Ancient & Modern Japan: Self-Launched

Fly into Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami — both well-connected to Kyoto. From KIX, take the Haruka Express direct to Kyoto Station (~75 min, ~£15). Check into your hostel or budget hotel near Kyoto Station and spend the evening exploring the nearby Nishiki Market or grabbing a bowl of ramen in one of the station's basement food halls. Get your bearings and rest up — there's a lot to see tomorrow.

🚌Haruka Express from KIX to Kyoto Station (~75 min, ~£15). Alternatively, take the Airport Limousine Bus (~90 min, ~£12).

🛏Piece Hostel Kyoto or K's House Kyoto (dorm ~£18/night, private ~£35/night)

• →Arrive at Kansai International Airport and take the Haruka Express to Kyoto Station (~£15)
• →Check into accommodation near Kyoto Station
• →Self-explore Nishiki Market ('Kyoto's Kitchen') in the evening
• →Dinner at a local ramen or izakaya restaurant

Spend the day exploring three of Kyoto's most celebrated landmarks independently. Start early at Nijo Castle (entry ~£7) before the crowds arrive, then head to the glittering Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji (entry ~£4) and on to the famous Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji temple (entry ~£4). All three are easily connected by city bus using a day pass (~£5). Finish the afternoon with free time in central Kyoto — browse Teramachi shopping street or relax at your hostel.

🚌Kyoto City Bus day pass (~£5) covers all three sights comfortably.

🛏Piece Hostel Kyoto or K's House Kyoto

• →Visit Nijo Castle — built 1603, former Tokugawa shogun residence (entry ~£7)
• →Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) — book on GetYourGuide or just pay at the gate (~£4)
• →Visit Ryoan-ji temple and its world-famous rock garden (~£4)
• →Explore Teramachi or Kawaramachi shopping street in the afternoon

Take an early train to Nara (Kintetsu or JR, ~45 min, ~£5 each way) and spend the morning exploring on foot. Walk through Nara Koen Park — famous for its freely roaming deer — visit the colossal bronze Buddha at Todai-ji temple (entry ~£5), and stroll the outer grounds of Kasuga Shrine. Return to Kyoto by mid-afternoon and head to Fushimi Inari Taisha — entry is free and you can hike the full vermilion torii gate trail at your own pace. End the evening wandering lantern-lit Gion, Kyoto's most atmospheric geisha district, and browse the teahouses and restaurants along Hanamikoji Street.

🚌Kintetsu Nara Line: Kyoto → Nara (~45 min, ~£5). JR Nara Line is slightly slower but covered by JR Pass. City bus back from Fushimi (~£2).

🛏Piece Hostel Kyoto or K's House Kyoto

• →Train to Nara (Kintetsu Line, ~45 min, ~£5 each way)
• →Walk Nara Koen Park and interact with free-roaming deer
• →Visit Todai-ji Great Buddha temple (entry ~£5)
• →Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine outer grounds (free)
• →Return to Kyoto and hike Fushimi Inari Taisha torii gate trail (free, open 24hrs)
• →Evening stroll through Gion — Hanamikoji Street, lanterns, teahouses

This is your first shinkansen (bullet train) ride — a genuine Japan highlight. The Nozomi or Hikari from Kyoto to Hiroshima takes around 90 minutes (~£60, or covered by JR Pass). Pack a light bag for two nights as large luggage is awkward on shinkansen. On arrival, head straight to Miyajima Island: take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi (~£3) then the JR Ferry across (~£2, JR Pass eligible). See the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (entry ~£3) and hike towards Mount Misen for panoramic views. Back in Hiroshima by early evening, explore the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower observation deck or the peaceful Shukkeien Garden.

🚌Shinkansen Kyoto→Hiroshima (~90 min, ~£60 or JR Pass). JR Sanyo Line + JR Ferry to Miyajima (JR Pass eligible).

