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From Japan, the journey to Morocco often takes around 20 hours each way with connections, so how you use your days on the ground matters. Here are realistic routes by length of stay.
5 days: Marrakech and the Sahara
Two nights in Marrakech, one in the Dades Gorge after crossing the Atlas, one in a Merzouga desert camp. A lot of driving, but Morocco in concentrated form.
8 days: the classic loop
Arrive in Casablanca, then Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara and Ouarzazate before Marrakech. The most popular length for a first visit.
10 days: slower, with the coast
The 8-day loop plus Essaouira or extra nights in Marrakech. Rest days after long drives make it ideal for senior travellers and families.
How to decide
- Around 5 hours of driving per day is comfortable
- Allow at least one full day per medina city
- At least one desert night, ideally two
- Keep arrival and departure days light
Content prepared by Moroccan Express Travel & Events, a Morocco-based travel operator serving Japanese agencies and private travelers.