This insider itinerary invites Indian travellers to skip Japan’s classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka Golden Route and discover slower, culture-rich escapes. From Hakone’s onsen ryokans and Mount Fuji vistas to Kanazawa’s samurai lanes and gold leaf workshops, Osaka’s food-centric neighbourhoods, and Niseko’s powder snow and hot springs, it reveals a more intimate, soulful side of Japan.
Undoubtedly, Japan is one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travellers. Each year, Indian tourists travel to Japan to see cherry blossoms, ancient temples, medieval castles, imperial palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. But if you’re someone who prefers to veer off the beaten path and explore Japan beyond the classic Golden Route, which includes the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, this itinerary by the modern travel agency FORA is one you’ll want to bookmark.
Nestled in the verdant Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is Japan’s quaint mountain resort town. It’s well-loved for its iconic Mount Fuji views and soothing hot springs. Here, guests can relax in therapeutic hot springs baths at their ryokan or enjoy indoor and outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich waters while soaking in mountain views. Additionally, visitors can soar above volcanic valleys and sulfur vents on an aerial tramway, which offers breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the active Owakudani volcanic zone. Moreover, travellers can take a picturesque boat ride across a caldera lake on a replica pirate ship, with Mount Fuji mirrored on the lake at sunrise. Guests can also experience world-class motorsports at the Fuji Speedway, a racing circuit near Mount Fuji, which offers track experience, driving programmes, and the chance to watch professional races, including Super GT events.
Gora Kadan is the most iconic ryokan for the ultimate traditional Japanese luxury experience in Hakone. This former imperial summer villa turned ryokan offers a blend of history, elegance, and thoughtful hospitality, with exquisite kaiseki cuisine, beautifully appointed rooms, and some of the finest private and communal onsen baths in the region. A Relais & Châteaux property, Gora Kadan Fuji, is another ryokan worth checking out. Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara showcases contemporary Japanese design, delectable seasonal kaiseki cuisine highlighting regional ingredients, beautiful onsen facilities with Mount Fuji views, and curated cultural experiences that celebrate Hakone’s artistic heritage.
Osaka, Western Japan’s vibrant second city, is well-known for its mouthwatering takoyaki and okonomiyaki (street food), neon-lit entertainment districts, and historic castles. In Osaka, travellers can experience Osaka’s most famous entertainment district—Dotonbori, with its dazzling neon signs, including the arresting Glico Running Man.
In addition, visitors can dive into Kuromon Ichiba Market, a lively market known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” with over 150 stalls retailing fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, and delicious prepared foods, and explore Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Moreover, visitors shouldn’t miss Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower, a retro district that boasts a nostalgic 1950s setting, kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) restaurants, and the striking Tsutenkaku Tower offering awe-inspiring skyline views.
Situated in the upscale Dojima area, Four Seasons Osaka is home to elegant guest rooms with state-of-the-art amenities and offers easy access to both business and entertainment districts.
In addition, located adjacent to the Osaka Station, Waldorf Astoria Osaka is highly recommended. Conceptualised by Studio Andre Fu and opened in 2025, the Waldorf is excellent for everyone from couples to multigenerational families. Lastly, offering panoramic vistas of Osaka Castle, Patina Osaka is well-loved for its thoughtful service and unparalleled quiet luxury.
Kanazawa is a beautifully preserved castle town on the Sea of Japan. It houses Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, enchanting samurai and geisha districts, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Travellers can wander Nagamachi’s earthen walls and tour the Nomura Samurai House to see authentic Edo-period interiors. In the Higashi Chaya geisha district, traditional wooden teahouses still line the narrow streets. The Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, featuring ponds, streams, bridges, teahouses, and meticulously maintained trees. Additionally, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits innovative contemporary installations in a circular glass building, including Leandro Erlich's famous ‘Swimming Pool’ viewed from above and below water level. Furthermore, travellers can take gold leaf workshops and learn to decorate objects with gold leaf themselves, or tour showrooms that showcase Kanazawa’s centuries-old gold leaf craft. Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa, Beniya Mukayu, and Kayotei are the most popular hotels in Kanazawa.
Niseko is Hokkaido’s wildly popular ski destination and offers legendary “japow” powder snow across four interconnected resorts. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can unwind in natural hot springs with mountain views and take day trips to the charming canal district of Otaru. Guided snowshoe tours offer a different perspective on Hokkaido’s natural beauty away from the ski runs. Additionally, travellers can take a day trip to the nearby port city of Otaru to wander its romantic canal district and sample the region’s exceptionally fresh seafood, including uni (sea urchin). Hilton Niseko Village, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, The Ritz-Carlton, Niseko, and The Green Leaf Niseko Village are the top hotels in Niseko.
Japan rewards those who slow down. This thoughtfully curated itinerary offers visitors an opportunity to leisurely discover the ancient country. It’s the difference between seeing a temple and attending a private ceremony, between eating sushi and understanding the shokunin (craftsman) spirit behind it, which makes all the difference. This itinerary focuses on hidden gems that give you a glimpse of its age-old soul.