Extended Adventure
May 21–29, 2026
2 travelers · 9 days · 8 nights
Namba, Osaka → Kyoto → Hakone → Matsumoto → Tokyo
Group splits here
Day 13 — Wed, May 21
Ancient capital, giant Buddha, sacred deer. The day trip that got its own day.
Deer biscuits (shika senbei, ¥200) are sold at stalls everywhere. The deer know how to bow — if you bow first, they bow back. Don't tease them though, they WILL headbutt you.
Day 14 — Thu, May 22
Trading neon for tradition. Three days in Japan's cultural heart.
Kiyomizu-dera before 9am is magical. The wooden terrace juts out over a hillside — no nails, just interlocking beams. Sunset from here is extraordinary.
Day 15 — Fri, May 23
Hike between mountain temples, then hunt for treasures at Nishiki Market.
The Kurama-Kibune trail is moderate but has some steep sections and exposed tree roots (the famous kinonesandō). Wear proper shoes. The hike is easier Kurama → Kibune (net downhill to the shrine).
Day 16 — Sat, May 24
The temples the day-trippers never reach. Plus Gion at its most atmospheric.
Saihō-ji REQUIRES advance reservation (2 months ahead, max 2 per booking). You'll copy Buddhist sutras in ink before seeing the garden — embrace it, it's incredibly meditative. The moss garden is worth every yen.
Day 17 — Sun, May 25
Bullet train east, then hot springs in the mountains. Buy the Hakone Free Pass.
Hakone Free Pass is ESSENTIAL — covers trains, cable car, ropeway, boat, and buses for 2 days. Buy at Odawara.
Day 18 — Mon, May 26
Volcanic valleys, sacred lakes, and the old Tokaido highway through cedar forests.
Start the Tokaido Road hike early — the cedar avenue in morning light is magical. Take the bus to Hatajuku to skip the boring road section. Owakudani may close if volcanic activity increases — check on the day.
Day 19 — Tue, May 27
From volcanic hot springs to samurai castle. The Japanese Alps are calling.
Matsumoto Castle is Japan's oldest five-tiered castle. The stairs inside are STEEP — almost ladders. It's worth climbing to the top for the mountain views. Arrive before 3pm to avoid the rush.
Day 20 — Wed, May 28
Walk the 400-year-old postal road through mountain forests. Edo-period Japan, preserved.
Walk Magome → Tsumago (not the reverse) — it's net downhill after the pass. The cobblestones are VERY slippery when wet, bring proper hiking shoes. Send your big luggage ahead via coin lockers or takkyubin. This is one of Japan's most beautiful walks — take your time.
Day 21 — Thu, May 29
One last castle view, one last konbini run, then sayonara.
The Azusa train through the mountains is beautiful — grab a window seat on the left side for valley views. At Narita, tax-free shopping starts at ¥5,000 — don't open sealed items before leaving Japan.
Have a wonderful journey