ASIA / 01

Japan

A harbour lane, a bowl of local noodles, a mountain town that changes the pace of your trip. Find where to go, what to eat and which experiences fit your journey.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu and Okinawa

Funaya boathouses · Ine, Kyoto, Japan

Destination guides

Each guide helps you decide whether a place fits your trip, how long to stay, where to sleep, what to eat and how to get there.

Hokkaido

Choose between western cities, Biei’s farmland and the remote landscapes of Shiretoko. Explore one part of the island at a time: its size makes an overcrowded route surprisingly tiring.

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Fields and hills of Biei, Hokkaidō.

Hokkaido · 1–2 days

Biei travel guide

Decide how to visit Biei: choose between the Blue Pond and farmland, plan transport from Asahikawa, find local food and compare a tour from Sapporo.

One of the five lakes of Shiretoko with the mountains reflected in the water, Hokkaidō.

Hokkaido · An editorial starting point of 2–3 days in the area

Shiretoko travel guide

Plan a Shiretoko stay around Utoro, the Five Lakes or a Furepe nature walk. Compare routes, regional food and transport without promising wildlife or weather.

Visitors walking along a shopping street in Otaru, Hokkaido.

Hokkaido · One day; one night for a slower evening

Otaru travel guide

Otaru: canal walks, seafood and a day from Sapporo. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Sapporo TV Tower rising above green trees and flower beds in Odori Park under a clear blue sky.

Hokkaido · Two or three days; add another day for an out-of-town excursion

Sapporo travel guide

Sapporo: neighbourhoods, markets and Hokkaido food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A Catholic church in Hakodate's Motomachi district.

Hokkaido · 2 days; 3 with Onuma

Hakodate travel guide

Plan Hakodate around harbour streets, city views and a proper seafood meal. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Trees and a pond in a park in Asahikawa.

Hokkaido · 1 to 2 days

Asahikawa travel guide

Asahikawa: food, city sights and a central Hokkaido base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A wooden boardwalk through green woodland in Kushiro.

Hokkaido · Two days; consider three for additional nature activities

Kushiro travel guide

Kushiro: markets, wetlands and eastern Hokkaido planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Bands of colourful flowers at Farm Tomita near Furano.

Hokkaido · 1 to 2 days

Furano travel guide

Furano: summer landscapes, local food and seasonal choices. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Lake Toya viewed from the Windsor Hotel

Hokkaido · An editorial starting point of 1–2 nights

Lake Toya

Plan Lake Toya around a lakeside stay and volcanic landscapes. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Niseko Annupuri in summer

Hokkaido · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Niseko in summer

Niseko in summer: rivers, cycling and mountain views. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Mount Tarumae across the blue water of Lake Shikotsu.

Hokkaido · Half a day–1 day; one night for a lakeside stay

Lake Shikotsu

Plan Lake Shikotsu walks, a lakeside lunch and transport from Chitose or Sapporo. Choose a simple shore visit or compare a guided Moss Canyon excursion.

Hot spring hotels below the green hillside at Jozankei Onsen.

Hokkaido · 1 day or 1 night

Jozankei Onsen

Choose a Jozankei day trip or onsen stay near Sapporo. Plan bus connections, riverside walks, local sweets and a guided temple-and-cave visit.

Red-roofed stone buildings along an avenue at Nikka Yoichi Distillery.

Hokkaido · Half a day–1 day

Yoichi

Plan a Yoichi visit beyond Otaru: compare distillery reservations, town heritage and local food with rail travel or a private excursion from Sapporo.

Cape Kamui on the Shakotan Peninsula

Hokkaido · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Shakotan Peninsula

Plan Shakotan Peninsula around blue-water viewpoints and seasonal seafood. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Alpine slopes around Asahidake in Daisetsuzan

Hokkaido · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Daisetsuzan

Daisetsuzan: choosing a mountain day in central Hokkaido. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Steaming volcanic terrain in Noboribetsu

Hokkaido · One night; a day visit for a shorter walk and bath

Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu: Hell Valley walks and choosing an onsen stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Sunlit trees and water plants beside Lake Konuma in Onuma Park.

Hokkaido · Half a day–1 day

Onuma Park

Plan an Onuma Park day from Hakodate: choose lakeside trails, check trains and seasonal activities, find local dango and compare a private excursion.

Tohoku

North of Tokyo, rail-connected cities alternate with valleys where the last bus shapes the day. Make time for places such as Yamadera, Hiraizumi and Ouchi-juku instead of collecting brief stops.

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Thatched roofs in the historic village of Ouchi-juku, Fukushima.

Fukushima · A focused half-day visit, plus the actual transfers

Ouchi-juku travel guide

Plan Ouchi-juku around thatched streets, negi soba and a relaxed Aizu stay. Compare Yunokami Onsen connections, local food and the effort of the viewpoint.

The Risshaku-ji complex, known as Yamadera, in the mountains of the Yamagata Prefecture.

Yamagata · Half a day with time for breaks

Yamadera travel guide

Yamadera: temple steps, views and a Yamagata day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Autumn foliage around the Pure Land garden at Motsuji in Hiraizumi.

Iwate · One day

Hiraizumi travel guide

Hiraizumi: Buddhist heritage, gardens and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Oirase Stream flowing between mossy rocks and forest in Aomori.

Aomori · One day; useful stay in the area

Oirase Gorge travel guide

Oirase Gorge: riverside walks and Lake Towada planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The seafront of Aomori with the ASPAM building and the bay bridge.

Aomori · 1 to 2 days

Aomori travel guide

Plan Aomori around city culture, seafood markets and an apple break. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Hirosaki Castle's keep in an archival photograph taken before restoration work.

Aomori · One or two days

Hirosaki travel guide

Hirosaki: castle park, apple food and seasonal visits. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A snow-covered street in Kakunodate's historic district.

Akita · One day; one night for a slow pace

Kakunodate travel guide

Plan Kakunodate around samurai streets and Akita food. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The entrance to an onsen inn in the mountains of Nyuto Onsen.

Akita · One night; two for more baths

Nyuto Onsen guide

Nyuto Onsen: choosing a bath, stay and mountain connection. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Mount Iwate beyond the Kitakami River in Morioka.

Iwate · 1 to 2 days

Morioka travel guide

Morioka: noodle culture, town walks and an Iwate base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shrine buildings in Sendai.

Miyagi · 2 days; three with Matsushima

Sendai travel guide

Sendai: city walks, local food and useful day trips. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Islands and pine trees of Matsushima Bay.

Miyagi · One day; one night for the calmer bay

Matsushima travel guide

Plan Matsushima around bay scenery, Zuiganji and a seafood lunch. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Traditional riverside buildings, a bridge and green trees in Ginzan Onsen.

Yamagata · One night for bathing and evening atmosphere

Ginzan Onsen guide

Ginzan Onsen: village visits, overnight stays and access. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Ramen served in Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Fukushima · 2 days; three with Ouchi-juku

Aizu-Wakamatsu travel guide

Plan Aizu-Wakamatsu around castle history, town streets and regional cooking. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Hachinohe Fish and Vegetable Market

Aomori · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Hachinohe

Plan Hachinohe around morning markets, a warm local meal and coastal time. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

The former Tsuruoka Police Office preserved at Chido Museum

Yamagata · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Tsuruoka

Plan Tsuruoka around seasonal gastronomy and Dewa Sanzan. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Towada Art Center with cherry blossoms

Aomori · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Towada City

Towada City: contemporary art and an unhurried town visit. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Kesennuma Oshima viewed from the Karakuwa Peninsula

Miyagi · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Kesennuma

Kesennuma: port food, bay views and responsible coastal travel. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Tono viewed from Nabekura Park

Iwate · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Tono

Tono: folklore, countryside and a day beyond the cities. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shioyasaki lighthouse in Iwaki

Fukushima · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Iwaki

Iwaki: coastal scenery, seafood and a Fukushima seaside stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Green hills viewed from Mount Kanpu on the Oga Peninsula

Akita · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Oga Peninsula

Plan Oga Peninsula around Namahage culture and a selective coastal route. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A bowl of Kitakata ramen

Fukushima · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Kitakata

Plan Kitakata around ramen and storehouse streets. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Kesennuma Oshima viewed from the Karakuwa Peninsula

Miyagi · One morning for the tour, access and a separate breakfast

Kesennuma fish market tour

Plan a Kesennuma fish market tour with morning access, landing-day checks, viewing etiquette and a separate seafood breakfast near the harbour.

