Travel itinerary for Japan: these are the places you want to see

Stop 1: Tokyo

Tokyo is a large city with a wide variety of neighborhoods. You can spend days there without seeing the same thing twice. Shop in the surprising shopping street Takeshita-Dori in the Harajuku district. Take a leisurely walk through Japan's first public park, Ueno Koen, and visit the National Museum there to learn more about Japan. Go with a local guide to see must-see attractions, such as the famous Shibuya crossing, the temples in Ueno Park, and Shinto shrines. Along the way, you'll learn about the culture and history of Tokyo and daily life in this bustling metropolis.

^{Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash}

Stop 2: The Five Lakes District and Mount Fuji

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and travel to the Five Lakes District, or the Fujigoko region. These five lakes lie at the foot of the iconic Mount Fuji. Wherever you go, the peak of the cone-shaped mountain is usually visible. The view from a canoe on one of the lakes is particularly beautiful. Bring lunch ingredients with you in the boat and paddle to a spot with the best view of the mountain. If you prefer something a bit more exciting, Fuji-Q amusement park is just a bit further away. The views over the lakes at sunrise and sunset are perhaps the most stunning, so consider spending a night in a hotel or minshuku (guesthouse) in the region.

^{Photo: Filiz Elaerts / Unsplash}

Stop 3: The Japanese Alps

Mount Fuji isn’t the only mountain in Japan. Rent a car and take a scenic drive through the Japanese Alps. With snow-capped peaks, scree slopes, and green meadows, they bear some resemblance to the European Alps. The houses in the villages here are also wooden, but they have a very different architectural style. Magome and Tsumago are two picturesque medieval towns where you can see this clearly. An added bonus is that you can walk from one town to the other, which is about an eight-kilometer trek through the Kiso Valley. The route partially follows an important trade route that used to run through the forests and fields.

^{Photo links: Magome / Maxx Gong / Unsplash, Foto rechts: Tsumago / Tobias Wilden / Unsplash}

Stop 4: Takayama

Drive further into the Alps to the ancient city of Takayama. The city is known for its locally brewed sake, which you must try! Stroll through the historic streets and visit a sake brewery. Check out the historic Sanmachi Suji district and the Hida-no-Sato folk museum, where you can learn more about life in the surrounding countryside in the past.

^{Photo: Rogério Toledo / Unsplash}

Stop 5: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is located on Honshu Island along the Sea of Japan. This city is home to the samurai district Nagamachi. Walk along the traditional houses where samurai and their families lived during the Edo period. Also, visit the exclusive tea houses in the Higashi Geisha district, where geishas used to sing and dance for their clients. Kanazawa is also famous for its Japanese garden art. You should visit Kenrokuen, where you can immerse yourself in a painting amid the many tea houses, ponds, waterfalls, and perfectly trimmed plants.

^{Photo: Erik / Unsplash}

Stop 6: Kyoto

Temples, pagodas, gardens, and a bamboo forest: Kyoto embodies Japanese culture and tradition. Wander through the streets and step into local restaurants to discover the local culture. The best way to explore Kyoto is by bicycle, especially if a guide joins you. Don’t miss the Torii Fushimi Inari Shrine just outside the city. You can reach it via a four-kilometer path lined with thousands of red torii gates (traditional Japanese sacred gateways).

^{Photo: Sorasak / Unsplash}

Request your ready-made route through japan without obligation

Do you want to see the mountains, cities, and shrines of Japan with your own eyes? Request information about Riksja Travel's 15-day Japan tour by clicking on 'Request this tour.' This specialist in adventurous round trips can fully customize the sample itinerary to your preferences. They also provide a good rental car, comfortable accommodations, and local tips.

This blog was written in collaboration with Riksja Travel. For more information, visit Riksja Travel's website and request the 15-day tour without obligation.