10 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:3 people. Last week of March or 1st weekLive in Columbus, OH
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination, especially in late March when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary for you and your friends, starting from Columbus, OH. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Depart from Columbus, OH. You’ll likely have a layover, so make sure to grab some snacks for the journey!
- Evening: Arrive in . Check into your hotel ( or are great areas). After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around . Grab dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) to kick off your adventure!
Day 2: Explore
- Morning: Start your day at the iconic in . Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from the Nakamise shopping street!
- Afternoon: Head to , where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms. Visit the if you’re interested in art and history.
- Evening: Explore , the hub for anime and electronics. Have dinner at a themed café (like a maid café) for a unique experience!
Day 3: More
- Morning: Visit the , nestled in a beautiful forested area. It’s a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
- Afternoon: Stroll through and check out for quirky shops and delicious crepes.
- Evening: Head to to see the famous . Enjoy dinner at a local ramen shop and maybe do some karaoke afterward!
Day 4: Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours from ). Visit the stunning , the beautiful , and enjoy the natural beauty of . Don’t forget to try yuba (tofu skin), a local specialty!
- Evening: Return to and relax at your hotel.
Day 5: Travel to
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding it.
- Evening: Explore the , famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses. You might even spot a geisha! Have dinner at a local kaiseki restaurant for a multi-course meal.
Day 6: Temples and Culture
- Morning: Start your day at , famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views!
- Afternoon: Visit and take a walk through the serene paths. Don’t miss the if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience. It’s a lovely way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Day 7: Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a short train ride to (about 45 minutes). Visit , housing a giant Buddha statue, and , where you can feed the friendly deer.
- Evening: Return to and enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 8: Adventure
- Morning: Travel to (about 15 minutes by train). Start at and explore the surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Head to , famous for its vibrant atmosphere and street food. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Evening: Visit the for panoramic views of the city at sunset. Enjoy dinner in the area.
Day 9: and Miyajima
- All Day: Take the Shinkansen to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the and Museum to learn about the city’s history.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to to see the iconic floating torii gate of . Explore the island and try the local specialty, anago (grilled eel).
- Evening: Return to for dinner, then head back to for the night.
Day 10: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping in or . Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs!
- Afternoon: Head to for your flight back to Columbus, OH. Reflect on all the amazing memories you’ve made!
Tips:
- Transportation: Get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen.
- Accommodations: Consider booking hotels with easy access to train stations for convenience.
- Language: While many signs are in English, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience!
I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your trip! Japan is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable time. Safe travels! 🌸✈️