JAPAN beyond
Multi-day TOUR
Konnichiwa, and welcome!
We’re so glad you’ve found your way to this guide.
Whether it’s your first time in Japan or your fifth, this little eBook is packed with something special: 15 thoughtfully crafted itineraries to help you explore Japan not just as a tourist, but as a curious guest—someone who’s ready to slow down, look a little closer, and connect with the real spirit of this incredible country.
This guide was lovingly created by the team at Japan Beyond—a group of long-term residents, both Japanese and from overseas, who share a deep love for travel that brings people together.
We’ve wandered through quiet mountain villages, soaked in remote hot springs, joined fire festivals, and sat at tiny izakaya counters where nobody speaks English—but where everyone smiles anyway.
We believe that travel is more than checking off sights. It’s about conversations with locals, discovering regional foods, taking the local train that winds through rice fields, and leaving with stories that no guidebook could have predicted.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of itineraries— from 1-day city walks to week-long rural escapes—each designed to help you:
* Step off the beaten path (without getting totally lost!)
* Experience the rhythm of daily life in different parts of Japan
* Support local communities and businesses
* Build memories that go deeper than your photo album
So grab a cup of tea, flip through these pages, and let yourself dream. Japan is waiting—and we hope this guide helps you see it through new eyes.
Happy travels,
The Japan Beyond Team
multi-day
5-Day Family Friendly Okinawa Tour
PERFECT FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
ARRIVAL & Churaumi Ocean Wonders
Arrive at Naha Airport & drive to northern Okinawa (around 2 hours). Stop at Cape Manzamo for scenic cliff views, and visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium for the afternoon. In the evening, have dinner in a local izakaya and try Okinawan dishes like rafute and goya champuru.
Stay at a hotel or resort near Motobu or Bise
BEACH DAY & Ryukyu Village Experience
In the morning, swim & relax at Emerald Beach (safe for families), with an optional glass bottom boat ride.
In the afternoon, visit Ryukyu Mura Cultural Village where you can watch Eisa dance & try crafts like bingata dyeing.
Enjoy a dinner with live Okinawan music near Onna. Stay at Onna or remain in Motobu area
ISLAND ADVENTURE & Local Cooking
Take the ferry to Ie Island or Sesoko Island for nature walks & beach play - or optional snorkeling or kayak rental.
Return & take an Okinawan cooking class as a family.
Stay at central Okinawa accommodation.
SHURIJO CASTLE & Market Bites
Drive to Naha and stop at Araha Beach on the way.
Visit Shujiro Castle ruins, gardens & museum.
Have lunch at Makishi Public Market where you can try taco rice & Okinawan soba noodles. Explore Tsuboya pottery street & consider joining a simple pottery workshop.
Stay in Naha city.
LOCAL SOUVENIRS & Departure
Take a morning visit to Okinawa World or Fukushu-en-Garden. Shop at Kokusai-dori for local crafts, snacks, crafts or shosa statues.
Return rental car and fly out of Naha Airport
4-Day Japan Tea Lover’s Tour
A MULTI-DAY FROM KANSAI AIRPORT/OSAKA STATION
Arrival & Introduction to Uji – The Heart of Japanese Tea
Meet your bilingual guide and transfer to Uji, the birthplace of Japanese matcha.
In the late morning, visit Byodo-in Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Check out the famous Phoenix Hall featured on the 10 yen coin & surrounded by a scenic garden—perfect for a reflective walk (includes a small but informative tea museum!)
Next visit Uji Tea Museum (Taiho-an) where you can learn about the history and cultivation of Uji tea and participate in a formal matcha tea ceremony hosted by a tea master in a traditional tea house.
In the evening, have dinner at a Uji Kaiseki Restaurant that features tea-infused dishes such as matcha soba, hojicha rice, and green tea ice cream
Stay at a traditional ryokan in Uji with private onsen (tea bath options available)
Uji to Wazuka – Tea Fields and Farmer Experiences
In the morning, transfer to Wazuka Town (40 min). This quiet town has over 800
years of tea farming history - a hidden gem of Japanese tea.
