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We’ve created the PERFECT route for adventurous travelers that want to see the “real Japan” beyond the Instagram spots and overcrowded attractions.
This done-for-you itinerary is everything you need!
I'm ready to plan my trip!90+
pages
3
fully-planned weeks
13
exciting locations
Completely DONE-FOR-YOU Itinerary!
CONFESSION:
I have major trip FOMO.
I hate coming home from a trip only to realize I missed an epic hike or a hidden restaurant I was just around the corner from.
Can you relate?
If so, you are in the right place because we have literally spent hundreds of hours creating this itinerary (no exaggeration) so that you don’t have to worry about missing out.
This is packed with insider tips (from our actual on-the-ground experience) as well as hidden gems most travelers miss.
Our itinerary style…
Eat at local restaurants & izakayas with food that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Visit small towns & villages that see far fewer tourists than the popular big cities.
Soak in magical onsens throughout your trip – recs for both private & public ones.
Explore some seriously underrated neighborhoods in Tokyo that aren’t on the typical tourist path.
Hike a pilgrimage trail through Edo-era villages that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Experience the stunning Japanese Alps & see landscapes you’d never think are in Japan!
Are you in?!
If you’re ready to embark on the Japan trip of your dreams, grab your itinerary now & you’ll soon be on your way.
Cheers to the trip of a lifetime!
I am BLOWN away
I can’t believe how much detail and value you’ve packed into this itinerary. This is going to be so incredibly helpful as I start booking my dream Japan trip. I can’t thank you guys enough!
This itinerary is incredible!
My husband and I are in the process of planning our 2nd trip to Japan and I was feeling really overwhelmed (even though I’ve already been there). This itinerary is the perfect mix of hidden gems I’ve never heard of & places that have been on my list. Thank you thank you for putting this together!
I would have paid more
I didn’t know what to expect because I’ve never paid for an itinerary before, but wow. You have clearly put a lot of thought and time into creating this. I have a very similar travel style to you and I love that I don’t have to spend a ton of time finding cool spots on my own. I feel like my trip is 90% planned already.
Interactive Google Map
Be sure to grab the interactive map with all places pinned for easy access!
Getting around
We’ve provided easy directions for rental cars & taking trains.
Hotels
We’ve carefully chosen recommended accommodation that is unique, a good value, & gets rave reviews.
A 3-week customized itinerary based on all of our research and experience traveling in Japan would cost upwards of $1,500.
We know that is not feasible for everyone, so we decided to take our experience and turn it into a very affordable and customizable downloadable PDF guide!
Let us help save you SO MUCH TIME.
Hidden Gems Itinerary
Overview
This itinerary includes detailed plans for each of these places (+ more!) and is customizable based on your interests & the length of your trip.
Tokyo
A different side of the city than most tourists see…
Nikko
Waterfalls, canyon trails, & the most memorable onsen resort
Nagano
Explore the epic nature of the Japanese Alps
Kanazwa
Dive into Japanese culture & this foodie city’s best bites
Shirakawago
One of Japan’s most picturesque historic villages
Takayama
A town that oozes charm & beauty
Kamikochi
Epic nature & views in the Japanese Alps
Magome
Walk a historic pilgrimage trail following our tips
Kawaguchiko
Best views of Mount Fuji + relaxing onsen
Akiruno
Hidden gem region of Tokyo makes a fun stop on last day
“We’ve packed this with insider tips that’ll make the difference between a great trip & the most unforgettable trip of your life!”
– Katie & Ben Zweber
Why trust our Japan advice?
We personally visited Japan several times before creating this itinerary. We’ve traveled around several regions in Japan, visited with varying budgets, and explored Japan with a toddler, so our experience can apply to many types of travelers.
We’ve combined all our on-the-ground experience, our favorite hidden gems, and our best tips to create the resource we wish we would’ve had.
We spent so much time & love putting together what we think is the PERFECT itinerary for those who want to experience the real Japan.
We can’t wait to see your dream Japan trip become a reality!
-Katie & Ben Zweber
Your dream Japan trip awaits…
Let’s turn your dream Japan trip into reality!
