Naoshima Island

A hotel room with an epilepsy warning? An omakase course of tea-based cocktails? I can't say for sure these are hidden gems, but after months of seeing everyone and their moms go to Japan since COVID reopening, I can say these were some of my favorite spots that I seldom saw people visit. Hi! I'm a Brooklyn-based tech journalist-turned-corporate comms editor. Early in my career I spent a stint as a luxury travel planner and writer specializing in Asia, and if I can toot my own horn, I'm often the friend everyone says "wth Natt, how do you find all these cool spots, drop that itin." (Fine, they don't say it like that, but you get the point). Travel planning is a great hobby for me, and I am writing this as both a journal to remember my trip by and to share with friends, hence the overly familiar tone you might find below. If you discovered this on the Thatch platform, consider giving my guide a shot and hopefully you'll find it useful for an adventuresome visit to Japan! This guide includes: ✈️ Pre and post-arrival pro-tips 🛌 Hotel, restaurant, and activity suggestions with some personal anecdotes (we vetted any Instagram vs realities!) 📍 Resources, databases, and things to make your journey more efficient and economical It is not: 📆 A list of daily itineraries ❓ "Beginner's guide to Japan" i.e. how to book JR trains, basic etiquettes, how to transfer from airport to city 🔝 The absolute best of the bests - opinions here totally my own

Get ready for an incredible 2-week Japanese adventure, blending old traditions and new vibes. Explore Tokyo's buzz, soak in the Alps' charm, feel Kyoto's grace, marvel at Himeji's elegance, embrace Hiroshima's strength, unwind amidst Miyajima's beauty, and savor the flavors of Osaka. This itinerary is your ticket to an amazing journey!

Kyoto offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. It is a place where tradition and modernity coexist, providing a unique and enchanting experience for travelers.