Take a Tea Plantation Walking Tour where you stroll through beautiful tea terraces with scenic mountain views & learn about organic and traditional cultivation practices. Try a Tea Picking Experience (seasonal) & hand-pick tea leaves with local farmers (spring or early summer) & learn how the terrain and microclimate influence flavor.
In the afternoon, have lunch at Wazuka Tea Farm Café - a farm-to-table meal with dishes featuring fresh tea leaves, vegetables, and tea-seasoned tempura.
Then experience a Tea Factory Tour & Tasting. See how tea leaves are steamed, rolled, and dried and have a tasting session of sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha.
In the evening, transfer to Kyoto (1.5 hr)
We recommend staying at Machiya-style accommodation in Kyoto with tea amenities.
Kyoto – Culture, Matcha & Tea Crafts
In the morning begin at Ippodo Tea Co. Flagship Store, Kaboku Tea Room. Here you can experience a guided tasting session of premium sencha, matcha, and gyokuro. Next take a walk through Nishiki Market, and sample tea-related snacks like matcha warabi mochi, hojicha pudding, and matcha salt crisps.
For lunch, try modern tea-inspired dining at “Saryo Suisen”.
In the afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery District and discover ceramic tea ware used in traditional tea ceremonies. Optional activities could include a pottery-making experience to create your own yunomi (tea cup) or a Tea Ceremony at Camellia Flower Teahouse (Kyoto Higashiyama) where you learn the etiquette, preparation, and symbolism of tea.
In the evening why not take a guided walk through Pontocho alley or Yasaka Shrine.
Stay in Kyoto.
Kyoto to Osaka – Tea Culture in the City & Departure
In the morning transfer to Osaka (1 hr) and visit the Japanese Tea Salon – “Nakamura Tokichi Osaka”. Stroll through Osaka’s Kuromon Market and discover local street foods and shop for last-minute souvenirs.
Try a tea-pairing lunch at “Noka Roast & Grill” (farm-to-table with Japanese herbs and teas), before transferring back to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Station.
5-Day Winter Nature Adventure
IN SHIRETOKO, HOKKAIDO
ARRIVAL at Memanbetsu Airport
Arrive and either pick up your rental car or meet your driver at the airport.
Visit the city of Abashiri where you could take a drift ice cruise, or an ocean kayak for the more adventurous! Abashiri is also home to the Prison Museum, Drift Ice Museum and Museum of Northern People's, which are all worth exploring.
Make your way to Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula..
Furepe Falls Snowshoe & Drift Ice Walk
In the morning, join a guided snowshoe hike to the stunning area of Furepe Falls. After a local lunch at Shiretoko Nature Centre Cafe or near Utoro harbour, experience the drift ice by taking a guided drift ice walk. Here you step out onto the plates of ice wearing a dry suit in a unique winter experience. Warm up at a local onsen and stay a further night in Utoro town.
Rausu Nature Cruise & Sea Eagles
Drive to the other side of Shiretoko Peninsula to take a drift ice and sea eagle cruise at Rausu - one of the best places to see the Stellar Sea Eagles up close. After eating lunch in Shibetsu, renowned for its seafood, in the afternoon journey to Notsuke Peninsula, a magical place where you can snowmobile or snowshoe on the frozen ocean.
Stay in Shibetsu or Nakashibetsu
East Hokkaido's Winter Lakes
Drive to Lake Mashu, and consider taking the snowshoe hike to the beautiful Kami no Ko Pond.
In the afternoon travel to Lake Akan, where you can enjoy the local onsen and surround youself with the native culture of Hokkaido at the Ainu Village.
Stay Lake Akan
To Teshikaga and Depart
Depending on your flight time, stop at Sunayu Beanch (Lake Kussharo), and Mount Io on the way back to Memanbetsu Airport. Bihoro Pass is also a memorable way to say goodbye to Lake Kussharo.
4-Day Family Surf & Nature Adventure
ON THE IZU PENINSULAR
ARRIVAL in Shimoda & Beach Sunset
Travel from Tokyo to Shimoda via Atami (either by train or private transit/rental car). We recommend staying in a guesthouse or accommodation in Shimoda area on the beautiful coast.