The Honmaru Omote-mon gate of Kubota Castle in winter

Akita · One or two nights

Akita City

Akita City: local food, parks and Kanto festival planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Sanjin Gassaiden at Dewa Sanzan Shrine on Mount Haguro

Yamagata · One focused mountain day; longer for a multi-mountain pilgrimage

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan: choosing a mountain pilgrimage route. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Kanto

Tokyo neighbourhoods, Nikko’s religious heritage, Kamakura’s coast and Sawara’s canals offer very different days. You can explore widely without changing hotels every night.

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The Yanaka Ginza shopping street in Tokyo.

Tokyo · Half a day

Yanaka travel guide

Plan Yanaka around Yanaka Ginza, the cemetery and Nezu Shrine. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Shinkyo Bridge crossing the Daiya River in Nikko.

Tochigi · One day for heritage; two for a separate mountain outing

Nikko travel guide

Nikko: shrines, mountain scenery and choosing a base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Great Buddha of the Kōtoku-in temple in Kamakura.

Kanagawa · One day

Kamakura travel guide

Plan Kamakura around Hase temples and the Shonan coast. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The Ono River running through Sawara's historic district.

Chiba · Half a day on site

Sawara travel guide

Sawara: canals, merchant streets and a Tokyo day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Pink shibazakura flowers at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.

Saitama · One day; more time for the mountains

Chichibu travel guide

Chichibu: shrines, countryside and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Visitors outside Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo.

Tokyo · Half day; one day with museum or activity booked

Asakusa travel guide

Asakusa: temple streets, riverside walks and food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

An assortment of sushi photographed in Tsukiji, Tokyo.

Tokyo · One morning and a meal

Tsukiji travel guide

Tsukiji: outer-market food and a respectful visit. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A dessert with sweet beans and agar cubes photographed in Kawagoe.

Saitama · One day

Kawagoe travel guide

Kawagoe: old streets, sweets and a Tokyo day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A Chinese-style dish with bite-sized pieces and vegetables in sauce, photographed in Yokohama.

Kanagawa · One day; two with museums and Sankeien

Yokohama travel guide

Plan Yokohama around the harbour and Chinatown's varied food traditions. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Autumn foliage in Gora Park in Hakone.

Kanagawa · A focused day trip or two days with one night

Hakone travel guide

Compare a Hakone day trip with an onsen overnight, choose Yumoto, Gora or the lake, and plan transport, regional snacks and relevant experiences.

Hot spring water and steam at Yubatake in Kusatsu Onsen.

Gunma · Two days and one night

Kusatsu Onsen guide

Plan Kusatsu Onsen around a bathing stay centred on Yubatake. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Flower beds and green trees in Takasaki, Gunma.

Gunma · One day; two for extensions in Gunma

Takasaki travel guide

Takasaki: temple visits, local food and a Gunma base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Flowering trees at Kairakuen Garden in Mito.

Ibaraki · One day; one night for a more relaxed visit

Mito travel guide

Mito: Kairakuen, town sights and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The keep of Odawara Castle

Kanagawa · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Odawara

Plan Odawara around the castle district and an ordinary town beyond the connection. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

The rear gate of Ashikaga Gakko

Tochigi · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Ashikaga

Plan Ashikaga around historic town sights and a separate flower-park visit. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

The shopping approach on Enoshima

Kanagawa · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Enoshima

Enoshima: island walks, coastal views and shirasu lunch. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The shopping street in Kagurazaka

Tokyo · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka: lanes, food stops and an unhurried Tokyo walk. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival in 2022

Tochigi · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Utsunomiya

Utsunomiya: gyoza, Oya stone and a city worth stopping for. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Char siu ramen at Tomochin Ramen in Koenji

Tokyo · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Koenji

Koenji: small streets, vintage shops and a different Tokyo afternoon. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The southernmost-point monument on the Boso Peninsula

Chiba · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Boso Peninsula

Boso Peninsula: coast towns, seafood and choosing a base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Pleasure Garden area at Hitachi Seaside Park

Ibaraki · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park: seasons, walking routes and a sensible day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A sunny path junction on Mount Takao in winter

Tokyo · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Mount Takao

Plan Mount Takao around choosing the effort before the summit. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Traditional shopfronts in Narita’s old town

Chiba · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Narita Town

Plan Narita Town around temple streets and an airport-area night. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The Arakawa River seen from Takasago Bridge in Nagatoro

Saitama · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Nagatoro

Plan Nagatoro around river scenery and an optional boat outing. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A leafy path at Nihon-ji on Mount Nokogiri

Chiba · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Nokogiriyama

Nokogiriyama: stone Buddhas, bay views and a day from Tokyo. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Pink shibazakura flowers at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.

Saitama · Half a day including the session, access and a town lunch

Chichibu drum workshop

Plan a Chichibu Yatai Bayashi drum workshop with beginner questions, venue access and session checks. Add a shrine walk and regional lunch afterwards.

Miura Beach on a clear day

Kanagawa · One day for Misaki and one coastal choice

Miura Peninsula

Miura Peninsula: Misaki tuna, coastal walks and a Tokyo escape. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Visitors and stalls at Kawasaki Daishi temple

Kanagawa · One focused day

Kawasaki

Kawasaki: choosing museums, temple visits and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The garden of Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Saitama · One day with one principal museum

Omiya

Omiya: bonsai, railway history and a day from Tokyo. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Chubu

Kanazawa and Takayama can fit a carefully planned central-Japan route. Sado and Izu deserve dedicated detours. Nearby places on a map may lie across mountains with slow connections.

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A pine tree supported by poles stretches over the water in the Kenroku-en garden in Kanazawa.

Ishikawa · Two days; a selective visit in one

Kanazawa travel guide

Plan two Kanazawa days around Kenrokuen, historic districts, crafts and regional meals, with realistic rail connections and onward-trip choices.

Traditional houses and flowering trees along a street in Tsumago, Kiso Valley.

Nagano, Gifu · 1–2 days for a focused valley visit

Kiso Valley travel guide

Choose a Kiso Valley visit around Tsumago, Magome or Narai. Compare a town day with a Nakasendo walk, plan connections and find regional food.

The wooden facade of a shop in Takayama's Sanmachi district.

Gifu · One or two nights; longer for another Hida outing

Takayama travel guide

Takayama: old streets, Hida food and mountain connections. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Wooden houses and alleys of the village of Shukunegi on the island of Sado.

Niigata · An editorial starting point of 2–3 nights; adapt to transport and activities

Sado Island travel guide

Plan Sado Island around mining heritage and one coastal sector. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The rocky coast and Dōgashima Bay on the Izu Peninsula.

Shizuoka · 2 days for an area

Izu travel guide

Izu: coast towns, hot springs and choosing a base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Matsumoto Castle's black-and-white keep above its moat.

Nagano · 1 to 2 days

Matsumoto travel guide

Matsumoto: castle visits, town streets and Nagano food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Visitors in the snow outside Zenkoji temple in Nagano.

