12 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with: Include kamikochi Include kyoto Arrived narita airport july 4thInclude asakusa hotel Back to narita airport july 5th
Itinerary
Japan is such a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. I’m excited to help you plan your 12-day adventure! Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that includes , Kyoto, and your stay in . Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Narita (July 4)
- Morning: Arrive at . After clearing customs, grab a quick bite at the airport.
- Afternoon: Head to your hotel in . You can take the Narita Express to Tokyo and then transfer to the subway.
- Evening: Explore ! Visit , the oldest temple in Tokyo. Stroll through for some snacks and souvenirs. Don’t miss trying some melon bread or ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with red bean paste).
Day 2: Tokyo to (July 5)
- Morning: Early breakfast at your hotel, then check out. Take the train to Matsumoto (around 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: From Matsumoto, take a bus to (about 1.5 hours). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the as you arrive.
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation in . Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the and soak in the natural beauty. Dinner at a local ryokan (traditional inn) if you’re staying in one.
Day 3: (July 6)
- All Day: Spend the day hiking in ! There are various trails, but a popular one is the hike to and beyond to . The scenery is absolutely stunning, with lush greenery and towering mountains. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and relax. Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner and maybe a soak in an onsen (hot spring) if available.
Day 4: to Kyoto (July 7)
- Morning: After breakfast, take the bus back to Matsumoto.
- Afternoon: From Matsumoto, take the train to Kyoto (around 3 hours). Check into your hotel in Kyoto.
- Evening: Explore the , famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. Have dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) and maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha).
Day 5: Kyoto (July 8)
- Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Head to to see the famous rock garden, then visit , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Evening: Dinner in the Arashiyama area. If time permits, take a walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Day 6: Kyoto (July 9)
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic district of . Visit and enjoy the views of the city.
- Evening: Dinner in the area, perhaps trying some Kyoto-style kaiseki (multi-course meal).
Day 7: Kyoto to Nara (July 10)
- Morning: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour from Kyoto). Visit , housing a giant Buddha statue.
- Afternoon: Stroll through , where you can see the friendly free-roaming deer. Visit .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner. Try some local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 8: Kyoto to Hiroshima (July 11)
- Morning: Check out and take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and Museum to learn about the city’s history. Don’t miss the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner, a delicious savory pancake.
Day 9: Hiroshima to Miyajima (July 12)
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Visit the iconic and see the floating torii gate.
- Afternoon: Hike or take the cable car up to for panoramic views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for the night.
Day 10: Hiroshima to Osaka (July 13)
- Morning: Check out and take the shinkansen to Osaka (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful park. Then head to for some shopping and street food.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in . Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
Day 11: Osaka to Tokyo (July 14)
- Morning: Check out and take the shinkansen back to Tokyo (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Spend your last day shopping in and . Don’t forget to visit the .
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner in . Consider visiting an izakaya or a themed restaurant for a fun experience.
Day 12: Departure from Narita (July 15)
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Head to for your departure. Make sure to leave with plenty of time to spare!
And there you have it! A delightful 12-day itinerary that balances nature, culture, and delicious food. Japan is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌸✈️