I’m going back to Japan and I couldn’t be more excited!
In the fall of 2023, I visited Japan for the first time. It was a 16-day solo trip across multiple cities, and by the end, I longed for more! Sometimes, I wonder why this was the case, especially since one of the main criticisms I’ve read about Japan travel is that at some point, things get repetitive. You visit temples and shrines, maybe see a few gardens or some castles, ride in a bullet train, and then do it all over again.
Why I am Going Back to Japan…
So I found myself pondering: what was it about Japan that made me want to stay longer, that made other places suddenly seem less appealing? Was it the unfailingly polite culture? The incredibly efficient transportation networks? The wonderfully walkable cities? The ease of travel? The overwhelming feeling of safety? Or perhaps those aesthetically pleasing destinations that seem to exist everywhere you turn?
Seriously, just pick any location in the country, and somehow, it just looks so picturesque and cute – that’s exactly the right word: cute. Even countryside homes, without the glitz and glamour of city life, had me wondering what it would be like to live a simpler life surrounded by such beauty.
And so, even after an enriching 2-week adventure, I knew with certainty that I wanted to visit again, this time with Mark by my side. Over the months following my return, I often opened my travel Google Sheets and eagerly jotted down ideas for our next trip.
By the time all was said and done, I had crafted a perfect 25-day itinerary that would allow us to explore several distinct parts of the country, embark on incredible hikes, and experience the perfect balance of vibrant city life and tranquil countryside living. So, over the next few weeks, I will be writing about our itinerary and each city we will be visiting. But first, let’s get some logistics out of the way.
Trip Planning Resources
Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com
Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs
Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel
eSIM: Get your travel eSIM here
Getting a Visa to Japan
I will admit, I was quite nervous to apply for a visa to Japan because of my fairly long stay. Japan issues visas in 15-day instalments. Therefore, I needed a 30-day visa at the very least. Luckily, like my first application, the process in Kenya was very smooth, and I received my visa in exactly 10 working days.
If you would like to read more about the application process, I have written an extensive post about it in this article. It contains the application requirements for Nigerian travellers applying from Kenya or Nigeria.
Planning a Second Trip to Japan
Planning this trip was so much easier than my first one. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed when organising that initial adventure. My biggest burden then was figuring out transportation – it just seemed too complicated. But having experienced firsthand how seamless everything actually is, and how incredibly helpful the staff at stations are, planning this time around has been genuinely relaxing.
I’ve also come to an important realisation: it’s simply impossible to see everything Japan has to offer in a single journey. This time, I’ve carefully narrowed down the must-see destinations for us, as well as the charming “filler cities” that connect them. And you know what? I’m already thinking that yet another trip to Japan might be in our future. There’s still so much I want to see and do!
Our Travel Itinerary
For our itinerary, I’ve crafted a 25-day journey that balances urban exploration with natural wonders. We’ll start in Tokyo for a day to ease into the trip, then head to Osaka and Kyoto. From there, we’ll spend a few days in Magome, where we will hike the historic Nakasendo Trail between Magome and Tsumago.
Next, we’ll spend some time in Nagoya before our hike on the Kumano Kodo Trail, stopping in various cities along the way. The final leg of our journey will feature breathtaking views around majestic Mount Fuji before we complete our circuit back in vibrant Tokyo. I will put up our complete itinerary on my BuyMeACoffee page.
What I’m Most Looking Forward To…
I am most looking forward to being in the Mount Fuji area, hiking the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails. I’m also looking forward to the smaller moments—morning cafe runs, evenings spent soaking in onsen after long hikes, and those unexpected encounters that often become the most treasured memories.
Most of all, I’m thrilled to share this experience with Mark and Andrew. Seeing Japan through fresh eyes while also having my own deeper understanding of the culture will make this journey even more special than my first solo adventure.
Enjoyed this post?
![When life doesn't give lemons [visas], you get them from the supermarket!
Lol. I don't know what I'm saying but if you're a traveller with a "weak" passport like mine, my no1 advice is not to get too stuck up on visiting a particular place. Broaden your horizons and discover new places!
This was supposed to be a Vietnam trip but I never got the visa and so I decided to pivot, choosing to revisit Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong instead! And let me tell you, a time was had!](https://www.travelwithapen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/500268159_1859169768216532_5080463724957751671_n-361x640.jpg)
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![When life doesn't give lemons [visas], you get them from the supermarket!
Lol. I don't know what I'm saying but if you're a traveller with a "weak" passport like mine, my no1 advice is not to get too stuck up on visiting a particular place. Broaden your horizons and discover new places!
This was supposed to be a Vietnam trip but I never got the visa and so I decided to pivot, choosing to revisit Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong instead! And let me tell you, a time was had!](https://www.travelwithapen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/500268159_1859169768216532_5080463724957751671_n.jpg)
25 days in Japan – no wonder you are so excited. Your itinerary sounds really well-balanced and thoughtful. A mixture of urban cities and lots of hiking. I’ve only been to Tokyo and its surrounds, so I am also itching to go back and see more of the country. It is a fascinating and unique culture with a singular aestheticism, so many quirky and cute sights, spectacular nature and fantastic food. Oh, and the people are wonderful. Looking forward to your Japan posts later in the year.
Thanks, Leighton! I am back from this trip now and really thought it would cure my Japan wanderlust. But here I am planning a third trip to the country! The combination of everything you mentioned makes me want to return over and over again! I’m just as excited to write about this trip, almost as much as the trip itself. Thanks for following along! 🙂