Japan has been named one of the 10 best trips for empty nesters in a recent Travel + Leisure list, putting the country alongside destinations including Italy, England, Antarctica, Mongolia, and Bhutan.
Japan came in at number six on the list, which looks at destinations suited to couples and solo travelers who have more freedom to travel after their children have grown up and left home.
The Japan itinerary highlighted in the article combines some of the country's best-known experiences, beginning with several days in Tokyo before heading to Hakone and Kyoto. In Hakone, travelers can stay at a traditional ryokan with an outdoor onsen and, on a clear day, enjoy views of Mount Fuji. Kyoto brings opportunities to experience Japanese culture through the likes of tea ceremonies, rickshaw rides through bamboo groves, or cooking classes.
The article also points to something that makes Japan particularly appealing for travelers with more time on their hands, which is the ability to enjoy the country at a slower pace. Rather than trying to squeeze everything into a family holiday, empty nesters can spend longer in each destination and choose experiences that suit their own interests.
Japan's reputation for safety and high level of service was also highlighted, as was the country's relatively straightforward navigation for visitors who plan ahead.
For anyone who has spent years planning holidays around school breaks, children's interests, and family schedules, Japan could make a fitting destination for a trip where the itinerary finally belongs entirely to you.