Nagano · 1 to 2 days

Nagano travel guide

Plan Nagano around Zenkoji and the food shops on its approach. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Traditional houses and flowering trees in Obuse.

Nagano · Half a day to one full day

Obuse travel guide

Obuse: art, chestnut sweets and a Nagano day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A thatched gassho-zukuri house and fields in Shirakawa-go.

Gifu · A focused half-day visit; consider a night for a slower stay

Shirakawa-go travel guide

Plan Shirakawa-go around Ogimachi village and a carefully planned bus visit. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The Yoshida River flowing between houses and rocky banks in Gujo Hachiman.

Gifu · One day; consider a night at the gateway

Gujo Hachiman travel guide

Gujo Hachiman: waterways, old streets and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Toyama Castle and its surrounding park.

Toyama · 1 to 2 days

Toyama travel guide

Toyama: city food, bay views and alpine connections. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A red railway bridge between the wooded slopes of Kurobe Gorge.

Toyama · One day; consider a night at the gateway

Kurobe Gorge travel planning

Kurobe Gorge travel planning: access, scenery and service checks. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A pond, rocks and trees in Yokokan Garden in Fukui.

Fukui · One city day; consider two nights for a regional excursion

Fukui travel guide

Plan Fukui around a city base and a choice of Zen, dinosaurs or crafts. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Stone steps between large cedar trees at Eiheiji monastery.

Fukui · A focused half or full day; overnight for a confirmed programme

Eiheiji travel guide

Eiheiji: temple visits and a day from Fukui. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The facade and steps of Osu Kannon temple in Nagoya.

Aichi · 1 to 2 days

Nagoya travel guide

Plan Nagoya around distinct neighbourhood visits and Nagoya meshi. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Inuyama Castle's keep rising above trees.

Inuyama travel guide

Inuyama: castle views, old streets and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A tree-lined lakeside path at Lake Kawaguchi in autumn.

Yamanashi · 1 to 2 days

Lake Kawaguchi travel guide

Lake Kawaguchi: Fuji views, food and choosing a stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Mount Fuji viewed from Miho Matsubara beach in Shizuoka.

Shizuoka · 1 to 2 days

Shizuoka travel guide

Shizuoka: tea, city sights and coastal food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Central Niigata and Bandai Bridge beside the Shinano River.

Niigata · 1 to 2 days

Niigata travel guide

Plan Niigata around the port setting, rice and sake culture. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Snow-covered mountains near GALA Yuzawa in Echigo-Yuzawa.

Niigata · One or two nights; a day for a limited station-and-town visit

Yuzawa travel guide

Yuzawa: seasonal activities, onsen and choosing a stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Ceramic pots embedded in a wall in Tokoname.

Aichi · A focused half-day visit; allow more time for a workshop

Tokoname travel guide

Plan Tokoname around pottery streets and a chosen workshop. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The snow corridor on the Tateyama Alpine Route

Toyama, Nagano · A dedicated crossing day, with overnight gateways when connections require them

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Plan the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route around mountain transport stages and time at Murodo. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Historic buildings in Obama-Nishigumi, Fukui

Fukui · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Obama in Fukui

Plan Obama in Fukui around Wakasa food heritage and coastal town time. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Winter woodland in Karuizawa

Nagano · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Karuizawa

Plan Karuizawa around town walks, museums and a chosen cycle route. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Atami Bay viewed from Atami Castle

Shizuoka · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Atami

Plan Atami around hot springs, art and the sea. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Seki Sword Tradition Museum in Seki, Gifu

Gifu · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Seki

Seki: craft history, museums and a Gifu town visit. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Papermaking at Udatsu Craft Museum in Echizen, Fukui

Fukui · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Echizen

Echizen: craft workshops, soba and choosing a town base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Mountains and autumn foliage in Kamikochi

Nagano · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Kamikochi

Kamikochi: choosing a valley walk and planning access. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Atami Bay viewed from Atami Castle

Shizuoka · Allow half a day including the walk, access and a separate meal

Atami food walk

Explore Atami through a guided food-shop walk. Compare rotating stops, tasting inclusions, dietary needs and a practical route from the station.

White storehouses and the Setogawa canal in Hida Furukawa

Gifu · Half a day for a booked ride, town access and lunch

Hida Furukawa cycling

Plan a guided cycling experience from Hida Furukawa with route, pace, bike and weather checks. Fit the ride around trains, town walks and lunch.

The green courtyard and temple buildings at Zuiryu-ji in Takaoka

Toyama · A full day; the indexed tour advertises about ten hours

Takaoka metalworking tour

Compare a Takaoka metalworking day tour from Kanazawa with a local workshop. Check craft fees, temple stops, lunch, meeting details and coastal weather.

White-walled storehouses beside the Setogawa canal in Hida Furukawa.

Gifu · Our suggestion: half a day for the centre and lunch; longer for a cycling experience.

Hida Furukawa Travel Guide

Plan a Hida Furukawa day trip from Takayama: white-walled canals, candle-making traditions, Hida beef, hoba miso and a local cycling option.

The Murakami Doctor History Museum

Niigata · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Murakami

Murakami: salmon traditions, tea and historic streets. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Kuroshima Beach in Wajima after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake

Ishikawa · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Wajima and the Noto Peninsula

Plan Wajima around a current-access visit to Noto's craft community. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Koshu grape vines in Katsunuma, Yamanashi

Yamanashi · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Koshu and Katsunuma

Plan Koshu and Katsunuma around a winery visit without driving after tasting. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The shore of Lake Kawaguchi

Yamanashi · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Walking near Lake Kawaguchi

Walking near Lake Kawaguchi: trails, views and weather choices. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The green courtyard and temple buildings at Zuiryu-ji in Takaoka

Toyama · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Takaoka

Takaoka: metalwork, temples and a Toyama town day. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Hida River and Gero Onsen viewed from Mutsumi Bridge

Gifu · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen: choosing a hot-spring stop on the Hida route. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Rice fields and the Kubiki mountains in Joetsu

Niigata · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Joetsu

Joetsu: castle-town walks, local food and the Sea of Japan. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Historic buildings in Obama-Nishigumi, Fukui

Fukui · About one hour advertised for the experience; allow a half day with access and a meal

Obama sake brewery experience

Plan an Obama sake brewery experience around brewing water and local rice. Check the Nakai meeting point, explanation format and tasting arrangements.

Basho-do at Kakusenkei in Yamanaka Onsen

Ishikawa · One or two nights

Kaga Onsen

Kaga Onsen: choosing a hot-spring town near Kanazawa. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Matsuba-no-Yu public bath in Nozawa Onsen

Nagano · One or two nights

Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen: public baths, village life and seasonal choices. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Cherry trees and a pond in a park in Fujinomiya

Shizuoka · One focused day; longer for an additional countryside outing

Fujinomiya

Fujinomiya: Fuji’s foothills, shrine visits and yakisoba. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Kansai

Kyoto, Osaka and Nara are a strong introduction. Ohara, Asuka, Koyasan, Ise and Ine change the scale of the journey: villages, sacred places and landscapes worth an overnight stay.

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A moss-covered garden path at Sanzen-in in Ohara, Kyoto.

Kyoto · A substantial half-day visit or one full day

Ohara travel guide

Ohara: temple gardens and a rural day near Kyoto. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The terraced rice fields of the district of Inabuchi, in the village of Asuka.

Nara · One day

Asuka travel guide

Asuka: ancient sites, countryside and a slower Nara day. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A red-and-white pagoda beside a street in Koyasan.

Wakayama · 1 night and part of two days

Koyasan travel guide

Plan Koyasan around Okunoin, Danjo Garan and Kongobuji. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

A wooden torii at the entrance to Uji Bridge at Ise Jingu.

