Unforgettable Destinations: Your Journey to Japan Awaits
Where should you visit in Japan?
Too many tourists only think of going to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. But surely these are not the only places to visit? There are so many exciting sights to see in Japan that it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. You will be inundated by conflicting opinions from bloggers and travellers. Some of them have only been to a fraction of the country. You will be swayed by tourist literature and websites. How do you choose?
We spent three months in Japan and did not see everything. We had enough time to visit Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu in depth. It was an incredible journey. We even got to stay at many peopleโs houses after being told that would not happen.
We will provide several inspiring itineraries you can tailor to your interests. To reduce travel time, your journey could focus on Central Honshu. But to escape the crowds, why not venture further west, north or south?
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Georgeโs Bio
Our advice is not influenced by affiliate links โ we have none. Our itineraries, photos, and advice are based on travelling around the world for three years and Japan for three months. We are avid hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. We are students of art and architecture, culture and cuisine.
Background Information
Three pages should be used together with this post. The first furnishes background information to understand Japanese sights and culture. The second supplies a list of important words and suffixes. This will help you understand the meaning of place names. The third provides practical advice on travelling to Japan.
Guide to Japanese Culture
Guide to the Japanese Language
Insider Tips & FAQs
Use the Rome2Rio app for surface transport options, costs and frequency. To locate the main sights, see our Japan Map. All the points of interest are appended with their Google Maps Ratings, which range from G0 to G5. We noticed that the Japanese have very high standards. Many top places have scores of 4.2 instead of 4.5. Based on this, we would say that any place with a rating >= 4.2 is excellent (usually it is >= 4.4).
Itinerary Information
Sake Cups & Gourds, Sanbo-in, Kyoto
What makes Japan unique are its architectural, historical, and cultural sights. But Japan is not just traditional temples and gardens. It provides alpine, coastal, volcanic, and geothermal scenery. There are many hiking and scenic areas to visit. These are some of the reasons why Japan is one of the Most Beautiful Countries in the World.
We have developed a series of itineraries to help you plan your trip to Japan. You can tailor these itineraries to your interests and time frame. In addition, read about the features that Make Japan Unforgettable. This post also provides some of the best places to see these features.
Features that Make Japan Unforgettable
Japan is Beautiful
Ready-made Itineraries
There are so many exciting choices that it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. You will be inundated by conflicting opinions from bloggers and travellers. Some of them have only been to a fraction of the country. You will be swayed by tourist literature and websites. How do you choose? We have developed ready-made short and long itineraries to give the ideal quick answer to where you should go.
Hidden Gems of Traditional Japan Trip
We have curated a set of places from our three-month trip where you can experience traditional Japan. Here you can have a more relaxed and authentic experience in Japan. This is a ready-made, two-week itinerary in Central Japan that combines:
Nara โ the tranquil places in this ancient spiritual centre
Kyoto โ the less-visited wonders of this timeless cultural capital
Uji โ drink green tea and enjoy Byodo-in temple
Hikone โ an authentic castle and two top traditional gardens
Kanazawa โ Edo-era elegance of alternate Kyoto
Gokayama โ 200-year-old thatched-roof farmhouses
Takayama โ โLittle Kyotoโ in the Alps
Kamakura โ Historic samurai capital with an amazing festival
This itinerary is ideal for travel enthusiasts and culture lovers. We geared this itinerary to about two weeks, but you can easily do the same itinerary to fit less or more time. This itinerary was based on spending a fixed number of nights (N) per city. One scenario is Kyoto-Nara (5N), Hikone (1N), Kanazawa (3N), Gokayama (2N), Takayama (2N), and Kamakura (2N) for a total of 15 days plus travel days to get home.
If you have less time then stop at Takayama and head back to Osaka Kansai Airport, reduce your time in Kyoto, or skip one or more places. If you have more time, then from Takayama you could add Hakone (2N), Nikko (3N) and Tokyo for an extra 7 days. Then leave from one of the Tokyo airports.
Hidden Gems North of Tokyo Trip
We have curated a set of places from our three-month trip that offer a unique blend of nature and culture. Instead of one itinerary, we have developed three ready-made variants: a Short Circuit for two weeks, the Long Volcanic Circuit for three weeks, and the Mito-Sawara Return Circuit. The priority must-sees of all three itineraries are:
Nikkล is one of those rare destinations that blends world-class cultural heritage with spectacular natural scenery.
