Where would you spend 14 solo days in Japan – with access to nature/hiking/baths?

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for travel tips for a couple of places to visit over around 14 days. Mon-Fri I'll be chained to my laptop til about 4pm, so I'm looking for places that I can set up in a cafe or my hotel room (or anywhere with internet) but have easily accessible adventures for after 4pm and on the weekends.

I've booked for 2 weeks traveling with a friend – we're going to Tokyo for 3 nights, spending 5ish days on the Kumano Kodo hiking, and then have about 5 days in Osaka. It'll be my first time in Japan and I'm beyond excited.

After my friend leaves I have 2 weeks by myself and I feel completely paralyzed by choice! I would love to spend a week-ish somewhere I can do shorter walks or hikes after 4pm (love a sunset hike), enjoy traditional baths, be out in nature. And then longer day hikes on the weekend. Happy to hire a car for a few days if in a place that needs it. Then I think I'll probably head back to Tokyo (unless there are some other strong recommendations). This will be from 5-18 Oct.

My friend leaves on the Friday, so I will have two full weekends and two full weeks of open itinerary. Want to experience the best of Japan and feel so overwhelmed by choice!

Thank you so much in advance 🙂