DEPART your Sendai Hotel & Grab Breakfast at Mori no Ichiba (Forest Market)

Begin your day with a visit to a small local market where locals shop for produce, handmade tofu and pickles. Grab an onigiri or zunda mochi (Sendai's sweet soybean speciality) and a coffee to go.

VISIT the Historic Town of Akiu Onsen Village

You can either hire a driver or rental car, or the bus from Sendai Station takes about 50 minutes.
This quaint onsen village has been serving travelers since the Edo period. Walk through the local artisan shops - you'll find woodworkers, kokeshi doll painters and local sake brewers. You can try a kokeshi painting experience at Akiu Craft Park or wine tasting at Akiu Winery.

LUNCH at a Local Soba House

HEAD BACK to Sendai & Enjoy Dinner in the Backstreets of Kokubuncho

Skip the big izakayas - dive into alleyway bars & restaurants in Iroha Yokocho, a tiny maze of local drinking dens and mom-and-pop eateries. Try local specialties like gyutan(beef tongue), vegetable oden & local sake and beer.

TAKE THE FERRY to Miyajima Island

Travel by the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (approximately 25 minutes) + 10 minute ferry ride.
Head to Miyajima, a sacred island known for its serene forests, ancient temples & one of Japan's most iconic views - the floating torii gate.

VISIT Daisho-in Temple

Stop by Daisho-in Temple - visit the peaceful meditation hall, spinning mantra wheels, and spot the hundreds of small rakan statues with unique facial expressions.

HIKE MOUNT MISEN via the Daisho-in Trail

Skip the ropeway and hike the Daisho-in Trail, a shaded path through the forest and mossy stone steps, dotted with Buddhist statues & quiet meditation spots. The walk is moderate difficulty, about 1.5 hours up. At the summit there are panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea & distant islands. (You can also return by ropeway)

LOCAL LUNCH

Enjoy seasonal grilled oysters, or anago-meshi (grilled sea eel over rice) along with Miyajima grown vegetables at a local restaurant. Try Yakigaki No Hayashi, Kakiya or Mametanuki.

VISIT Itsukushima Shrine

Don't miss a stop at this iconic torii gate that appears to float on the water during high tide.

FERRY BACK to Hiroshima & Peace Memorial Park

Return to the mainland & head straight to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Quiet your mind & walk among the memorials, cenotaphs & paper cranes. You can also visit the Peace Memorial Museum - deeply moving and important.

EXPLORE Shukkeien Garden

End the day with a calming stroll through Shukkeien, a traditional landscape garden just 15 minutes from the Peace Park. Small, but exquisite, with koi ponds, bamboo groves and beautiful seasonal flowers.

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.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE at Blue Bottle Coffee (Kiyosumi-Shirakawa)

Start your day in Tokyo's "coffee mecca" at the sleek, minimalist cafe in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. It's in a renovated warehouse & offers light breakfast options, great pour-overs, & strong English signage.

EXPLORE A "BOOK TOWN" at Jimbocho

Head to Jimbocho, Tokyo's famed "Book Town". It's a paradise for bibliophiles, with over 150 second hand bookstores. English friendly highlights are Kitazawa Bookstore (best English Language Collection), Isseido Books (Art & Antique titles), and Taco Che (Quirky & Manga).

LUNCH at DILL COFFEE PARLOR (next to Sanseido Bookstore)

Rest your feet & grab a light lunch at Dill Coffee Parlor, located close to the large Sanseido Bookstore. They serve light meals, coffee & sandwiches in a modern atmosphere.

VISIT A CURATED BOOKSTORE at Bunkitsu (Roppongi)

Take the subway to Roppongi & head to Bunkitsu, a
beautifully designed bookstore-meets-art-gallery. The
entry fee includes a free drink and there are lots of
inspiring art, design and philosophy books in Japanese & English.

TEA & CAKE at Aoyama Book Centre (Omotesando)

A short walk from Roppongi, this stylish bookshop is known for its art & fashion sections & quiet cafe. Great for browsing visually rich titles & relaxing.

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.

START THE DAY at Ohori Park

Kick things off with a peaceful stroll around Ohori Park, Fukuoka's urban oasis. The large pond, stone bridges and lotus gardens offer an atmospheric, almost Zen-like start to the day. If you need a morning coffee there's also a Starbucks with outdoor seating open from 7:00 in the park grounds.

VISIT Atago Shrine

Enter via Atago Otojiro Inari Shrine and climb the steps to reach Atago Shrine with its stunning city views. On the way stop for a traditional sweets break at Atago Iwaiya which opens at 9:00 each day.

EXPLORE ITOSHIMA PENINSULA

Less than an hour's drive out of Fukuoka City is the Itoshima Coast, a paradise of hidden beaches, surfer cafes and artist studios. Rent surfboards or bikes at Futamigaura, and explore beaches and iconic views at Sakurai
& Couple Rock. Have lunch at one of the many cafes along the beautiful coast.

OPTIONAL Craft Experience

If you want to add another adventure into the day then a pottery workshop at Shima Studio is worth considering. This hands-on experience with real artisans give you the option of trying a potters wheel or trying decorative techiniques.

