13 Incredible Itineraries for Every Type of Japan Holiday

Best for: time travellers chasing Japan’s Edo past
Suggested time: 4 days

From Tokyo, ride two hours north by train to Nikko for a few days, taking your time to discover the lavish and intricately designed Toshogu Shrine and wander the riverside Kanmangafuchi Abyss, lined with rows of moss-veiled stone Jizō (Ojizō-sama) guardian statues. Families can step into Edo Wonderland, a re-created samurai-era town complete with period costumes, performances and swordplay demonstrations. On the return trip to Tokyo, stop for a leisurely day in Kawagoe – nicknamed “Little Edo” – to stroll Kurazukuri Street in the atmospheric merchant district and sample sweets along Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) as the old Toki no Kane belltower chimes in the background. From Kawagoe, it’s less than an hour by train back to Central Tokyo.

Best for: design-lovers with a taste for tradition
Suggested time: 7 days

In Kyoto, centuries of artistry thrive. Try your hand at tea dyeing or pottery during a stay at Maana Homes, forge a kitchen knife with master bladesmith Yuya Nakanishi and browse handcrafted homewares at D&Department Kyoto. Continue by train to Uno Port in Okayama and board the ferry to Naoshima, to experience the intersection of art and architecture at the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House (don’t forget to glimpse Yayoi Kusama’s iconic polka-dotted pumpkin stationed on a pier). Visit the brand-new Naoshima New Museum of Art then join a local sketching or craft workshop at the Art Island Center before exploring the island’s quiet villages. Hop on a ferry to Takamatsu to admire the exquisite Ritsurin Garden and the city’s traditional lacquerware studios. Finish in neighbouring Tokushima, where you can craft your own paper uchiwa fan and watch lively traditional dances at Awa Odori Kaikan hall.

Best for: time travellers chasing Japan’s Edo past
Suggested time: 4 days

From Tokyo, ride two hours north by train to Nikko for a few days, taking your time to discover the lavish and intricately designed Toshogu Shrine and wander the riverside Kanmangafuchi Abyss, lined with rows of moss-veiled stone Jizō (Ojizō-sama) guardian statues. Families can step into Edo Wonderland, a re-created samurai-era town complete with period costumes, performances and swordplay demonstrations. On the return trip to Tokyo, stop for a leisurely day in Kawagoe – nicknamed “Little Edo” – to stroll Kurazukuri Street in the atmospheric merchant district and sample sweets along Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) as the old Toki no Kane belltower chimes in the background. From Kawagoe, it’s less than an hour by train back to Central Tokyo.

Best for: those seeking a spiritual escape
Suggested time: 3 days

Journey deep into Wakayama’s Kii Mountains, beginning with a night at Ekoin Temple on Mount Kōya – accessible by train and cable car from Osaka in about 90 minutes – where guests can join monks for meditation and morning prayers. Feeling fit? You can hike a section of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail to reach Kumano Hongū Taisha, one of the region’s three grand Shinto shrines. The route can take about four days but there’s a bus service along the mountain ridgeline for a more relaxing journey (about two hours one way). You can alight at Yunomine Onsen to experience the last two hours of the pilgrimage on foot. End at the majestic Nachi Falls and cliffside Seigantoji Temple, where a vermilion pagoda rises against a backdrop of cascading water and misty forest. For a unique overnight stay, consider glamping at the stunning Glamp Ocean, which has an open-air bath overlooking the whole scene.

Best for: powder chasers and alpine adventurers
Suggested time: 8 days

Celebrate winter in Northern Japan, starting in Nagano Prefecture – an easy Shinkansen trip from Tokyo. In the Japanese Alps about an hour west of Nagano, carve the Hakuba Valley’s pristine runs then unwind in the traditional hot-spring town of Nozawa Onsen, where lanes link 13 steaming public baths. If you’re in town in mid-January, you’re in luck: Nozawa Onsen’s dramatic fire festival is one of the country’s most spirited cool-weather events. From Nagano, it’s a short flight north to Hokkaido, Japan’s capital of winter sports. If you happen to be in Sapporo in early February, don’t miss the ice sculptures and illuminations at the city’s Snow Festival. From Sapporo, there are direct buses to Niseko for the world-famous powder of Grand Hirafu’s slopes. It’s well worth a few extra nights at a resort such as the ski-in, ski-out Aya Niseko, where the mountains feel so close to room windows, you could reach out and touch them.

