Authentic Japan: 9-Day Journey Through Tranquil Towns and Mount Fuji

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

9:00 AM

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Start your adventure by exploring the historic neighborhood of Asakusa, where the famous Senso-ji Temple greets you with its majestic Gate and vibrant atmosphere.
Take Tokyo Metro to Asakusa Station.
JPY 200, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Asakusa

Enjoy traditional 'tempura' at Tempura Daikokuya, a local favorite just a stone's throw from the temple, serving delicious battered seafood.
Walk 5 minutes to the restaurant.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Ueno Park

Next, head over to Ueno Park, where you can wander through beautiful gardens, museums, and the famous Ueno Zoo.
Take the Tokyo Metro from Asakusa to Ueno.
JPY 600, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Travel to Hakone

Make your way to Hakone, a beautiful hot spring town known for its scenic views of Mount Fuji.
Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY 2000, 90 minutes

6:30 PM

Dinner at Hakone

Enjoy a kaiseki meal, featuring a series of beautifully presented dishes, at Gora Kadan, specializing in seasonal local ingredients.
Walk to Gora Kadan.
JPY 10000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Relaxing in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Delight in a traditional Japanese breakfast served at your ryokan, featuring grilled fish, rice, and seasonal pickles.
At the ryokan.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Stroll through the picturesque Hakone Open-Air Museum, showcasing stunning sculptures against the backdrop of nature.
Take a bus from Gora to the museum.
JPY 1600, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hakone

Enjoy a hearty bowl of 'udon' at Hakone Uchiyama, known for its fresh, handmade noodles.
Take a bus to the restaurant.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Pirate Ship Ride on Lake Ashi

Experience a unique pirate ship ride on Lake Ashi, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
Take a short bus ride to the lake.
JPY 1300, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Owakudani Valley

Witness volcanic activity and sample delicious black eggs boiled in the hot springs at Owakudani.
Use the Hakone Ropeway from Lake Ashi.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

End your day with a casual dinner at a local izakaya, enjoying yakitori and sake at Kamon.
Walk to Kamon.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Gotemba and Mount Fuji

Gotemba, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Partake in another delightful Japanese breakfast at your ryokan.
At the ryokan.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Gotemba

Make your way to Gotemba, a town known for its outlet shopping and views of Mount Fuji.
Take a train from Hakone-Yumoto to Gotemba Station.
JPY 1000, 30 minutes

10:30 AM

Visit Gotemba Premium Outlets

Shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets, which offers a range of well-known brands along with picturesque views of Fuji.
Walk to the outlets from Gotemba Station.
Free entry, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Gotemba

Relish a delicious lunch at Yokohama Iekei Ramen, which is famous for its rich pork broth ramen.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Fuji Five Lakes

Venture to the Fuji Five Lakes region for stunning landscapes and various activities like hiking or boating.
Take a bus from Gotemba to Lake Yamanaka.
JPY 1500, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cheese Factory Lake Yamanaka

Enjoy local delicacies featuring cheese at Cheese Factory, overlooking stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Walk to Cheese Factory from the lake.
JPY 2500, 2 hours
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Day 4: Fujikawaguchiko Adventures

Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a filling breakfast at your hotel featuring traditional Japanese and western options.
At the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Lake Kawaguchi

Start your day with a serene boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi, soaking in spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Take a short bus ride to the lake.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hananomai

Try a local speciality, Fujiyama tempura udon, at Hananomai while enjoying views of the lake.
Walk to Hananomai.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Oshino Hakkai

Visit Oshino Hakkai, a scenic village famous for its eight ponds fed by melting snow from Mount Fuji.
Take a bus from Kawaguchi.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Hike to Mount Fuji 5th Station

Embark on a hike towards Fuji's 5th Station for stunning views and photo opportunities.
Take a bus from Kawaguchi to the 5th Station.
JPY 2000, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hoto Fudo

Feast on the regional specialty, Hoto (flat noodles), served in a hearty miso broth.
Take a bus back to Fujikawaguchiko.
JPY 1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Experience in Kofu

Kofu, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at your hotel in Fujikawaguchiko.
At the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Kofu

Travel to Kofu, the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture known for its rich wine-making history.
Take a bus to Kofu.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Kofu Castle

