12 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination, and with 12 days, you can experience a delightful mix of culture, cuisine, and relaxation. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that includes onsen visits, delicious food, omakase dining, and a geisha dinner. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant district of . Don’t miss the famous and .
- Evening: Enjoy your first taste of Japanese cuisine at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in . Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sake!
Day 2: Tokyo - Tsukiji & Omakase
- Morning: Head to for a breakfast of fresh sushi. Sample various seafood delights!
- Afternoon: Visit the historic district and . Stroll through for snacks and souvenirs.
- Evening: Treat yourself to an omakase dinner at a top sushi restaurant in Tokyo. Let the chef surprise you with seasonal specialties!
Day 3: Tokyo - Geisha Experience
- Morning: Visit the and take a peaceful walk through the surrounding forest.
- Afternoon: Explore and the quirky shops on . Grab a crepe for a sweet treat!
- Evening: Experience a traditional geisha dinner in the area. Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal while watching a geisha performance.
Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko
- Morning: Take a train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the stunning , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around Nikko, including and .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your hotel or explore a local izakaya for dinner.
Day 5: Travel to (Onsen Time!)
- Morning: Head to (about 1.5 hours from Tokyo). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) with an onsen.
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a scenic ride on the for views of .
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, followed by a soak in the onsen. Pure bliss!
Day 6: to Kyoto
- Morning: Relax in the onsen one last time before checking out. Take the Romancecar train to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Kyoto and check into your hotel. Visit the iconic .
- Evening: Explore the , and if you’re lucky, you might spot a geisha. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Kyoto - Temples and Food
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Head to . Walk through the and visit the .
- Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner in the area.
Day 8: Kyoto - Omakase and Culture
- Morning: Visit and enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of , filled with traditional shops and tea houses.
- Evening: Indulge in another omakase experience at a local sushi restaurant. Savor the artistry of Japanese cuisine!
Day 9: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a short train ride to (about 1 hour). Visit and see the .
- Afternoon: Stroll through and feed the friendly deer. Visit .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a casual dinner at a ramen shop.
Day 10: Kyoto to
- Morning: Travel to (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful park.
- Evening: Dive into the street food scene in . Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Day 11: - Food and Fun
- Morning: Visit for breakfast. Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- Afternoon: Spend some time at or explore the .
- Evening: Enjoy a final omakase dinner at a highly-rated restaurant in . Celebrate your culinary journey!
Day 12: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping in or Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Reflect on the amazing experiences you’ve had in Japan!
And there you have it! A delightful 12-day itinerary filled with onsen relaxation, exquisite food, and cultural experiences. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌸✈️🍣
