10 Days in Japan 2025 – Not the Typical Golden Route

#japan #hiddenjapan #japantravel #Travel #Travelguide #Trip

I’ve been to Japan over six times, but the usual spots — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Mt. Fuji — are just too crowded now. So for this trip, I wanted to explore the hidden side of Japan. Over 10 days, I discovered quiet streets, timeless villages, and serene landscapes you won’t find in typical guidebooks.

From the historic streets of Hiroshima and the peaceful island of Miyajima, to the mountain town of Takayama and the traditional villages of Hida and Shirakawa-go. I wandered through Matsumoto with its iconic castle, strolled the charming post town of Narai-juku, walked beneath the giant cedars at Togakushi Shrine in Nagano, met the famous snow monkeys in Yamanouchi, and finished my journey in Tokyo before flying home.

Along the way, I discovered local markets, hidden cafes, quiet shrines, and relaxing hot springs — a trip that truly felt like uncovering a side of Japan few get to see.

If you’ve been to Japan before and want to see a side of it most travelers miss, this video will show you exactly what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of 10 unforgettable days.

00:00 intro
00:30 Things to know before arriving in Japan
01:10 sponsor
02:24 Day 1: Hiroshima - Peace Memorial Park, Orizuru Tower
07:44 Day 2: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island, short stop at Osaka Castle
12:17 Day 3: Takayama - Shirakawa-go Village, Shiroyama Park, takayama night walk
16:35 Day 4: Takayama - Morning Market, Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji), Koi fish in Hida-Furukawa
22:12 Day 5: Matsumoto Castle, cozy cafe & charming old streets
24:29 Day 6: Matsumoto - trip to post town Narai-juku, Train to Nagano
28:00 Day 7: Nagano - Togakushi Shrine, Cedar Tree Promenade and Zenko-ji Temple
31:53 Day 8: train to Yamanouchi Onsen Town & its traditional hot spring atmosphere
34:45 Day 9: Yamanouchi - Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Onsen Park)
36:27 Day 10: Tokyo - cozy cafe, new rooftop park, hie shrine, best ramen in tokyo