15 day itinerary for Giappone E Okinawa

Itinerary

Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Okinawa, with its tropical climate and unique culture, is a fantastic addition to your itinerary. Here’s a fun and engaging 15-day itinerary that balances city exploration, cultural experiences, and relaxation.

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple. Don’t forget to stroll through Nakamise Street for some snacks and souvenirs!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the vibrant district of Shibuya. Try some ramen or sushi!

## Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Meiji Shrine and take a peaceful walk through the surrounding forest.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku, especially Takeshita Street for quirky shops and crepes.
• Evening: Head to Shinjuku for the dazzling lights and maybe catch a view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and enjoy the beautiful nature. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore Gion, the geisha district, and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.

## Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama to see the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Relax at a local onsen (hot spring) if you can find one nearby!

## Day 6: Nara Day Trip

• All ## Day: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park (with its friendly deer), and Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Return to Kyoto in the evening.

## Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 15 minutes by train).
• Afternoon: Explore Osaka Castle and its beautiful park.
• Evening: Dive into Dotonbori for street food! Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

## Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 9: Day Trip to Miyajima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and hike up Mount Misen for stunning views. Return to Hiroshima in the evening.

## Day 10: Hiroshima to Okinawa

• Morning: Fly from Hiroshima to Naha, Okinawa (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Shurijo Castle and learn about Okinawa’s unique history.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Okinawan dinner, perhaps trying goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon).

## Day 11: Okinawa Beaches

• All ## Day: Spend a relaxing day at one of Okinawa’s beautiful beaches, like Naminoue Beach or Emerald Beach. Snorkeling and swimming are a must!
• Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner with fresh seafood.

## Day 12: Okinawa Culture

• Morning: Visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the best in the world.
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Ocean Expo Park and learn about Okinawa’s marine life.
• Evening: Try some local Okinawan drinks, like awamori, at a local izakaya.

## Day 13: Island Hopping

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to one of the nearby islands, like Tokashiki or Zamami, for stunning beaches and snorkeling.
• Evening: Return to Naha and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

## Day 14: Naha to Tokyo

• Morning: Fly back to Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Spend your last day shopping in areas like Ginza or Akihabara. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs!
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps with a view of Tokyo Tower.

## Day 15: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight time.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen.
• Cash: While Japan is increasingly card-friendly, having cash on hand is useful, especially in smaller shops and restaurants.
• Etiquette: Be mindful of local customs, such as bowing and removing shoes when entering homes or certain establishments.

Enjoy your adventure in Japan and Okinawa! It’s going to be an unforgettable experience filled with culture, history, and beautiful landscapes! 🌸✈️🏖️