Explore the historic Kofu Castle and admire the beautiful views from the ruins overlooking the city.
Take a short walk to Kofu Castle.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Local Wine Bar

Savor a wine-paired lunch at Maiko Shuhai, showcasing local wines and regional dishes.
Walk to the wine bar.
JPY 3500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Wine Tasting in Kofu

Visit a local winery for a wine tasting experience, immersing yourself in the wine culture of the region.
Hire a taxi to a nearby winery.
JPY 3000, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Cultural Performance

Experience a local cultural performance or workshop focusing on traditional sake brewing.
Check local listings for options.
JPY 3500, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a local dinner featuring seasonal ingredients at Mukashi no Nakanishi.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Takato Cherry Blossoms

Takato, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in breakfast at your hotel with regional specialties.
At the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Takato

Journey to Takato, a quaint town known for its cherry blossoms and historical sites.
Take a train from Kofu to Takato Station.
JPY 1300, 1 hour

10:45 AM

Visit Takato Castle Ruins

Explore the Takato Castle Ruins and enjoy the scenic view from the hilltop.
Take a local bus or walk to the ruins.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Local Cafe

Have a cozy lunch at Takato Cafe, serving homemade dishes and desserts.
Walk to Takato Cafe.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Wander through Hot Springs

Spend the afternoon soaking in one of the local hot springs, letting the natural beauty envelop you.
Find a local onsen nearby.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Jorinji Temple

Explore the serene Jorinji Temple, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.
Walk to the temple.
Free entry, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Takato

Savor local gastronomy at Takato's Izakaya, trying various small plates.
Walk to the izakaya.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Matsumoto City Insights

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Takato featuring a variety of options.
At the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Matsumoto

Head to Matsumoto, where you will find a beautiful combination of city life and nature.
Take a train from Takato to Matsumoto.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Matsumoto Castle

Visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, a National Historic Site with its picturesque black and white architecture.
Walk from Matsumoto Station to the castle.
JPY 600, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Dine on local soba noodles at Soba Noodle Matsumoto, known for its hand-made soba.
Walk to the noodle shop.
JPY 1300, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Nakamachi Street

Stroll through Nakamachi Street, experiencing traditional wooden buildings and inviting shops.
Walk to Nakamachi Street.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Matsumoto Folklore Museum

Dive into local history at Matsumoto Folklore Museum, highlighting regional culture and traditions.
Walk to the museum.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Matsumoto

Savor an exquisite dinner experience at Matsumoto Kobayashi, offering local delicacies.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 4500, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Nagano Wellness and Nature

Nagano, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a nutritious breakfast at your hotel, focusing on local flavors.
At the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Nagano

Journey to Nagano, famous for its beautiful nature and hot springs.
Take a train from Matsumoto to Nagano.
JPY 1300, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Zenkoji Temple

Explore Zenkoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple that is a symbol of Nagano.
Take a tram from Nagano Station to Zenkoji.
Free entry, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Sushi Place

Treat yourself to fresh sushi at Sushi Yokocho, renowned for its authentic flavors.
Walk to Sushi Yokocho.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Snow Monkey Park

Spend the afternoon marveling at the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, set in beautiful woodland.
Take a bus to the park.
JPY 1200, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Nagano

Take the bus back to Nagano city and refresh for dinner.
Take the bus back from the park.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Nagano

Enjoy a flavorful dinner at a popular local restaurant, Nagano Ramen, famous for its unique miso ramen.
Walk to Nagano Ramen.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Farewell Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Conclude your journey with a final breakfast containing a delicious spread of traditional favorites.
At the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo, reflecting on your wonderful journey through Japan’s authentic enclaves.
Take a train from Nagano to Tokyo.
JPY 6000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Harajuku

Savor trendy crepes and light bites at Marion Crepes, located in the energetic Harajuku district.
Get off at Harajuku Station.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Meiji Shrine

Wander through the peaceful gardens of Meiji Shrine, a calm oasis amidst the bustling city.
Walk to Meiji Shrine.
Free entry, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Experience shopping in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, perfect for last-minute souvenirs.
Take the train from Meiji Shrine to Shibuya.
Free entry, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Ukai Tei

Cap off your trip with a Last supper at Ukai Tei in Shibuya, indulging in a teppanyaki feast while soaking in the city lights.
Take a short walk to Ukai Tei.
JPY 12000, 2 hours
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