Best for: rest, renewal and mineral-rich escapes
Suggested time: 8 days

Japan’s southern island of Kyushu is renowned for volcanic activity and, thus, excellent hot springs. In the onsen town of Yufuin, wake to mountain views and soak in open-air baths at tranquil inn Sansou Murata before taking a meditative stroll around Lake Kinrin and browsing the craft shops and galleries along Yunotsubo Kaido shopping street. Continue by train to nearby Beppu, where you can steam away stress at Takegawara Onsen, sink into a warm sand bath at Hyotan Onsen or marvel at the vivid geothermal pools that reach more than 100C known as the “Hells of Beppu”. Head south to Mount Aso, a striking active volcano surrounded by lush grasslands – the easiest way is by highway bus (about 3.5 hours) or train. Hike the volcanic rim or traverse the grasslands on horseback and stay at Kai Aso, where private onsen and refined meals reward a day of exploring. 

Best for: adventurers on two wheels
Suggested time: 8 days

Board the Shinkansen from Tokyo north to Sendai and set off along the scenic Tohoku coastline, famed for its rugged, rocky edges and crystal-clear water. You’ll find bicycle rental outlets throughout the area and, on your two-wheeled journey, you’ll pedal past the pine-dotted islets of Matsushima Bay and Zen gardens of Zuiganji Temple. Follow the dramatic Sanriku Coast towards the fishing port of Kesennuma, refuelling on sushi at the Umi no Ichi market. You can head further north on foot along the Michinoku Coastal Trail or cycle inland to Hiraizumi. Here, the golden hall of Konjikidō almost glows within the ancient Chūsonji Temple complex: it’s an elegant finale to an epic journey. Treat yourself to a relaxing stay in a traditional inn such as Shizukatei, which has indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths to soothe your tired muscles.

Best for: playful explorers of all ages
Suggested time: 7 days

From Central Tokyo, take the monorail south to the Miraikan science and innovation museum, where robots and interactive exhibits captivate kids and adults alike. Parents can indulge their own nostalgia, playing all the classic arcade games from the 1980s and ’90s at Retro:G in Akihabara before heading to Shibuya for the famous scramble crossing and rooftop views from Shibuya Sky. Refuel with sushi delivered via mini bullet trains at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka or colourful desserts at Rainbow Pancake in trendy Harajuku. Less than an hour by train from Tokyo, Yokohama is a port city with plenty to do. Design your own cup ramen at the CupNoodles Museum, ride Cosmo World’s Ferris wheel then glide back to Sakuragichō Station on the Yokohama Air Cabin gondola before heading back to your stay at The Knot Yokohama, which features Acme custom furnishings. From Yokohama, you can continue by Shinkansen to Kyoto for the recently opened Nintendo Museum in Uji. Tickets are issued by lottery; if you miss out, visit the brand-new immersive teamLab Biovortex Kyoto and the Fushimi Inari Shrine’s spectacular vermilion torii-lined path.

