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A more off-the-beaten-path journey from Tokyo through Hokuriku, Hida, and the San’in region to Hiroshima. Ideal for travelers seeking traditional culture, castle towns, and regional craftsmanship while avoiding crowds.
Route
Tokyo → Hokuriku (Kanazawa, Toyama) → Takayama → Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka) → San’in (Tottori, Shimane) → Hiroshima → Tokyo or Osaka
Days 1–3: Tokyo (3 nights)
- Asakusa and Sensoji Temple
- Ueno or Meiji-jingu Shrine
- Shibuya and Shinjuku
- Day trip to Kamakura or Nikko
- Sushi, ramen, and izakaya cuisine
Day 4: Tokyo → Toyama (1 night)
- Great Buddha of Takaoka
- Zuiryuji Temple
- Toyama Glass Art Museum if time permits
- Scenery of the Tateyama Mountain Range
Additional recommendations available in the seasonal itineraries
Day 5: Toyama → Kanazawa (1 night)
- Kenrokuen Garden
- Higashi Chaya District
- Omicho Market for seafood
- Nagamachi Samurai District
- Gold leaf or craft experience
Day 6: Kanazawa → Takayama (1 night)
- Old town streets
- Morning market
- Hida beef
Day 7: Tsumago (1 night)
- Travel via Nakatsugawa or Kiso-Fukushima (2-3 hours)
- Walk the historic Nakasendo Highway
- Stay in Tsumago(Nakasendo)
Day 8: Tsumago → Kyoto (1 night)
- Travel via Nagoya (Limited Express and Shinkansen, around 3 hours)
Day 9: Kyoto (1 night)
- Ninna-ji Temple
- Uji: matcha experience and Byodoin Temple
Additional recommendations available in the seasonal itineraries
Day 10: Kyoto → Tottori (1 night)
- Limited Express (around 2.5 hours)
- Tottori Sand Dunes
- Sand Museum
Day 11: Tottori → Matsue (1 night)
- Matsue Castle
- Sunset views over Lake Shinji
- Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence
Day 12: Matsue → Izumo → Osaka
- Izumo Oyashiro (Izumo Taisha), one of Japan’s most important shrines
- Travel to Osaka (around 2.5 hours)
Day 13: Osaka
Additional recommendations available in the seasonal itineraries
Transportation Tips
- JR Pass (14-day) highly recommended
