Japan Off the Beaten Path - 14 Days

Day 2: Views of Tokyo City Tour

See Tokyo from a different perspective with a visit to the city's most famous viewpoints. You'll start below ground, descending more than 66 feet (20 m) below the surface of the city to the Underground Shrine. Part of Tokyo's Underground Discharge Channel, which was built to prevent flooding and is one of the largest underground discharge channels in the world, the shrine consists of 59 large stone pillars that stand nearly 60 feet (18 m) tall. Your guide will explain how this structure protects the city from flooding as you walk through its cavernous tunnels. 

Next, you'll head skyward with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Ride up 756 feet (230 m) for a panoramic view of Tokyo's skyline and incredible architecture. End the day at the world-famous Shibuya intersection, a wildly busy crosswalk across even busier city streets. You can get a bird's-eye view of the famous walkway from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, which sits more than 750 feet (230 m) above street level, and be sure to take advantage of one of the area's many great restaurants for dinner. 

Day 3: Sumo Wrestling Excursion, Imperial Palace, Traditional Kabuki Show

Learn more about Tokyo's past today, starting with an exploration of Japan's national sport, sumo wrestling. With origins that date back nearly 2,000 years, sumo is truly the heart and home of Japanese culture. Visit a local arena and see the sumo wrestlers in training as your guides share information on the traditions and significance of this exciting sport. 

Next, visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only place in the palace that is open to the public. The gardens feature seasonal flowers, green lawns, fountains, and teahouses. You can also catch views of the impressive double-arched Nijubashi Bridge. Stop in at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, where an extensive array of shops trade all sorts of freshly cooked delicacies and cooking ingredients, and maybe grab a quick meal of fresh sushi.

End the day by traveling back in time to the days of the Edo era with a kabuki theater show. This colorful theatrical art form originated in the early 1600s, with comic performances done by women. Women were eventually banned from participating, and today it remains a male-dominated event. On your way back to your hotel, take a detour through the many bars and restaurants of the glittering Golden Gai district.

Day 4: Explore the Futuristic Odaiba District

Today's excursion takes you to Odaiba, a colorful shopping and entertainment district known as a hotspot for futuristic fun. This human-made island started as a small group of fort islands built during the Edo period to protect the country against attacks by sea. Today, it's a high-tech hub where visitors can explore new technology, art, and food. The island can be reached via the sleek Yurikamome train, a cruise through Tokyo Bay, or by crossing the neon lights of the Rainbow Bridge. 

Start at Team Lab, an interactive art exhibition on the island that gives new meaning to the term "modern art"—be prepared to follow art as it moves along the walls. Car enthusiasts can also visit the nearby Toyota City Showcase. Check out the latest innovations in the technology zone, reminisce about the old days in the vintage car collection rooms, or test-drive a favorite car on their private track (an international driving license is required).

The nearby Miraikan Museum (officially the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) is a fantastic place to learn about everything in future tech in a fun and interactive way. You can also stroll along the beach at Seaside Park, ride the Daikanransha Ferris wheel for views of Mount Fuji, or have a bite to eat at one of the many sushi bars along the waterfront. 

Day 5: Train to Izumo, Countryside Homestay 

Your next destination is Izumo, a small city on Honshu Island known for its historic shrines and ancient traditions. Head to the train station in the morning and hop on board for a fairly long (6.5 hours) but scenic journey. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a local host family and settle in at your homestay. The homestay offers an authentic experience of small-town life in Japan, vastly different from the fast-paced lifestyle of Tokyo. While spending time with a Japanese family, you'll have an incredible opportunity to discover and experience local culture.

Your host will take you to see city sights, meet other residents, and live like a local over the next few days, offering you the chance to build new relationships with Japanese people, eat traditional Japanese food, and gain a better understanding of the Japanese lifestyle and etiquette.

Day 6: Izumo Taisha Shrine, Hot Springs

After breakfast with your host family, set out on a self-guided tour of Izumo and the surrounding areas. Start with a visit to Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the god Okuninushi and features taisha-zukuri architecture. The main hall and attached buildings were designated as National Treasures of Japan in the 1950s. 

Izumo is also home to several hot springs, and you can visit an onsen ryokan (accommodations with natural hot springs) and spend the afternoon relaxing in the healing thermal waters. Enjoy another home-cooked meal and visit with your host family tonight, then rest up in preparation for the next leg of your journey tomorrow. 

Day 7: Geisha Meet & Greet, Visit Yasaka Shrine

Say farewell to your host family this morning and transfer to Kyoto. This cultural powerhouse of a city is known for its historic traditions, such as kaiseki dining and geisha entertainers, as well as its numerous temples, gardens, and palaces. Once you've settled at your hotel, take a guided visit to the Higashiyama district, a wood-built historic quarter of narrow lanes lined with shops, teahouses, and restaurants. Here, you'll have the opportunity to do a meet and greet with a geisha or maiko (female Japanese performing artist).

Enjoy matcha tea and conversation, learning more about the geisha life and training, then head to the Yasaka shrine, located in the Gion district and one of the few shrines that you can visit at night. Finish the day with a stroll through the lively Pontocho area, packed with world-class restaurants, then walk along the Kamogawa River while enjoying the mellow evening ambience of Kyoto.