Mie · One or two days for shrine areas and a separate coastal choice

Ise travel guide

Ise: shrine visits, old streets and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Ine's waterfront funaya boathouses overlooking the bay.

Kyoto · A full day or an overnight stay

Ine travel guide

Plan a visit to Ine’s boat-house village: public transport, boat experiences, seasonal seafood, overnight choices and a realistic trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

Visitors on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto.

Kyoto · Three to four days for a first stay

Kyoto travel guide

Plan a first Kyoto stay by neighbourhood, with three-day choices, regional meals, market etiquette and cultural experiences worth making time for.

A small shrine with lanterns in Shirakawa, Gion, Kyoto.

Kyoto · Half day, with dinner or show

Gion travel guide

Gion: lanes, food and respectful neighbourhood visits. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Jojakko-ji's pagoda among green trees in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Kyoto · A substantial half-day visit or one full day

Arashiyama travel guide

Arashiyama: temples, riverside walks and a Kyoto day. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Byodoin's Phoenix Hall reflected in the pond in Uji under a blue sky.

Kyoto · One day

Uji travel guide

Plan Uji around Byodoin, the river and tea culture. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Visitors on a shopping street in Dotonbori, Osaka, during the day.

Osaka · Two to three days

Osaka travel guide

Choose two or three Osaka days around Minami, riverside culture and regional meals, with practical base choices and food-tour comparisons.

Todaiji's Daibutsuden hall in Nara under a blue sky.

Nara · One day; one night to slow down

Nara travel guide

Plan Nara around one temple visit, park walking and Naramachi. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Raw beef with visible marbling on a cutting board, presented by the source as Kobe beef.

Hyogo · One day or one night

Kobe travel guide

Kobe: harbour areas, hillside neighbourhoods and food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Himeji Castle's white keep above stone walls and trees.

Hyogo · One day

Himeji travel guide

Himeji: castle visits, gardens and a realistic day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

An arched bridge reflected in the canal at Kinosaki Onsen.

Hyogo · 1 to 2 nights

Kinosaki Onsen guide

Kinosaki Onsen: bathhouse visits, ryokan stays and food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A waterway between pine trees and buildings at Amanohashidate.

Kyoto · One day or one night

Amanohashidate travel guide

Plan Amanohashidate around the sandbar, sea views and one elevated viewpoint. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Hachiman-bori canal, a stone bridge and historic buildings in Omihachiman.

Shiga · One day with one principal canal-area visit

Omihachiman travel guide

Omihachiman: canals, merchant streets and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Trees and rocks reflected in a pond at Genkyuen Garden in Hikone.

Shiga · One day

Hikone travel guide

Plan Hikone around castle, Genkyuen and one local meal. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Forested mountains along the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo.

Wakayama · Two to four days or longer, depending on the route; shorter walks are also possible

Kumano Kodo guide

Kumano Kodo: choose a pilgrimage route and plan the logistics. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Nachi Falls descending a rocky cliff surrounded by trees.

Wakayama · 1 to 2 nights

Nachi travel guide

Nachi: shrine visits, waterfall views and access. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The large torii at Oyunohara, surrounded by green fields and hills.

Wakayama · 1 to 2 nights

Kumano Hongu travel guide

Kumano Hongu: shrine culture, onsen and pilgrimage access. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Minoh Falls surrounded by autumn leaves

Osaka · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Minoh

Plan Minoh around the streamside approach and waterfall. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Temple buildings at Hasedera in Sakurai

Nara · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Sakurai

Plan Sakurai around Miwa, sacred places and a selected rural walk. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Sue no Sato craft park among green hills in Tamba Sasayama

Hyogo · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Tamba Sasayama

Plan Tamba Sasayama around the castle-town area and seasonal rural food. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Zaodo hall at Kinpusen-ji in Yoshino

Nara · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Yoshino

Yoshino: temples, mountain streets and seasonal planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Red parasol and dining tables above the Kibune River in Kyoto.

Kyoto · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Kurama and Kibune

Kurama and Kibune: choosing a mountain day near Kyoto. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Tanabe City Museum of Art

Wakayama · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Tanabe

Tanabe: seafood, town sights and Kumano route planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Traditional buildings at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi

Kyoto · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Fushimi

Fushimi: sake breweries, canals and a Kyoto neighbourhood day. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Wakayama Castle and the city beyond

Wakayama · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Wakayama City

Plan Wakayama City around a castle walk and local ramen. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Saba-somen in Nagahama, Shiga

Shiga · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Nagahama

Plan Nagahama around a Lake Biwa town walk with craft shops. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A coastal inlet in Shirahama, Wakayama

Wakayama · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Shirahama

Shirahama: beach time, onsen and a Wakayama coast stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Japanese garden at Daisen Park in Sakai

Osaka · One focused day

Sakai

Sakai: craft traditions, tea and a city beyond central Osaka. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The entrance to Denko-in temple in Otsu

Shiga · One day with one temple area and the lake

Otsu

Otsu: Lake Biwa, temples and a day beside Kyoto. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Chugoku

Onomichi and Kurashiki offer compact historic streets; Hiroshima connects to the Inland Sea. Matsue and Hagi open a slower route towards the Sea of Japan.

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Onomichi's rooftops, waterway and surrounding hills.

Hiroshima · One day; allow separate time for cycling

Onomichi travel guide

Onomichi: hillside temples, harbour streets and food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The canal of the historic Bikan district in Kurashiki, between willows and traditional buildings.

Okayama · Half a day or a day with museums

Kurashiki travel guide

Kurashiki: canal streets, art and an Okayama day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Moss-covered stone lanterns among trees in Hagi, Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi · 1 to 2 days

Hagi travel guide

Hagi: old streets, pottery and a Yamaguchi stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Matsue Castle's black-and-white keep above its stone base.

Shimane · 1 to 2 days

Matsue travel guide

Plan Matsue around the castle district, tea culture and Lake Shinji. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Hiroshima Castle above its moat, framed by cherry blossoms.

Hiroshima · One or two city days; allow separate time for Miyajima

Hiroshima travel guide

Plan Hiroshima around Peace Memorial Park and the city's everyday food culture. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Miyajima's red pagoda seen from the stairway.

Hiroshima · One full day; one night for a slower island rhythm

Miyajima travel guide

Miyajima: shrine visits, island walks and food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Ponds, lawns and trees at Korakuen Garden in Okayama.

Okayama · One day; two with Kurashiki

Okayama travel guide

Plan Okayama around Korakuen, the river setting and a city base. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Visitors on Tottori's pale sand dunes, with the sea beyond.

Tottori · One or two days

Tottori travel guide

Tottori: dune visits, city food and coastal planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The large shimenawa straw rope at Izumo Taisha.

Shimane · One or two days

Izumo travel guide

Izumo: shrine culture, soba and a San’in visit. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A staircase lined with red torii at Taikodani Inari Shrine in Tsuwano.

Shimane · One day; one night to slow down

Tsuwano travel guide

Tsuwano: small-town streets, shrine visits and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Iwakuni Castle above a stone base among the trees.

Yamaguchi · Half a day or one day

Iwakuni travel guide

Plan Iwakuni around Kintaikyo Bridge, Kikko Park and the castle view. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Kanmon Bridge spanning the strait between Honshu and Kyushu.

Yamaguchi · One day; one night to separate lunch and evening

Shimonoseki travel guide

Shimonoseki: markets, waterfront walks and seafood. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Hiruzen mountains and plateau

Okayama · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Maniwa and Hiruzen

Plan Maniwa and Hiruzen around Katsuyama, the highlands and a chosen countryside activity. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Matsue Castle's black-and-white keep above its stone base.

