Visiting Japan is an expertise not like another! This distinctive vacation spot is thought for hanging contrasts of modernity and custom, nature and cityscapes and, most significantly, deep cultural beliefs and values.
Over 30 million folks go to Japan every year. And it’s not shocking.
With an infinite variety of issues to do in Japan, there are experiences right here to swimsuit each sort of traveller.
Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto discover themselves on the bucket lists of each first-time customer, whereas lesser-known islands, like Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, supply unimaginable pure landscapes, journey actions and off-the-beaten-path experiences for extra intrepid travellers.
We not too long ago spent 5 weeks on an unimaginable journey in Japan, visiting the highest locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and exploring nicely past the main sights and sights.
We completely fell in love with Japan, with its meals, nature, superb futuristic cities, and distinctive cultural experiences. For us, the great thing about Japan was present in its deeply rooted traditions, beliefs and cultural practices, and our distinctive experiences made our go to that rather more impactful.
With first-hand journey expertise beneath our belt, we’re able to share our greatest ideas and recommendation that can assist you with your individual Japan itinerary!
We centered this text on two weeks in Japan itinerary to assist first-time guests get a style of this stunning, superb nation. Our recommended 2 week Japan itinerary with a mix of must-see and off-beat spots, together with buzzing cities and nature escapes, will assist you to see one of the best of the nation in a short while.
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So, let’s dive in!
How one can Get to Japan
Japan is well-connected to quite a lot of worldwide locations with frequent flights. Most guests fly into Tokyo, the capital of the nation and the principle entry level for almost all of worldwide flights.
Fly into Tokyo
Tokyo has two worldwide airports, Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT).
Haneda Airport, situated simply 18 km (11 miles) from town middle, primarily serves as a hub for home flights but in addition operates many worldwide providers. Main Japanese airways akin to All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airways (JAL) and worldwide carriers, together with Delta Air Traces, American Airways, British Airways, and Lufthansa, supply flights to and from Haneda.
- Haneda Airport Specific bus gives a straightforward option to get into town (Shinjuku Station) in simply 40 minutes. It prices 1,400 Yen per particular person.
- Alternatively, the Keikyū Airport Specific prepare gives a direct path to Tokyo Station.
Narita Airport is situated round 60 km (37 miles) from town and is taken into account Tokyo’s major worldwide airport hub, serving a wide selection of world locations. Airways like Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airways (JAL), in addition to quite a few worldwide airways, akin to United Airways, Air Canada, Emirates, and Singapore Airways, supply providers to and from Narita.
- The quickest choices to get into Tokyo Prepare Station are both the JR Narita Specific or Keiser Skyliner Prepare, each of which take beneath an hour.
Flying into Tokyo
Fly into Osaka
One other various is to fly into Osaka. Osaka’s major worldwide airport is Kansai Airport (KIX), situated about 40 kilometres (24.8 miles) south of town.
Quite a few worldwide airways function from Kansai Airport, together with Delta Air Traces, American Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airways, Korean Air, and China Airways. These service main worldwide locations like Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and plenty of others.
How one can Get Round Japan
Japan’s public transportation system is thought worldwide for its effectivity and connectivity. A two week journey in Japan is made a lot simpler by the Japan rail community that connects nearly the entire locations you’ll need to attain.
Japan Rail Move and Shinkansen
Historically, a JR Move (Japan Rail Move) has been an excellent buy for travelling in Japan, as this permits free journey on Shinkansen (bullet trains) across the nation.
Japan Rail Move could be bought for 7, 14 and 21 days. Nevertheless, with the newest worth will increase efficient October 2023, the worth of the JR Rail Move has virtually doubled, making it more durable to justify spending $500+ on this all-inclusive choice.
We’ve accomplished the mathematics. Following a worth enhance, the 14-day JR Move will now value round 80,000 yen (US$530), a hefty quantity, given that every particular person prepare journey ticket ranges 5,000 to fifteen,000 yen. To make the JR Move value it, you would wish to take 6-8 prepare journeys in your 2 weeks in Japan to justify that value.
