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Itinerary
From Northern Serenity to Southern Sun
14 days · 24 stops · ¥150,000–¥300,000 · 8 views
Explore Japan's hidden gems from the serene landscapes of Tohoku to the vibrant culture of Kansai, finishing with the tranquil beauty of Kyushu and Okinawa.
Days
Zuiganji Temple
Miyagi
掬茶 (Kikucha) / CC BY-SA 4.0
Schedule
Day 01 of 14🛬
Arrive 9:00 · first activity from 11:30
2.5h customs + airport transit buffer
Land at SDJ · Mon, Oct 5 · from JFK · 1 traveler
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
Sendai · 4 nights
Mon, Oct 5 → Fri, Oct 9 · 1 guest
11:30
EXPLORE
瑞巌寺
Stay ~1h 30m
Matsushimakaigan Station
A serene introduction to Tohoku's spiritual heritage. Explore its intricate wooden carvings and beautiful rock gardens.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Sendai & Matsushima · Days 1–4
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Osaka → Kyoto · Days 5–11
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Kerama Islands (Zamami) → Naha & Okinawa main island · Days 12–14
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Rental car: pick up in Sendai & Matsushima (Day 1), drop off after Naha & Okinawa main island (Day 14). Skip it for the city legs.
Browse rental cars on Klook →Getting around
🚄
JR Pass
Your route spans 6 prefectures — a 7-day JR Pass (from ¥50,000) covers shinkansen and most express trains between these stops, paying for itself with 2–3 long-distance journeys.
Compare JR Pass options →🚗
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 / 14
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥24,500–¥40,000 / person / day
¥340,000–¥560,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥5,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 23 travel legs and 13 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Everything you need, sorted.
Is a JR pass worth it for this trip?
Rough estimate · based on trip distances
Pay-as-you-go is likely cheaper here — your rail estimates to ~¥37,576, under the ¥50,000 JR Pass (7-day). A pass may still be worth it for convenience.
Check official coverage
Stay Connected
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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.
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Save on Exchange
Spend yen at the real mid-market rate. Saves real money on a 2-week trip.
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