DAY 1 – TOKYO, JAPAN
Dazzling cityscapes await your exploration; visit Asakusa for the bright lights, street fairs and Senso-ji Temple; the Tsukiji Market, the largest open-air fish market in the world with on-the-spot sushi; and the Imperial Palace’s East Garden for some calm. Spend the evening in the bright, active Ginza District, where the night comes alive.
DAY 2 – HITACHINAKA, JAPAN
Hitachinaka is in one of the quieter parts of the Ibaraki Prefecture northeast of Tokyo. This region is known for its beauty, which can be enjoyed any number of ways. Drive to nearby Mount Tsukuba, where you can go on an easy hike on the walking trails or take in the views from a cable car that travels partway up the mountain. For a more adventurous day, try bungee jumping off the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, a 1,200-foot-long pedestrian bridge over a lake nestled between tree-covered hills about an hour away from Hitachinaka. For a longer road trip, make your way through the countryside to fantastic Tokyo, about two hours away by train.
DAY 3 – SENDAI, JAPAN
Founded by the fearsome feudal lord Date Masamune, the city of Sendai is peppered with monuments to this Edo-period ruler, including his vividly hued final resting place, the ornate Zuihoden Mausoleum. Marvelous temples and shrines abound, including picture-perfect Rinno-ji Temple, which is surrounded by serene Japanese gardens. Savor one of the region’s specialties, hiyashi chuka, a refreshingly cool ramen dish that is perfect for warm days, and then stroll among the shapely zelkova trees of Jozenji-dori Avenue, a delightful reminder that Sendai is nicknamed the City of Trees. Towering above all is the Daikannon Statue, a representation of the Goddess of Mercy and one of the world’s tallest effigies.
DAY 4 – MIYAKO, JAPAN
Despite being engulfed by a 125-foot wave, Miyako has miraculously reemerged completely revitalized from the devastating tsunami of 2011. You’ll find the area’s natural beauty remains unspoiled, including stunning Jodogahama Beach, a white-pebbled stretch of coastline enhanced by jagged offshore rock formations that has been declared a national Place of Scenic Beauty. Navigate the picturesque, Japanese red pine-swathed coast in a sightseeing boat to Hachinohe-ana, an ethereal sea grotto that grants wishes, and cap your exploration at the bustling Miyako Fish Market for a taste of local delicacies including crab, salmon and uni.
DAY 5 – KUSHIRO (HOKKAIDO), JAPAN
An unsung gem in eastern Hokkaido, historical Kushiro offers an attractive balance of culture and surrounding natural beauty. In the city, Kushiro City Museum and Kushiro Art Museum are top choices, and foodies won’t want to miss the bounty of fresh seafood at Kushiro Washo Market. Try donburi, a rice bowl dish topped with fish, or sample renowned Hokkaido crabs. Flanked by national parks, Kushiro is a gateway to stunning Lake Akan and Akan-Mashu National Park, where you can visit hot springs, go canoeing, and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture at the village of Ainu Kotan. Also nearby, the largest wetland in Japan at Kushiro National Park is home to the graceful Japanese red-crowned crane – a prized symbol of longevity.
DAY 6 – MURORAN (HOKKAIDO), JAPAN
This cozy city’s economy has historically been driven by coal and iron, but behind its industrial façade you’ll discover some of Japan’s most compelling scenery. Ascend to the observatory at Cape Chikyu and survey Hokkaido’s spectacular coastal landscape, or venture to serene Lake Toya, which is graced with views of soaring Mount Yotei, an almost symmetrical volcano reminiscent of Mount Fuji. Sample the region’s distinctive cuisine with a taste of curry ramen, a flavorful local twist on Japan’s favorite casual noodle dish, and if you’re a beer aficionado, a day trip to legendary Sapporo is a must, a vibrant town that is home to Japan’s oldest brewery.
DAY 7 – AOMORI, JAPAN
Each change of season brings fresh new beauty to the coastal city of Aomori. The blush of cherry blossoms greets you in spring, while in winter the forests of the surrounding mountains are so heavily laden with snow that the trees appear to be giant white beasts. The port is dominated by Aomori Bay Bridge, offering great views of both the city and the harbor and mirroring the striking triangular design of the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center. The skyline’s contemporary angles result from the city’s destruction during World War II and rebuilding thereafter, but Aomori also celebrates ancient societies that settled here millennia ago. Surprisingly, you’ll be reminded of this prehistoric past at the 21st-century museum of modern art, as its architecture pays homage to the nearby excavations of ancient ruins. After exploring the museums and markets, relax at the caldera lakes and natural hot springs in the lush countryside.
DAY 8 – SAKATA, JAPAN
Sakata is a city on the northwest coast of Japan’s Honshu Island. In the center, Sankyo Soko is a group of warehouses built in 1893. One now contains the Historical Museum of Shonai Rice. The Honma Museum of Art includes antiques displayed in a 19th-century villa. The Ken Domon Museum of Photography is dedicated to the revered social realist photographer. North of the city, trails lead to up Mount Chōkai volcano.
DAY 9 – KANAZAWA, JAPAN
Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s central Honshu Island. It’s known for well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums and regional handicrafts. Kenrokuen Garden, begun in the 17th century, is celebrated for its classic landscape designs incorporating ponds and streams. Adjacent Kanazawa Castle was built in the 1580s, after the defeat of the Peasant’s Kingdom, Japan’s only Buddhist fiefdom.
DAY 10 – BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA
From trendy cafes and famous fish markets to sacred temples and traditional tea ceremonies, Busan, the second largest city in South Korea is bursting with flavors and culture. Take a walk in the relaxing Yongdusan Park while admiring the various species of trees and a view of the Busan Tower. At the Hongbeopsa farming temple, explore the renowned large Buddha statues at the Main Buddha Hall while walking along a water lily path, or experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony conducted by one of their monks.
DAY 11 & 12 – DAY AT SEA
DAY 13 – TOKYO, JAPAN
Dazzling cityscapes await your exploration; visit Asakusa for the bright lights, street fairs and Senso-ji Temple; the Tsukiji Market, the largest open-air fish market in the world with on-the-spot sushi; and the Imperial Palace’s East Garden for some calm. Spend the evening in the bright, active Ginza District, where the night comes alive.
