Itinerary
- Day 1
Flight to Japan
Your journey starts with a night flight heading toward Japan. As you settle in with your music playing, you'll catch the sunrise breaking across the horizon in reds and whites, like flying straight into the Japanese flag itself. Welcome to the land of cherry blossoms and bullet trains.
- Day 2
Arrival in Sapporo
You land in Hokkaido and make your way to the train station on your own, passing through rolling hills, green fields, and small villages. Once you reach Sapporo, the city's energy hits you right away with bustling streets, modern buildings mixed alongside traditional shops, and the unmistakable smell of fresh ramen hanging in the air.
Landmarks Sapporo 
- Day 3
Sapporo City Exploration
Start your self-guided walk at Sapporo's TV Tower in the city center, which is modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. From there, head to nearby Odori Park with its colorful flowerbeds, fountains, and sculptures. If you're interested, you can rent a kimono and take photos at the Clock Tower, then take the cable car up Mount Moiwa for wide views of the city.
Optional Activities
- Kimono rental in Sapporo (payable on site)
- Cable car ride up Mount Moiwa (payable locally)
Landmarks Sapporo TV Tower Odori Park Sapporo Clock Tower Mount Moiwa - Day 4
Sapporo to Otaru
Take a short train ride to Otaru, a charming harbor town known for canals that remind you of Venice. Walk along the Otaru Canal where old warehouses have been turned into cafes and shops. Spend time having coffee by the water, and you'll understand why Otaru is famous for its sushi. End with optional rainbow soft ice cream that stacks up to 12 layers high.
Optional Activities
- Train to Otaru (payable locally)
- Coffee break at canal-side cafés (payable locally)
- Sushi dining experience
- Rainbow soft ice cream (payable on site)
Landmarks Otaru Canal Otaru 
- Day 5
Sapporo to Noboribetsu
Head to the train station and travel to Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido's most visited spots for its hot springs and the dramatic Valley of Hell. If you arrive early enough, hunt for eleven demon statues scattered throughout town, including an 18-meter-high statue at the freeway exit, a quirky local tradition connected to the area's volcanic history.
Landmarks Noboribetsu Valley of Hell 
- Day 6
Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Hot Springs
Just a few minutes' walk from town sits Hell Valley, which lives up to its name with steaming geysers, bleached rocks, and sulfurous smells rising from the earth in the middle of a vast crater. The main activity is soaking in one of Noboribetsu's famous hot springs, and the town has nine different types, each with unique mineral content believed to offer different health benefits.
Optional Activities
- Hot spring bathing at local onsen
Landmarks Valley of Hell - Day 7
Noboribetsu to Lake Toya
Board the train and enjoy the scenic countryside as you head toward Lake Toya, changing trains in Toyako. The deep blue volcanic crater lake comes into view, nearly circular and surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, a sight considered must-see across all of Japan. Drop off your luggage, then head to Lake Hill Farm on the west coast for great views and homemade ice cream surrounded by green meadows, goats, and mountain vistas.
Optional Activities
- Train to Lake Hill Farm (payable locally)
- Homemade ice cream at Lake Hill Farm (payable on site)
Landmarks Lake Toya Lake Hill Farm 
- Day 8
Lake Toya and Mount Usu
Take a walk along Lake Toya with mountains reflected in the glistening water as your backdrop. Ride the cable car up Mount Usu for fresh mountain air and wildflower scents, then take in 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and clouds. If you have time, you can take a train to nearby Sobetsu to see the scenic Sobetsu Waterfall.
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride up Mount Usu (payable on site)
- Train to Sobetsu and Sobetsu Waterfall (payable locally)
Landmarks Lake Toya Mount Usu Sobetsu Waterfall 
- Day 9
Lake Toya to Tokyo
Say goodbye to Hokkaido as you fly to Tokyo. Walking through Tokyo's urban landscape will shake off any travel fatigue, with huge, loud, colorful streets that somehow flow with order. Stop at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart convenience stores for quality snacks like rice balls and sandwiches. Hunt down steaming bowls of ramen on street corners and get your first real taste of Tokyo's food scene.
Landmarks Tokyo - Day 10
Tokyo Districts: Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku
Check out Tokyo's trendiest neighborhoods starting in Shibuya, where Hachiko, the famous dog statue, sits outside the station. See Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection where thousands of people cross all at once. Head to Harajuku for kawaii fashion and colorful Takeshita Street, then dive into Shinjuku's sea of lights for shopping, Golden Gai's tiny bars, karaoke, or the game centers.
Optional Activities
- Observation Deck in Shibuya Scramble Square (ticket available on site)
Landmarks Hachiko Statue Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Scramble Square Harajuku Takeshita Street Shinjuku Golden Gai - Day 11
Tokyo to Nagano
Take the train to Nagano, situated at the foot of the Japanese Alps. Pick up your Japan Rail Pass at the station and check in to your accommodation. Walk around the beautiful area near Zenkoji Temple with its small alleyways, old wooden houses, and cozy shops that feel peaceful and welcoming. If you have time, relax at the hot springs near your accommodation.
