10 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination, and with your interests in mind, I’ve crafted a delightful 10-day itinerary that balances relaxation, fun, and animal encounters. February is a lovely time to visit, as you can enjoy fewer crowds and some beautiful winter scenery. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take a taxi or airport shuttle to your hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Check into a nice hotel like the Park Hyatt Tokyo or the Shinjuku Granbell Hotel.
• Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It’s a beautiful park, and you can enjoy the winter landscape.
• Evening: Head to Omoide Yokocho for dinner. This alleyway is filled with tiny restaurants serving delicious yakitori.

## Day 2: Tokyo - DisneySea

• Morning: Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then head to Tokyo DisneySea. It opens at 8 AM, so get there early to maximize your day!
• All ## Day: Enjoy the unique attractions and shows at DisneySea. Don’t miss the Mediterranean Harbor and the Tower of Terror!
• Evening: Have dinner at one of the themed restaurants in the park. After a magical day, return to your hotel and relax.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Ueno Zoo & Asakusa

• Morning: Visit Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, where you can see giant pandas and a variety of other animals.
• Afternoon: After the zoo, explore Ueno Park and then head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple (just for a quick look, since you prefer animals!). Enjoy some street food at Nakamise Street.
• Evening: Dinner in Asakusa at a local izakaya. Try some tempura or sushi!

## Day 4: Tokyo - Pokémon Center & Akihabara

• Morning: Visit the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro. It’s a paradise for Pokémon fans!
• Afternoon: Explore Akihabara, the hub of otaku culture. Check out the various shops and maybe visit a themed café.
• Evening: Have dinner at a themed restaurant in Akihabara, like a maid café or a themed diner.

## Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko

• Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• All ## Day: Visit the Nikko National Park, where you can see beautiful nature and wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might spot some monkeys!
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a relaxing dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

## Day 6: Travel to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into a nice hotel like The Celestine Kyoto Gion.
• Afternoon: Visit the Kyoto Aquarium, where you can see various marine life and even some cute penguins!
• Evening: Stroll through Gion, the geisha district, and enjoy dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant.

## Day 7: Kyoto - Arashiyama & Iwatayama Monkey Park

• Morning: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the famous Bamboo Grove and then hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park. You’ll get to see wild monkeys in their natural habitat!
• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in Arashiyama, then take a boat ride on the Hozu River if the weather permits.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and have a relaxing dinner nearby.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Nara Park, where you can interact with the friendly free-roaming deer.
• Afternoon: Explore the park and visit the Nara National Museum if you’re interested.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 9: Travel to Osaka

• Morning: Take a train to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into a nice hotel like the Swissotel Nankai Osaka.
• Afternoon: Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), one of the largest aquariums in the world. You’ll see a variety of marine life, including whale sharks!
• Evening: Explore Dotonbori for dinner. Try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

## Day 10: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping in Osaka or a visit to the Osaka Castle Park.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Get a Japan Rail Pass for convenient travel between cities.
• Weather: February can be chilly, so pack warm clothes!
• Reservations: Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants.

I hope this itinerary gives you a wonderful mix of fun, relaxation, and animal encounters! Enjoy your trip to Japan! 🐾✨