12 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Cherry blossomsValue Shopping exclusive Japan brandsSettle Son into Tohoku UniversityMust go to food and must visit placesCouple - relax, shopping, sightsee
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination, especially during cherry blossom season. With your interests in mind, I’ve crafted a delightful 12-day itinerary that balances relaxation, shopping, sightseeing, and delicious food. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Head to to kick off your cherry blossom viewing. The park is famous for its beautiful sakura trees.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at . Try some street food like takoyaki and yakitori while shopping for unique Japanese snacks.
Day 2: Tokyo - Shopping and Sightseeing
- Morning: Visit and take a photo at the iconic Crossing. Explore the trendy shops in the area.
- Afternoon: Head to for some value shopping at unique Japanese brands like WEGO and BAPE. Don’t forget to check out for quirky fashion.
- Evening: Dinner in . Try a local izakaya for a casual dining experience.
Day 3: Tokyo - Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Visit and the famous . Stroll through for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Explore for electronics and anime merchandise. Perfect for some unique shopping!
- Evening: Dinner at a themed restaurant, like the or a ninja-themed dining experience.
Day 4: Travel to Sendai
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Sendai (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit for a bit of history and beautiful views.
- Evening: Enjoy a local specialty, gyutan (grilled beef tongue), at a popular restaurant.
Day 5: Settle Son into
- Morning: Help your son settle into . Explore the campus and its beautiful cherry blossoms.
- Afternoon: Visit , lined with cherry trees. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya. Try some Sendai-style sushi!
Day 6: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a train to , one of Japan’s three most scenic views.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a boat tour of the bay and visit . Don’t forget to try the local oysters!
- Evening: Return to Sendai for dinner and relax at your hotel.
Day 7: Travel to Kyoto
- Morning: Head back to Tokyo and then take the Shinkansen to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit . The cherry blossoms here are stunning!
- Evening: Dinner in the . Look out for geisha and enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine.
Day 8: Kyoto - Temples and Shopping
- Morning: Visit and walk through the . Don’t miss the .
- Afternoon: Explore the shops in . Sample local delicacies and shop for unique items.
- Evening: Dinner at a local ramen shop. Kyoto has some fantastic options!
Day 9: Day Trip to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara. Visit and see the Great Buddha.
- Afternoon: Stroll through and enjoy the cherry blossoms while feeding the friendly deer.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner. Try some local sake!
Day 10: Travel to Osaka
- Morning: Head to Osaka (about 15 minutes by train).
- Afternoon: Explore for shopping and street food. Don’t miss trying takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
- Evening: Visit for a beautiful evening view and then enjoy dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 11: Osaka - Relaxation and Shopping
- Morning: Visit , one of Japan’s oldest temples.
- Afternoon: Spend the day shopping in and . Look for exclusive Japanese brands and unique finds.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant with a view of the city.
Day 12: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or cherry blossom viewing at .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Reflect on the amazing memories made in Japan!
This itinerary balances your desire for cherry blossoms, shopping, and delicious food while allowing for some quality time with your son as he settles into university. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🌸✈️🛍️