Shimane · Half a day for the boat, castle district and lunch

Matsue canal cruise

Plan a Matsue Horikawa canal cruise with boarding points, low bridges, weather checks and a castle visit. Compare the boat experience before booking.

Tomonoura harbour viewed from Taishiden

Hiroshima · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Tomonoura

Tomonoura: harbour lanes, coastal views and a Fukuyama day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A kiln chimney in Imbe, Bizen

Okayama · Half a day for a booked pottery experience, town walk and lunch

Bizen pottery workshop

Compare a Bizen pottery workshop in Imbe with a kiln tour. Check clay work, artist access, firing, international shipping and the station meeting point.

Mizuki Shigeru Museum in Sakaiminato under a blue summer sky, with sculpted trees and red signs.

Tottori · Half a day–1 day

Sakaiminato

Plan Sakaiminato’s yokai streets, museum and seafood lunch. Choose a local port day or wider San’in excursion and check pickup and driver arrangements.

Kure and the Seto Inland Sea viewed from Tatsukawa

Hiroshima · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Kure

Plan Kure around maritime interpretation and a harbour meal. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A kiln chimney in Imbe, Bizen

Okayama · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Bizen

Bizen: pottery studios, town walks and a craft-focused visit. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Gardeners in a pond filled with pink peonies at Yuushien Garden.

Shimane · 2–3 hours plus transport; a full day for a multi-garden excursion

Yuushien Garden

Plan Yuushien Garden on Daikonshima: check seasonal displays, transport from Matsue, a garden lunch and a private excursion departing Sakaiminato.

Takehara viewed from Mount Asahi

Hiroshima · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Takehara

Takehara: preserved streets, sake and a Setouchi stop. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Historic buildings along a street near Iwami Ginzan

Shimane · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Iwami Ginzan

Iwami Ginzan: historic mine walks and Omori village. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The beach at Kaike Onsen in Yonago

Tottori · Two nights for city, onsen and one Daisen-area outing

Yonago

Yonago: coastal food, Kaike Onsen and access to Daisen. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shikoku

Naoshima, Iya and Uchiko ask for different travel rhythms. Islands, mountains and old towns reward a compact route with more time in each place.

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The blue river and forested mountain slopes of Iya Valley in Tokushima.

Tokushima · A focused day or a slower 1–2-night stay

Iya Valley travel guide

Choose an Iya Valley route around vine bridges, mountain villages and local soba. Compare Oboke access, deeper-valley journeys and a guided visit that fits.

Yayoi Kusama's yellow pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima's waterfront.

Kagawa · 1 to 2 days

Naoshima travel guide

Plan Naoshima around reserved museum visits and Honmura art houses. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

White plaster and timber facades along a historic street in Uchiko, Ehime.

Ehime · Half a day or a day

Uchiko travel guide

Uchiko: merchant streets, theatre and an Ehime day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A pond, pine trees and wooded hills at Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu.

Kagawa · One or two days

Takamatsu travel guide

Plan Takamatsu around Ritsurin Garden and a Sanuki udon meal. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Kagawa-style udon with spring onion and fried side dishes; an illustrative food photograph.

Kagawa · One day

Kotohira travel guide

Kotohira: shrine steps, town food and a Kagawa day. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Matsuyama Castle above its stone walls.

Ehime · One or two days

Matsuyama travel guide

Matsuyama: castle views, Dogo Onsen and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Kochi Castle's keep and the roofs of surrounding buildings.

Kochi · One or two days

Kochi travel guide

Kochi: markets, castle visits and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Misato Bridge over the Shimanto River, with yellow flowers in the foreground.

Kochi · Two days recommended

Shimanto travel guide

Plan Shimanto around river landscapes and a chosen stretch of rural Kochi. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

A whirlpool and white foam in Naruto Strait.

Tokushima · Half a day to one day around the tide window

Naruto travel guide

Naruto: whirlpool experiences, viewpoints and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shodoshima Olive Park

Kagawa · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Shodoshima

Plan Shodoshima around soy sauce heritage, olives and an island base. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Marugame Castle above its stone walls

Kagawa · Half a day for access, tea, garden and an optional art visit

Marugame garden tea

Plan a Marugame garden tea experience at Nakatsu Banshoen. Check matcha service, ceremony format, art admission and transport before booking.

Tokushima City viewed from Mount Bizan

Tokushima · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Tokushima City

Tokushima City: Awa Odori culture, rivers and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Ozu Castle and its stone walls

Ehime · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Ozu

Ozu: a river-town stay, castle views and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Marugame Castle above its stone walls

Kagawa · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Marugame

Plan Marugame around castle views and a Kagawa lunch. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The cycle path on Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

Ehime · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Imabari

Imabari: castle town, food and a Shimanami cycling base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Terraced fields near Teshima Art Museum

Kagawa · One full day with a booked principal art visit

Teshima

Teshima: art, island food and a realistic ferry day. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Kyushu and Okinawa

Kyushu combines urban rail routes, onsen towns and volcanic scenery. Okinawa is a separate archipelago: adding it means planning an appropriate flight or sea connection.

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Meganebashi, the two-arched Spectacles Bridge, reflected in the river in Nagasaki.

Nagasaki · 2 days

Nagasaki travel guide

Nagasaki: harbour history, hillside views and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A traditional building beside the stream in Kurokawa Onsen.

Kumamoto · One night

Kurokawa Onsen guide

Kurokawa Onsen: choosing a ryokan and planning the journey. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Ohko-no-taki waterfall on Yakushima Island.

Kagoshima · At least 3 days, including transfers

Yakushima travel guide

Plan Yakushima around old cedar forests and a choice of mountain trails. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Manai Falls and columnar basalt walls in Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki.

Miyazaki · One night or a carefully planned full day

Takachiho travel guide

Takachiho: gorge visits, shrine culture and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Boats on the clear and turquoise waters of Kabira Bay in Ishigaki.

Okinawa · An editorial starting point of 2–3 nights; adapt to transport and activities

Ishigaki travel guide

Plan Ishigaki around a settled island base and one marine experience. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A decorative porcelain vase on a bridge in Arita, with river and mountains beyond.

Saga · One day

Arita travel guide

Arita: porcelain, studio visits and a Saga town day. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Steam rising above the turquoise water of Umi Jigoku in Beppu.

Oita · 1 to 2 days

Beppu travel guide

Beppu: onsen choices, steam cooking and local travel. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The lake at Ohori Park in Fukuoka.

Fukuoka · Two days and two food-focused evenings; longer for a coherent nearby excursion

Fukuoka travel guide

Plan two enjoyable days in Fukuoka with Hakata, Ohori and Tenjin, regional meals and a realistic yatai evening before exploring more of Kyushu.

The gate of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

Fukuoka · A focused half-day visit or one full day

Dazaifu travel guide

Dazaifu: shrine visits, museums and a day from Fukuoka. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Unagi seiro-mushi, eel with steamed rice, photographed in Yanagawa.

Fukuoka · 1 day

Yanagawa travel guide

Yanagawa: canal boats, eel meals and a Fukuoka day trip. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Kumamoto Castle's keeps in an archival photograph taken before the 2016 earthquake.

Kumamoto · 1 to 2 days

Kumamoto travel guide

Kumamoto: castle-area visits, city food and regional access. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Aso caldera seen from the Daikanbo area.

Kumamoto · 1 to 2 days

Aso travel guide

Plan Aso around Kusasenri, volcanic interpretation and wider caldera scenery. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Trees and buildings beside Lake Kinrin in Yufuin.

Oita · One night for a ryokan stay; a day for a town walk

Yufuin travel guide

Yufuin: town walks, onsen stays and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Karatsu Castle's keep viewed from below its stone walls.