🛏Enu Hiroshima Hostel or MAZARIUM Hiroshima (dorm ~£16, private ~£32)

• →Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima (Hikari, ~90 min, ~£60 or JR Pass)
• →JR train and JR Ferry to Miyajima Island (~£5 or JR Pass)
• →Visit Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii gate (entry ~£3)
• →Hike partway up Mount Misen for views (free — or ropeway ~£10)
• →Evening: Hiroshima Orizuru Tower observation deck (~£8) or Shukkeien Garden (~£3)

Start your morning at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum — one of the most moving experiences in Japan. Allow at least two hours in the museum (entry ~£3). Walk the park, see the A-Bomb Dome, the Children's Peace Monument, and the Eternal Flame. Take time to reflect. After lunch, take the Shinkansen to Kobe (~45 min, ~£25 or JR Pass). Kobe is a compact, walkable port city with European flair. Head to the Kitano-cho foreign concession district for architecture, or explore Nankinmachi (Chinatown). If budget allows, treat yourself to a small serving of authentic Kobe beef at an accessible restaurant — even a Kobe beef burger counts as the real deal.

🚌Shinkansen Hiroshima→Shin-Kobe (~45 min, ~£25 or JR Pass). Local subway from Shin-Kobe to city centre (~£2).

🛏Kobe Guesthouse Plum or budget business hotel near Sannomiya Station (from ~£30)

• →Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (entry ~£3) — allow 2+ hours
• →Walk Peace Memorial Park: A-Bomb Dome, Children's Monument, Eternal Flame (free)
• →Shinkansen to Kobe (~45 min, ~£25 or JR Pass)
• →Evening: Explore Kitano-cho foreign concession district or Nankinmachi Chinatown
• →Optional: Try Kobe beef at a local restaurant (budget ~£20–40 pp)

Travel north by Thunderbird limited express and Shinkansen to Kanazawa, tracking the shores of Lake Biwa (~3hr 15min total, ~£45 or JR Pass). Kanazawa is one of Japan's best-kept secrets — a beautifully preserved castle town with world-class gardens and seafood. After checking in, head to Kenrokuen Gardens (entry ~£5), widely considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. Its large artificial pond, teahouses, and seasonal flora make for a serene afternoon stroll. Kanazawa Castle Park is adjacent and free to enter.

🚌Thunderbird limited express + Hokuriku Shinkansen: Kobe/Osaka→Kanazawa (~3h15, ~£45 or JR Pass).

🛏Kanazawa Hakuchoge Guesthouse or Guest House Pongyi (from ~£18 dorm, ~£35 private)

• →Train from Kobe/Osaka to Kanazawa via Thunderbird + Shinkansen (~3h15, ~£45 or JR Pass)
• →Visit Kenrokuen Gardens — one of Japan's top three gardens (entry ~£5)
• →Stroll Kanazawa Castle Park (free)
• →Evening: Explore the D.T. Suzuki Museum area or grab fresh seafood near Omicho Market

A full day on foot exploring Kanazawa's rich cultural neighbourhoods — no guided tour needed, everything is within walking distance or a short bus ride. Start at Nagamachi samurai district, a network of narrow lanes and earthen walls. Visit the Nomura Samurai House & Garden (~£7), one of the best-preserved samurai residences in Japan. Head to the lively 300-year-old Omicho Market to browse fresh seafood, local produce, and grab a bite of sushi or crab. In the afternoon, walk to Higashi Chaya geisha district — browse the lacquerware shops and matcha cafes. The Shima Geisha House is open as a museum (~£5).

🚌Most sights walkable from city centre. Kanazawa Loop Bus day pass (~£5) if preferred.

