7-day itinerary · Asia
One week in Japan
A balanced route with memorable places, humane travel days and room for discovery.
Route overview
Seven days, thoughtfully paced
Japan can be kinetic and meditative in the same day. Balance Tokyo and Kyoto with a smaller town, a mountain onsen or a slow train into the countryside. This itinerary connects three rewarding experiences without packing every day with long transfers.
Day by day
Eat your way through Osaka
Begin with eat your way through osaka. Keep the first evening light so there is time to settle into the local rhythm.
Stay in a traditional ryokan
Build the middle of the week around stay in a traditional ryokan. Stay two nights to avoid turning the journey into a race.
Cycle the islands of the Shimanami Kaido
Continue with cycle the islands of the shimanami kaido, choosing a locally owned base and leaving one afternoon open.
A slow final day in Japan
Return to a favourite neighbourhood, market or viewpoint before the journey home.
Make it work
Route notes
- ✓ Use luggage forwarding between cities
- ✓ Carry some cash for smaller businesses
- ✓ Learn basic etiquette before visiting
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