Included Activities
- Japan Rail Pass pickup at Nagano station
Optional Activities
- Hot spring bathing at accommodation
Landmarks Zenkoji Temple Nagano Japanese Alps - Day 12
Nagano Snow Monkey Park
Visit Snow Monkey Park, known worldwide as the only place where wild monkeys bathe in natural hot springs. Watch these primates soaking in steaming pools, a sight that draws visitors from around the globe. Their human-like gestures and behaviors make them fascinating to watch, so bring your camera ready for memorable photos of this unique experience.
Included Activities
- Entrance to Snow Monkey Park
Landmarks Snow Monkey Park - Day 13
Nagano to Chino Farmstay
Travel by train to your farmstay accommodation at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains near Chino. This unique spot is a beautifully restored traditional farmhouse with special architectural character and hidden artistic paintings throughout. Step outside to find fantastic views of vast fields and majestic mountains. The neighborhood feels like a fairy tale with old farmhouses, traditional warehouses, and well-tended vegetable fields against high mountain backdrops.
Included Activities
- Farmstay accommodation with traditional setting
Landmarks Yatsugatake Mountains Chino - Day 14
Chino Cooking Experience and Journey to Kyoto
Start with a cooking class where locals guide you through traditional farmhouse recipes, preparing a delicious breakfast with views of the rural landscape. After eating, head to the train station for your journey to Kyoto. Visit Nishiki Market, a must-see for food lovers, where street food stalls and souvenir shops tempt you. Finish with an evening walk through Kyoto's old imperial city atmosphere, then explore the cozy Pontocho alley with its bars and restaurants tucked between old wooden facades.
Included Activities
- Traditional cooking experience at farmstay
Optional Activities
- Street food and shopping at Nishiki Market
Landmarks Nishiki Market Pontocho Alley Kamo River Kyoto 
- Day 15
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizudera
See the Instagram-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless rows of bright red torii gates forming shimmering tunnels. Small fox statues watch from every corner as messengers of deity Inari. Hike up to Yotsutsuji viewing platform for sweeping views of Kyoto spread below. Visit Kiyomizudera Temple with its pagodas and wooden halls for sunset views, then walk through magical old alleyways of Higashiyama and Gion as lanterns light up.
Landmarks Fushimi Inari Shrine Inari Mountain Yotsutsuji Viewing Platform Kiyomizudera Temple Higashiyama District Gion District - Day 16
Kyoto: Arashiyama, Temple Circuit and Golden Pavilion
Get up early for Arashiyama's bamboo forest in western Kyoto, where meter-high stalks sway gently while sunrays break through creating surreal light. Continue to Tenryu-ji Temple with its Zen garden nestled against mountains. Then visit the glittering golden Kinkaku-ji pavilion, or seek the quieter Ginkaku-ji silver pavilion away from crowds for peaceful contemplation.
Optional Activities
- Tenryu-ji Temple admission (payable on site)
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) visit
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) visit
Landmarks Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Tenryu-ji Temple Kinkaku-ji Ginkaku-ji - Day 17
Kyoto to Mount Fuji Area
Leave Kyoto and head to Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous volcano. Check in to your accommodation, and if the weather is clear, you'll catch glimpses of Fuji-san from your room. Visit the Mishima Sky Walk, a 400-meter-long suspension bridge through deep green forest. Walk across for great Mount Fuji views while enjoying fresh mountain air, colorful trees, and flowers around you.
Optional Activities
- Mishima Sky Walk suspension bridge crossing (payable on site)
Landmarks Mount Fuji Mishima Sky Walk 
- Day 18
Mount Fuji: Shiraito Park and Mount Omuro
Visit Shiraito Nature Park in Shizuoka Province to see Mount Fuji up close. The park's main feature is Shiraito Waterfall with numerous cascades that resemble white threads. Alternatively, take a cable car up extinct volcano Mount Omuro and walk the crater rim surrounded by grass. The views include the sea, green surroundings, and Mount Fuji in the distance.
Optional Activities
- Shiraito Nature Park visit
- Cable car ride up Mount Omuro (payable on site)
Landmarks Shiraito Nature Park Shiraito Waterfall Mount Omuro - Day 19
Mount Fuji to Tokyo Capsule Hotel
Take one last look at Mount Fuji before boarding the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Check in to a quirky capsule hotel for a unique Japanese experience, or upgrade to a regular hotel room if you prefer more space. After settling in, head to an izakaya to toast your adventure and order your favorite Japanese food.
Included Activities
- Shinkansen journey back to Tokyo
Optional Activities
- Hotel room upgrade from capsule accommodation
Landmarks Tokyo - Day 20
Departure from Tokyo
Time to leave Japan behind. Make a final stop at a convenience store to pack onigiri (rice balls) and your favorite snacks for the journey. Head to the airport for your flight home, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences from the past weeks.
Landmarks Tokyo - Day 21
Arrival Home
You arrive home with a suitcase full of memories and stories to tell. Unpack your wildest experiences, share your best photos, and let everyone travel with you through your tales of Japan, from the craziest moments to the best destinations and tastiest discoveries.
