Unforgettable Japan Journeys
Nolan O'Connor
| 28-09-2025
· Travel Team
From the neon pulse of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan weaves ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation.
Whether chasing cherry blossoms, snow monkeys, or art islands, these itineraries unlock the Land of the Rising Sun's secrets.
Golden Route Highlights
Tokyo's Energy
Begin in Tokyo, where Shibuya Crossing thrums with 3,000 pedestrians per light cycle. Visit Sensō-ji Temple (free entry) and teamLab Planets (¥3,800/~€24) for digital art immersion. Stay at Nine Hours Shinjuku (¥5,000/~€31 pod hotel) or splurge on Park Hotel Tokyo (¥30,000/~€190/night).
Kyoto's Culture
Ride the Shinkansen (¥13,080/~€83 with JR Pass) to Kyoto. Explore Fushimi Inari's 10,000 torii gates (free) and Kinkaku-ji's gold-leaf pavilion (¥500/~€3.20). Dine on kaiseki at Kikunoi (¥15,000/~€95).
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These 3 cities are cheaper, quieter, and more fun when you go against the calendar!
Nara & Osaka
Day-trip to Nara (¥710/~€4.50 train) to feed deer (¥200/~€1.30 crackers). In Osaka, devour takoyaki at Dōtonbori (¥600/~€3.80) and ascend Umeda Sky Building (¥1,500/~€9.50).
Hiroshima's History
Pay respects at the Peace Memorial Museum (¥200/~€1.30). Stay at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (¥12,000/~€76/night). Ferry to Miyajima (¥2,000/~€13 round-trip) for floating Itsukushima Shrine (¥300/~€1.90).
Alpine Adventures
Nagano's Treasures
From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (¥8,500/~€54) to Nagano. Visit Zenkō-ji Temple (free) and meet snow monkeys at Jigokudani Park (¥800/~€5).
Matsumoto's Castle
Train to Matsumoto (¥2,540/~€16) to explore Matsumoto-jō (¥700/~€4.50), Japan's oldest wooden castle. Stay at Nunoya ryokan (¥15,000/~€95) with onsen baths.
Kamikōchi Hikes
Bus into Kamikōchi (¥4,700/~€30 round-trip) for trails like Kappa Bridge to Taishō Pond (2 hours). Lodges like Kamikōchi Lemeiesta (¥10,000/~€63) book early.
Takayama & Shirakawa-gō
Wander Takayama's Sanmachi Suji (free), sampling Hida food (¥2,500/~€16). Bus to Shirakawa-gō (¥2,600/~€16) for gasshō-zukuri farmhouses (¥600/~€3.80 entry).
Kanazawa's Gardens
Conclude in Kanazawa, where Kenroku-en Garden (¥320/~€2) rivals Kyoto's best. Savor gold-leaf ice cream (¥1,000/~€6.30) in the Higashi Chaya District.
Shikoku Road Trip
Naoshima Art Island
Ferry from Okayama to Naoshima (¥520/~€3.30) to see Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins. Stay at Benesse House (¥40,000/~€253/night), a art-integrated hotel.
Takamatsu's Udon
Drive to Takamatsu, home of sanuki udon (¥500/~€3.20 at Kamatensho). Stroll Ritsurin Garden (¥410/~€2.60), a 17th-century masterpiece.
Iya Valley Mystique
Navigate Iya Valley's vine bridges (¥550/~€3.50 entry). Stay at Iya Onsen (¥20,000/~€127), a cliffside hot spring retreat.
Kōchi's Castle
Explore Kōchi-jō (¥420/~€2.70), one of Japan's 12 original castles. Feast at Hirome Market on katsuo no tataki (¥1,200/~€7.60).
Matsuyama's Onsen
Soak in Dōgo Onsen (¥1,500/~€9.50), a 3,000-year-old bathhouse. Stay at Dōgo Kan (¥25,000/~€158), a historic ryokan.
Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: ¥5,000–40,000/day (~€31–253)
- Transport: 7-day JR Pass ¥29,650 (~€188); rental cars ¥8,000/day (~€51)
- Food: ¥1,000–15,000/day (~€6.30–95)
- Attractions: ¥300–3,800/entry (~€1.90–24)
Essential Tips
- Book Shinkansen seats early via SmartEX app.
- Visit Miyajima at high tide for iconic shrine photos.
- Rent an EcoCute car charger for Shikoku's remote routes.
Conclusion
Japan's magic lies in its contrasts—skyscrapers shadowing shinto shrines, onsen steam rising in alpine valleys. Whether tracing the Golden Route or winding through Shikoku's heart, each journey etches memories deeper than cherry blossoms in spring.