I’m looking for a detailed itinerary for a 10-day trip to Japan. I don’t want to just stick to the major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto though; I’d love to experience some unique cultural activities, historical sites, or scenic spots that are less crowded. What are your recommendations for an authentic Japanese experience?
Sounds like a wonderful trip! I recommend you start in Tokyo, spend a couple of days there seeing sights like the Senso-ji temple and exploring areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Next, take a tour to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then continue to the mountain town of Hakone to enjoy its famous onsen and the view of Mt. Fuji. From there, you can head to Kyoto and explore its ancient temples, such as Fushimi Inari-taisha and Kinkaku-ji. Near Kyoto, you'll find Nara, known for its free-roaming deer and Todai-ji temple. Don't forget the city of Osaka with its vibrant food culture. Allow a couple of days for Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park and try famous Okonomiyaki. If you still have time, take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima. Use the Japan Rail Pass for convenient travel.