Once I inform folks I’ve spent months touring via Japan, I get the identical response:

“Good! I’ve at all times needed to see Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.”

And certain—I’ve had my share of magical moments in these locations. I’ve beloved my early mornings wandering Kyoto’s bamboo groves earlier than the tour buses arrive, and had quite a lot of blurry nights belting out 2000s punk pop in Osaka’s tiny karaoke bars. 

However if you’d like extra in your Japan journey than to run from prepare to temple to tea ceremony with everybody else? 

I’ve additionally watched the solar rise over the Pacific from a WWII outpost on Chichijima, a distant Japanese island 1,000 kilometers from Tokyo. I’ve bathed within the steamy hells of Beppu, picnicked below cherry blossoms with strangers-turned-friends in Sapporo, realized to fry and fold gyoza in a stranger’s kitchen, cycled via citrus groves on Setoda, and gotten that magical, crystal clear view of Mt. Fuji from a ship on one of many 5 lakes of Fuji.

So this one’s for the ladies who wish to go deeper–extra hanami and sizzling springs, much less checking containers and operating from place to position on the well-trodden path. 

My 2-week itinerary nonetheless hits main highlights, however leans into the splendidly genuine and stress-free corners of Japan that vacationers typically miss. 

Days 1–2: Tokyo

Sure, Tokyo is on this itinerary, however solely as a result of I’m a realist. It’s removed from my favourite place in Japan, however it is smart to fly into Tokyo. And although it may be a hellish nightmare of the overpriced and overcrowded selection, it’s additionally stuffed with candy little hideaways and alternatives for genuine experiences. 

As a substitute of sprinting from Tokyo Tower to Shibuya Crossing, base your self in Shimokitazawa, Nakameguro, or Koenji—neighborhoods with appeal, thrift shops, and occasional outlets.

My must-dos in Tokyo:

• Go classic purchasing in Shimokitazawa. You could find neat Americana merch, streetwear, unique electronics, and a lot extra! 
• Seize a espresso and people-watch by the Meguro River
• Go to a jazz bar in Shinjuku (I like Pit Inn or Bar Martha)
• Skip paying to go up inside Tokyo Tower and go to the FREE Tokyo Metropolitan Constructing. It has 360-degree views and commentary decks the place you’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji on a transparent day!
• Have a picnic with konbini snacks (sure, the egg sandwiches are that good! I additionally love the spicy fried hen at Household Mart as a straightforward seize and go after I don’t wish to cease for a full meal)
  

Don’t rush. You’ll get pleasure from Tokyo extra when you deal with it like an extended stroll with snacks!

Days 3–5: Mountain air, spas, and artwork: Hakone

Depart the chaos behind and head to Hakone, the place forested hills roll out like a portray. There are open-air artwork museums, cable vehicles with Mt. Fuji views, and stress-free onsens in charming historic lodges. 

My must-dos in Hakone:

• Journey the Hakone Ropeway for volcanic valley views
• Go to the Hakone Open-Air Museum (the rainbow-stained-glass tower is a should, together with the unimaginable Picasso constructing). Get tickets right here!
• Take a look at the Venetian glass museum. It’s notably breathtaking in the summertime, and I beloved it a lot that I introduced my mother-in-law there years after my first go to. 
• Soak within the onsen. After a day of forest bathing, artwork viewing, mountaineering, or river picnicking, you’ll wish to loosen up. Ryokans are conventional Japanese spa lodges with gender separated onsens. Right here’s my favourite price range ryokan in Hakone (and it consists of breakfast and dinner!).
• Take the ship throughout Lake Ashi—tacky, however iconic for the Fuji views and to benefit from the park
  

Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto = ~1.5 hrs on the Odakyu Romancecar

Days 6–8: Sake, Gradual Streets & Snowy Peaks: Takayama

Ever heard of the Japanese Alps? Takayama is a small mountain city that appears like a film set with “previous city” wood homes that line quiet streets. Locals greet you with mushy smiles and heat cups of amazake, a conventional candy drink product of fermented rice. 

My must-dos in Takayama:

• Wander Sanmachi Suji (the previous city) at golden hour. Everybody visiting Japan needs to see Edo Period buildings, and Takayama is a good place to do it with out the stampede of vacationers in Kyoto. It’s additionally a quieter various to view cherry blossoms than Kyoto in April!
• Go sake tasting—most spots have English indicators and tastings for below ¥300
• Go to the morning markets and seize contemporary mochi or native apples
• Take a straightforward day journey to Shirakawa-go, a fairytale village with thatched roofs
  

Meet different vacationers right here simply by sitting on the bar. Or you can’t speak to anybody for 3 days and really feel completely complete.

Hakone to Takayama = ~4.5 hrs by way of Odawara → Nagoya → Takayama

Days 9–11: The center of the journey: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima is heavy, however important. It’s truly considered one of my high 3 favourite cities in Japan, evolving from complete destruction into a good looking, coastal, and classy metropolis. Make sure you stroll via the Peace Memorial Park, take a deep breath, and let the town present you what resilience seems like.

My must-dos in Hiroshima and Miyajima:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (give your self time and convey your tissues). Get tickets right here!
• Strive Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory, layered pancakes stuffed with crispy pork, onions, noodles, and an umami mayo sauce fried to perfection)
• Ferry to Miyajima Island to see my favourite floating torii gate in Japan!
• Hike up Mount Misen or take the ropeway for epic views
• Watch the deer steal somebody’s map (however don’t feed them—belief me)

Takayama to Hiroshima = ~4.5 hrs by way of Nagoya → Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima
Ferry to Miyajima = ~1 hr spherical journey

Days 12–14: Ramen carts, river walks, and metropolis buzz: Fukuoka

Finish robust in Fukuoka, a southern metropolis that’s in some way nonetheless under-the-radar for many Western vacationers. It’s acquired heat, appeal, and a deliciously scrappy nightlife scene. And for foodies: welcome to heaven. 

My must-dos in Fukuoka:

• Eat tonkotsu ramen at a yatai stall by the river
• Should you’re visiting in November, go to the ultimate of Japan’s Grand Sumo Event
• Browse Canal Metropolis or chill in Ohori Park
• Go to TeamLab Forest for a smaller, lesser-known immersive mild present (these aren’t my factor personally, however they’re very Instagrammy when you’re into that!)
• Seize a drink in Daimyo, then wander wherever the evening takes you—karaoke, a 3rd bowl of ramen on the river, or a bit izakaya for some scrumptious fried snacks. 

Hiroshima to Fukuoka (Hakata Station) = ~1 hr by shinkansen

Suggestions for touring solo in Japan for girls

• Security: Japan is among the most secure international locations on the earth. Nonetheless, use your instincts, however it’s an important place to not really feel like you’ll want to always be trying over your shoulder or watching your pockets. Some prepare vehicles are even reserved for girls solely!
• Trains: Give your self loads of time to get to your prepare. Ticketing will be complicated and the prepare stations are large! Seize some snacks and beers within the station and benefit from the journey as a lot because the vacation spot. And don’t neglect to maintain your eyes on the map as quickly because the prepare begins transferring to be sure you’re headed in the precise course!
• Apps: Obtain Google Translate & Google Maps. 

Searching for extra about Japan? Go to our weblog to study extra about hidden gems and less-visited Japan locations!