So, as an alternative, we suggest shopping for particular person Shinkansen tickets to get you to/from main locations. In case you are travelling in excessive season, you’ll must e book your seats just a few weeks prematurely. In decrease season, you’ll be able to simply get tickets only a day or two prematurely.
Metro and Subway Trains
Journey inside cities in Japan is simple and handy by prepare. Main cities like Tokyo and Osaka are greatest explored utilizing their respective subway methods. Nevertheless, understand that the JR Move doesn’t cowl journey inside cities.
You have to to buy a city-specific Subway Move or use a transportation card like Suica to load up cash for us on the subway.
- Tokyo Subway Move could be bought for twenty-four, 48 or 72 hours and covers all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway strains.
- Osaka Wonderful Move offers limitless use of subways and metropolis buses on one or two consecutive calendar days, plus free admission to Osaka’s common vacationer sights.
Shinkansen prepare in Japan
Finest Time to Go to Japan
Every season in Japan gives one thing completely different. There are professionals and cons for each time of the 12 months, so one of the best time to go to Japan will depend on what you need to do and see.
Spring (March to Might) is cherry blossom season and the hottest time to go to Japan. Most guests need to see the attractive delicate hues of the cherry blossoms on their first journey, so it’s by far the busiest time. Anticipate crowds at most vacationer sights and better lodging costs. Be ready to e book lodging and trains prematurely. Average temperatures in Spring make it a pleasant time to wander the streets and spend time open air. By April, temperatures in Tokyo will probably be up into the 60s°F (between 15-20°C), offering an excellent local weather for journey.
Summer season (June to August): Many guests choose to spend summer time holidays in Japan. Nevertheless, that is when the climate turns into scorching and humid throughout many of the nation. Temperatures can climb into the excessive 80s °F (excessive 30s °C), with humidity rising nicely into summer time. June marks the start of the wet season. This makes exploring the great nation just a little tougher and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it’s a nice time to move to the mountains and nationwide parks. Summer season is good for hikers to discover the Japanese Alps and nationwide parks in areas like Hokkaido.
Fall (September-November): Fall is one other common season to go to Japan. The nation is roofed in stunning fall foliage that rivals the colors of the cherry blossom. Temperatures are likely to drop into the 70s °F (low 20s °C) throughout the day in most cities, making strolling round extra snug than in summer time.
Winter (December-March): Until your plan is to hit the ski slopes, winter is off-season for tourism. Days are usually bearable in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, with temperatures hovering across the low 50s° F (10-15 °C), however the nights can get chilly, dropping to 35 °F (1 °C). However regardless of the chilly, Japan has a sure magic in winter. Christmas and New 12 months generally is a significantly good time to discover the nation, with loads of lights and actions within the main cities.
Minakami, Gunma
Our Steered 2 Week Japan Itinerary
When you’re planning a two week Japan itinerary, then right here is how we suggest you spend your time.
Tokyo – 3 days
Tokyo is a basic bucket listing vacation spot for a lot of travellers. The well-known metropolis is wildly fast-paced, quirky, and vibrant, combining custom and modernity, not like another metropolis on this planet. Because the capital and beating coronary heart of Japan, it’s an amazing place to kickstart your 2 weeks in Japan.
Get there: Fly into certainly one of Tokyo’s two worldwide airports, Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT). Each airports have handy public transport hyperlinks to get you into town, with the prepare providing the quickest choice.
Keep: TRUNK HOTEL is situated a brief stroll from Shibuya Station and is the right sustainable journey choice while you go to Tokyo. Lined in leafy greenery inside and outside and with the inside decked out in recycled supplies, the standout structure seamlessly blends city and nature. Double rooms begin from US$350 per night time.
Issues to Do in Tokyo
With three days in Tokyo, you’ll be able to see all of the sights under:
Tokyo Imperial Palace: Initially in-built 1457, the Imperial Palace is a fantastic backyard and royal palace advanced surrounded by previous stone partitions and a moat. The internal grounds are closed to the general public for many of the 12 months, however you’ll be able to go to the parks and gardens without spending a dime.
