From neon-soaked metropolises to quiet mountain temples, steamy onsens to cutting-edge art islands, Japan is a country that offers depth, diversity and pure cultural immersion
But as tourism continues to boom — and reports of overtourism in hotspots mount — now is the time to get strategic, venturing beyond the clichés and stepping off the well-trodden trail.
Let me share what I think is the ultimate two-week journey through Japan — one that blends the iconic with the unexpected, luxury with tranquillity, tradition with innovation.
Days 1–3: Tokyo
Arrival & Orientation in the Capital
Start in Tokyo, a city that’s constantly in motion yet rooted in ancient traditions. After arriving from London, check into Trunk(Hotel) Cat Street, a fashionable urban base near Harajuku. Explore the kaleidoscopic energy of Takeshita Dori before retreating to the forested peace of Meiji Jingu Shrine. Later, wander Omotesando’s design-led boutiques, and visit the serene Nezu Museum for architecture and art in harmony.
Early risers should head to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to beat the crowds. Nearby Yanaka offers a nostalgic neighbourhood feel — complete with cherry tree-lined cemeteries and cafés with retro charm. For dinner, enjoy sushi theatre at Kyubey, watching master chefs at work from the counter.
Day 4: Kanazawa
Bullet Train to the West Coast
Hop on a shinkansen to Kanazawa, a beautifully preserved city known for crafts and gardens. Check into Hyatt Centric and explore Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, as well as the samurai and geisha districts. Don’t miss the contemporary art at the 21st Century Museum.
Day 5: Kaga Onsen
A Day of Hot Spring Bliss
Let jet lag fade with a visit to Beniya Mukayu, a ryokan that fuses traditional omotenashi hospitality with minimalist design and restorative hot spring baths. This onsen retreat, nestled in nature, is a deeply Japanese experience — and the perfect pause before Kyoto.
Days 6–7: Kyoto
Cultural Heartbeat of Japan
Arrive in Kyoto, home to temples, geishas and centuries-old craftsmanship. Check into the peaceful Aman Kyoto or riverside The Shinmonzen. Explore lesser-known temples by bike — Daitoku-ji, Yoshimine-dera — or rise early to beat crowds at Kiyomizu-dera. Cap your day with a kaiseki feast at Kikunoi Honten, a temple of Kyoto dining.
Day 8: Mount Koya
Sacred Mountain Sanctuary
Venture to Koya San, staying at temple lodging Fudo-in. Wander Japan’s largest cemetery, Okunoin, and take part in sunrise prayers with monks — a rare spiritual insight.
Days 9–10: Osaka
Eat, Explore, Expo
From the peace of Koya, dive into Osaka’s raucous energy. Try okonomiyaki at a local izakaya, and explore the Expo 2025 site at Yumeshima. For sleep, book the sleek Four Seasons or cool Zentis Osaka. Don’t miss Nakanoshima’s cultural cluster, including museums and libraries by architect Tadao Ando.
Days 11–13: Naoshima & Teshima
Japan’s Art Islands
Take the train and ferry to Naoshima, staying at Tadao Ando’s Benesse House. Visit Chichu Museum for Monet’s Water Lilies, and cycle around neighbouring Teshima to discover its poetic art installations, like the drop-shaped Teshima Art Museum and the haunting Les Archives du Cœur by Boltanski.
Day 14: Tokyo Farewell
Return to the Capital in Style
Fly from Takamatsu to Tokyo Haneda and check into the Palace Hotel, with rooms overlooking the Imperial moat. Soak up one last view at breakfast on the terrace before shopping in Omotesando or Ginza.
When to Go
Autumn (October–early December) brings vivid foliage and comfortable weather. Spring (late March–April) is peak sakura season — beautiful but busy. Avoid Golden Week (late April–early May) and the humid highs of July–August unless heading to mountain resorts or northern Japan.
How to Book It
Tailored Expertise:
• InsideJapan Tours (0117 409 4908) offers a curated 14-day adventure from £3,711pp.
• Black Tomato creates ultra-luxe bespoke trips from £60,000 for a group of four.
On a Budget:
• Japan Journeys (020 8064 2771) runs arts-focused, self-guided 10-night itineraries from £1,595pp including rail passes and boutique hotels.
This isn’t a tick-box itinerary — it’s a cultural immersion. You’ll bathe in onsens, sleep in temple lodgings, dine at counter-only sushi joints, and bike down Kyoto lanes as monks chant at dawn. It’s Japan — better than the rest.