🛏Kanazawa Hakuchoge Guesthouse or Guest House Pongyi

• →Explore Nagamachi samurai district on foot (free)
• →Visit Nomura Samurai House & Garden (~£7)
• →Browse Omicho Market — try fresh seafood or market snacks (~£5–10)
• →Visit Higashi Chaya geisha district — browse shops and matcha cafes (free)
• →Optional: Shima Geisha House museum (~£5)

Take the Nohi Bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (~1hr 15min, ~£10) and spend a couple of hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage village, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Wander the village freely — entry to the Ogimachi open-air area is free, though some farmhouses charge ~£3 to enter. After lunch (try hoba-miso grilled local food from a stall), board the connecting bus to Takayama (~50 min, ~£8). On arrival, visit Hida no Sato Open-Air Museum, a spectacular collection of 30 traditional Hida period buildings (entry ~£6).

🚌Nohi Bus: Kanazawa→Shirakawa-go (~£10). Nohi Bus: Shirakawa-go→Takayama (~£8). Book in advance at nouhibus.co.jp.

🛏Tomarigi Hostel Takayama or Rickshaw Inn (from ~£18 dorm, ~£35 private)

• →Nohi Bus: Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go (~1h15, ~£10)
• →Walk Ogimachi village — UNESCO gassho-zukuri farmhouses (free entry to village)
• →Optional: Enter a traditional farmhouse (~£3)
• →Try hoba-miso or soba from a village stall (~£5)
• →Bus: Shirakawa-go → Takayama (~50 min, ~£8)
• →Visit Hida no Sato Open-Air Museum (~£6)

Takayama is one of Japan's most atmospheric small towns and deserves a full day. Start with the Jinya-mae Morning Market (daily, 7am–noon, free) alongside the Miyagawa River — vendors sell pickles, crafts, and local produce. Walk the beautifully preserved Sanmachi historic district, a row of Edo-period sake breweries, craft shops, and teahouses. Book a tea ceremony experience independently through Klook or directly with a local tea house (~£15–20 pp) — these are welcoming and informal. Spend the afternoon sake-tasting, browsing lacquerware shops, or walking the temple-lined Higashiyama Walkway (free). Visit Takayama-jinya old Government House (~£4).

🚌Everything walkable from city centre.

🛏Tomarigi Hostel Takayama or Rickshaw Inn

• →Jinya-mae Morning Market alongside Miyagawa River (free, 7am–noon)
• →Walk Sanmachi Suji historic district — sake breweries, craft shops (free)
• →Tea ceremony experience — book via Klook or local tea house (~£15–20)
• →Sake tasting at a local brewery (~£5–10)
• →Walk Higashiyama Walkway — temples and shrines (free)
• →Optional: Takayama-jinya old Government House (~£4)

Board the direct Nohi/Alpico Bus from Takayama to Matsumoto (~2hr 30min, ~£20). On arrival, drop your bags at the hotel and head straight to Matsumoto Castle — the 'Crow Castle' — one of Japan's finest surviving original castles, dating to 1504 (entry ~£7). Its all-black exterior against the Japanese Alps backdrop is stunning. Note the steep interior staircases — sturdy footwear recommended. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Matsumoto's charming Nawate Street (frog-themed market street) or the free Metoba River promenade.

🚌Alpico/Nohi direct bus: Takayama→Matsumoto (~2h30, ~£20). Matsumoto Castle is a 15-min walk from the station.

🛏Matsumoto Backpackers or Dormy Inn Matsumoto (budget rooms from ~£30)

• →Bus: Takayama → Matsumoto (~2h30, ~£20 — book at alpico.co.jp)
• →Visit Matsumoto Castle 'Crow Castle' — one of Japan's best-preserved originals (~£7)
• →Walk Nawate Street and Metoba River area (free)
• →Optional: Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (~£10) or Matsumoto City Museum of Art (~£4)

Travel to Kawaguchiko, the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes, with iconic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. From Matsumoto, take a local train to Otsuki (~£12, ~1hr 30min), then the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko (~£8, ~50 min). Check into your lakeside guesthouse and head to Oishi Park — a beautiful lakeside garden with seasonal flowers and, on a clear day, a perfect Fuji reflection on the lake (free entry). Visit the Kawaguchiko Textile and Kimono Museum (~£5) to learn about traditional Japanese weaving. The evening lakeside stroll at sunset, with Fuji looming beyond, is genuinely magical.