Senso-ji Temple: Situated within the coronary heart of the Asakusa district, this historic Buddhist temple is certainly one of Tokyo’s oldest temples. Its major options embody the Kaminarimon (the Thunder Gate), a five-story pagoda, and the Asakusa Shrine. Main in the direction of Senso-ji Temple, the Nakamise Purchasing Avenue is a bustling thoroughfare crammed with memento stalls and snack outlets promoting conventional Japanese items.
Dinner Cruise on Sumida River: A dinner cruise down the Sumida River is the right romantic night time out. You possibly can take pleasure in just a few hours on a standard Yakatabune houseboat cruise with a really genuine Japanese dinner and admire town skyline by night time.
Shibuya Crossing: Essentially the most well-known attraction in central Tokyo is the Shibuya Crossing. Situated simply outdoors Shibuya Station, it’s the busiest crossing on the planet, with an estimated 3,000 folks crossing every time. You possibly can merely stroll throughout the highway with a sea of different folks or head over to Starbucks and seize a seat on the second degree for unimaginable views of the road under.
Marunouchi Space: This central district is a good foodie spot the place you’ll be able to pattern a few of the greatest Japanese dishes. Head to Tokyo Ramen Avenue, situated within the basement of Tokyo Station, the place you’ll discover a few of the greatest ramen choices within the metropolis.
Yanaka District: This previous city historic district is dwelling to quirky Japanese structure and loads of road meals stalls. Alongside Yanaka Ginza, you’ll be able to pattern Sake, Manju (Japanese cake), dumplings, and extra.
Takeshita Avenue: This well-known road in Harajuku district is the final word purchasing and quirky meals vacation spot in Tokyo. Wander down Takeshita Dori to absorb the environment and eat vibrant meals, together with the bizarre and wacky snacks alongside the best way.
Meiji Shrine: For a tranquil escape inside Harajuku, go to this stunning shrine in Yoyogi Park, which covers a peaceable forested space. You possibly can attain the principle advanced of shrines in only a 10-minute stroll from the doorway. Plus, it’s free to go to, so it’s good for these on a good Japan finances.
Sumo Wrestling Observe: Get up early and head to a Sumo Wrestling observe at Arashio-beya Sumo Secure. You possibly can watch a sumo observe there each morning from 7:30am-9:30am. Verify the schedule of the practices right here, because the observe doesn’t happen each day.
Tsukiji Outer Market: Situated within the Chou Metropolis district of Tokyo, this native market gives an unimaginable foodie expertise. It’s dwelling to slim alleyways crammed with eating places and outlets promoting wholesale produce, contemporary fish and loads of different goodies. The market runs till 2pm, however is at its greatest earlier than midday. It’s recognized for its contemporary seafood, snacks like tamagoyaki (omelette on a stick), and sushi.
TeamLab Planets: This immersive digital artwork museum includes a distinctive mix of artwork, know-how, and nature. Discover interactive digital displays, from strolling by means of a room crammed with ever-changing flowers to wading in a knee-deep pond of digital koi fish that react to actions. It’s an extremely distinctive multisensory artwork encounter you can simply take pleasure in for about an hour or extra.
Go to a Themed Cafe: A basic Tokyo expertise is visiting one of many outrageously quirky cafes devoted to characters from movies, cartoons, or anime. The Pokemon Cafe and Harry Potter Cafes are simply the most well-liked for followers. We additionally suggest a go to to Robotic Daybreak Cafe.
Tokyo Tower: This remark tower in Minato, Tokyo, stands over 330 m (1,082 ft) excessive and was as soon as the tallest construction on this planet. Designed as an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower, it stands out for its white and crimson colors. You possibly can go to the principle remark deck or climb to the highest deck at an additional value for panoramic views of downtown Tokyo.
Nakamise Avenue, Asakusa, Tokyo
At TeamLabs Planets
Sundown on Sumida River in Asakusa, Tokyo
Mount Fuji (1-2 Days)
A day journey to Mt Fuji is a good exercise so as to add to your two week Japan itinerary. You possibly can go to the world for a day on a day tour from Tokyo ( we extremely suggest it, as attending to Mt Fuji on public transport is kind of difficult) to go to Kawaguchi Lake, fifth Station, and Oshino Hakkai.