Take an afternoon surf lesson or just rent a board and then have dinner at a local izakaya.
Stay: Shimoda (Kisami area)
CAPE EXPLORATION & Surf Session
Enjoy a morning surf lesson or session and then
drive to Cape Tsumekizaki for a gentle hike to the lighthouse. Enjoy lunch at a Shirahama Cafe before visiting Perry Road + optional kids' workshop.
The evening would be perfect for a stargazing beach picnic or onsen.
Stay: Shimoda or Kisami
RETREAT in Forests & Waterfalls
Visit the majestic Kawazu Seven Waterfalls in the morning and enjoy lunch at a soba or wasabi cafe. In the afternoon enjoy the Jogasaki Coast by foot, or take a the chance to try kayaking or cycling in this area. Stay at countryside ryokan with dinner included.
Stay: Ito or Izu-Kogen
NATURE PARK & Return to Tokyo
Visit Izu Shaboten Zoo or Mt. Omuro before having lunch near Ito. Return to Tokyo by train or car. If you have time, some
optional stops on this day would be Atami Plum Garden or MOA Art Museum.
7-Day Intermediate Hiking Tour
IN CENTRAL JAPAN
ARRIVAL in Tokyo & Travel to Nagano
Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and take the Shinkansen (or arrange a car/driver)to Nagano (~1.5 hrs). Check into a ryokan or mountain inn and enjoy dinner locally.
Optional: soak in an onsen to relax before your first hike.
Guided Hike: Togakushi Shrine & Forest Trails (Nagano)
Join a guided hike through the Togakushi Shrine trail (~6 km, moderate). Highlights: Ancient cedar trees, mountain shrines, peaceful forests. Lunch: Handmade Togakushi soba.
Optional: Visit the Ninja Museum or explore more trails.
Self-Guided: Kamikochi Valley
Travel to Kamikochi (via bus/taxi; no cars allowed).
Self-guided hike along the Azusa River (~10 km loop).
Highlights: Myojin Bridge, Taisho Pond, monkeys, mountain views. Stay overnight at a lodge or nearby Hirayu Onsen.
Guided Trek: Norikura Kogen Highland
Guided hike through Norikura's forest and volcanic landscapes (8-12 km).
Highlights: Zengoro Falls, alpine views, peaceful plateaus. Stay in a local guesthouse with hot spring access.
Self-Guided: Nakasendo Trail (Tsumago to Magome)
Travel to Tsumago-juku via train and bus.
Self-guided hike to Magome (~8 km).
Highlights: Edo-era towns, forest trails, traditional architecture. Stay in a minshuku (traditional inn).
Mt. Takao Hike (Tokyo)
Take the train (or drive) to Tokyo, then take the Keio Line to Mt. Takao. Self-guided afternoon hike (Trail #1 or Trail #6, ~6 km).
Highlights: Forest path, mountaintop temple, panoramic views.
Stay near Shinjuku or western Tokyo.
Easy Walk + Departure
Optional short walk in Yoyogi Park or Meiji Shrine.
Spirit of Tōhoku
3-DAY CULTURE & NATURE TOUR
Aomori to Hirosaki – Castles, Apples & Samurai Culture
In the morning, meet & greet with your local English-speaking guide & take a private van or train to Hirosaki City (~45 min)
First, visit Hirosaki Castle & Park. Built in 1611, Hirosaki Castle is one of the few surviving castles from the Edo period in Tōhoku. Explore the castle keep, and enjoy views of Mt. Iwaki (sometimes called the “Mount Fuji of Tsugaru”).
Next is Hirosaki Samurai District (Former Nakamachi Bukeyashiki). Stroll through streets lined with preserved samurai residences.
In the afternoon visit Hirosaki Apple Park. Learn about Tsugaru and Fuji apples, try apple picking, and enjoy homemade apple pies or cider tasting.
For dinner, try a kaiseki-style meal featuring seasonal produce. Local delicacies may include: kenoshiru (miso soup with mountain vegetables), grilled Iwaki char, and apple-based dishes.
