First Japan: Icons and Local Secrets

Flight · Morning · Narita Airport

Transfer · Afternoon · Tokyo

Board the Narita Express directly to Shinjuku Station.

Pick up your physical pocket Wi-Fi at the airport terminal counter before boarding.

At leisure · Afternoon · Shinjuku

Look for the tiny yakitori stalls in Omoide Yokocho for an authentic post-flight snack.

Accommodation · Evening · Shinjuku

Excursion · Morning · Harajuku

Enter through the massive torii gate before 8 AM for absolute, meditative silence.

Excursion · Afternoon · Aoyama

The museum's traditional private garden is just as spectacular as the pre-modern art inside.

At leisure · Evening · Shimokitazawa

Taproom Ushitora has an incredible rotating list of fresh, locally brewed Japanese IPAs.

Accommodation · Evening · Shinjuku

Excursion · Morning · Tsukiji

Skip the long sushi queues and try the freshly grilled tamagoyaki egg skewers.

Excursion · Afternoon · Yanaka

This area survived the WWII bombings, offering a rare glimpse of old-world wooden Tokyo.

Accommodation · Evening · Shinjuku

Excursion · Morning · Toyosu

Pre-booking months in advance is essential.

Wear shorts or pants that easily roll up, as you will wade through water.

At leisure · Afternoon · Ginza

Go to Ginza Six's basement floor for incredibly high-end food souvenirs and bento boxes.

Accommodation · Evening · Shinjuku

Transfer · Morning · Kanazawa

Ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen directly to the Japan Sea coast.

Book seats on the right-hand side of the train to catch glimpses of Mount Myoko.

Excursion · Afternoon · Kanazawa

The Gyokusen'inmaru Garden serves hot matcha tea with a view of the reconstructed walls.

Accommodation · Evening · Kanazawa

Excursion · Morning · Kanazawa

Arrive at 7:00 AM for early entry when it is completely peaceful and free.

Excursion · Afternoon · Kanazawa

Enter Nomura Samurai House to view their masterfully designed pocket courtyard garden.

Accommodation · Evening · Kanazawa

Transfer · Morning · Kyoto

Board the Thunderbird train direct to Kyoto Station.

Excursion · Afternoon · Higashiyama

Walk the nearby back alleys of Ishibe-koji afterwards to avoid the main tourist crowds.

Accommodation · Evening · Kyoto Center

Excursion · Morning · Arashiyama

Turn away from the main bamboo path to find the quieter, moss-covered Gio-ji temple.

Excursion · Afternoon · Kita Ward

The reflection on the pond is crispest and least crowded in the late afternoon light.

Accommodation · Evening · Kyoto Center

Excursion · Morning · Fushimi

Climb past the intersection halfway up; 90% of visitors turn back there.

At leisure · Afternoon · Fushimi

Visit the old wood-paneled Aburatsu Chaya for local sake flights paired with seasonal obanzai.

Accommodation · Evening · Kyoto Center

Transfer · Morning · Naoshima

Train to Okayama, local line to Uno, then ferry to Naoshima.

Rent electric bicycles right outside Uno Port to explore the hilly island with ease.

Excursion · Afternoon · Naoshima

This museum is entirely underground but lit by natural light; booking online is mandatory.

Accommodation · Evening · Naoshima

Transfer · Morning · Miyajima

Ferry back to mainland, Shinkansen to Hiroshima, local train and ferry.

Excursion · Afternoon · Miyajima

Wait until high tide to see the legendary red giant gate seemingly floating on the water.

Accommodation · Evening · Miyajima

Enjoy a traditional multi-course Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan included with your room.

Transfer · Morning · Hiroshima

Excursion · Afternoon · Hiroshima

The museum is highly emotional; take a quiet moment in the surrounding park afterwards.

Accommodation · Evening · Hiroshima City

Excursion · Morning · Hiroshima City

The top floor offers a panoramic view over the modern city and its defensive moat.

At leisure · Afternoon · Hiroshima City

Find a counter seat on the second floor for local Hiroshima-style layer cake-like okonomiyaki.

Accommodation · Evening · Hiroshima City

Transfer · Morning · Tokyo

Board the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Tokyo.

Buy a custom bento box at Hiroshima Station for your ultra-smooth four-hour ride.

Flight · Afternoon · Haneda Airport

Fly home out of Haneda Airport.