Alternatively, plan to go to the area for a day and luxuriate in a while in Lake Kawaguchi, take within the views from Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and go to the scenic Arakurayama Sengen Park for that iconic Mt Fuji picture opp.
Magnificent view of Mount Fuji
Gunma Prefecture (2 Days)
After spending just a few days in Tokyo, get out of town and expertise the countryside.
Gunma Prefecture, situated about 3 hours north of Tokyo, is a good and simple vacation spot to expertise a extra rural and cultural facet of Japan.
When you love the outside and need to get energetic, Minakami is the place for you. The city is greatest recognized for being the journey capital of Japan, with varied out of doors actions accessible any time of the 12 months.
Get there: Gunma Prefecture is situated 150km (93.2 miles) northwest of Tokyo. When you’ve employed a automotive, you’ll be able to attain it in simply 2.5 hours. In any other case, with a JR Rail Move, take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Jomo Kogen Station, which departs no less than as soon as per hour. The a method journey takes round 70 minutes and prices about 5500 yen. From there, you’ll must get a switch to your last vacation spot in Gunma.
Keep: Hoshi Onsen Chojukan, situated by the Hoshi River, is a Japanese-style ryokan surrounded by nature. Get pleasure from a big non-public room, that includes tatami flooring, futons and conventional brief eating tables. The spotlight of the keep is the prospect to expertise a surprising conventional onsen, and scrumptious Japanese kaiseki meal.
Minakami, Gunma, Japan
Issues to Do in Gunma Prefecture
Keep for just a few days, and you may spend a day sampling a few the journey actions and one other day diving into the extra cultural facet of the area.
Canyoning: Minakami is the hub of canyoning in Japan, and Canyons is the place to do it. There are a number of canyoning programs relying in your desired thrill degree. Fox Canyon is a half-day journey and an ideal introduction to the world of canyoning. In any other case, you’ll be able to strive the extra technical Willow Canyon.
Rafting: Thrill seekers flock to Minakami in spring to journey the world-class grade 4+ rapids of the Tone River. A half-day tour covers round 12 km (7.5 miles) of whitewater, or skilled rafters can sort out over 25 km (15.5 miles) on a full-day journey. When you favor one thing extra mellow, go to within the summer time when the rapids have lowered to a category 2.
Climbing or snowboarding Mt Tanigawa: Mount Tanigawa (1,977 m / 6,486 ft) is the best mountain within the Tanigawa mountain vary. When you go to in winter, it’s a well-liked snowboarding space, whereas from July till November, it transforms into among the finest mountain climbing locations in Minakami. You possibly can journey the cable automotive, Tanigawadake Ropeway, to the facet of the mountain at Tenjindaira (1,319 meters / 4,327 ft). From there, it’s a further two-hour hike to the summit for unimaginable views over the world.
Bungee Leaping: Towering 42 meters (138 ft) above the Tone River, Bungy Japan is among the longest-running operators within the nation. Leaping from the Suwakyo Bridge prices round 12,000 yen and is only a 5-minute drive out of Minakami city.
Soak at Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku: Situated about 27 km (16.7 miles) north of Minakami, this scorching spring resort is a well-liked place to spend half a day. There are indoor and out of doors onsens alongside the riverbank and spacious mixed-gender baths to take pleasure in in any season. Plus, the resort additionally has a restaurant that focuses on mountain delicacies, together with regionally caught river fish and mountain greens.
Discover Takuminosato: Discovered on the best way to Akaya Lake, simply outdoors of Minakami, Takuminosato is a charming city good for exploration by bike. The streets are lined with varied arts and crafts outlets, eating places, and low spots. Renting a motorcycle on the town lets you spend the day leisurely biking round, popping into outlets, taking part in walk-in artwork and craft experiences, and trying to find distinctive Japanese crafts and souvenirs, starting from bamboo objects to Japanese washi paper artwork.
