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Tokyo, Japan
Arrive on the 20th after your overnight flight from Belgium. Start gently with Shinjuku or Asakusa to beat jet lag. Don't miss Senso-ji temple and a ramen dinner in a local alley.
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Nikko, Japan
Nikko is home to the lavishly decorated Tosho-gu shrine complex set among cedar forests. Take the Tobu Nikko line from Asakusa for a straightforward journey. Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji for stunning mountain scenery.
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Matsumoto, Japan
Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's finest original feudal castles, is the star attraction here. The charming Nawate-dori frog street offers local crafts and snacks. The city is a great base for the Japanese Alps.
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Takayama, Japan
Takayama's beautifully preserved Sanmachi Suji old town district feels like a step back in Edo-period Japan. Try Hida beef skewers and local sake from the morning markets. The Hida Folk Village open-air museum is a must-visit just outside town.
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Shirakawa-go, Japan
This UNESCO World Heritage village is famous for its steep thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, especially magical in autumn foliage. It makes a perfect stop en route from Takayama to Kanazawa by bus. Climb to the Shiroyama viewpoint for iconic panoramic shots.
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Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa is often called 'little Kyoto' and boasts Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens. The Higashi Chaya geisha district and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art are highlights. The Omicho market is the best place to feast on fresh seafood, especially crab.
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Kyoto, Japan
With four nights you have time to explore Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji and the atmospheric Gion district. Late October brings beautiful autumn colours to the temple gardens. Don't miss an evening stroll along the Philosopher's Path lined with maple trees.
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Naoshima, Japan
Naoshima is a small art island in the Seto Inland Sea famous for the Benesse Art Site museums and Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture. Take the ferry from Uno port near Okayama. Rent a bicycle to explore the island's outdoor installations and quiet beaches.
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Kii-Tanabe, Japan
Kii-Tanabe is the gateway town to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stock up on supplies and visit the tourist centre to plan your walking route. The town has a pleasant fishing harbour worth a short evening wander.
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Chikatsuyu, Japan
Chikatsuyu is a small pilgrim village along the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo trail. Staying here immerses you in the ancient walking pilgrimage tradition through cedar-forested mountains. Simple guesthouses and minshuku provide authentic local hospitality.
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Kii-Katsuura, Japan
Kii-Katsuura is a scenic fishing town known for its outstanding fresh tuna and dramatic rocky coastline. Take a short boat trip to Nachikatsuura and visit the spectacular Nachi Falls, Japan's tallest waterfall. The island hot spring hotel Nakanoshima is a uniquely memorable experience.
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Osaka, Japan
One night in Osaka is just enough to experience the electric Dotonbori district and sample takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Osaka is Japan's food capital and the street-food scene around Namba is unbeatable. A quick visit to Osaka Castle is worth it if you arrive early enough.
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Kawaguchiko, Japan
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes offering classic views of Mount Fuji, especially beautiful with autumn foliage in late October. Take the Chuo Line from Shinjuku via Otsuki on the Fujikyu Railway. A sunset or sunrise view of Fuji reflected in the lake is unforgettable.
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Tokyo, Japan
Your final two nights back in Tokyo are perfect for last-minute shopping in Shibuya or Akihabara and picking up omiyage gifts. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Shinjuku or at a rooftop bar with city views. Narita and Haneda airports are both well connected for your flight home to Belgium.