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Tokyo, Japan
Start in Shinjuku and Shibuya for neon-lit street food stalls and ramen alleys. Don't miss Senso-ji temple in Asakusa and the tsukemen shops in Ikebukuro. Explore Akihabara for culture and Yanaka for old Edo vibes.
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Nikko, Japan
A stunning mountain town packed with ornate shrines and mausoleums, including the UNESCO-listed Tosho-gu Shrine. Hike around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls for dramatic nature scenery. Try yuba (tofu skin) dishes, a local Nikko specialty.
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Kyoto, Japan
Japan's cultural heartbeat — visit Fushimi Inari's thousand torii gates at dawn before the crowds arrive. Wander Gion district for geisha culture and street food like skewered tofu and matcha sweets. Arashiyama's bamboo grove and Kinkaku-ji are absolute must-sees.
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Osaka, Japan
Osaka is Japan's undisputed street food capital — demolish takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori without guilt. Visit Osaka Castle for history and Shinsekai neighbourhood for retro working-class vibes. Kuromon Ichiba market is perfect for a morning food crawl.
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Hiroshima, Japan
A deeply moving and essential stop — the Peace Memorial Museum and A-Bomb Dome are profoundly important historical sites. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, layered and loaded with noodles.
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Hakone, Japan
A volcanic wonderland with steaming valleys, onsens and legendary views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Ride the ropeway over Owakudani for sulphur vents and black eggs cooked in volcanic springs. Soak in a traditional ryokan onsen experience — the perfect reward for two weeks of adventure.