We’ve done all the hard work for you. This itinerary will truly save you SO MUCH time and headache. All you’ve got to do is pack your bags and you’ll be off on the trip of a lifetime!
Grab your itinerary!IF THIS YOUR VIBE, THIS ITINERARY IS FOR YOU…
Memorable food + magical onsens + cozy izakayas + authentic experiences + fewer crowds + hikes in unspoiled nature + culture & history + quaint villages + unique stays.
Get ready to make core memories!
FAQs
This is the perfect route for any traveler who prefers to see lesser-known places rather than stand in line with the crowds.
While we created this specifically for those who have been to Japan before and have “seen the top attractions”, we think it could also be a wonderful route even if this is your first time in Japan.
This itinerary is for you if you:
- have to have a bit of a sense of adventure
- love for authentic experiences
- enjoy smaller towns
- want to avoid crowds
- seek out nature on your trips
- like traveling independently (not with tour groups)
- are drawn to restaurants where locals dine
If this is your first time traveling to Japan and you’d rather see some of the more iconic sights like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji, check out our Classic Japan Itinerary route.
The hotels, experiences, and restaurants recommended are for those with a mid-range budget.
While Japan can get quite expensive, we’ve done our best to keep costs reasonable.
We’ve included a handful of worthy splurges, but have mostly stuck with mid-range prices.
We have included directions in this itinerary for both those taking trains and those with rental cars.
Important: This itinerary focuses on hidden gems, cool spots in nature, and small towns, all of which are easier (& faster!) to reach in a rental car.
For that reason we personally recommend renting a car if it is within your comfort zone.
That said, with the exception of a few places, you can still reach most of the places on this itinerary via public transportation, though it will require more time and planning.
Our advice: Ultimately, the best decision is what you are most comfortable with. You can adjust your itinerary accordingly. If driving in Japan makes you nervous, go with trains. If you are a seasoned traveler and really want to see a side of Japan that most tourists miss, drive!
The itinerary includes various easy to moderate level hikes, but nothing too demanding or requiring extra gear.
That said, regardless of the type of trip you’re taking, you will be walking a lot in Japan. (This is true whether you’re staying only in big cities or following a route like this one that includes some nature walks and hikes.)
This itinerary can be followed just about any time of the year.
Spring or Fall:
These seasons are optimal and everything on this itinerary should be accessible. The only thing to note is that late in the fall there are some mountain road closures (all of which we’ve made note of in the itinerary).
Summer:
Summer is very hot and humid, so it’s not our personal favorite season to visit Japan, but most things on this itinerary should be accessible. Note that some hikes may be uncomfortable in the heat or during typhoon season.
If you’re visiting during the summer, we also have an alternate route for you (included in the itinerary) which skips Mount Fuji area since it is notoriously difficult to see during this season.
Winter:
Winter in Japan is magical, and can be a great time to visit. There will be some mountain road closures (noted in the itinerary), and a couple of things that are not open during the winter months.
That said, it is the perfect time for onsen soaks, snow monkeys, and you could even add skiing to your itinerary.
We have suggestions for how to alter this itinerary whether you have more or less time.
Since this is a digital download and we cannot revoke access to it, we have a no refund policy.
For this reason, we have made it incredibly affordable.
We stand by this product 100% and have put countless hours into putting it together for you. We are confident that this will be extremely helpful in planning your trip.
The itinerary includes various easy to moderate level hikes, but nothing too demanding or requiring extra gear.
Related Products
If you’re more of the adventurous traveler, you’ll love our Japan hidden gems itinerary, where we help you get off-the-beaten-path and show you the “real” Japan in 3 fully planned weeks.
Our Classic Japan itinerary takes you to the iconic sights and unforgettable experiences in Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto in 14 done-for-you days.
Our Kyoto Itinerary is perfect for travelers that want to see iconic sights and hidden gems in the beautiful city of Kyoto. This done-for-you itinerary includes 4 interchangeable days!
Our Tokyo Planner includes 10 fully planned, interchangeable itinerary days to see the iconic sights and hidden gems in Tokyo. Plus it includes a wealth of Tokyo resources and insider tips.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions, feel free to reach out and ask away!
Get in touch!