Saga · 1 to 2 days

Karatsu travel guide

Plan Karatsu around pottery, castle-town streets and a separate Yobuko choice. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Sakurajima volcano viewed across Kagoshima Bay.

Kagoshima · 2 days

Kagoshima travel guide

Kagoshima: city food, Sakurajima and regional connections. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Satsuma-age fried fish cakes for sale in Kagoshima.

Kagoshima · 1 to 2 days

Kirishima travel guide

Kirishima: shrines, hot springs and mountain planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shops and visitors in the covered Heiwa-dori shopping arcade in Naha.

Okinawa · 2 days

Naha travel guide

Naha: neighbourhoods, markets and Okinawan food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The coast of Taketomi Island in the Yaeyama Islands.

Okinawa · 1 day or 1 night

Taketomi travel guide

Plan Taketomi around village lanes, craft culture and beaches. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Coastal landscape of Miyakojima, Okinawa.

Okinawa · Three or more nights as a relaxed starting point

Miyakojima travel guide

Miyakojima: beaches, local food and island activities. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Clear coastal water, sand and green hills on Amami Oshima.

Kagoshima · An editorial starting point of 2–3 nights; adapt to transport and activities

Amami Oshima travel guide

Plan Amami Oshima around mangrove exploration and one coastal area. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Kujukushima viewed from Nagushiyama Park in Sasebo

Nagasaki · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Sasebo

Plan Sasebo around Kujukushima Bay and a harbour-food stay. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Unzen Onsen viewed from Mount Myoken

Nagasaki · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

Unzen

Plan Unzen around steaming ground, mountain surroundings and a bathing stay. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

The Yanbaru forest in northern Okinawa

Okinawa · An editorial starting point of 2–3 nights in one selected northern area

Northern Okinawa

Plan northern Okinawa around Yanbaru forests and selected coastal areas. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

The red-and-white Romon gate at Takeo Onsen

Saga · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Takeo Onsen

Takeo Onsen: historic baths, gardens and a Saga stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The entrance to Sand Bath Hall Saraku in Ibusuki

Kagoshima · An editorial starting point: one focused day or an overnight stay

Ibusuki

Ibusuki: sand baths, coast scenery and a Kagoshima stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The footbath at Yuttsura Square in Ureshino Onsen

Saga · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Ureshino Onsen

Ureshino Onsen: tea, tofu and a hot-spring stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Udo Shrine’s main hall inside a sea cave in Nichinan

Miyazaki · One focused day; add a night for a slower stay

Nichinan

Nichinan: Obi streets, coast scenery and local food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shrine buildings at Munakata Taisha

Fukuoka · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Munakata

Plan Munakata around accessible shrine heritage on the Fukuoka coast. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Hitoyoshi and the river viewed from Hitoyoshi Castle

Kumamoto · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Hitoyoshi

Plan Hitoyoshi around river-town heritage with current transport checks. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Hitoyoshi and the river viewed from Hitoyoshi Castle

Kumamoto · Reserve the booked experience window plus access; allow a focused day

Hitoyoshi fermentation tour

Explore a Hitoyoshi–Kuma fermentation tour with producer visits, shochu and preserved-food context. Check meeting points, tastings and current access.

Shachinomon gate at Saga Castle

Saga · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Saga City

Saga City: history, local food and a Kyushu stop. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The tropical garden beside Miyazaki City Hall

Miyazaki · A focused day or a settled overnight stay, according to the chosen activity

Miyazaki City

Miyazaki City: local food, Aoshima and choosing a coastal base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The seaside torii at Watatsumi Shrine on Tsushima

Nagasaki · Two or three nights as a starting point

Tsushima

Tsushima: island landscapes, history and practical route choices. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The tropical garden beside Miyazaki City Hall

Miyazaki · Allow half a day for the class, access and meal; confirm session length

Miyazaki cooking class

Compare a Miyazaki cooking class for chicken nanban and chilled hiyajiru. Check the menu, meeting place, dietary requests and hands-on cooking time.

Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art

Fukuoka · One or two days

Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu: Mojiko, markets and choosing a city base. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shimabara and the sea viewed east from Shimabara Castle

Nagasaki · One night or a focused day

Shimabara

Shimabara: castle walks, spring water and a peninsula stay. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Takahama Beach on Fukue Island, with sand, blue water and a coastal headland.

Nagasaki · An editorial starting point of 2–3 nights; longer for another island

Goto Islands travel guide

Plan a Goto Islands stay around Fukue, coastal scenery, church heritage and Goto udon. Compare transport, island tours and a realistic Nagasaki connection.

Plan a Japan trip that fits you

Prepare for Japan with guides to transport, everyday travel, food, accommodation and choosing worthwhile experiences.

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The brick façade of Tokyo Station.

· Around 10–14 days for a varied first route; adapt to your time

First trip to Japan

Plan a first Japan trip with realistic bases, regional food, transport choices and worthwhile guided experiences. Start with your interests, not a checklist.

A tree-lined path beside green and red autumn foliage in Japan.

· Choose dates alongside the route, then refine seasonal activities nearer departure

Best time to visit Japan

Choose when to visit Japan by matching your regions and activities to the season, rather than expecting one month to suit every destination.

The arrivals hall at Narita Airport.

· Before non-refundable bookings, then again before departure

Japan entry planning

Plan Japan entry around your passport and purpose of travel. Find official visa, Visit Japan Web and customs information before committing to your itinerary.

A JR East E2 Shinkansen on the Yamabiko service.

· Plan intercity journeys with your accommodation route; refine local travel by day

Getting around Japan

Compare Japan train tickets, rail passes and IC cards around your actual route, with practical checks for stations, reservations and guided day trips.

Packaged bento meals for sale in a Japanese convenience store.

· Create the budget alongside the route and update it as bookings become definite

Japan travel budget

Build a Japan travel budget around your real route, accommodation and priority experiences, comparing complete costs without a fixed daily-price promise.

A Japanese five-yen coin.

· Prepare before departure, then check requirements before remote or rural stops

Paying in Japan

Prepare cards, a yen reserve and compatible transport payments for Japan, with practical questions for your issuer, accommodation and rural stops.

A tatami room with a low table at Jukeiso ryokan on Miyajima.

· Match each stay to the region you will explore and avoid unnecessary accommodation changes

Where to stay in Japan

Choose where to stay in Japan by comparing useful bases, hotels and ryokan, meal plans and the practical details that shape your travel days.

Washing stations with stools, buckets and handheld showers at an onsen in Nagahama.

· A relaxed afternoon or an overnight stay, depending on the facility and your route

Onsen in Japan

Choose a suitable onsen experience in Japan: shared or private baths, bathing etiquette, tattoo policies and how to fit a hot-spring visit into your route.

Miso ramen with pork, egg, spring onion and nori in a dark bowl.

· Plan meals with the day's route, keeping some choices flexible

Eating in Japan

Plan enjoyable meals in Japan by combining everyday restaurants, regional dishes and a well-chosen cooking class or food tour, with clear ingredient checks.

A Wi-Fi sign at the Yasukuni complex in Tokyo.

· Choose and prepare before departure; verify activation and collection instructions

Internet in Japan

Compare eSIM, physical SIM and pocket Wi-Fi for Japan by device, group and route, and prepare maps and meeting points that also work offline.

A Yamato Transport van photographed in Tokyo in 2023.

· Plan baggage with each transfer and allow the delivery time confirmed by the operator

Luggage in Japan

Choose between carrying, storing and forwarding luggage in Japan, with Shinkansen size checks and realistic delivery and activity arrangements.

The koban police post near Keisei-Sakura Station in Chiba.

· A short preparation session before travel

Japan travel safety

Save Japan’s emergency numbers and official visitor help before your trip. Plan for weather disruption, keep useful contacts and leave room in remote routes.

A modern tram travelling along a street in Toyama.

· Allow planning time for property and provider confirmations before non-refundable bookings

Accessible travel in Japan

Plan accessible travel in Japan with route-level checks, suitable accommodation and specific questions for tour providers, rather than relying on broad accessibility labels.

A deer resting among trees in Nara Park.

· Build the route around your children's pace, rather than a fixed daily sightseeing quota

Japan with children

Plan Japan with children around useful hotel bases, manageable travel days, enjoyable meals and experiences suited to your family's ages and interests.

A plant-focused meal arranged with rice and vegetable side dishes on a tray.

· Research meals with each accommodation base and confirm booked experiences in advance

Vegetarian and vegan travel in Japan

Plan vegetarian and vegan meals in Japan with specific ingredient questions, suitable bases and food experiences that confirm your requirements before booking.

Tables, stools and wall menus inside a curry restaurant in Shimbashi, Tokyo.

· A quick individual lunch or a longer shared evening, according to the establishment

Japanese restaurants

Understand Japan's restaurant formats, ticket machines, set meals and shared dishes, with practical questions about ordering, charges and reservations.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki prepared in layers.

· Integrate one or two distinctive food choices into each regional stay

Regional food in Japan

Connect Japan's regional dishes with your travel route, from Akita rice hot pot to Kagawa udon and Okinawa soba, and choose meaningful local food experiences.

Historic trains on display at Kyoto Railway Museum.

· A flexible day or part-day near the base where you already are

Japan on a rainy day

Plan an enjoyable rainy day in Japan with nearby museums, cooking experiences and regional meals, while checking disruption separately from ordinary rain.

A restaurant frontage in Yanaka, Tokyo

Tokyo · A focused day, or an overnight stay when transport and the main experience justify it

A Yanaka food walk

Plan a Yanaka food walk around small shops between Nippori, Yanaka Ginza and Nezu. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Bottles and tasting cups of Aizu sake

· One tasting or brewery visit within an existing city stay

Sake tasting in Japan

Plan sake tasting in Japan around tasting rooms, brewery explanations and food pairings. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Mount Fuji viewed from Lake Kawaguchi in December 2024

Yamanashi, Shizuoka · A full day from Tokyo

Mount Fuji day tours from Tokyo

Plan a Mount Fuji day tour around Kawaguchiko scenery and a realistic route from Tokyo. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

A suspension footbridge in Yakusugi Land on Yakushima

Kagoshima · One route-specific hiking day, with island arrival and departure kept separate

Guided hiking on Yakushima

Plan guided hiking on Yakushima around choosing a forest route and an appropriate guide. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

A local Iwakuni bus serving the Kintaikyo Bridge route

· Plan around complete outward and return connections

Rural Japan without a car

Plan rural Japan without a car around destinations with usable gateways and realistic last-mile travel. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

A pink tram at a stop on Tokyo’s Arakawa Line

Tokyo · Choose the specific session or a focused half-day/day plan

Tokyo by tram

Tokyo by tram: a local day along the Sakura Tram. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A yuba cream croquette from Hanayori Kiyoe in Kyoto’s Nishiki Market

Kyoto · Choose the specific session or a focused half-day/day plan

Kyoto cooking classes

Compare cooking classes in Kyoto by menu, techniques, participation and venue. Choose what you want to learn and confirm dietary and language arrangements.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing at night

Tokyo · Choose the specific session or a focused half-day/day plan

Tokyo after dark

Choose a Tokyo evening around a neighbourhood meal, city views or a guided walk. Compare meeting points, inclusions and a practical route back.

The sea and green grass on Ishigaki Island

Okinawa · Choose the specific session or a focused half-day/day plan

Ishigaki kayaking

Compare mangrove and coastal kayaking around Ishigaki by launch point, conditions and suitability. Choose the actual route and confirm transport before booking.

A tour group in front of Kaminarimon at Senso-ji

· Choose the specific session or a focused half-day/day plan

Private or small-group tours in Japan

Compare private and small-group tours in Japan by flexibility, group size, transport and actual inclusions. Choose the format that suits your day.

A residential street in Ikenohata, Tokyo

· Choose the number of nights for the purpose of the stay

Longer stays in Japan

Choose useful bases for a longer Japan stay, with everyday meals, manageable accommodation changes and day trips that fit your interests.

The cycle path on Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

Hiroshima · Choose around the selected experience

Shimanami Kaido cycling

Shimanami Kaido cycling: stages, bikes and realistic route choices. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A restaurant at Tokyo Ramen Street

Tokyo · Choose around the selected experience

Tokyo ramen experiences

Tokyo ramen experiences: tastings, kitchens and choosing a tour. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Lantern-lit Pontocho Alley in Kyoto

Kyoto · Choose around the selected experience

Kyoto after dark

Kyoto after dark: choosing an evening walk or food experience. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The coral reefs off Miyako Island

Okinawa · Choose around the selected experience

Snorkelling in Okinawa

Snorkelling in Okinawa: islands, boat trips and suitability checks. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A Tokyo Go Go Sightseeing Bus used for JALPAK’s anniversary tour

· Choose around the selected experience

Booking Japan tours

Compare Japan tours by itinerary, inclusions, guide language, meeting point and cancellation conditions. Choose an experience that fits your actual route.

Cherry trees beside the Takano River with Mount Hiei beyond

· Choose around the selected experience

Spring in Japan

Choose a spring route in Japan around gardens, regional food and cultural visits, with flexible blossom outings and realistic transport between bases.

Historic buildings along the street in Magome-juku

Nagano, Gifu · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Walking Magome to Tsumago

Plan Magome to Tsumago around a point-to-point Nakasendo walk. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A waterfall and shaped shrubs in the Adachi Museum garden

Shimane · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Visiting the Adachi Museum

Plan the Adachi Museum of Art around viewing gardens as part of a museum visit. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Conveyor-belt sushi at Maguro-Bito in Tokyo

Tokyo · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Sushi classes in Tokyo

Plan a sushi class in Tokyo around choosing the skill you want to learn. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Papermaking at Udatsu Craft Museum in Echizen, Fukui

· One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Japanese craft workshops

Plan Japanese craft workshops around matching the making process to your trip. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Denbouin Street in Asakusa, Tokyo

Tokyo · One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

A private guide in Tokyo

Compare private guides in Tokyo by route, meeting point and how they explain your interests. Plan a focused neighbourhood day with realistic walking and transport.

A walking and cycling path covered with autumn leaves in Kyoto.

· One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Cycling tours in Japan

Plan cycling tours in Japan around choosing city riding or a longer route. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A snow-covered street in Tsunagi Onsen, Iwate

· One focused day; extend when transport or a second interest warrants it

Japan in winter

Plan winter travel in Japan around city visits, a deliberate onsen or snow-country stay and transport that works with current conditions.

Food stalls near Osaka Castle

Osaka · Plan around the exact dates, venue and booking format

Osaka food tours

Osaka food tours: tasting routes, group sizes and meal planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

An amateur sumo tournament at Tokyo’s National Sumo Hall in 2014

Tokyo · Plan around the exact dates, venue and booking format

Sumo in Tokyo

Sumo in Tokyo: tournaments, stable visits and entertainment shows. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The cenotaph at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima · Plan around the exact dates, venue and booking format

Guided visits in Hiroshima

Guided visits in Hiroshima: context, pace and respectful planning. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

A Narita Express train in Tokyo in June 2012

· Plan around the exact dates, venue and booking format

Arriving in Japan

Plan your arrival in Japan around the actual airport, terminal and first hotel. Compare rail, bus and private transfers and leave time to settle in.

