You've done Tokyo's highlights, walked through Fushimi Inari's gates, and eaten your way through Osaka. Now you're wondering where to go next—and whether a second trip can match the magic of the first.
It can — 52.7% of visitors want to return — but the approach changes. This 14-day itinerary takes you through the Japanese Alps, historic post towns, and coastal cities that most first-time visitors never reach, with day-by-day routing and practical tips for making it happen.
Your first trip probably hit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and maybe Hiroshima or Nara. That's the Golden Route, and it's popular for good reason — over 42 million visitors arrived in 2025. But Japan opens up considerably once you step off that well-worn path.
The destinations below form the spine of this two week itinerary. Each one connects logically by train, and together they reveal a side of Japan that first-time visitors rarely see.
Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan coast and escaped wartime bombing, which means its Edo-era districts survived intact. You'll find samurai residences, geisha quarters, and Kenroku-en, consistently ranked among Japan's top three gardens. The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs directly from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours.
Tucked into the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama preserves wooden merchant houses along streets that look much as they did centuries ago. Morning markets, sake breweries, and Hida beef draw visitors here, though the town never feels overrun.
Explore Takayama by night on a guided 40–50 minute walking tour. Learn about the city’s history, culture, and local lifestyle as you stroll through its historic streets and landmarks.
This UNESCO World Heritage village features gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to handle heavy mountain snow. Buses connect Shirakawa-go to Takayama in about 50 minutes, making it an easy day trip.
The Nakasendo was a feudal-era highway linking Kyoto to Edo. Today, you can walk an 8-kilometer section between the post towns of Magome and Tsumago, passing through quiet forests and past traditional inns.
Matsumoto Castle is one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan, its black walls earning it the nickname "Crow Castle." The surrounding city offers craft breweries, a walkable downtown, and easy access to the Northern Alps.
Kawaguchiko and the neighboring lakes provide clear Fuji views without Hakone's crowds. On still mornings, the mountain reflects perfectly in the water.
This route moves through central Japan's mountains and coast before circling back through Kansai. The pacing allows time to linger rather than rush.
You've already seen Senso-ji and crossed Shibuya Crossing. This time, Tokyo rewards a different approach: slower wandering through neighborhoods that don't appear on first-timer lists.
Yanaka: An old-town pocket with temples, indie cafes, and a shopping street that feels like stepping back several decades
Shimokitazawa: Vintage clothing, live music venues, and a creative energy that draws Tokyo's younger crowds
Kagurazaka: Narrow alleys where French bistros sit alongside traditional ryotei restaurants, blending Tokyo's international and historic sides
TeamLab exhibitions: Immersive digital art that requires advance tickets and offers something entirely different from temple visits
Depachika food halls: Department store basements showcase regional specialties from across Japan, perfect for sampling before your journey
Kissaten coffee shops: Retro cafes serving thick toast, siphon coffee, and an atmosphere that hasn't changed in decades
The Chubu region's mountain spine feels worlds away from Tokyo. Alpine scenery, historic trails, and small-town rhythms define this stretch.
Matsumoto-jo dates to the late 1500s and remains one of Japan's most striking castles. After exploring the interior, walk along Nawate-dori, a shopping street lined with craft shops and, oddly, frog-themed souvenirs. The frog connection traces back to a local shrine.
Kamikochi is a highland valley accessible only from mid-April through mid-November. Easy riverside walks work for casual visitors, while longer trails lead deeper into the Northern Alps. Private vehicles are prohibited, so you'll take a bus from Matsumoto, about 90 minutes each way.
The walk from Magome to Tsumago takes roughly three hours along a paved forest path. Both towns preserve their post-town character, with wooden buildings, traditional inns, and very few cars. Consider using takkyubin, Japan's luggage forwarding service, to send your bags ahead so you can walk with just a daypack.
This stretch delivers the cultural heart of the itinerary. Preserved townscapes, regional craft, and mountain heritage come together here.
The Sanmachi Suji district preserves wooden merchant houses now home to sake breweries, craft shops, and small museums. Morning markets operate daily near the Miyagawa River, selling local produce, pickles, and crafts.