Bandai-san NP is one of the best national parks for turquoise lakes and alpine hikes. Plus, you can have an up-close volcano experience at Azuma-kofuji.
Matsushima has great views of a bay of pine-clad islands.
Kinkasan is a sacred island with a Shinto temple, free-roaming deer and monkeys, and rugged coastlines.
Hiraizumi has World Heritage temples and gardens from the Heian period. It also has Geibikei Gorge with a 90โminute boat ride, with men steering with long poles and singing folk songs.
Yamadera is really special for the Risshakuji temple complex. Itโs a combination of culture, nature and hiking.
Hidden Gems of Traditional Japan
Hidden Gems North of Tokyo
Week 1 Route
The Week 1 Route focuses on the most culturally significant places to visit. Kyoto, Uji, Nara, and Kamakura are the main places to see for history and culture. Tokyo and Osaka are modern Japan, rebuilt after World War II. Unfortunately, this itinerary covers the most over-touristed area of Japan. It probably should be avoided in April when the cherry blossom season and national holidays make it even more overcrowded.
Kyoto
Tokyo โ Kyoto 451 km, 5:32 hrs.
Osaka is the airport for Kyoto:
Shuttle Bus to Kyoto: 0:50 hrs JPY 1100 to 1400 (USD 7 to 9) dep. every 30 mins
Shuttle Bus to Nara: 1:13 hrs JPY 1400 to 2100 (USD 7 to 9) dep. every hour;
There is also by train but requires 3 transfers.
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
A one-week trip should focus primarily on Kyoto, Uji, and Nara. This is where you will see traditional Japan. Kyoto requires at least 3 full days (4 nights). You can easily spend more time in Kyoto and see all 11 sites in the table below.
Google
Rating | Sight Name | Site Description |
| G4.5 | Kinkaku-ji | Golden Pavilion |
| G4.5 | Kiyomizu-dera | Pure Water Temple, a Buddhist temple on stilts |
| G4.4 | Kitano-tenmangu | 947 CE shrine dedicated to a scholar with plum blossoms from 2000 trees (February to March) and colourful maple leaves in the fall |
| G4.3 | Daigo-ji
Sanbo-in | Temple with karesansui (literally โdry landscapeโ) or waterless garden, revamped by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan |
| G4.5 | Kyoto Imperial Palace | Kyoto Gyoen National Garden free access to spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves |
| G4.3 | Arashiyama Bamboo Forest | free access to an enchanting bamboo corridor offering a peaceful place for a walk |
| G4.4 | Kokedera or Saihลji | Moss Temple is famous for its lush moss garden and serene atmosphere |
| G4.4 | Ryoan-ji Temple | most famous rock garden, a quintessential example of Zen garden design |
| G4.5 | Katsura Imperial Villa | masterpiece of Japanese architecture and garden design, featuring a beautiful strolling garden |
| G4.4 | Tenryuji Temple | known for its beautiful pond garden and the use of โborrowed sceneryโ from the surrounding mountains |
| G4.1 | Daisen-in | Karesansui garden with rocks symbolizing mountains and meticulously raked gravel suggesting a river |
Shoji Door Paintings, Nanzen-ji, Kyoto
Uji
Kyoto โ Uji 24 km, 0:42 hrs
Uji is a small town situated between Kyoto and Nara. It can be visited as a day trip from Kyoto. It is worth visiting for green tea (matcha) and a couple of temples:
Byodo-in (G4.5) is one of the most beautiful temples in Japan. This World Heritage Site (WHS) is categorized as a Japanese National Treasure.
Ujigami (G4.3) is the oldest Shinto shrine (1060) and a WHS.
Nara
Uji โ Nara 33 km, 0:46 hrs
Modelled after China, Nara (710-794) was the first capital of Japan. That is why major Buddhist temples were built here. These are now World Heritage Sites (WHS).
Todai-ji
Todai-ji (G4.6) means Great (Dai) East (To) Temple. It is arguably the most impressive temple in Japan.
Nandaimon Gate 1199, Todai-ji, Nara
Nandaimon (G4.6) means Great South Gate. This massive wood building dates from the 13th century.
Daibutsuden (G4.6), meaning Great Buddha (Butsu) Hall, is the largest wooden structure in the world. It was originally built in the 8th century!
