The Hidden Golden Route Through Rural Japan

Arrival Day - Eat Well, Rest Well

After a long flight, settle in with a great meal. These are some of my favorite spots in Tokyo to start your Japan journey. If you’re too tired on arrival day, they’re also perfect to save for Day 2.

Oyama Afuri Shrine

At this point, you’re probably still craving great Japanese food, so feel free to revisit the restaurant options I shared on Day 1 and enjoy another proper meal in Tokyo. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active and ready to jump straight into an adventure, I’ve included one of my favorite day hikes from Tokyo: Oyama Afuri Shrine. You can either take the cable car or hike your way up to the shrine. For more experienced hikers, continuing all the way to the summit is also an option. But for most travelers, just visiting the shrine itself is already a fantastic way to experience Japan’s mix of nature, culture, and scenery, with sweeping views over both the city and the ocean.