Best for: active travellers with a love of art and sea air
Suggested time: 6 days

Japan’s Seto Inland Sea is one of the most beautiful places to spend your time island hopping. Begin by exploring Hiroshima, including Peace Memorial Park, before taking a quick Shinkansen (about 40 minutes) to the creative port town of Onomichi and spending the night at Onomichi U2 – a waterfront warehouse converted into a stylish hotel. Rent a bike at the hotel and follow the Shimanami Kaido, a spectacular bridge-linked route across citrus-scented islands to the city of Imabari. From here, take a train along the coast to Takamatsu, where ferries depart for the idyllic island of Shōdoshima. Hike Kankakei Gorge, tour the Marukin Soy Sauce Museum and wander among olive groves, surrounded by views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Best for: an epic food odyssey
Suggested time: 12 days

Take your tastebuds on the ultimate journey, kicking off in Sapporo with jingisukan: a Mongolian-inspired dish of garlicky lamb cooked on a grill. Then sample Hokkaido’s fresh sea urchin, salmon roe and king crab at Nijo Market. A short flight lands you in Kanazawa on Japan’s west coast, where you can browse Omicho Market for snow crab and succulent grilled blackthroat seaperch (nodoguro). Continue by train to Kyoto for refined seasonal kaiseki dining at venerable restaurants like Kikunoi or learn how to craft delicate tea ceremony sweets at a hands-on wagashi class. A short hop by Shinkansen to Osaka (less than an hour) tempts with street food such as okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and kushikatsu (crisp fried morsels of meat and vegetables). Finish your journey in Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu – another two hours by train – for rich pork-based Hakata ramen (commonly known as tonkotsu ramen) and spicy mentaiko fish roe at riverside food carts. Fukuoka is also known for its gyoza so be sure to also try this delicious dumpling while you’re in town. If you still have room, travel by train to Kagoshima for its signature Kurobuta (the “Wagyu of pork”), sweet-potato shochu tastings and fresh sashimi from Kinkō Bay, before flying back to Osaka or Tokyo.

Best for: train enthusiasts seeking Japan’s most scenic rides
Suggested time: 6 days

Western Japan has outdone itself with cool trains, whether quirky or luxurious. Step aboard the playful (and very pink) Hello Kitty Shinkansen from Osaka to Okayama then take a rapid train across the Seto Ohashi Bridge to the island of Shikoku. Ride the retro-chic Iyonada Monogatari along Ehime’s coast, where gourmet bentos and sea views steal the show. Ferry over to Ōita back on Kyushu for the family-friendly Aso Boy! train, which features colourful interiors, a playroom for kids and panoramic windows. Final destination: Kumamoto. Alternatively, go all-out with a multi-day rail journey on the ultra-luxe Seven Stars. You can choose a two-day section or four-day full trip around Kyushu, passing volcanic peaks and rice terraces and visiting craft ateliers, castle ruins and ancient shrines along the way.

Best for: nature-lovers and hikers
Suggested time: 4 days

From Tokyo, take the train north-west to Matsumoto (about 2.5 hours) in Nagano Prefecture to sample its famous soba noodles and explore the magnificent black-and-white Matsumoto Castle before venturing into the Northern Alps. Take a bus to the beautiful highland valley of Kamikōchi, where you can enjoy a day of hiking – following trails along the Azusa River from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond, with views of snow-capped Mount Hotaka and Mount Yake. (Heavy snow makes Kamikōchi difficult to access in winter but you can explore the area on a half or full day snowshoe tour.) Stay overnight in a mountain lodge or riverside ryokan then continue by bus to nearby Norikura Kogen for gentler highland walks, waterfalls and hot-spring baths. Return via Matsumoto, stopping at a beautiful wasabi farm before heading back to Tokyo.

Best for: seeing sakura without the crowds
Suggested time: 7 days

Tokyo hits peak cherry blossom season around the first week of April but if you head north, you can not only extend your viewing season but also dodge the crowds. Start in Tokyo with an early stroll along the Meguro River before the afternoon rush and then travel by train to Nagano City for picnics beneath the blossoms at Jōyama Park and a visit to the ancient Zenkoji (Zenkō-ji) Temple. A little further north-west by train, Matsumoto offers the striking scenery of pink blossoms against the dramatic black backdrop of Matsumoto Castle. Continue north to Kakunodate, famed for its samurai residences and elegant weeping cherry trees, which peak around mid-April. End in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, where more than 2500 trees encircle the castle moat in one of Japan’s most breathtaking – and blissfully uncrowded – sakura spectacles.