Stay in Hirosaki
Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada – Nature's Masterpiece
In the morning, transfer to Oirase Gorge (1.5–2 hours). Oirase Gorge is 14-km forest trail following a crystal-clear stream, famous for waterfalls and moss-covered rocks.
The various paths are easy to moderate level walking (you can do short segments or rent e-bikes). Highlights along the way:
* Choshi Otaki Falls – a 20m-wide waterfall called “Niagara of the East”
* Ashura Stream – known for its photogenic rock patterns and lush greenery
For lunch we recommend a seasonal picnic with a bento
In the afternoon, head to Lake Towada. Visit the Towada Shrine, a peaceful lakeside shrine with a mysterious past tied to mountain worship and Shinto traditions.
Optional short boat cruise for panoramic views of the lake and colorful cliffs.
If time permits, Towada Art Center is a stunning contemporary art museum showcasing both Japanese and international artists.
Stay at a ryokan or hot spring hotel near Lake Towada
Return via Cultural Inland Route – Towada to Aomori via Goshogawara
In the morning, check-out and travel to Goshogawara City (1.5 hrs)
This lesser-known destination offers a deeper look at local identity, music, and craftsmanship.
The first stop is the Tachineputa Museum, showing the 23 metre tall floats from the yearly festival. Watch artisans restoring floats and learn how this regional art form blends mythology, storytelling, and engineering.
Next, Tsugaru Kanayama Pottery Workshop. Try your hand at traditional pottery making with clay from Mt. Iwaki
In the afternoon, return to Aomori City (~1 hr)
Optional stops depending on time and interest:
* Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkodamaru – Learn about sea transport between Honshu and Hokkaido
* A-Factory – Boutique shop near Aomori Station selling apple ciders, jams, and crafts
* Nebuta Warasse Museum – Stunning displays of Aomori's famed summer festival floats
Tottori Adventure Tour
2-DAYS OF FUN, SAND & THRILLS
Dunes, Sand boarding & Manga Madness
Pick up your rental car from Tottori city first thing and drive to the Tottori Sand Dunes area. (15 min drive)
In the morning, base at Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan’s only large-scale sand dune system! Walk, jump, roll down dunes as tall as 50m with sweeping views of the Sea of Japan.
Try sand boarding or fat bike riding on the dunes (available at Surfland or Sakyu Sand Board School). (Wear athletic shoes or sandals and bring sunglasses—it’s bright and windy!)
Afterwards, ride a camel across the dunes for a unique desert experience.
Take the Sakyu Lift for aerial views of the dunes and coastline.
In the afternoon visit The Sand Museum next to the dunes & enjoy mind-blowing sand sculptures by international artists. Each year has a new theme.
Finish sightseeing with Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory in Hokuei Town, a 45 min drive northwest of the dunes. This is a museum dedicated to Detective Conan creator Aoyama Gosho, with interactive displays, cosplay, and fun quizzes.
For dinner in Tottori City, enjoy a local izakaya with great sake, grilled seafood, and a fun atmosphere. Stay in Tottori City. We love Kozeniya - the water viewing garden inn for the natural onsen or Y Pub & Hostel if you’re on a budget.
Mountains, Waterfalls & Cliffside Adventure
Depart for Mount Mitoku first thing (1 hour from Tottori City to Misasa).
In the morning enjoy Mount Mitoku & Nageiredo Temple. This cliffside temple is built into a sheer rock face—reached via a thrilling hike requiring rope climbs and steep paths.
Afterwards, check out Misasa Onsen Town. Stroll this quaint onsen town, try ashiyu (foot baths) and grab onsen manju (sweet buns). We also recommend a local lunch at Cafe Sante.
In the afternoon drive to Amedaki Waterfall, one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. It’s an easy hike through cedar forest & a refreshing spot to cool down or relax.
Finally, don’t miss Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum in Kurayoshi (on route back to Tottori City). It’s a quirky, interactive museum about the region’s famous pears. Taste fresh varieties and pear soft cream. Customizable Add-ons:
* Uradome Coast Kayaking (summer only – San'in Geopark coast)
* Tottori Karo Castle Ruins + History Museum (if you want to add cultural flavor)
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