Nara Park (G4.5) is home to over a thousand friendly Sika deer. These deer are considered sacred in Shinto belief and are known for their gentle nature. Some deer have even learned to bow to visitors to receive their special crackers. We can confirm this.
Horyu-ji
Horyu-ji, Nara
Horyu-ji (G4.5) is the oldest, intact wooden temple worldwide. It was founded in 607 CE by Prince Shลtoku, who promoted Buddhism in Japan.
Tokyo
Hikone โ Fuji-san 355 km, 4:24 hrs
Fuji-san โ Tokyo 101 km, 1:27 hrs
While Tokyo and Osaka are interesting, I would not recommend spending too much time there on a very short trip โ unless you like to see modern Japan or spend time shopping. While Tokyo is a modern city, it is still very Japanese.
If you are on a one-week trip only to cities, we would not recommend renting a car. Instead, book an โOpen Jawโ air ticket into Osaka and fly out of Tokyo. Travel by train and bus in between. We always leave our departure city at the end of the trip. This way, we are already near the departure airport.
Meiji Shrine
Priest purifying hands, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
The Meiji Shrine (G4.6) is an important religious site commemorating Emperor Meiji, who is considered the founder of modern Japan. Surrounded by a forest, the shrine was built in 1920. It was destroyed during World War II and restored in 1958. The Inner Garden is a peaceful area with a pond and beautiful landscaping. Meiji Shrine hosts various cultural events and traditional ceremonies throughout the year,
Shinjuku Gyoen (G4.6) is a large park with traditional Japanese, French, and English gardens. Shinjuku Gyoen garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
Fuji-san
Many mountains are given the honorific suffix -san, used for people because they are homes for major kami (spirits). Fuji-sanโs iconic symmetrical cone rises to 3,776 m (12,389 ft). The most over-touristed places to see Fuji-san are Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, Fuji Goko (Five Lakes), especially Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, and Hakone. Less crowded spots to enjoy views of Fuji-san are Tanuki Lake, Miho no Matsubara, Suruga Bay Ferry, Obuchi Sasaba, and the Kumomi Coast.
Kamakura
Tokyo โ Kamakura 52 km, 1:20 hrs.
Kencho-ji (G4.4) is a Zen temple founded in 1253 by a Chinese Zen monk. You can enjoy panoramic views of Fuji-san and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Hokokuji Temple (G4.4) was founded in 1334 by a Zen priest. It is famous for its beautiful 2,000 sq m bamboo grove. The dark green bamboo stalks create a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere. Bamboo is a symbol of longevity. They bend is storms but do not break.
Hase-dera (G4.4) is located in Sakurai. The temple is famous for the massive 10 m wooden statue of the Eleven-Headed [strong]Kannon[/strong].
Kotoku-in
Kotoku-in (G4.3) was founded during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It is the site of the gigantic Daibutsu statue.
Kamakura Daibutsu
Daibutsu Statue 1252, Kotoku-in, Kamakura
Kamakura Daibutsu (G4.7) is a massive bronze statue of the Great (dai) Buddha (Butsu). Cast in 1252, it is 11.4 m tall and weighs 121 tons. It was originally inside a large temple hall. Typhoons and tsunamis in the 14th and 15th centuries destroyed the hall. Daibutsu has stood in the open air since then.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Green Archer, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura
The Reitaisai Festival (September 14 to 16) features a Yabusame (horseback archery) contest. The festival includes various traditional ceremonies and performances, with the highlight being the Yabusame-Shinji. Skilled archers ride galloping horses and shoot at targets along a 250-m course during this final event.
White-robed Men with Mikoshi, Kamakura
Week 1 Trip Detailed Guides
For more details, see the following travel guides and maps:
Kyotoโs Secrets: Gorgeous Gion to Kawaii Kimonos
Enchanting Kyoto: From Golden Temples to Maple Mysteries
Explore Kyotoโs Secrets: Must-Visit Eastern Sights
Discover 3 Magical Hidden Gardens in Crowded Kyoto
3 Charming Hidden Gems in Crowded Kyoto
Why Nara Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List
Why Kamakura Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List
Surprising Connections Between Nepal and Japan
Week 2 Route
This itinerary covers Southern Honshu primarily from Hikone to Hiroshima.
Nagoya
Tokyo โ Inuyama 357 km, 4:33 hrs
Kyoto โ Inuyama 150 km, 2:15 hrs
Inuyama Castle (G4.4) is one of Japanโs oldest and best-preserved castles. The main keep is built almost entirely with wood and rocks. The interior is beautiful and retains an authentic feel.
