📍 Japan

TOKAI AND JAPANESE ALPS: SACRED FALLS, THATCHED VILLAGES, PEARL SEAS

Steep thatched roofs under snow, sacred waterfalls rushing through cedar forests, pearl divers emerging from turquoise bays. Tokai, beyond the clichés.

≈ 14
Days
0
Km
14
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Admire Mount Fuji from Fujinomiya, then cross Shirakawa-go and its thatched roofs at the heart of the mountains. Reach Ise and its shrine, then approach Shima and its cultured pearls before following Izu's coves. Between volcanoes, pilgrimages and secret shores, Japan reveals itself in intimate landscapes.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Fujinomiya

Fuji's sacred slope rises before pilgrims

Fujinomiya - Photo 1Fujinomiya - Photo 2Fujinomiya - Photo 3Fujinomiya - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Shiraito Falls, selected among Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls
2
Curved cliff face 20m high and 150m wide with ribbon-like cascades
🎯

Activities

→
View water fed by Mt. Fuji springs at 1.5 tons per second
→
See crystal clear pool at the base of falls
→
Experience refreshing 11-degree water temperature even in summer
+1 Optional activities
2
Day

Minamiizu

volcanic coves hide turquoise swimming holes

Minamiizu - Photo 1Minamiizu - Photo 2Minamiizu - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Hirizo Beach with 5-meter water visibility
2
Coral reefs and diverse marine life resembling tropical paradise
🎯

Activities

→
Snorkeling in crystal clear waters open mid-July to mid-September
→
View spectacular sunset from observation platform
→
Enjoy beach with lifeguard supervision safe for solo travelers
3
Day

Kawanehon

steam train chugs through tea-terraced valleys

Kawanehon - Photo 1Kawanehon - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Sumata Gorge stretching over 16km with Dream Suspension Bridge
2
90m long, 8m high bridge over cobalt blue lake
3
Okuoikojo Station appearing to float on emerald green lake
🎯

Activities

→
Walk across thrilling suspension bridge with panoramic views
→
Make a wish at bridge center for love blessing power spot
→
Enjoy 360-degree views from rainbow bridge at station
+2 Optional activities
4
Day

Toyonemura

mountain village guards waterfall sacred sites

Toyonemura - Photo 1Toyonemura - Photo 2Toyonemura - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Mount Chausu, highest peak in Aichi Prefecture
2
Celestial Flower Corridor with 400,000 moss phlox flowers
🎯

Activities

→
View pink shibazakura hillside late April to early June
→
See gradient of pink, white, light blue, and purple flowers
→
Find hidden heart-shaped spot for romance luck
+1 Optional activities
5
Day

Toyota

industrial legacy meets forested river valleys

Toyota - Photo 1Toyota - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Korankei, premier autumn foliage spot in Tokai region
2
4,000 maple trees of 11 varieties
🎯

Activities

→
View Japanese maple, mountain maple, and Acer japonicum varieties
→
Experience Maple Festival with various events in November
→
See stunning nighttime illuminations
+1 Optional activities
6
Day

Tahara

peninsula farmland sweeps toward three bays

Tahara - Photo 1Tahara - Photo 2Tahara - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Irago Cape Lighthouse, symbol of Atsumi Peninsula
2
Selected among Japan's 50 Best Lighthouses
🎯

Activities

→
View panorama of Pacific Ocean, Ise Bay, and Mikawa Bay
→
Watch sunset coloring everything in orange
→
See sunrise through Hinode Stone Gate cave in October and February
+1 Optional activities
7
Day

Tsushima

wetland sanctuary where cranes winter peacefully

Tsushima - Photo 1Tsushima - Photo 2Tsushima - Photo 3Tsushima - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Tsushima Tenno Wisteria Festival with 12 varieties
2
Giant wisteria trellis 275m long covering 5,034 square meters
🎯

Activities

→
Walk under purple curtain of countless hanging wisteria flowers
→
Enjoy color gradients from various wisteria varieties
→
Experience magical nighttime illuminations
+1 Optional activities
8
Day

Yoro

reversing falls legend draws curious seekers

Yoro - Photo 1Yoro - Photo 2Yoro - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Yoro Falls, selected among Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls
2
Historic falls beloved by literary masters
🎯

