Itinerary
Romantic Journey through Japan's Seasons
21 days · 55 stops · ¥500,000–¥800,000
Explore Japan's diverse beauty from Hokkaido's autumn leaves to Okinawa's tranquil beaches, with cultural highlights in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Days
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga Red Brick Office)
Hokkaido
Schedule
Day 01 of 21Land at CTS · Thu, Oct 1 · from JFK · 2 travelers
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Sapporo · 2 nights
Thu, Oct 1 → Sat, Oct 3 · 2 guests
14:00
EXPLORE
北海道庁旧本庁舎（赤れんが庁舎）
Stay ~1h
Sapporo Station
Enjoy the autumn colors in the garden of this historic red brick building, a symbol of Sapporo. The perfect introduction to Hokkaido's blend of history and nature.
~17 min on foot
17:00
EXPLORE
Eventさっぽろオータムフェスト
Stay ~2h
Savor local Hokkaido specialties at this vibrant food festival held in Odori Park. It's a culinary celebration not to be missed.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Sapporo & Otaru · Days 1–2
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Hakodate area → Biei & Furano · Days 3–5
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Sapporo & Otaru · Day 6
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Tokyo central → Kyoto · Days 7–16
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Naha & Okinawa main island · Days 17–19
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Kudaka Island · Days 20–21
Small island — explore on foot, by bicycle or local taxi (ferry across).
Rental 1: Hakodate area · Days 3–5
Rental 2: Naha & Okinawa main island · Days 17–19
Separate rentals — you fly (or ferry) between these regions, so return each car before you leave it.
Browse rental cars on Klook →Getting around
🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →⛴️
Ferry required
At least one destination is accessible only by ferry. Book in advance — island ferries sell out weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–May, Jul–Aug).
Browse ferry options on Klook →01 / 21
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥14,000–¥23,000 / person / day
¥590,000–¥970,000 total for 2 travellers
💴 Carry ~¥11,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 54 travel legs, 20 hotel nights and 4 ticketed events. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Everything else, sorted.
Stay Connected
Japan eSIM delivered instantly to your phone — 5% off with code HIDDENJAPAN.
Get yours
Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
Compare passes
Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
Browse ryokans
Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
Book delivery
Travel Safe
Insurance that actually covers adventurous travel — hiking, onsen, ski slopes.
Get covered
Save on Exchange
Spend yen at the real mid-market rate. Saves real money on a 2-week trip.
Open free
Hidden Japan may earn a small commission on purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Your turn
Plan a trip like this — free
This itinerary was built by AI from 1,100+ verified hidden places — real routes, ferries, and events matched to your dates. Yours takes about a minute.
No credit card · 3 AI trips a day on the free plan.