Hikone
Inuyama โ Hikone 80 km, 1:17 hrs
Hikone โ Kyoto 79 km, 1:22 hrs
Hikone Castle
View from Courtyard, Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle (G4.3) is one of Japanโs few surviving 17th-century castles. We loved the beautiful towers surrounded by three moats.
Red Devil Armour, Hikone Castle
We enjoyed the museum with its โRed Devilโ samurai armour and the gold on a black lacquered palanquin.
Genkyuen Garden
Genkyuen Garden (G4.2) was built on the grounds of Hikone Castle in 1677. We loved the shaped trees and rocks carefully arranged around the pond. Genkyuen used Chinese garden design concepts to imitate a palace garden from the Tang Dynasty (618โ907 CE). One principle is called borrowed scenery. Views of Hikone Castle from the garden create a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
Ryotan-ji
Karesansui, Ryotan-ji, Hikone
We loved Ryotan-ji (G4.0) with its karesansui or waterless garden, synonymous with Japan. Everything is symbolic. Moss islands with rock peaks lie in a sea of raked sand. This garden was developed by influential designer and tea master Kobori Enshลซ.
Himeji
Hikone โ Himeji 195 km, 2:35 hrs
Kyoto โ Himeji 126 km, 1:57 hrs
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is the most impressive feudal-era castle in Japan. It escaped war, earthquake, and fire to become a true National Treasure of Japan.
Okayama
Himeji โ Okayama 88 km, 1:39 hrs
Kyoto โ Okayama 207 km, 3:01 hrs
Koraku-en
Koraku-en (G4.4) was built in 1687 for the reception and entertainment of important guests. The name literally means โgarden of pleasure afterโ. This puzzling name refers to a saying attributed to Confucius. A wise ruler must attend to his subjectsโ needs first, and only then should he consider his own interests. It is one of Japanโs Three Great Gardens. The Japanese are really big on top-three lists.
Okayama Castle (G4.4) is located just across from the garden.
Takamatsu
Okayama โ Takamatsu 75 km, 1:19 hrs
Kyoto โ Takamatsu 235 km, 3:14 hrs
Ritsurin Garden (G4.5) is one of Japanโs most beautiful and historically significant gardens. It is considered a National Treasure. The garden was constructed over 120 years, from 1625 to 1745. It uses the design principle โippo ikkeiโ (one step, one view). This means there is a new scene to enjoy at every step.
Hiroshima
Himeji โ Hiroshima 251 km, 3:23 hrs
Kyoto โ Hiroshima 362 km, 4:47 hrs
Dome at Atomic Bomb Zero Point, Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a powerful tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. The highlight is the Atomic Bomb Dome (G4.7). This UNESCO World Heritage Site was ground zero of the atomic bomb.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (G4.7) shows a documentary film of the effects of the atomic bomb. This gut-wrenching, apocalyptic horror film should be mandatory for every person on planet Earth.
Itsukushima Island (G4.8) is famous for its iconic floating torii (gate) at Itsukushima Shrine. It seems to float on the water at high tide.
Matsue
Hiroshima โ Matsue 179 km, 2:39 hrs
Okayama โ Matsue 180 km, 2:38 hrs
Matsue-jล (G4.3) is a wonderful blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Due to its darkly coloured, austere exterior, Matsue Castle is sometimes called the โblack castleโ.
Adachi Museum of Art (G4.4) in Shimane is famous for its stunning karesansui (dry landscape) garden. It is often ranked among the best in Japan. The garden is designed to be viewed as a living picture. Windows and doors in the museum frame the garden like a painting on a wall. This creates a unique and artistic experience for visitors. The living picture concept was borrowed from Chinese Mandarin garden design.
Week 2 Trip Detailed Guides
For more details, see the following travel guides and maps:
Explore Hikone Castle & Gardens: Hidden Gems
Explore Hiroshimaโs Forgotten Places
Week 3 Trip
This itinerary covers the picturesque North Central Honshu primarily from Nikko to Shirakawa and Kanazawa.
Mito
Tokyo โ Mito 125 km, 1:51 hrs.
Kairaku-en (G4.2) means โgarden to enjoy with peopleโ. It is one of Japanโs top three gardens. Kairaku-en is renowned for its plum tree grove, which features over 3,000 plum trees of more than 100 different varieties. The plum blossom season, from late February to March, attracts many visitors.
