JJapan Trips

Planning a 2 week trip and trying to decide between Hakone, Takayama, or other scenic small towns?

  • August 15, 2025

Hey travel tip folk,

I’m trying to plan a relaxed, two-week trip to Japan late October into mid-November and wanted to get some advice. It’ll be my wife and I’s first time. My goals are a mix of:

• Cozy, small-town vibes

• Beautiful nature (ideally mountains or gardens)

• Some hippy/bohemian areas, jazz bars, and cozy cafes. Think Haruki Murakami vibes.

• Onsen, Onsen, Onsen (private or tattoo friendly… got a hand tattoo that looks like henna)

Here’s the rough itinerary I have so far:

  1. Tokyo (4 days) – exploring neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa or Koenji for indie, music, and cafe vibes. Possibly a day trip to Kamakura or Nikko.

  2. Takayama (3 days) – historic old town, morning markets, local sake. Trip to Okuhida Onsen.

  3. Kyoto (5 days) – temples, gardens, Arashiyama bamboo grove, cozy streets, jazz cafes, deer and such in Nara

  4. Osaka – flight home.

My main concern is whether I’d get bored in Takayama compared to Hakone, which is more touristy but has Mt. Fuji views, ropeways, Lake Ashi, and more sightseeing options. Maybe there’s some other nature getaway spots I’m not thinking about that wouldn’t be too far out of the way?

by analemmaro