Osaka, the third-largest city in Japan with a population of 2.7 million, holds a rich history dating back 1,500 years. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and excellent shopping opportunities, Osaka is a must-visit destination in any Japan itinerary. Often referred to as the "Nation's Kitchen," Osaka is famous for its delectable dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Takayama, situated in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture, features narrow streets within its Sanmachi Suji historic district, adorned with wooden merchants' houses dating back to the Edo Period. The city is particularly celebrated for its biannual Takayama Festival, dating back to the mid-1600s, which commemorates spring and fall with parades showcasing elaborate floats and puppet shows. Shirakawa, a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, is renowned for Shirakawa-gō, a small traditional village that exhibits the unique gasshō-zukuri architectural style. This style is characterized by steeply thatched roofs resembling hands folded in prayer. Mount Fuji, a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries, stands as one of Japan's three sacred mountains. The summit of Mount Fuji remains a popular destination for hikers and adventurers, contributing to the mountain's enduring cultural significance.