage
services. It has a number of small eateries where you can feast on tasty ramen, pastries, and drinks, too.
Also, if visiting in the first half of July, do not miss the Hakata Gion Yakamasa, a unique Japanese festival highlighted by large kazariyama floats
displayed all over the city and by a race during which small kakiyama floats are carried by locals trying to outrun each other through a course
of both narrow and broad lanes near Kushida Shrine.
Day 10 – Camping on Nokonoshima Island (Spend 1 night Nokonoshima Island)
Nokonoshima Island is an excellent destination for those looking for nature sightseeing and adventure. It has a very spacious green park that sits
on 15 hectares of land, surrounded by waters, and far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is best known for its colourful seasonal flowers,
most particularly daffodils, rape blossoms, livingstone daisies, poppies, azaleas, marigolds, hydrangeas, sunflowers, cosmos and dahlias. It also
offers facilities for ceramic-making and painting, sports, a playground, and a mini zoo.
At certain times of the year, the park is illuminated and looks incredibly magical. If you happen to visit on those days, consider camping for one
night at the island park’s cottages, with overlooking views of Hakata Bay and the fields of flowers.
From Fukuoka, the island is about a 20-minute subway ride, a 15-minute bus ride, and a 10-minute ferry ride away. Take the Fukuoka City
Subway Kuko Line going to Meinohama Station, and then walk to the Meinohama-eki Kitaguchi Bus Stop to catch a bus to the Noko Tosenba
Bus Stop (Ferry Terminal). The journey is not covered by your JR Pass.
161 - Japan Travel Guide