Nostalgic Countryside & Scenic Rail Explorer's 10-Day Japan Itinerary

Purchase the Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket at the station. This great-value combo ticket covers your round-trip train fare, local bus rides, a tuna lunch, and a local activity.

Arrive at the unique station where tuna is promoted throughout. Show your day trip ticket to ride the local bus for free.

Stroll around one of Japan's leading tuna landing ports. Enjoy the retro townscape and peaceful seaside atmosphere.

Enjoy a delicious tuna lunch covered by your Maguro Ticket. The creator recommends adding fatty tuna (otoro) to the meal for an extra-rich flavor that melts in your mouth.

Exchange your Maguro Ticket for a boarding pass and set sail on a semi-submersible sightseeing boat. Head to the underwater viewing area to see schools of fish in a natural aquarium.

Take a local bus to this island known for its untouched nature, dramatic cliffs, and soothing sound of waves.

Visit the park for spectacular coastal views and a unique lighthouse modeled after a radish, a local specialty of the Miura Peninsula.

Stop by this local produce market at Misaki Port to shop for fresh seafood and local vegetables. Try the crispy tuna street food and the juicy tuna steamed bun.

Visit this historic shrine near Misaki Port, known as a spiritual spot for good fortune and the deity of food. Look for the sacred tree that resembles a dragon god and try the unique tuna-themed fortune slips.

Arrive at this quiet rural station and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before starting your walk.

Walk about 20 minutes from Kaminaka Station to this sacred area famous for its pure, delicious spring water. Pass through the torii gates into a moss-covered forest with cold, flowing water.

Stop at this popular restaurant to try the local specialty, Ika-don (squid rice bowl), topped with fresh sweet squid and grated Japanese yam, along with crispy fried squid tentacles.

Visit this sky terrace for panoramic views of the Mikata Five Lakes and the Sea of Japan. Relax in the mountaintop foot bath while taking in the scenery.

Stay overnight at this seaside Japanese inn. Every room offers an ocean view, and dinner is a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal featuring fresh local seafood.

Stroll through this historic post town along the ancient 'Mackerel Road,' which once transported seafood from Wakasa Bay to Kyoto. Enjoy the nostalgic charm of the old streets and the sound of flowing water.

Dine inside a merchant house that is over 190 years old. Try the local specialty set featuring vinegar-cured and grilled mackerel sushi.

Visit this quiet, secluded shrine along the old road to experience its calm and sacred atmosphere.

Arrive at Ena Station, the starting point for your countryside exploration. Rent a car here to reach the hidden valley restaurant.

Cross a thrilling suspension bridge over the crystal-clear 'Blue River' to reach this valley restaurant. Enjoy fresh river fish (char) served raw, grilled, and fried, alongside mountain ingredients and soba.

Drive 5 minutes from the restaurant to this park entrance. Take a refreshing walk through the forest to see the beautiful Fudo Falls and look for rainbows in the mist.

Take a 30-minute train ride from Ena Station to arrive at this retro station serving the historic castle town.

Stroll through this charming, rare castle town once ruled by a female castle lord. Explore traditional wooden houses and step inside a historic home to view the second floor.

Take a break at this long-established shop to try moist, simple, and nostalgic castella cake in various flavors.

Hike up to one of Japan's three great mountain castles. Learn about the tragic history of the female ruler, Oda Nobunaga's aunt, while exploring the quiet stone ruins.

Arrive early in the morning at the gateway to Kamikochi. Listen to the birdsong and the gentle sound of the river in the quiet morning air.

Visit Kamikochi's most iconic landmark. Take in the breathtaking contrast between the remaining snow on the peaks and the fresh greenery.

Begin your 3.5 km hike to Myojin Pond along this quieter, less crowded trail. The creator recommends wearing a bear bell for safety as you walk through marshlands and forests.

Reach this historic spiritual spot, known as the guardian shrine of the Japanese Alps. Pay your respects and enjoy the clear, sacred pond that looks like a Japanese garden.

Take a short break at this cozy cafe near Myojin Pond. Enjoy a rich, slightly bitter cake in a relaxing atmosphere lit by oil lamps.

Head back toward Kappa Bridge along the left bank trail. Look for Nirinsou flowers, a sure sign of spring in Kamikochi.

Stop for a big portion lunch at this campground restaurant, which is less crowded than other spots near Kappa Bridge.

Stay at this mountain hot spring inn, a member of the Japan Association of Hidden Hot Springs. Enjoy natural spring drinking water, sulfur-scented baths flowing directly from the source, and a multi-course dinner.

Arrive at this rare station building featuring a thatched roof. Relax in the footbath with natural hot spring water right next to the station.

Take a 20-minute bus or 10-minute taxi to this 400-year-old post town. Walk among thatched-roof houses, view traditional crafts like the lucky 'Akabeko' red cow, and head up to the observation deck for a quintessential countryside view.

Try the unique local soba noodle dish where you use a whole Japanese leek as chopsticks to slurp the noodles, nibbling on the leek as a condiment.

Walk through the large torii gate in the middle of the village to find this quiet, sacred shrine enveloped in silence, featuring an especially large ancient cedar tree.

Arrive at the main transit hub for the Aizu region to catch your bus or taxi to the hot spring town.

Explore this 1,300-year-old hot spring town, once loved by historical heroes and literary figures. Walk along the nostalgic streets and enjoy the public footbath.

Stay at this hot spring inn where you can enjoy fresh hot spring water straight from the source, complimentary drinks, and the soothing sound of the river from your room.

Dine at this long-established local restaurant with a homey atmosphere. Try the mild horse sashimi, sweet and savory Katsu-don, and light soy-sauce ramen.

Take a leisurely stroll around this famous cherry blossom spot featuring approximately 1,000 blooming trees. Enjoy the beautiful contrast between the red-tiled castle tower and the pink blossoms.

Arrive in Hokkaido and prepare for the cold before heading out to your first winter destination.

Visit this famous winter festival to see blue ice sculptures made from the frozen waters of Lake Shikotsu, glowing beautifully in the sunlight.

Warm up with lunch and try the local kokanee salmon, a freshwater salmonid fish from Lake Shikotsu with a clean, delicious taste.

Arrive at this nostalgic station, designated as a national registered tangible cultural property, and feel the romance of winter travel.

Step inside one of Japan's largest music box specialty shops. Enjoy the gentle sounds and explore countless beautiful designs in a historic building.

Visit this long-established shop selling colorful handmade glassware displayed in a fantastic, atmospheric space.

Stay at this hotel perfectly located for sightseeing. Enjoy the retro atmosphere of this renovated historic building.

Take a romantic night walk along the snowy canal, beautifully lit by gas lamps against the backdrop of historic warehouses.

Dine inside a historic warehouse along the canal. Enjoy fruity local beer and delicious food served in a lively pub atmosphere.

Wrap up your day at the hotel lounge. Relax in a tranquil atmosphere lit by oil lamps while listening to the beautiful sound of an antique music box.

Head to Sapporo in the evening and explore this bustling downtown entertainment district filled with bright neon lights.

Wait in line at this popular shop to try authentic Sapporo Miso Ramen, featuring a rich and flavorful soup that clings perfectly to the noodles.

Walk around the park to experience the Sapporo Snow Festival. Admire the massive, detailed snow sculptures and enjoy the impressive projection mapping at night.