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

BREAKFAST at Your Hotel

For guests with families we recommend staying at OMO7 Hotel in the centre of Asahikawa City - the breakfast buffet is great for kids of all ages

VISIT Asahiyama Zoo

From Asahikawa City it takes about 30 minutes by car or bus to reach the zoo. This beloved spot is famous for its interactive animal enclosures. Families love watching seals swim overhead in a glass tunnel or penguins waddling close by in winter.

LUNCH at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Choose your favourite ramen from 8 famous shops on one spot. Many offer half size portions - perfect for kids or trying more than one.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITY

In spring - autumn, adventure awaits on a
paddle board tour on the Ishikari River.
Glide across the water surrounded by the
vibrant landscape of Hokkaido. For younger children, spend a more relaxing afternoon at Ueno Farm - a storybook-like landscape that

offers a flower scavenger hunt sheet for kids.
In winter, take a family ski lesson with a private instructor at Kamui Links - a ski resort loved by locals and perfect for families and beginners.

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

DEPART your Tokyo Hotel

Either take the JR Saikyo Line to Kawagoe or choose this day as one to use a private driver for the journey of just over 1 hour.

EXPLORE KURAZUKURI STREET

Explore the Edo-era style buildings in the heart of Kawagoe's historic district, with their distinctive clay and tile construction. Many of these buildings have been converted into souvenirs shops, or small restaurants selling local delicacies.

VISIT HIKAWA SHRINE & Bell Tower

Spend time at Hikawa Shrine, built around 1500 years ago during the Kofun period, and then take in Tokinokane, the bell tower that is still rung 4 times throughout the day in Kawagoe.

UNAGI LUNCH at one of Kawagoe's High Quality Restaurants

Enjoy a speciality eel lunch at Ogakiku, Hayashiya or Ichinoya. If you don't like eel, then the local soba is also amazing.

VISIT CANDY ALLEY

Kashiya Yokocho, literally "Candy Alley", is a little shopping street adjacent to the warehouse district lined with stores selling traditional Japanese sweets & cakes.

SAKE TASTING at Koedo Kurari

Finish your day trying local sake in Koedo Kurari, spread over the three buildings of the Kagamiyama Brewery, founded in 1875.

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.

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

DEPART your Kyoto Hotel

Either take the JR Sagano Line or choose this day as one to use a private driver or guide to take you around. We recommend leaving early to beat the crowds.

ARRIVE IN ARASHIYAMA & Have Breakfast 'Espresso and'

On the way to Tenru-ji Temple, have a breakfast stop at this delicious local coffee and bread store to get fueled up for the walking day ahead.

EXPLORE Tenryu-ji Temple Grounds & Walk Through the Bamboo Grove

Approach one of Kyoto's most iconic sights, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, from the side gate of Tenryu-ji Temple. Take your time standing amongst the soaring stalks of bamboo and explore the pathways throughout.

VISIT Iwatayama Monkey Park

Arashiyama Monkey Park is located on top of Mount Arashiyama, and boasts around 120 snow monkeys (Japanese Macaque). The monkeys are not caged and roam freely in the park, so although they are fed by staff, be careful when they approach..

LUNCH, such as Tofu at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy lunch at one of the atmospheric small restaurants in Arashiyama, such as the famous tofu lunch sets at Yudofu Sagano.

STROLL Through Okochi Sanso Villa

Stroll and try the matcha at Okochi Sanso Villa, located in the foothills of Mount Ogura.

BOAT RIDE Or Sweets Break

Enjoy a traditional boat ride on the Hozugawa River, or just take a relaxing sweets break in the area.

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.

LOCAL BREAKFAST at Osaka Kizu Market

Start your day at Osaka's largest wholesale market with a history of over 300 years. There are many small restaurants and places to try delicious local ingredients. If not, head to Brooklyn Roasting Company for excellent coffee & toast with yuzu jam.

EXPLORE one of Japan's Longest Shopping Streets at Tenjinbashi-suji

Walk this 2.6km long shotengai filled with local greengrocers, family owned rice cracker shops, old-school kissaten (cafes) and Showa-era clothing stores. Grab snacks like mochi or potato yokan from local confectionery stores.

VISIT Osaka Museum of Housing & Living

Still in Tenjinbashi, head upstairs in this humble building to explore a life sized replica of an Edo-period Osaka neighbourhood. Not crowded, great for families and photos - and you can even rent a yukata to try.

LOCAL LUNCH at Tsuruhashi Koreatown

Travel 20 minutes by JR Loop Line to Tsuruhashi - Osaka's hidden culinary powerhouse, that offers a unique blend of Korean culture & Japanese influence. Tsuruhashi is a haven for food lovers, boasting numerous restaurants serving authentic Korean dishes like yakiniku, tteokbokki and various types of kimchi.

EXPLORE Higashi-Osaka's Fabric & Knife District

Travel 25 minutes by train (Kintetsu & Nankai Lines to Sakai). Visit this artisan town famous for its handmade kitchen knives & incense. Tour a Sakai knife studio & see blacksmiths at work, visit Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum or take an incense workshop for a calming sensory break.