Day 8: Explore Amanohashidate's Temples & Shrines

The day starts early as you meet with your guides and head out to the scenic sandbar of Amanohashidate, one of Japan's top destinations. The sandbar's name literally translates to "the bridge to heaven," and the place is known for making wishes come true. This region is home to beautiful beaches, making it a fantastic destination in summer, but it's equally stunning in the colder months when a light covering of snow gives the area a winter wonderland feel.

You'll have a chance to explore the gorgeous views, and you'll also visit Chion-ji temple, where visitors come to pray for wisdom and success. You can purchase omikuji (special fortunes) and hang them from the pine trees around the temple grounds. Stop in at Motoise, one of the most important shrines of the Tango region and where the Shinto deity, Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess), was once enshrined. 

Day 9: Day Trip to Nara, Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest

Head out of the city for a day trip to the peaceful greenery of Nara, known for its historic sites, gardens, parks, and friendly local deer. The park here has tons of walking trails, one of which takes you through Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest. The forest, which sits behind the nearby Kasugataisha Shrine, expands across about 1/3 of a mile (.5 km) and features more than 175 different types of trees. You can hike through the forest and to a waterfall, see small caves carved with Buddha statues, or climb Mount Wakakusa for spectacular views of the countryside. 

Stop at Todai-ji temple, home to the giant Daibutsu Buddha statue, then head to Naramachi, the city's former merchant district, to see traditional homes and buildings preserved from as far back as the early 1600s. End the day back in Kyoto, where you can take an evening walk around the city and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 10: Arashiyama District, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Ferry to Fukuejima

Your journey continues as you board an open-air steam train that will take you to Kameoka, a small city outside of Kyoto. From here, take a traditional boat ride down the Hozu River, disembarking in the Arashiyama district. Start at Tenryu-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses one of the most picturesque and ancient landscape gardens in the entire country.

Just past the temple, you'll enter the Sagano Bamboo Grove, a natural bamboo forest that encompasses more than 3,800 acres (1,537 ha) and has walking paths and trails that take you through the serene greenery of the towering stalks. Here, you'll also find Nonomiya, also known as the "Shrine in the Country," a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of Nonomiya. 

See the popular Togetsukyo Bridge, whose name translates to "moon crossing bridge," and ends at Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to a troop of more than 100 Japanese macaques. Watch these curious creatures at play, and you may even have an opportunity to feed them. Later today, catch an overnight ferry to Fukue Island.

Day 11: Goto Islands: Bike Tour Around Fukuejima

The morning starts at sea, where you can enjoy the sunrise from the front decks of the ferry before docking at Fukue Island (Fukuejima). Fukue is part of the Goto Islands, an archipelago with a rich history. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Japan outlawed Christianity, and as a result, many Christians fled to these remote islands, secretly practicing their faith for more than two centuries. Today, there are numerous Catholic churches around the islands, four of which are World Heritage Sites. 

After you settle at your accommodations, meet your guides for a bike tour around Fukuejima. Visit Dozaki Church, where you'll see relics that once held great significance to Christian settlers. Stop at one of the island's pristine beaches to take in the scenery and go for a swim if the weather's warm, then cap off the day at a one-of-a-kind ramen karaoke bar for dinner, drinks, and entertainment.

Day 12: Visit the Cats of Aoshima Island

After breakfast, take a boat to Aoshima, or as locals call it, "Cat Island." Once heavily populated during the whaling boom in the region, Aoshima is now mostly abandoned, aside from the large colony of cats that live here. At one time, fishermen brought cats to the island to help rid them of rodents that were infesting their boats. The cats quickly multiplied and now roam wild. 

Walk around this small tranquil island, taking in the abandoned buildings and homes, and say hello to the many friendly felines. Afterward, return to Fukue, where you can make the most of your last night in the Goto Islands with a fresh seafood dinner.

Day 13: Huis Ten Bosch Theme Park, Transfer to Nagasaki 

Depart Fukue Island this morning and head to the city of Sasebo, most known for it's theme park, Huis Ten Bosch. Designed to look like a Dutch village, the park is twice the size of Disneyland and features canals, windmills, and flower gardens. You'll have the day to enjoy the park, then continue to Nagasaki this evening. The city sits on a large natural harbor and was once home to a large Imperial Japanese Navy base. During World War II, Nagasaki experienced a nuclear attack, now memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park.

Upon arrival, you'll make a visit to the top of Mount Inasayama, which ascends to more than 1,000 feet (333 m) and offers incredible night views of the city. You'll have the option of taking the ropeway, or you can go up via bus (be aware that the bus stops at what is a 15-20 minute trek to the summit) and at the top, take in the glittering lights and expansive scenery.

Day 14: Historical City Tour, Return to Tokyo, Depart

Enjoy your final morning in Japan with a tour of Nagasaki's historic sites. Start at the reclaimed island of Dejima to learn about the influence that the Dutch had on Japan as well as the relationship between the two nations. After that, visit Peace Park to learn about the events that took place in the city during World War II, and if you have time, stop at the Atomic Bomb Museum for more insight into this time in history. 

Afterward, you'll transfer back to Tokyo for your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!