Beyond the Golden Route
10-day itinerary

Beyond the Golden Route

Deep Japan by Rail
10Days
5Cities
€€€Budget
April or NovemberBest time
Customize with Tony

Escape the crowds and discover the authentic heart of Japan. Traverse hidden mountain towns and coastal gems using the legendary rail network.

Kanazawa's Samurai DistrictTakayama's preserved streetsHiroshima's poignant historyMiyajima Island sunsetsNaoshima art installations

Your day-by-day plan

Day1
Kanazawa

Kanazawa Arrival

Morning: Arrive via Shinkansen from Tokyo.

Afternoon: Explore the meticulously landscaped Kenrokuen Garden.

Evening: Dine in the historic Higashi Chaya district.

Buy a 1-day bus pass for easy transit.
Day2
Kanazawa

Samurai Traditions

Morning: Wander through the Nagamachi Samurai district.

Afternoon: Browse the bustling Omicho Market for fresh seafood.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet sake at a local izakaya.

Visit the Nomura Clan Samurai house.
Day3
Takayama

Alpine Escape

Morning: Board the Hida Wide View train into the mountains.

Afternoon: Stroll the streets of Sanmachi Suji.

Evening: Sample Hida Wagyu beef for dinner.

Book seats on the right side of the train for valley views.
Day4
Takayama

Mountain Culture

Morning: Visit the vibrant Miyagawa morning market.

Afternoon: Explore the Hida Folk Village open-air museum.

Evening: Relax in a traditional local onsen.

Try the local Takayama ramen.
Day5
Hiroshima

Hiroshima Bound

Morning: Travel south by rail toward Hiroshima.

Afternoon: Reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Evening: Taste authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Grab a okonomiyaki at Okonomimura.
Day6
Miyajima

Miyajima Island

Morning: Take the short ferry ride to the island.

Afternoon: Hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen.

Evening: Watch the sunset behind the floating Torii gate.

Beware of the friendly wild deer.
Day7
Naoshima

Art Island

Morning: Depart for Uno Port and ferry to Naoshima.

Afternoon: Visit the Chichu Art Museum carved into the hillside.

Evening: Cycle around the island to see the iconic yellow pumpkin.

Rent an electric bike to navigate the hills.
Day8
Naoshima

Contemporary Wonders

Morning: Explore the Benesse House Museum galleries.

Afternoon: Visit the Art House Project in Honmura.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in a converted folk house.

Book museum tickets well in advance.
Day9
Okayama

Okayama Charm

Morning: Ferry back and visit the Korakuen Garden.

Afternoon: Tour the black-walled Okayama Castle.

Evening: Stroll the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area.

Stay in a boutique hotel in the canal district.
Day10
Osaka

Final Departure

Morning: Take the train to Osaka for final souvenirs.

Afternoon: Grab a final street food feast in Dotonbori.

Evening: Head to Kansai Airport for departure.

Use the Nankai line for fast airport access.

Top tours & activities in Kanazawa

Find hotels in KanazawaFind hotels in TakayamaFind hotels in HiroshimaMore experiences on Klook

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Budget estimate

Flights~€1200
Hotels~€1500
Food~€800
Activities~€400
Transport~€600
Total~€4500 per person

Where you'll go

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