Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, is the unofficial culinary capital of Japan. Its backstreets and laneways are full of restaurants and bars serving delicious local cuisine. Osaka is also home to some of the most famous castles, temples, and monuments from Japan’s past, just begging to be explored. The 16th-century Osaka Castle is a magnificent white and gold landmark not to be missed. In the eastern part of Kyoto the Kiyomizu Temple features an impressive veranda that extends out over a cliff (even more impressive when you consider it was built without a single nail!). First built in 728 the world heritage listed Todaiji Temple features the immense Great Buddha Statue and Sika deer that wander freely throughout the temple grounds.