12 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for your 12-day trip to Japan:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda airport, you can take the train or bus to your hotel in Tokyo. Spend the rest of the day exploring your neighborhood and getting acclimated to the city.

Day 2-6: Tokyo

Spend the next five days exploring Tokyo's many neighborhoods and attractions. Some must-see spots include:

• Shibuya Crossing
• Tsukiji Fish Market
• Meiji Shrine
• Harajuku
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Tokyo Tower
• Sensoji Temple
• Akihabara
• Odaiba

You can also take day trips from Tokyo to nearby destinations like Kamakura, Yokohama, or Nikko.

Day 7: Travel to Kyoto

Use your rail pass to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's historic temples and shrines, such as Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari-taisha.

Day 8-10: Kyoto

Spend the next three days exploring Kyoto's many cultural attractions, including:

• Nijo Castle
• Gion district
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Ryoan-ji Temple
• Philosopher's Path
• Nishiki Market

You can also take a day trip from Kyoto to Nara, which is home to some of Japan's oldest and most impressive temples.

Day 11: Travel to Hiroshima

Use your rail pass to travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Day 12: Miyajima Island

Take a ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, which is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic "floating" torii gate. Spend the day exploring the island's temples, hiking trails, and local cuisine.

Day 13: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time in the morning to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport for your flight home.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good starting point for planning your trip to Japan!