On the Hoshinoyu Onsen
Ropeway to Mt Tanigawa
Days 7-11: Kyoto and Environment
Kyoto is commonly thought of Japan’s cultural capital and a must-visit vacation spot for first-timers in Japan. Kyoto is thought for Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, conventional wooden homes, kaiseki eating and geisha entertainers. We suggest spending round 4 days exploring town and its environment.
Get there: The Tōkaidō Shinkansen bullet prepare connects Tokyo and Kyoto on a direct route. Three providers on this line depart frequently: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Nozomi is the quickest choice, taking round 140 minutes for the journey and costing simply over 14,000 Yen.
Keep: Seikoro Ryokan: Established in 1831, this laidback 4-star boutique ryokan is situated close to the Kamo River in central Kyoto. It’s in-built conventional model with wooden panels, display doorways, a leafy courtyard, and an onsen. The ryokan gives a style of conventional Japanese tradition with a kaiseki dinner and conventional Japanese breakfast included within the keep.
Yasaka Pagoda, Kyoto
Issues to Do in Kyoto
Kyoto is chock filled with fascinating sights, so make sure you spend no less than 3-4 days exploring the world. Listed here are our prime suggestions:
Fushimi Inari Shrine: The shrine is legendary for its torii gates, which straddle the paths main into the forest of Mount Inari. Begin the 2-hour return pilgrimage to the summit of Mount Inari, behind the shrine’s major corridor. Most guests rush to Fushimi Inari Shrine at dawn or very first thing within the morning, however we suggest visiting one of the vital well-known shrines in Kyoto at sundown time. You’ll discover smaller crowds and a particular alternative to see Fushimi Inari at nightfall and within the magic of night time lights.
Kinkaku-ji: Sometimes called the Golden Pavilion, this Zen Buddhist temple is totally coated in gold leaf and overlooks a big pond. Regardless of having burnt down quite a few occasions all through Japanese historical past, the current Golden Temple advanced dates again to 1955 and is now a acknowledged UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Arashiyama: The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one other of town’s most recognizable sights. There’s just one major path by means of the bamboo forest grove, which leads slowly uphill and is lined with thick bamboo bushes. On the prime of the hill is the Okochi-Sanso Villa, a fantastic backyard space that gives metropolis views. It’s situated simply north of the doorway to Tenryu-ji Temple, which you must also go to whilst you’re within the space. Be warned, it is a highly regarded attraction in Kyoto and is busy any time of the day (except, after all you need to get up early and head there for dawn)
Higashiyama District: As among the finest preserved historic districts of Kyoto, Higashiyama is a must-visit on this two week itinerary. This space of Kyoto is crammed with conventional Japanese structure, together with slim streets, picket buildings, conventional pottery outlets, tea homes, and loads of temples and shrines. Attempt to arrive very early within the day to take pleasure in a quieter few hours strolling the streets earlier than the crowds arrive.
The district can be dwelling to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known temples and shrines, together with Kodai-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Gion District As Kyoto’s most well-known geisha district, Gion is a must-visit, crammed with outlets, eating places and tea homes, the place geishas entertain throughout conventional tea ceremonies. Take a stroll alongside the principle road, Hanami-koji Avenue from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple, to admire the well-preserved machiya homes turned eating places, serving Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (conventional Japanese delicacies).
Nishiki Market This 400-year-old iconic market in downtown Kyoto occupies a slim strip lined with greater than 100 outlets and stalls. It’s one of the best place to strive Kyoto specialties, akin to Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi offered at just a few stands. An ideal breakfast cease in Kyoto throughout your two week Japan itinerary.
Kyoto Tower Situated close to Kyoto Station, this metal tower is the tallest construction within the metropolis, with its remark deck sitting at 100 meters (330 ft) excessive. You possibly can admire the panoramic views from the highest and even take pleasure in a romantic dinner on the Kyoto Tower Restaurant.
Half-Day Journey to Nara: Situated simply an hour south of Kyoto, Nara gives among the finest day journeys from Kyoto. Because the nation’s first everlasting capital, Nara has a number of essential temples value visiting, together with Tōdai-ji temple with the 15m excessive Buddha statue and the Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha with greater than 3000 lanterns. One other spotlight of a visit right here is to see the deer roaming across the tranquil Nara Deer Park.
