From a Holiday to a Life-Changing Journey in Japan

Although trekking might not be traditionally associated with travel to Japan, this technologically advanced nation is surprisingly rich in stunning countryside, beautiful mountain landscapes and well-maintained nature trails. As such, there are loads of fantastic trekking opportunities to be had. The best part? While exploring Japan's well-marked trails you're sure to come across ancient temples, spectacular volcanic peaks and a wide range of absolutely breathtaking views. Apart from multi-day trekking, there are also several alluring one-day hiking trails in Japan which can be completed even by novice hikers. Trekking in Japan really is a must-do and to help you out, we've come up with the top six routes for you to try. Let's take a look!

Japan is a mesmerizing archipelago where ancient traditions blend with modern technology, where sake is sipped daily and mountain paths are tackled by intrepid travelers searching for hidden onsens. But choosing how long to spend on any one of the thousands of islands that make up the country is a difficult task. From the sandy beaches of the southern islands to the powdered ski slopes of the north, there are lots of lands to cover, so keep reading to find out how to design the best Japan itinerary and make the most of your time in the land of the rising sun.

It’s no secret that Japan is home to the famous Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, which makes traveling across the country nearly instantaneous. With lines running from Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, you can really experience and sightsee a lot in just 4 days in Japan, discovering two to three different destinations in the timeframe. Choose iconic Tokyo or Kyoto, for example, take day trips to the foothills of Mount Fuji, or over to Osaka and Nara. Temples with iconic red torii gates, cherry blossom landscapes, bamboo groves, iconic Japanese street foods, manga culture, incredible and unusual shopping and onsens—cover them all in just 4 days’ stay in Japan!

Japan is famous for many reasons, and with a nine-day travel itinerary, you can discover much of its magic! Bullet trains make it easy to explore several places in a short time; first-timers can hit up the Golden Triangle: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, adding Hiroshima or Mount Fuji. With nine days in Japan, you can uncover awe-inspiring architecture and landscapes, from Tokyo’s modern skyline to the Zen Great Gardens, and get a cultural overload, whether talking manga, geisha, or samurai. Learn the history dating from the Edo period to WWII. Explore its natural beauty in the Mount Fuji area of Hakone, or the mountains of Koyasan. A 9-day Japan trip allows you to experience the country's biggest highlights without rushing through them all.

Japan is home to several impressive sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go, iconic mountain peaks like Mount Fuji and a plethora of religious temples dotted far and wide across the country. However, there is something else about Japan that is recognized the world over — its cherry blossom trees that in springtime bloom in beautiful pink hues. Noticed as a symbol of the transient nature of life, the cherry blossom tree is Japan’s biggest attraction, and the custom of viewing the flowers is called hanami. Thinking about visiting? Read on — in this article we cover everything there is to know about the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan.

Picture motorbiking through the Japanese Alps, trekking along ancient pilgrimage pathways where Japan’s spirituality all began, or exploring the neon-lit futuristic neighborhoods of Tokyo. If these scenarios pique your interest, we say book a trip to Japan right away. Spend 21 days in Japan and dive deep into each destination—as many as five major places on a single trip—and enjoy the freedom of taking your time through cities and towns. Unravel famous UNESCO-listed marvels, witness spectacles like ice caves, and head deep into ancient landscapes, or just stay a couple of days at a temple to meditate and heal.

Japan is a country like no other, with scenery ranging from the super-modern skyline of Tokyo to the scenic natural vistas of Hokkaido. There are few places you can travel that offer the sheer variety of attractions, mouth-wateringly delicious food, and simple safety that this island nation does. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Spend a week hiking in remote trails, enjoying the bustling neon nightlife, explore the Hogwarts-themed park or visit a Shinto temple. There are so many places to visit in Japan, you’ll be planning to return before you’ve left!

From exploring Tokyo’s ultra-modern and old-world neighborhoods to learning about Kyoto’s geisha culture, and from having the ultimate bathing experience in Hakone’s onsens to delving into Kamakura’s centuries-old samurai history, many exciting adventures are possible during just 5 days in Japan. By taking the country’s renowned bullet train, you can travel between most destinations in a jiffy. You can either focus your tour on a few cities for a slow, meaningful exploration or hop between multiple destinations in a day. Five days is just the right amount of time for a delicious serving of all the quintessential Japanese must-dos and see.

As summer takes hold and festivals pop up around the country, a trip to Japan in July guarantees a memorable experience. Days are longer during this time of year, which gives you more time to explore each city and take part in traditional, colorful parades. There are countless incredible places to visit across Japan and traveling to the country in July lets you enjoy warm weather conditions as you take in the sights of this wonderful country.

Since there is so much to unpack in Japan, the more time you have, the merrier it is. With 10 days in Japan you can explore the Golden Triangle: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, discover the country through Japanese cuisine, visit temples, and experience the country's cultural offering, and perhaps even spend a couple of days on the trails of Kumano Kodo. With Japan's bullet trains, traveling from one destination to another is easy, allowing you to cover up to two to three destinations in a day.

Japan in November is stunning, with autumnal colors draping the nation. Days are cool and pleasant, often with startling blue skies, a perfect setting for Japan’s many nature-related festivals. Away from summer crowds, a trip to Japan in November gives you the chance to see the country from a different perspective.

For a relaxed and comprehensive trip of Japan, we recommend spending 14 days in country. This duration allows you to explore the three major cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—while also discovering other must-see destinations like Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima, Nara, Hakone, and more. Hop into multiple destinations during 2 weeks in Japan or choose to immerse yourself in select regions or activities. Enjoy a leisurely pace as you soak in hot springs in the mountains, hike the trails of Kumano Kodo, or experience Tokyo's vibrant nightlife. A two-week stay provides ample time to truly immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Japan.