What to do:
Walk the three main historic streets, which are most atmospheric in early morning
Sample sake at breweries marked by sugidama, the cedar ball signs hanging outside
Visit Takayama Jinya, a remarkably intact Edo-period government building
What to eat:
Hida beef sushi at market stalls
Mitarashi dango, grilled rice dumplings with a sweet soy glaze
Kanazawa's preservation rivals Kyoto's, yet it sees far fewer visitors. The city rewards unhurried exploration.
Kenroku-en garden changes character with each season. Plum blossoms appear in early spring, irises bloom in June, and snow-covered pines define winter visits. Nearby Nagamachi preserves samurai residences with earthen walls and restored interiors open to the public.
The wooden teahouse district dates to 1820 and remains active today. Kanazawa produces nearly all of Japan's gold leaf, and shops throughout the district sell gold-leaf crafts, sweets, and even cosmetics. Stop for matcha in a historic teahouse if you have time.
For travelers with flexible schedules, the Noto Peninsula offers rugged coastline, terraced rice paddies, and quiet fishing villages. A rental car helps here, though buses connect major points for those without one.
Discover the hidden gems of Kanazawa on this half-day private walking tour with a local guide. Explore historic districts, visit iconic landmarks like Kanazawa Castle and Oyama Shrine, and savor local flavors at Omicho Market.
Returning to Kyoto and Osaka with specific goals transforms the experience. Rather than checking off famous sites, you can dig deeper.
Arashiyama early morning: The bamboo grove empties of crowds before 8 AM, and the light filtering through is worth the early start
Northern Higashiyama: Quieter temples like Shisen-do and Enkoji reward those willing to venture beyond the main tourist corridor
Fushimi sake district: Brewery tastings in Fushimi offer a different perspective than the famous shrine nearby
Himeji: Japan's most impressive original castle, about 45 minutes by shinkansen from Shin-Osaka
Kobe: Famous beef, a walkable harbor, and sake breweries in the Nada district
Skip the deer park crowds and explore Naramachi's merchant district, the borrowed-scenery garden at Isuien, or hike Mount Wakakusa for panoramic views over the city.
Use this final day for last-minute shopping, revisiting a favorite neighborhood, or simply building buffer time before your flight. Consider sending luggage ahead to the airport via takkyubin so you can move freely through the city.
A second trip opens doors to experiences that first-time visitors often skip, either because they didn't know about them or didn't feel ready.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, futon bedding, kaiseki multi-course meals, and communal or private baths. The experience differs dramatically from hotel stays and offers immersion in Japanese hospitality traditions.
Kanazawa: Gold-leaf crafting, Kutani pottery painting
Kyoto: Kintsugi ceramic repair, indigo dyeing
Takayama: Sarubobo doll making, a local folk craft
Experience the power of traditional Japanese taiko drumming in Kyoto! Learn basic rhythms, play in a group, and feel the energy of this ancient art.
Onsen are natural hot spring baths, and onsen towns build entire communities around their waters. Along this route, Shibu Onsen near Nagano and Hirayu Onsen in the mountains near Takayama both offer traditional bathing experiences.
Venturing beyond major cities requires slightly more preparation, though Japan makes it manageable even for independent travelers.
The JR Pass covers shinkansen segments and most JR trains along this itinerary. However, some connections, like the bus to Shirakawa-go, require separate tickets. Calculate your planned routes to confirm the pass offers value for your specific trip.
Tip: Trip To Japan's JR Pass packages include the pass with your booking, simplifying one piece of the planning process.
Trains and buses connect most destinations on this route, though schedules run less frequently than in cities. Download offline maps, check timetables in advance, and build buffer time between connections. Missing a rural bus might mean waiting an hour or more for the next one.
Takkyubin services let you send bags from hotel to hotel or directly to the airport. Luggage typically arrives the next day. This service transforms multi-city travel, especially when walking the Nakasendo or navigating rural stations with stairs and no elevators.
A second trip to Japan unlocks experiences that first-time visitors rarely reach. Preserved mountain villages, regional food traditions, and the confidence to wander without a checklist all become possible once you've covered the basics.
This itinerary offers one path through the Japanese Alps and Hokuriku coast, though countless variations exist depending on your interests and timing.
Browse Trip To Japan's featured itineraries for additional routes, or book a free 30-minute consultation with our travel experts to customize this plan around your pace and travel dates.