Days 11-14: Osaka and Environment
The ultimate metropolis on this Japan journey itinerary is Osaka, a big port metropolis and certainly one of Japan’s largest cities. After in depth harm brought on by bombing in World Warfare II, Osaka has been slowly rebuilt, with tall skyscrapers and cutting-edge structure. Nevertheless, town has additionally remained a cultural hub of Japan, with unimaginable road meals, electrical nightlife, and a few essential shrines and museums.
Spend your last few days on this superb journey exploring Osaka’s major sights.
Get there: A fast prepare journey from Kyoto, Osaka, is greatest reached by Shinkansen prepare. The quickest choice runs from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station in solely quarter-hour. When you don’t have a JR Move, the Shinkansen worth for this journey is 1,420 yen.
From Tokyo, Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) could be reached by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains are the quickest choice and require about 155 minutes of journey time.
Keep: Takuto Lodge Situated only a 5-minute stroll from Shinsaibashi Station, this straightforward however tremendous snug boutique resort is inside shut proximity to lots of the main sights. They provide a spread of rooms, from customary doubles as much as household rooms for these travelling with children. We particularly favored the small kitchenettes within the rooms, so you’ll be able to self-cater some meals too.
Dotonbori, Osaka
Issues to Do in Osaka
Plan to spend two or three days in Osaka to provide your self sufficient time to discover town and an choice to take a day journey to Kobe or past.
Osaka Fort: This iconic landmark is situated simply outdoors downtown Osaka. Initially in-built 1583 on the previous web site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, it was destroyed and rebuilt once more within the 1620s. The park surrounding the fort is crammed with over 5,000 cherry blossom bushes that bloom in spring, attracting 1000’s of holiday makers yearly. The fort tower homes an informative museum concerning the fort’s historical past and offers you nice views over town skyline.
Dotonbori: The Dotonbori district is the major vacationer attraction within the metropolis. Working parallel to the canal’s south financial institution, it’s recognized for its brilliant neon lights, big indicators, conventional Japanese meals, and a wholesome doze of crowds. We suggest exploring within the night, with quite a lot of eating places and bars to select from for a drink or dinner.
Kuromon Ichiba Market: This coated purchasing road is among the greatest locations to find all of the strange produce and distinctive Japanese meals. The market is especially recognized for its contemporary seafood and meat, the place you’ll be able to pick what you need and have it cooked in entrance of you. It’s open from 8am till 6pm daily.
Common Studios: Because the second Common Studios amusement park to open outdoors the US, that is one of many largest sights in Osaka. Situated southwest of town middle, Common Studios is a enjoyable full-day outing for each adults and households. Discover The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Tremendous Nintendo World, amongst lots of the movie-themed rides and actions contained in the park.
Umeda Sky Constructing is a landmark constructing within the Kita district. The 173 meter (568 ft) excessive constructing consists of two towers which might be linked by the Floating Backyard Observatory on the thirty ninth flooring. Head up there at sundown to catch town’s stunning view from its open-air deck. You will get free admission with the Osaka Wonderful Move till 4pm or pay 1500 yen for entry till 10pm.
Day Journey to Kobe: Take a 12-minute Shinkansen prepare journey, and also you’ll end up in Kobe. Try the Kitano district, the historic district with the previous houses of many international retailers and diplomats. Take the Kobe Ropeway as much as the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens for the greatest views of town. And don’t miss an opportunity to pattern some road meals within the Chinatown of Nankinmachi District or strive the well-known Kobe beef at a neighborhood restaurant.
View from Osaka Fort, Japan
Dotonbori Avenue check in Osaka
This Japan journey itinerary for first-time guests covers all the weather of an ideal first journey by means of this extremely distinctive nation.
From visiting the main cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto to permitting sufficient time to get off the overwhelmed monitor and into nature round Minakami, we predict this 2 week Japan itinerary captures one of the best of the nation’s sights in a comparatively brief time.