The point of this route
Trade the rush
for rhythm.
Japan rewards attention. Choose fewer bases, learn the local train, and give every city a full morning before asking it to perform.
01
Days 1–3 · Kanto
Tokyo, at street level
Base yourself in Yanaka or Kuramae. Start with a kissaten breakfast, walk the backstreets, and save Shibuya for after dark.
Find Tokyo notes →02
Days 4–5 · Hokuriku
Kanazawa, the slower capital
Make the two-hour train ride north. Explore the market early, then spend an afternoon in the old tea districts.
Add to my planner →03
Days 6–9 · Kansai
Kyoto, before the crowds
Stay east of the river and walk before 8am. Pair one famous temple with one ordinary neighborhood each day.
Find Kyoto notes →04
Days 10–12 · Setouchi
Sea air and a soft landing
Finish on Naoshima or in a small town on the Inland Sea. Art, cycling, and the rare luxury of an empty calendar.
Shape the finish →