Nikko
Tokyo โ Nikko 125 km, 1:51 hrs.
Mito โ Nikko 109 km, 1:41 hrs.
Stone Lanterns, Nikkล Tลshล-gลซ Shrine, Nikkล NP
Ornate Nikko was built by the Tokugawa Shoguns, who ruled and isolated Japan for 260 years. It is now a National Park.
Nikkozan Rinnลji (G4.3) is also known as Rinnoji Temple. Sanbutsudo Hall (the main hall) houses three (san) large, gold-lacquered wooden statues of Kannon and the Amida Buddha. Shoyoen Garden is a 17th-century traditional Japanese garden.
Nikkล Tลshogลซ
Three Monkeys Frieze, Nikkล Tลshล-gลซ Shrine
Nikkล Tลshogลซ (G4.5) is a shrine with a famous frieze. The Three Monkeys carving popularized the famous saying โSee No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evilโ. Note that the Japanese read and carve from right to left.
Kegon Falls (G4.6) is nearly 100 m (328 ft) tall. The water cascades dramatically from Lake Chuzenji, creating a stunning and dynamic sight.
Matsumoto
Tokyo โ Matsumoto 216 km, 2:49 hrs.
Nikko โ Matsumoto 257 km, 3:40 hrs.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto is a charming city that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Matsumoto-jล (G4.5) is one of the most photogenic castles. It is also known as โCrow Castleโ for its black exterior.
Takayama
Takayama โ Matsumoto 84 km, 2:06 hrs.
Takayama โ Ogimachi 52 km, 1:05 hrs.
Hida-no-Sato (G4.4), or Hida Folk Village, is a fascinating open-air museum. Hida-no-Sato is designed to resemble a traditional village with 30 traditional houses from 1603 to 1868. This includes gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. These houses were relocated from the Hida region. You can participate in workshops, where you can learn traditional crafts.
We loved Takayamaโs historic district with quaint streets like Sanmachi (G4.4) and Ichino-machi, lined with old wood buildings. Walking through these narrow streets felt like stepping back in time.
Shirakawa-Go
Shirakawa-go (G4.5) is a region that encompasses several villages. This is a must-see.
Gassho-zukuri Village Before Tourists, Gokayama
Ogimachi Village has spectacular gassho-zukuri (huge traditional farmhouses). They are over 250 years old and have been preserved to maintain their original charm. Visitors can stay in traditional minshuku (guesthouses) and experience the local culture. Even the youth hostel is in a gassho-zukuri.
Gokayama
Autumn View from Highway, Gokayama
This village is a world heritage site. Stay at Youth Hostel Gassho-zukuri. The village is famous for its steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall, resembling hands joined in prayer. These houses are well-preserved and some are still inhabited. Gokayamaโs history dates back over a millennium, with a focus on sericulture (silk production) and washi paper making.
Ainokura (G4.3) is home to nearly 20 traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These are characterized by their steep thatched roofs that resemble hands joined in prayer. These houses are well-preserved, and some are still used as private residences. The village offers beautiful views, especially from viewpoints above the village, where visitors can see the traditional farmhouses and the surrounding landscape
Kanazawa
Kanazawa โ Takayama 104 km, 2:00 hrs
Kanazawa โ Ogimachi 66 km, 1:28 hrs.
Kanazawa โ Kyoto 259 km, 3:29 hrs.
Higashi Chaya is a preserved geisha district where visitors can experience traditional tea houses and culture. The city has many restored samurai houses. Kanazawa is famous for its gold leaf production, and we saw gold leaf crafts being made. Kanazawa is most famous for its beautiful gardens.
Kenroku-en
Women Workers, Kenroku-en, Kanazawa
Kenroku-en (G4.4) is one of Japanโs top three gardens. Its name literally means โgarden with six characteristicsโ that are important for an ideal garden. These are spaciousness, serenity, venerability, scenic views, subtle design, and coolness. It features ponds, streams, waterfalls, bridges, tea houses, trees, stones, and flowers.
Seisonkaku (G4.2) is located in the southeast corner of Kenroku-en. It is a samurai villa with beautifully painted shoji (sliding doors) and singing nightingale floorboards to warn of intruders. The villa is known for its exquisite architecture, including expansive tatami rooms on two floors and a unique roof that covers the garden viewing deck without obstructing the view
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Arts and Crafts is a regional products center. You can participate in workshops and create your own souvenirs.