Activities

→
View powerful waterfall from close-up vantage point
→
Feel negative ions from premier Tokai waterfall
→
See fresh green trees contrasting with falls in season
+1 Optional activities
9
Day

Seki

bladesmiths forge samurai steel since centuries

Seki - Photo 1Seki - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Monet's Pond with high transparency water and water lilies
2
Colorful koi swimming through lily pads like a painting
🎯

Activities

→
View pond resembling Monet's famous paintings
→
See water surface change color with sunlight angles
→
Visit June to September for peak water lily season
+1 Optional activities
10
Day

Shirakawa Go

gassho thatched roofs steep against snowfall

Shirakawa Go - Photo 1Shirakawa Go - Photo 2Shirakawa Go - Photo 3Shirakawa Go - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Shirakawa-go UNESCO World Heritage Site
2
114 traditional gassho-zukuri thatched roof farmhouses
🎯

Activities

→
Experience time-slip atmosphere in preserved village
→
View winter illumination with snow-covered houses
→
See upside-down reflection of farmhouses in water
+2 Optional activities
11
Day

Inabe

plum blossoms cascade down hillside gardens

Inabe - Photo 1Inabe - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Inabe Plum Grove, largest in Tokai region at 38 hectares
2
100 varieties and over 4,000 plum trees
🎯

Activities

→
View red, pink, and white gradient from hilltop observatory
→
Smell delicate plum fragrance across the grounds
→
See Suzuka Mountains backdrop behind plum groves
+1 Optional activities
12
Day

Nabari

akame forty-eight waterfalls crash through gorge

Nabari - Photo 1Nabari - Photo 2Nabari - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Akame 48 Waterfalls Gorge stretching 4km
2
Selected among 100 Best Waters, Waterfalls, Forest Bathing spots
🎯

Activities

→
View Akame Five Waterfalls, the most beautiful cascades
→
See Ninai Falls split into two streams, symbol of the gorge
→
Hike beginner to advanced trekking courses
+1 Optional activities
13
Day

Ise

torii gates mark Japan's holiest pilgrimage

Ise - Photo 1Ise - Photo 2Ise - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Meoto Iwa (Married Rocks) sacred power spot in Futami
2
Ancient sunrise worship site with divine presence legend
🎯

Activities

→
View sunrise between the rocks May to July
→
See full moon between rocks autumn to winter
→
Witness shimenawa rope replacement ceremony in May, September, December
+1 Optional activities
14
Day

Shima

ama divers surface with cultured pearl treasures

Shima - Photo 1Shima - Photo 2Shima - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Goza Shirahama Beach, highest transparency in Tokai
2
Selected among 100 Best Swimming Beaches, famous surfing spot
🎯

Activities

→
Enjoy white sand and cobalt blue water like overseas resort
→
Swim in shallow, calm waves safe for children
→
Use well-maintained facilities for family or girls trips
+1 Optional activities

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

FROM KYOTO TEMPLES TO TOKYO SKYSCRAPERS

📅 12 days 🛣️ 1148.1 Km

JAPAN IN 3 WEEKS — TOKYO TO FUKUOKA BY TRAIN

📅 25 days 🛣️ 1642.6 Km

Kanto: spectacular flowers & unique natural landscapes

📅 15 days 🛣️ ? Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Japan

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season, perfect weather, mild temperatures, iconic sakura viewing, peak tourist season, advance booking essential, magical atmosphere.

Fall (September-November): Autumn colors, comfortable weather, clear skies, beautiful foliage, excellent touring, fewer crowds, ideal photography, pleasant conditions.

Summer (June-August): Hot humid weather, rainy season, festival season, vibrant atmosphere, mountain hiking, beach activities, air conditioning essential.

Winter (December-February): Cold weather, snow sports, illuminations, onsen season, fewer crowds, winter festivals, cozy atmosphere, skiing opportunities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Japan?

Unique culture with ancient traditions, modern innovation, and incredible attention to detail. Experience temples, technology, and authentic Japanese lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Japan provides transformative cultural experiences with historical depth and modern sophistication.