This 10-day itinerary gives you the perfect balance between the iconic landmarks of Japan and its lesser-explored regions. Starting in Tokyo and ending with Mount Fuji, you’ll traverse a landscape of cultural and natural wonders.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Start your journey in Japan’s buzzing capital city. After landing, spend a full day exploring some of the city’s top spots.
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Head to your accommodation and rest before hitting the town.
- Afternoon: Visit Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple to take in its historical significance. Explore the traditional Nakamise shopping street, filled with food and souvenirs.
- Evening: Head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, and enjoy dinner at an izakaya in the bustling Shibuya district. Try some of Tokyo’s famous ramen or sushi.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2: Exploring Kanazawa’s Cultural Riches
After an exciting day in Tokyo, it’s time to head west to Kanazawa, the city of samurai and artisans.
- Morning: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa (around 2.5 hours). Check into a ryokan upon arrival.
- Afternoon: Start with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Then, explore the Nagamachi Samurai District and Nomura Samurai House.
- Evening: End your day by visiting the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, followed by a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Kanazawa’s seafood.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 3: Takayama’s Timeless Charm
Take a scenic train ride through the Japanese Alps to the mountain town of Takayama.
- Morning: Travel to Takayama via the Hida Limited Express (around 2.5 hours). Check into a traditional ryokan.
- Afternoon: Explore Sanmachi Suji, the old town’s historic district, with wooden buildings and sake breweries.
- Evening: Try Hida beef at a local restaurant, and walk along the lantern-lit streets.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Takayama.
Day 4: Day Trip to Shirakawa-go
Experience the unique rural charm of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Morning: Take a bus or taxi to Shirakawa-go (about 1 hour). Explore the village’s iconic gassho-zukurifarmhouses, which are especially stunning in winter when covered in snow.
- Afternoon: Visit the Shirakawa-go Open-Air Museum and enjoy lunch at a farmhouse restaurant.
- Evening: Return to Takayama for an evening stroll through the old town.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Takayama.
Day 5: Tottori’s Sand Dunes and Coastal Beauty
Make your way to Tottori, known for its dramatic sand dunes and coastal scenery.
- Morning: Take the Limited Express Super Hakuto train from Osaka to Tottori (around 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Head straight to the Tottori Sand Dunes and spend time exploring the dunes, trying sandboarding or camel riding. Visit the Sand Museum for intricate sand sculptures.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner and take in views of the Sea of Japan.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Tottori.
Day 6: Mount Daisen and Coastal Adventures
Spend another day exploring the natural beauty of Tottori Prefecture.
- Morning: Take a hike up Mount Daisen, a dormant volcano known for its scenic trails and stunning views.
- Afternoon: Visit the Uradome Coast, a dramatic coastline with clear waters, and take a boat tour to explore its coves.
- Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening back in Tottori city or relax at an onsen.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Tottori.
Day 7: The Spiritual Heart of Shikoku Island
Make your way to Shikoku, Japan’s smallest and least-visited main island, known for its spiritual pilgrimages and rugged beauty.
- Morning: Take a train from Tottori to Takamatsu, Shikoku (around 3-4 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore Ritsurin Garden, a meticulously designed landscape garden. Then visit Yashima Temple, one of the 88 pilgrimage sites.
- Evening: Enjoy a meal of Kagawa udon, a specialty of the region.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Takamatsu.
Day 8: Iya Valley and the Vine Bridges
Today, explore the remote Iya Valley, known for its vine bridges, lush mountains, and deep gorges.
- Morning: Take a bus or rent a car to travel to the Iya Valley (around 2 hours). Cross the iconic Kazurabashi Vine Bridge and visit the Oboke Gorge.
- Afternoon: Take a boat tour through Oboke Gorge or hike the surrounding trails.
- Evening: Return to Takamatsu for dinner and relaxation.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Takamatsu.
Day 9: Aizu-Wakamatsu, The City of Samurai
Journey north to the samurai city of Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture.
- Morning: Take the shinkansen to Aizu-Wakamatsu (around 4-5 hours). Check into a local ryokan.
- Afternoon: Visit Tsuruga Castle, a striking red-roofed fortress steeped in history. Walk through its surrounding gardens and museum.
- Evening: Enjoy Aizu’s famous sake and sample the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Day 10: Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes
End your journey with a visit to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji.
- Morning: Take the train from Aizu-Wakamatsu to Kawaguchiko (about 4 hours). Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from the Kawaguchiko Lake area.
- Afternoon: Visit Chureito Pagoda for one of the most famous views of Mount Fuji and explore the Fujisan World Heritage Center.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo for your final night in Japan.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight in Tokyo.
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