12 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Absolutely, I'd love to help you plan an amazing 12-day trip to Japan with your friends who enjoy nerd culture and green spaces! Here's a fun and diverse itinerary for your adventure:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Check into your hotel and explore the vibrant neighborhood of Akihabara, known for its electronic shops and anime culture.
• Visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, a must-see for fans of Studio Ghibli films.
• Relax in Yoyogi Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo

• Spend the day exploring the historic Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
• Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the city's history.
• Enjoy a relaxing stroll in Ueno Park, known for its museums and cherry blossoms.

Day 3: Tokyo

• Dive into the world of manga and anime in Ikebukuro's Otome Road and Sunshine City.
• Explore the futuristic district of Odaiba, home to teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
• Relax in Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditional Japanese garden in the middle of the city.

Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

• Take a day trip to Nikko to visit Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the beautiful nature of Nikko National Park, including Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
• Enjoy a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring) to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Day 5: Kyoto

• Travel to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of torii gates.
• Explore the historic Gion district and maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha.
• Relax in Maruyama Park, a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.

Day 6: Kyoto

• Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple, known for its Zen rock garden.
• Explore the traditional streets of Higashiyama district and visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• Enjoy a peaceful walk through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama.

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Nara to visit Todai-ji Temple and its famous Great Buddha.
• Explore Nara Park, home to friendly deer that you can feed and pet.
• Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the surrounding forest.

Day 8: Hiroshima and Miyajima

• Travel to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
• Explore the island's lush greenery and maybe hike up Mount Misen for panoramic views.

Day 9: Osaka

• Explore the bustling Dotonbori district and try delicious street food.
• Visit Osaka Castle and learn about its history.
• Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Osaka Castle Park.

Day 10: Osaka

• Immerse yourself in the world of video games at the Osaka Nipponbashi Den Den Town.
• Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful grounds of Expo '70 Commemorative Park.

Day 11: Hakone

• Travel to Hakone and enjoy views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi.
• Relax in an onsen with views of the surrounding mountains.
• Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum, an outdoor art museum set in a lush green landscape.

Day 12: Departure

• Spend your last morning in Japan exploring any last-minute sights or shopping for souvenirs.
• Head to the airport for your flight back home, reminiscing about the amazing experiences you had in Japan.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good balance of nerd culture, green spaces, and unforgettable experiences in Japan! Let me know if you need any more recommendations or adjustments. Have a fantastic trip!