Kinkaku-ji and autumn foliage in Kyoto

· Plan around the exact dates, venue and booking format

Autumn in Japan

Choose an autumn region in Japan, plan connected bases and use current local foliage reports. Keep the trip enjoyable without a guaranteed peak-colour date.

A host preparing tea at a Kyoto tea ceremony

Kyoto · One booked session; a separate day for a wider tea route

Tea experiences in Kyoto

Compare Kyoto tea ceremonies, tastings and production visits by participation, setting and booking requirements. Decide whether Kyoto or Uji fits your interest.

Visitors at the Mosmos sales area at Gallery So during Mashiko’s spring pottery market in 2023

· A booked workshop plus travel; longer for a kiln-town visit

Pottery experiences in Japan

Compare pottery workshops, studio visits and kiln-town stays in Japan. Check participation, firing, collection and transport before choosing an experience.

The raked sand garden at Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto

Kyoto · A focused half or full guided day

A private guide in Kyoto

Compare a private guide in Kyoto for your chosen districts, interests and pace. Check the route, meeting point and practical arrangements before booking.

A Japanese macaque at Jigokudani Monkey Park

Nagano · A focused park outing; allow additional time for the approach

Nagano’s snow monkeys

Plan a Jigokudani monkey-park visit with current access and walking information. Compare transport and guided options without promising monkeys, snow or bathing.

A kakigori shaved-ice stall in Asakusa

· Keep each day lighter and revise it for the current conditions

Japan in summer

Plan summer travel in Japan with shorter outdoor blocks, nearby indoor activities and seated meals. Adapt each day to current weather and heat guidance.

A dry garden with rocks, moss and temple buildings at Fukuchi-in in Koyasan.

· One unhurried overnight stay can fit a wider route; allow the confirmed arrival and meal times

Temple stays in Japan

Compare temple stays in Japan by place, room, meals and participation, with Koyasan, Takayama and Miidera examples and practical booking questions.

Japan itineraries with time to explore

Build a realistic route with useful bases, regional food stops and time to explore instead of rushing between attractions.

26

The Niōmon gate of the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto.

· Ten days including the actual arrival and departure, with fewer full sightseeing days

10 days in Japan

10 days in Japan: a realistic Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka itinerary. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Green trees and a bridge in Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.

2 weeks in Japan

Plan two weeks in Japan around Tokyo, Kyoto and one regional stay. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

A rocky island in Matsushima Bay, in Miyagi Prefecture.

· Seven days and six nights as an editorial starting point

7 days in Tohoku

7 days in Tohoku: temples, towns and a realistic regional route. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Soup curry with vegetables, a dish associated with Sapporo.

· 5 days on site

5 days in Hokkaido

5 days in Hokkaido: choose a focused route from Sapporo. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The willow-lined canal in Kurashiki's historic Bikan district.

· Seven days; editorial mainland-and-island sequence

7 days around the Seto Inland Sea

7 days around the Seto Inland Sea: towns, art and regional food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Hakata-style ramen with pork and spring onion; an illustrative food photograph.

· Seven days and six nights as an editorial starting point

7 days in Kyushu

Plan a week in Kyushu around Fukuoka, Nagasaki and a carefully selected extra base. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Visitors at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.

· Five full city days, with arrival and departure counted separately

5 days in Tokyo

5 days in Tokyo: neighbourhoods, food and a realistic city itinerary. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Byodoin's Phoenix Hall reflected in its pond in Uji.

4 days in Kyoto

Plan four days in Kyoto around coherent districts and time for a meaningful experience. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Himeji Castle and visitors in its grounds.

· 7 full days on site

7 days in Kansai

7 days in Kansai: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and a manageable extra stop. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Toyama Castle reflected in the pond in its park.

7 days in Hokuriku

7 days in Hokuriku: cities, craft and regional food. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The main hall of Zenkoji temple in Nagano.

· Five days; editorial route to adapt to current connections

5 days in Nagano

5 days in Nagano: town stays, local food and a chosen mountain outing. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

An arched bridge and pine trees beside a pond at Ritsurin Garden.

· Seven days and six nights as an editorial starting point

7 days in Shikoku

Plan a week in Shikoku around Takamatsu, Matsuyama and a focused third stop. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Visitors beside the large aquarium tank at Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu.

· Seven days and six nights on the main island

7 days in Okinawa

7 days in Okinawa: choose an island route and worthwhile experiences. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Irises beside a pond at Dazaifu Tenmangu.

4 days in northern Kyushu

Plan four days in northern Kyushu around Fukuoka food and one deliberate regional outing. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Still water and green trees in Onuma Quasi-National Park.

· 4 days on site

4 days in southern Hokkaido

4 days in southern Hokkaido: Hakodate, food and regional travel. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Traditional houses and shops on Sanmachi Suji in Takayama.

· 21 days / 20 nights

3 weeks in Japan

3 weeks in Japan: cities, regional stays and a balanced itinerary. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Cherry blossoms and Matsuyama viewed from Matsuyama Castle

Ehime · 4 days

4 days in Ehime

Plan four days in Ehime around Matsuyama, Ozu and an optional Uwajima extension. Find a practical route, food stops and the questions that make a guided experience worthwhile.

Morioka, the Kitakami River and Mount Iwate

Iwate · Five days; editorial route to adapt to current connections

5 days in Iwate

5 days in Iwate: Morioka, folklore and cultural landscapes. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Aizuwakamatsu Castle

Fukushima · Four days

4 days in Aizu

4 days in Aizu: castle towns, ramen and rural stops. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Crab and meat for a shabu-shabu meal at Shibuya Fukuras

10 days of Japanese food

10 days of Japanese food: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka at a realistic pace. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Cherry blossoms and Toyama Bay viewed from Asahiyama Park

Ishikawa, Toyama · 5 days

5 days around Kanazawa and Toyama

Plan five days around Kanazawa and Toyama around a flexible Hokuriku route with optional Noto. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

Udo Shrine’s main hall inside a sea cave in Nichinan

Kagoshima, Miyazaki · 7 days

7 days in southern Kyushu

Plan seven days in southern Kyushu around Kagoshima, an onsen stay and Miyazaki's coast. Choose meaningful visits, a workable meal and the transport or experience that fits your trip.

The rocky coast near Hotel Urashima in Nachikatsuura

Wakayama · 5 days

5 days in Wakayama

5 days in Wakayama: coast towns, food and Kumano choices. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Kushiro River in the Kushiro Marsh in winter

Hokkaido · 7 days

7 days in eastern Hokkaido

7 days in eastern Hokkaido: lakes, wetlands and wildlife choices. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

The Kasumi coast viewed from Okami Park in Hyogo

Tottori, Shimane · Seven days and six nights; adjust arrival and departure travel

7 days in San’in

7 days in San’in: Tottori, Matsue and the Sea of Japan. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Shoppers at the Arita Pottery Market in 2017

Saga, Nagasaki · Five days and four nights as an editorial starting point

5 days in Saga and Nagasaki

5 days in Saga and Nagasaki: tea, pottery and port culture. Find practical guidance on access, timing and experiences that fit your route.

Discover another destination

08

Wat Arun · Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand

From Bangkok's riverside temples to northern mountain towns and island beaches.

Rice terraces · Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia

Start in Bali, then discover Java's cultural cities and the islands beyond.

Hoi An · Vietnam

Vietnam

Connect Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City through food, heritage and coastal stops.

South Korea

Explore Seoul's neighbourhoods, Busan's coast and Jeju's volcanic landscapes.

Taiwan

Follow night markets, tea traditions and mountain scenery from Taipei to the east coast.

Malaysia

Combine Kuala Lumpur, Penang's food scene, island escapes and Borneo's forests.

Singapore

A compact city journey through hawker food, gardens and distinctive neighbourhoods.

Philippines

Build an island journey around Cebu, Palawan and Bohol's beaches and landscapes.