Ochaya Shima Geisha (G4.3) house offers a glimpse into the life of geishas who entertained clients with music, dance, and poetry.
Zuiryu-ji (G4.4) is a Zen Buddhist temple in Takaoka and a National Treasure of Japan. The temple features impressive structures like the Sanmon Gate, Butsuden Hall (with a statue of the Buddha), and Hatto Hall.
Week 3 Trip Detailed Guides
For more details, see the following travel guides and maps:
Why Nikko Should Not Be Missed
Why Kanazawa Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List
Embracing โKayama Countryโ
Autumn/Scenery Trip
This itinerary is just north of Nikko and could be combined with the Week 3 Itinerary.
Karuizawa is a charming resort town in the Japanese Alps, about an hour from Tokyo by bullet train. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, Karuizawa offers stunning natural scenery, including picturesque lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Bandai-san
Teal Lake, Bandai-san Hike
Bandai-san (G4.4) is a prominent stratovolcano and one of our favourite National Parks. Known as the โAizu Fujiโ as it resembles Mount Fuji, it offers stunning views, especially during the fall when the foliage turns bright orange and yellow.
Some hikes include the popular Happodai Trail and the Goshikinuma Nature Trail.
Goshikinuma (G4.5), also known as the Five (Go) Coloured Ponds, are known for their stunning colours. Due to the unique mineral composition, each lake varies from emerald green, to cobalt blue to turquoise blue. These lakes were formed during the 1888 eruption of Bandai-san.
Bandai-Azuma Skyline
Autumn Leaves, Azuma Kofuji
Bandai-Azuma Skyline is a 28.7 km road through some of the nicest mountain scenery, especially in the autumn. It is considered one of Japanโs top scenic drives with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road reaches a maximum elevation of 1622 m (5322 ft). Some notable spots are the Tsubakuro Valley, Fudosawa Bridge, Jododaira, and Azuma Kofuji.
Azuma Kofuji
Conical Crater, Azuma Kofuji
Azuma Kofuji (G4.6) means โsmall Fuji-sanโ. We climbed for ten minutes to walk around the whole rim of a volcano. The mountain offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Inawashiro and the Urabandai area. The volcanic activity has given rise to several nearby onsen (hot spring) areas, like Tsuchiyu Onsen and Takayu Onsen.
Autumn/Scenery Trip Detailed Guides
For more details, see the following travel guides and maps:
Embracing โKayama Countryโ
Explore Hidden Gems in the Japanese Alps
Tohoku Trip
Tohoku is a region located north of Sendai. Here, you can immerse yourself in Japanese nature, culture, and cuisine. It is also one of the best places in Japan to escape overtourism. These itineraries cover the Matsushima, Kinkasan Island, Geibikei Gorge, Sanriku Coast, Hachimantai National Park and the Tazawa-Komagatake volcano.
Hidden Gems: From Kinkasan to Hiraizumi
Hidden Gems: From Miyako to Aomori
Hokkaido Trip
Usuzan
Usuzan (G4.6) is an active stratovolcano with several unique features: Usuzan has erupted multiple times in the 20th and 21st centuries. It is part of the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Town offers a unique movie of the eruptions of Usuzan in 2000. The museum features seating that lets you feel the vibrations and sound of a volcanic eruption as you watch the movie. We were literally so moved by the power of nature.
Lake Tลya (G4.5)
Shikotsu-Tลya National Park
Shikotsu-Tลya National Park (G4.4) includes:
Shikotsu-ko
Shikotsu-ko View, Shikotsu-Toya NP
What an expansive view of Shikotsu-ko (G4.4)! Ko means lake. Shikotsu-ko is a stunning caldera lake formed from a collapsed volcano. It is one of Japanโs deepest lakes, reaching a depth of 363 m (1191 ft). The lake is surrounded by five volcanoes, including Eniwa-dake (G4.6) and Tarumae-zan (G4.5), adding to its dramatic landscape.
Autumn Scene, Shikotsu-ko, Shikotsu-Toya NP
Hokkaido is great for autumn leaves and onsen (hot springs).
