1. Cycle the Shimanami Kaido route
The Shimanami Kaido Bikeway runs between Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture and Imabari in Ehime, hopping across several islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Stunning scenery, temples and castles, and the chance to ride the world’s longest series of suspension bridges.
2. Hike in the mountains of Nikko
The Japanese have a saying: you can't say a place is beautiful until you’ve seen Nikko. A world of waterfalls, hot springs and wide-open spaces await. And ancient temples. Lots of them.
3. Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most important – and largest – Shinto shrines in Japan. You’ll want to head to the back of the shrine’s main ground for the world’s most unique hiking trail, Senborn Torii, a 2-3 hour trail completely covered by thousands of distinctive red torii gates.
4. Walk the circumference of Tokyo
Adventure can be found in even the biggest and most crowded places, even Tokyo. Put on your walking boots, head out the door and see where your feet take you. You'll be surprised by the hidden worlds you'll encounter. And you'll get an insight into Japan – and the Japanese – that most visitors don't get to see.
For more information about Jacob and his travels, visit his website JacobLaukaitis.com, or his Instagram profile where he posts the most memorable moments from his trips.
Main image: Geisha in Kyoto, Japan (Shutterstock.com)
