Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. I have a special affinity for it as my uncle lived there for years and met his partner while there who is half Japanese. The country has so much to offer from vibrant cities to serene countrysides to mountains and beaches with so many temples and amazing food dotted along the way.
If (or hopefully when) festivals are back on, the Japanese know how to put them on right! One of my favorites trips was to Mount Fuji for some hiking and then the Fuji Rock Festival. There is amazing food, think everything from Japanese Curry and sushi to burgers and pizza, as well as onsens nearby to soak in after a long day/night dancing on your feet.
It’s a relatively small country and with the high speed trains, the Shinkansen, it’s easy to get around so you can fit a lot into one trip!
This itinerary is a good intro. It has some city, some countryside and a relaxing beach to finish it off.
- Tokyo – for everything (food, nightlight, shopping, temples, etc.)
- Hakone – to relax at the onsens
- Mount Fuji – for hiking
- Fuji Rock – if you’re into festivals!
- Kyoto – for hiking and temple hopping
- Osaka – for the food
- Kobe – for more food, more hiking & more onsens
- Okinawa – for the beaches
