10 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary that includes all your interests, from the picturesque village of Shirakawago to the vibrant streets of Osaka. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or the Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Explore the iconic Asakusa district. Visit Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and stroll through Nakamise Street for some delicious snacks and souvenirs.
• Evening: Head to Akihabara, the mecca for anime and gaming enthusiasts. Grab dinner at a themed café or a local izakaya.

## Day 2: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone. Enjoy the scenic views along the way!
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where art meets nature. Then, take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of Mount Fuji.
• Evening: Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) and indulge in a kaiseki dinner. Don’t forget to relax in the onsen (hot spring) – pure bliss!

## Day 3: Hakone to Shirakawago

• Morning: After breakfast, take a leisurely soak in the onsen before heading to the bus station. Catch a bus to Odawara Station, then take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Takayama.
• Afternoon: From Takayama, take a bus to Shirakawago. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Don’t miss the Wada House!
• Evening: Stay overnight in Shirakawago. Enjoy a traditional dinner and soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming village.

## Day 4: Shirakawago to Takayama

• Morning: After breakfast, take a morning stroll around Shirakawago. Capture some beautiful photos of the thatched-roof houses.
• Afternoon: Head back to Takayama. Explore the Sanmachi Suji district, known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings. Visit the Takayama Jinya, a historic government building.
• Evening: Enjoy a local Hida beef dinner. Takayama is famous for its high-quality beef!

## Day 5: Takayama to Osaka

• Morning: Take the train from Takayama to Nagoya, then transfer to the shinkansen to Osaka.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and head to Osaka Castle. Explore the beautiful grounds and learn about its history.
• Evening: Dive into the vibrant Dotonbori district! Try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and don’t forget to snap a photo with the famous Glico Man sign.

## Day 6: Osaka

• Morning: Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), one of the largest aquariums in the world. It’s a fantastic experience for all ages!
• Afternoon: Head to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city. You can also explore the nearby shopping areas.
• Evening: Enjoy a night out in Namba, where you can find more delicious food and lively entertainment.

## Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant Buddha statue.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park, where you can feed the friendly deer. Don’t miss the Kasuga-taisha Shrine with its beautiful lanterns.
• Evening: Return to Osaka and relax at your hotel or explore more of Dotonbori.

## Day 8: Osaka to Kyoto

• Morning: Take a train to Kyoto. Start your day at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
• Afternoon: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take a walk through the serene paths. You can also visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Evening: Explore Gion, the famous geisha district. Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner or a casual meal at a local restaurant.

## Day 9: Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Hike up the mountain for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Head to the historic district of Higashiyama. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and wander through the charming streets filled with shops and tea houses.
• Evening: Enjoy your last night in Kyoto with a relaxing dinner and perhaps a traditional tea ceremony.

## Day 10: Departure from Osaka

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Osaka.
• Afternoon: Head to Kansai International Airport for your departure. Reflect on the amazing memories you’ve made in Japan!

And there you have it! A delightful 10-day adventure through Japan, filled with scenic beauty, rich history, and delicious food. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌸✈️