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Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.
This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey.
Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines, cycle through the countryside, and wander around Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. From the history of Hiroshima and the wonders of ancient Kyoto to the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the quiet island of Miyajima, there's so much to see and do.
This active tour of Japan combines modern cities with outdoor adventures, including five days of hiking along the famous Nakasendo Trail. You'll start in Kyoto, visiting the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and watching a live geisha performance. Then, set out on foot along one of the major traveling routes of the Edo period—traversing bamboo forests in Nojiri, the peaks of Torii Pass, and the plateaus of Usui-toge. End in Tokyo for city views from the Tokyo Skytree and a tranquil visit to Asakusa Shrine.
Just as fascinating as Japan's ultra-modern urban culture is its spectacular natural scenery. On this 10-day adventure, you'll venture beyond the glittering cities to explore Japan's stunning natural wonders and learn about the country's ancient cultural traditions. Visit ancient shrines, climb mountain peaks, wander through lush bamboo forests, learn about geisha culture and fine arts customs, and marvel at the country's most prized landscape garden. You'll end the journey in quiet Kyoto, enjoying a boat cruise on the Hozugawa River past vibrant cherry blossoms.
This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles (3,210 km). How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an...
Japan's efficient trains make it possible to see three regions in one week. First-time visitors will enjoy highlights that include futuristic museums in Odaiba, the temples and...
Thanks to Japan's efficient transportation, you can visit at least four regions in 10 days. First-timers will enjoy touring iconic sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima....
In a two-week Japan trip, divide your days among Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa for a highlights tour, or indulge in culinary delights with street food, tea ceremonies, and...
The best times to visit Japan are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and fall (September to November) for vibrant fall foliage, both offering pleasant weather and...
Crescent-shaped islands surrounded by deep blue sea, Japan has everything from Buddhist temples to great beaches. Home to both a robot restaurant and an ancient rainforest, it's...
Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...
Most visitors to Japan hit up Kyoto's temples, Tokyo's shopping streets, and Osaka's food scene—but there's much more to this country than what you'll find in its cities. Soak...
Revitalizing hot spring baths, multi-course dinners made from fresh, local ingredients and the comfiest pillows you’ve ever tried, Ryokan hotels are an unforgettable way to...
The sunny, laid-back island of Okinawa is not just a tropical paradise: it's also a foodie heaven with its own unique set of flavors and a famously healthy diet. Whet your...
January is midwinter in Japan, but because it's such a long country with many climatic zones, midwinter can mean everything from deep snow and subzero temperatures to pleasantly...
February is midwinter in Japan, and along with January, it's the coldest month. But winter varies enormously throughout the country, with warm temperatures in the islands of...
Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...
One of Okinawa's most alluring draws lies not on land, but offshore. Colorful sea life and dramatic coral formations make this Japanese archipelago a world-class destination for...
Okinawa's attractions have something for everyone. They cater to cocktail-sipping beach bums, history buffs, and active adventurers alike. The island is fairly small, so even a...
Just a two-hour train ride from the bright lights of Tokyo, you'll find the urban escape of your dreams. Nikko offers centuries-old shrines to explore, natural hot springs with...
Turn your run in the 2026 Tokyo Marathon into an adventure across Japan with this 12-day itinerary built around recovery and exploration. Ease into the trip with time to prepare and get to know Tokyo, then celebrate your race day accomplishment with immersive food and cultural experiences in the capital. Ride the bullet train to Kyoto for temples, tea, and bamboo forests, then wrap up in Osaka with street food, neon nights, and a day trip to historic Nara.
Spend two glorious weeks exploring the iconic sights of Japan and South Korea, starting with the bright lights of Tokyo. Boat across a picturesque lake in the shadow of Mount Fuji, then transfer to Kyoto for tea, samurai, temples, and markets. Spend a day meeting the friendly deer in Nara before tasting the delights of Osaka. Fly to South Korea to explore the capital, Seoul, and the nearby DMZ. Then, end your trip on the scenic island of Jeju for beaches, tea plantations, sea caves, tangerines, and waterfalls.
Discover hidden gems, historical sights, and hot springs during this 14-day adventure in Japan and South Korea. Try Fukuoka's famous pork ramen, boat on Yanagawa's canals, see Nagasaki's Peace Park, and explore the picturesque Takachiho Gorge. Spend several days in the hot springs town of Beppu, then fly to South Korea to explore palaces and murals in Seoul. Learn to make traditional Korean pottery, get a medicinal foot bath in Daegu, and end your trip in a traditional Korean bathhouse.
I love exploring and have been traveling in Asian countries for more than fifteen years. As a Japan specialist, I have a deep affection for this country and I will use my knowledge and expertise to...
read more...With strong passion for traveling,I worked as an English-speaking guide for 10 years with travel agent.I love to travel and communicate with different tourists from all corners of the...
read more...I have been working as a travel specialist since graduating from college twenty years ago. Travel is my lifelong passion. It was such a thrilling thing to venture into a new world full of unknown...
read more...Hello from Japan! I'm Eleanor, your local specialist with over a decade of experience in creating memorable travel experiences. With my passion for food, culture, and nature, I thrive on...
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Thanks so much for your thoughts and feedback Kathy! I'm sorry to hear you didn't love the location of the Blossom in Kyoto, but I'm glad you enjoyed the public bath.
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