12 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is such a vibrant country with a rich culture, delicious food, and stunning sights. Let’s craft an exciting 12-day itinerary that includes all your must-see spots: Disney, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Get ready for an adventure!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Shibuya. Don’t miss the famous Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue. Grab a quick lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Explore Harajuku. Stroll down Takeshita Street for quirky shops and delicious crepes. Dinner at a themed restaurant, like the Robot Restaurant or a cozy izakaya.

## Day 2: Tokyo - Disney Resort

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (both are fantastic, but DisneySea is unique to Japan!). Enjoy the rides, parades, and delicious snacks. Don’t forget to take lots of photos with your favorite characters!
• Evening: Return to your hotel and relax. If you have energy, explore the nightlife in Shinjuku.

## Day 3: Tokyo - City Exploration

• Morning: Visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji Temple. Enjoy some traditional snacks from the Nakamise shopping street.
• Afternoon: Head to Akihabara, the mecca for anime and electronics. Explore the shops and maybe even visit a maid café!
• Evening: Dinner in the vibrant district of Shinjuku. Consider visiting the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for stunning night views.

## Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore Gion, the famous geisha district. Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner or try some street food.

## Day 5: Kyoto - Temples and Culture

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Evening: Relax at a local onsen (hot spring) or enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel.

## Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka (about 15-30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful park. Then, head to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Dive into the street food scene in Dotonbori. Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and don’t forget to snap a photo with the Glico Man sign!

## Day 7: Osaka - Day Trip to Nara

• Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park and feed the friendly deer. Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
• Evening: Return to Osaka. Enjoy a casual dinner and maybe some karaoke!

## Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the city’s history.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner. It’s a must-try!

## Day 9: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

• Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and see the floating torii gate.
• Afternoon: Hike or take the cable car up Mount Misen for breathtaking views.
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore local izakayas.

## Day 10: Hiroshima to Kyoto

• Morning: Head back to Kyoto (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Philosopher’s Path and explore the charming streets of Higashiyama.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or a quiet dinner in a local restaurant.

## Day 11: Kyoto - Day Trip to Himeji

• Morning: Take a train to Himeji (about 1 hour). Visit Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
• Afternoon: Explore Kokoen Garden nearby. It’s a lovely place to relax.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto. Enjoy your last dinner in the city, perhaps at a restaurant with a view of the Kamo River.

## Day 12: Departure from Kyoto/Tokyo

• Morning: Depending on your flight, you can do some last-minute shopping or visit any sights you may have missed.
• Afternoon: Head back to Tokyo if your flight is from there (or directly to the airport if you’re flying from Kansai).
• Evening: Depart Japan with unforgettable memories!

And there you have it! A fun-filled 12-day itinerary that balances the magic of Disney, the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the cultural richness of Kyoto, the culinary delights of Osaka, and the poignant history of Hiroshima. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️