12 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Make it vegetarian friendly
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for vegetarians, with a rich culinary scene and plenty of beautiful sights to explore. Here’s a fun and engaging 12-day itinerary that balances culture, nature, and delicious vegetarian food. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit the iconic . Stroll through for some traditional snacks (look for sweet potato chips and mochi!).
- Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at in Tokyo Station, famous for its vegan ramen.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration
- Morning: Visit the , surrounded by a beautiful forest. It’s a peaceful start to your day!
- Afternoon: Explore and check out the quirky shops on . Grab a vegetarian crepe from one of the stands.
- Evening: Head to Shinjuku and visit the alley for a variety of izakayas. Look for places that offer vegetarian options, like grilled vegetables and tofu dishes.
Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the stunning , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant. Try yuba (tofu skin) dishes, which are a specialty here.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your hotel or explore the nightlife in Shibuya.
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dine at , a lovely restaurant offering vegetarian kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal).
Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture
- Morning: Explore , famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. It’s a great hike!
- Afternoon: Visit the and the nearby (if you’re up for a little adventure!).
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at , located in the Tenryu-ji Temple, serving delicious vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
Day 6: Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and see the Great Buddha.
- Afternoon: Stroll through , where you can feed the friendly deer. Grab a vegetarian lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a stroll along the .
Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Head to Osaka (about 15 minutes by train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore , famous for its neon lights and street food. Look for vegetarian takoyaki (made with plant-based ingredients) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Evening: Visit for some delicious vegetarian skewers.
Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at , known for its Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (just ask for the vegetarian version!).
- Evening: Take a ferry to to see the famous floating torii gate. Stay for sunset if you can!
Day 9: Hiroshima to Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 45 minutes). Visit and .
- Afternoon: Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local café. Try the famous Okayama peaches if they’re in season!
- Evening: Head back to Hiroshima for the night.
Day 10: Hiroshima to Kanazawa
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Kanazawa (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dine at , a vegetarian-friendly restaurant offering seasonal dishes.
Day 11: Kanazawa to Takayama
- Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2.5 hours). Explore the old town with its traditional wooden houses.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local eatery.
- Evening: Try a local izakaya for dinner, ensuring they have vegetarian options.
Day 12: Takayama to Tokyo
- Morning: Head back to Tokyo (about 4 hours). Spend your last day shopping in Shibuya or Akihabara.
- Afternoon: Visit the in if time allows.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at , a vegan restaurant in the heart of Tokyo.
Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs!
And there you have it! A delightful 12-day journey through Japan, filled with stunning sights and delicious vegetarian cuisine. Enjoy your trip, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or need more tips! Safe travels! 🌸✈️🍣