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Zorali
Zorali

Explore Japan in 7 days

NATURE EDITION

Ever since we started Zorali 5 years ago, we’ve talked about going to Japan. There's something so captivating about their deep connection with nature, design ethos, and simple way of living. We flew into Tokyo and, just before landing, caught a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the airplane window. We knew it was going to be an amazing trip!

Day 01 - Explore Tokyo - We stayed in 📍 Shibuya.

Start your day with the best coffee @fuglentokyo and walk around Yoyogi Park.

Day 02 - Travel to 📍 Kyoto via Shinkansen (fast train) 2.5hrs.

🍜 Nishiki Market is a fantastic starting point for food adventures. Wander through the little laneways and back streets—you never know what you’ll find, like this ice cream in a croissant. So good! We also stumbled upon some amazing stores tucked away down these streets, including one of our favorite Japanese outdoor brands, Yamatomichi.

Day 03 - Explore Kyoto 🥾 Hike Mount Daimonji 8km

We started our hike at Nanzen-ji Temple, and it was so green!! The trail begins with a long set of stairs that lead us up into the forest. From the top, we enjoyed a breathtaking bird's-eye view over Kyoto and witnessed the incredible hiking culture among the older generation in Japan. So inspired!

Day 04 - Explore Kyoto 🛶 Hozugawa River Boat Ride

We were eager to explore more of Kyoto and found a boat ride through the Hozugawa River, just a 40-minute train ride away. While it was a bit touristy for our taste, it was a lovely way to slow down and unwind as we floated through the lush trees and river system.

Day 05 - Travel to 📍 Kamikochi via train and bus (5hrs) 🥾 Hike to Tashiro Pond 8km loop.

We had heard so many great things about Kamikochi, and despite the lengthy journey to get there, it was absolutely worth it. Since no cars are allowed in the national park, we had to take a bus for the final leg. Buses usually arrive in the afternoon, and it can be quite busy when you first get there, but most tourists clear out by 5 PM, giving you much of the place to yourself! We decided to stay two nights at one of the hotels, which gave us plenty of time to explore. Our adventure started with a walk around Tashiro Pond, our first taste of the pure Japanese Alps. SO pretty!

Day 06 - Hike Mt Yake-dake 🌋 18km out and back. 2,455m Elevation.

This hike had everything! It started with a stroll through lush green forests, followed by some questionable ladder climbing, and then onto snow and rocky terrain. As we approached the summit, we were greeted by the foul smell of sulfur gas billowing out of cracks and crevasses—fun fact, Mt. Yake-dake is an active volcano! It was a bit sketchy, TBH, navigating those rocky slopes. But when we reached the summit and rounded the corner to see the huge crater and lake, we were gobsmacked. It was such a raw, hostile, yet stunningly beautiful environment. We snacked on our bento lunch boxes at the top (a first!) and soaked in the incredible view before descending. All up, the hike took us about 9 hours as we walked from our hotel and stopped for many-a-photo!

Day 07 - Travel to & explore Tokyo 📍Harijuku

Our last day to eat and shop our way through Tokyo! We really wanted to pick up some special Japanese ceramics for our house, so we headed to Harajuku in search. We also stocked up on all the weird and wonderful snacks Japan has to offer and enjoyed our 100th soft-serve ice cream of the trip. We headed home with happy hearts, full bellies and sore legs. Japan - we’ll be back!