Eniwa-dake
Lake Okotanpe View, Eniwa-dake
Eniwa-dake (G4.6) provides a challenging hike, including an iron-rung ladder at the very end. But what a view! The spire is a volcanic plug, which forms when magma hardens within the vent of an active volcano. Over time, erosion removes the surrounding softer rock, exposing the harder, more resistant plug. Eniwa-dake is an active volcano and part of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group.
Dake means a mountain with prominence and ruggedness. The Indigenous Ainu tribe named the mountain โe-en-iwa,โ which means โmountain with a pointed head,โ reflecting its distinctive silhouette.
Daisetsuzan National Park
This spectacular National Park (G4.5) includes:
Daisetsuzan
Snow Plateau, Daisetsuzan NP
Daisetsuzan boasts serene alpine landscapes, towering mountains, volcanic craters, and high moors. Daisetsuzan, also known as Asahidake, is the highest peak in Hokkaido, standing at 2291 m (7516 ft). Itโs part of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group, which includes several active and dormant volcanoes. The Asahidake Ropeway cable car takes you up to the Sugatami Station at an elevation of 1,600 m (5249 ft). A well-marked trail leads to the summit (5.5 km, 3.4 mi, 3 hours round trip).
Kurodake
Purple Heath? on Kurodake, Daisetsuzan NP
Kurodake (G4.7) provides a nice mountain hike through a purple heath rock garden. Itโs one of the most accessible major peaks in the park, thanks to the Kurodake Ropeway and Chairlift, halfway to the summit. The summit, standing at 1,984 m (6509 ft), offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the interior of Daisetsuzan National Park. Kurodake is one of the first spots in Japan to see autumn foliage, with colours appearing as early as September
Sounkyo Gorge
Basalt Columns, Sounkyo Gorge, Daisetsuzan NP
Sounkyo Gorge (G4.3) is flanked by dramatic 100-meter-high cliffs. These are hexagonal basalt columns, which means volcanic extrusions. Two beautiful waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. There are rejuvenating onsen (hot springs) to soak in.
Hokkaido Trip Detailed Guides
For more details, see the following travel guides and maps:
Hokkaido: Northeast Into Natureโs Wonderland
Hokkaido: Southwest Into Natureโs Wonderland
Other Itineraries
Does this mean that the islands of Okinawa and Kyushu are not worth visiting? Definitely not. We really enjoyed many places not covered in the above itineraries. We will develop itineraries for the other areas we have visited. Here is a post to help you design your own itinerary to see the flowers of Japan.
Lovely Lilies, Opulent Orchids & Japan Flowers
Final Comments
This post provides an overview of possible itineraries. We offered an overwhelming number of amazing sights. On a short trip, you will only see a fraction of Japanโs beautiful places. We hope this post will make you realize you can see great places in all parts of Japan. In fact, you do not have to visit a place because of name recognition or that it is famous. You will be amazed by Japanese art and architecture, culture and cuisine everywhere in Japan. Future posts will explore each place and region in more detail.
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This was only a taste of possible Japanese itineraries. We will provide updates after we publish more guides to each sight. What questions do you have? If you have been to Japan, share your experiences with us. How long is/was your trip?
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Other Posts You May Like
Travel Tips and Culture Guides
Guide to Japanese Culture
Japanese Language
Guide to Social Norms
Insider Tips & FAQs
Features that make Japan unique
Is Japan Beautiful
Google Maps Ratings
Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels, and restaurants (but not cities). All our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. Google Ratings are based on feedback from locals as well as tourists. They are much more reliable than travel booking websites or tourist anecdotes.
We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good and 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent. Yet, in Japan, many must-see sights are rated by the Japanese as 4.2. Based on this, we would consider the range of 4.2 to 5 to be Excellent.
All photos and text ยฉ Terra Encounters
Japan Encounters is a subsidiary of https://terraencounters.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Terra Encounters
Knowing local customs shows respect for the host culture and its people. It helps avoid unintended offense and fosters positive interactions. Understanding social norms allows travellers to connectโฆ
Terra Encounters (Asia Encounters)
Zurich, Switzerland
Chalets, Switzerland ยฉ 
Swiss Chalets
(Lake) Oberhornsee, Lauterbrunnen
Trail to (Lake) Oberhornsee, Mt Moench, Swiss Alps
Breithorn, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
View of 2 Craters, Azuma Kofuji
Hot Springs, Japan
Five Storey Pagoda 1818, Nikkล Tลshogลซ Shrine
Karesansui, Komyo-ji, Kyoto
