Asia · Japan · Itinerary
Bengaluru → Tokyo → Aomori → Sendai → Nikko → Matsumoto → Kamikochi → Takayama → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Home
Japan doesn't ease you in. From the moment the shinkansen pulls out of the station and the countryside blurs past at 300km/h, you understand that this is a country that takes everything- food, craft, travel, aesthetics- completely seriously.
This was our actual route: not the standard Tokyo-Kyoto tourist trail, but a deeper loop through northern Honshu's mountains and coast, then back south through the Japanese Alps. 14 days, and we still felt we'd only scratched the surface.
Tokyo- Narita
Land at Narita and check in near the airport. This is a deliberate recovery night- the jet lag from Bengaluru is real. Rest well, grab ramen from a convenience store, and sleep early. Tomorrow the real journey begins.
Aomori
Shinkansen north to Aomori- Japan's northernmost main island city and one of its least-visited treasures. The Oirase Gorge walk along a rushing mountain stream is utterly magical in autumn. The Nebuta Museum explains the spectacular fire festival floats that have made Aomori famous.
Sendai via Yamadera
Train south to Yamadera- climb 1,000 stone steps to a temple carved into a clifftop with panoramic valley views. Then on to Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three "views of beauty," where hundreds of pine-covered islands dot a calm inland sea.
Sendai
Sendai earns its "City of Trees" nickname with wide, zelkova-lined boulevards. Spend the morning exploring the covered Ichibancho shopping arcade, the massive Osaki Hachimangu shrine, and the Jozenji-dori avenue at peak autumn colour.
Nikko
South to Nikko — one of Japan's most spectacular shrine complexes, buried deep in forested mountains. Toshogu Shrine is overwhelmingly ornate: gold leaf, lacquer, carved monkeys and sleeping cats. Kegon Waterfall is a 97-metre plunge into a gorge. Walk the peaceful Kanmangafuchi Abyss alongside rows of stone Jizo statues. Shinkyo Bridge — the sacred red bridge — at dusk.
Tokyo
Train back into central Tokyo and walk a stretch of the historic Nakasendo trail — one of Japan's great feudal highways linking Edo to Kyoto. The preserved post towns and their stone-paved lanes feel like stepping several centuries back. Base in central Tokyo tonight before heading into the Alps tomorrow.
Matsumoto
Express train to Matsumoto in the Japanese Alps. Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's few remaining original castles- it's called the "Crow Castle" for its striking black-and-white exterior.
Kamikochi
Bus up into Kamikochi — a protected highland valley in the North Alps, reachable only by public transport (no private cars allowed). The Azusa River runs crystal-clear below jagged peaks. Walk the riverside trail from Taisho Pond past Tashiro Marsh, across Hotaka Bashi Bridge, up to Myojin Pond's emerald water — one of the most beautiful walks in Japan. Stay overnight in the valley itself.
Takayama
Bus over the mountains to Takayama- arguably Japan's most beautifully preserved old town. The Sanmachi Suji district of sake breweries and merchant houses looks almost exactly as it did 300 years ago. Miyagawa Morning Market runs every day: vendors selling pickles, crafts, and most importantly- the edible espresso served in a tiny carved wooden cup. Walk the canal backstreets of Higashiyamamachi as evening falls.
Kanazawa
Bus north to Kanazawa- the "little Kyoto" that somehow escaped bombing in WWII, leaving its historic districts intact. Start at the spectacular Kanazawa Station water fountain clock. Walk Higashi Chaya District's preserved geisha teahouses. Kenrokuen Garden is considered one of Japan's three finest gardens- particularly breathtaking in autumn. Don't miss kanazawa pudding from a vendor inside JR Station, and get a gold-leaf soft serve ice cream.
Kyoto
Shinkansen to Kyoto- Japan's ancient imperial capital and the heart of traditional culture. With two full days: Fushimi Inari's 10,000 vermilion torii gates at dawn before the crowds arrive; Arashiyama bamboo grove and the boat-rental ponds; Philosopher's Path in autumn colour; Nishiki Market for food wandering; Gion district's preserved machiya townhouses and occasional glimpse of a maiko. If time allows, a day trip to Nara for the friendly deer and great Todaiji Buddha.
Tokyo
Shinkansen back to Tokyo for a final night. Use this day to revisit anything you missed- a department store basement (depachika), a ramen shop, Shibuya or Ginza for last souvenirs. One more evening in one of the world's great cities.
IC Card
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at Narita airport. It works on nearly every train, bus and metro in Japan, and at convenience stores. Load ¥5,000 to start.
JR Pass
Buy the JR Pass before leaving India — it cannot be purchased in Japan. A 14-day pass covers all shinkansen and express trains on this route and pays for itself quickly.
Cash
Japan is still largely cash-based outside major cities. 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept international cards. Withdraw ¥30,000–50,000 at a time in rural areas.
Autumn Timing
October is peak koyo (autumn colour) in northern Honshu. Book hotels months in advance — Kamikochi especially has very limited accommodation and fills up by July.
Onsen Etiquette
All tattoos must be covered or you may be refused entry. Wash thoroughly at the side stations before entering the shared pools. No swimwear in traditional baths.
Convenience Stores
7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson are your best friends. Onigiri, hot foods, ATMs, copiers — they are extraordinary institutions and far better than their Western counterparts.
