12 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Oh, how exciting! A 12-day adventure in Japan for your sister's 32nd birthday sounds absolutely fantastic. Let's dive into the perfect itinerary for your first-time visit, filled with food adventures, fun activities, and a hike up Mount Fuji!

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Check into a cozy hotel in Tokyo
• Explore the bustling streets of Shinjuku
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local izakaya

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

• Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
• Stroll through the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku
• Indulge in a sushi lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market
• Experience the vibrant nightlife in Shibuya

Day 3: Food Adventures in Tokyo

• Take a food tour in Tsukishima for monjayaki and okonomiyaki
• Visit a traditional tea house for matcha and wagashi
• Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant for a kaiseki meal

Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone

• Explore the stunning Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Relax in an onsen with views of Mount Fuji
• Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at a ryokan

Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

• Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto
• Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and its famous torii gates
• Explore the historic Gion district

Day 6: Kyoto Sightseeing

• Visit the beautiful Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Explore the traditional streets of Higashiyama
• Participate in a tea ceremony

Day 7: Food Adventures in Kyoto

• Try traditional Kyoto cuisine at Nishiki Market
• Visit a sake brewery for a tasting
• Dinner at a local kaiseki restaurant

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

• Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha
• Feed the friendly deer in Nara Park
• Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch

Day 9: Travel to Mount Fuji

• Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes region
• Check into a ryokan with views of Mount Fuji
• Relax in an onsen with a view of the mountain

Day 10: Hike Mount Fuji

• Start early for the hike up Mount Fuji
• Reach the summit for breathtaking views
• Descend and relax in an onsen

Day 11: Return to Tokyo

• Travel back to Tokyo
• Explore any missed sights or do some last-minute shopping
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city

Day 12: Departure

• Say goodbye to Japan with a heart full of memories
• Head to the airport for your flight back home

I hope this itinerary captures the essence of Japan and provides you and your sister with an unforgettable experience filled with food, fun, and adventure. Happy travels!