🚌JR Azusa/local train: Matsumoto→Otsuki (~£12). Fujikyuko Line: Otsuki→Kawaguchiko (~£8). Total ~£20.

🛏K's House Mt. Fuji or Fuji Lake Hotel budget rooms (from ~£20 dorm, ~£40 private)

• →Train: Matsumoto → Otsuki → Kawaguchiko (~2h20 total, ~£20)
• →Visit Oishi Park — lakeside flower gardens and Fuji views (free)
• →Kawaguchiko Textile and Kimono Museum (~£5)
• →Evening lakeside stroll at sunset (free)
• →Optional: Chureito Pagoda hike for classic Mount Fuji photo (free, ~30 min climb)

Take the Fujikyu Highway Bus direct from Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku, Tokyo (~2hr, ~£15 — book in advance as it sells out). Check into your Tokyo hostel — Shinjuku or Asakusa are great bases. Head straight to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most iconic temple, and wander the Nakamise shopping street for traditional snacks and souvenirs (free entry, open 24hrs for the grounds). In the evening, explore the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku or grab dinner in Asakusa's vibrant food scene.

🚌Fujikyu Highway Bus: Kawaguchiko→Shinjuku (~2hr, ~£15). Tokyo subway/metro for getting around (~£2–5 per journey or get a Suica/Pasmo IC card).

🛏Khaosan Tokyo Origami or Nui Hostel & Bar Lounge, Asakusa (from ~£20 dorm, ~£45 private)

• →Fujikyu Highway Bus: Kawaguchiko → Shinjuku (~2hr, ~£15 — pre-book at highway-buses.jp)
• →Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa — Tokyo's oldest temple (free)
• →Browse Nakamise shopping street for traditional snacks and crafts
• →Evening: Explore Shinjuku neon streets and Golden Gai bar district

Tokyo is inexhaustible — a full free day to explore on your own terms. Popular self-launched options include: the teamLab Planets digital art museum in Toyosu (book in advance via teamLab.art, ~£25); the Meiji Jingu shrine and Yoyogi Park in Harajuku (free); the quirky street fashion of Takeshita-dori; the electronics and anime of Akihabara; or the high-end department stores and viewpoint at the Tokyo Skytree (~£15–20). In the evening, gather your fellow independent travellers for optional karaoke in Shinjuku — private rooms start from ~£5–8 pp per hour.

🚌Tokyo subway/metro — buy a Suica IC card for easy tap-in/tap-out travel (~£2–5 per journey).

🛏Khaosan Tokyo Origami or Nui Hostel & Bar Lounge, Asakusa

• →teamLab Planets digital art museum, Toyosu (~£25 — pre-book online)
• →Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park, Harajuku (free)
• →Takeshita-dori street fashion and Harajuku crepes (~£3)
• →Akihabara electronics and anime district (free to browse)
• →Tokyo Skytree observation deck (~£15–20)
• →Evening: Karaoke in Shinjuku (~£5–8 pp/hr for private room)

Enjoy a final Japanese breakfast before heading to the airport. Narita Airport is best reached by the Narita Express (N'EX) from Shinjuku (~80 min, ~£25, or JR Pass eligible). Haneda Airport is closer — take the Keikyu Line from central Tokyo (~35 min, ~£10). Allow plenty of time for airport check-in and a last browse of the airport duty-free for Japanese Kit Kats, sake, and whisky.

🚌Narita Express from Shinjuku (~80 min, ~£25 or JR Pass). Keikyu Line to Haneda (~35 min, ~£10).

• →Final breakfast in Tokyo
• →Narita Express (N'EX) to Narita Airport (~80 min, ~£25, JR Pass eligible)
• →Or Keikyu Line to Haneda Airport (~35 min, ~£10)
• →Last-minute duty-free shopping: Japanese Kit Kats, sake, matcha, whisky