12 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Absolutely, I'd love to help you plan your 12-day adventure in Japan! Here's a fun and diverse itinerary to make the most of your time in this fascinating country:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel
• Explore the bustling neighborhoods of Shinjuku and Shibuya
• Visit the Meiji Shrine and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner

Day 2: Tokyo

• Start your day at the Tsukiji Fish Market
• Visit the historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple
• Enjoy the panoramic views from the Tokyo Skytree
• Experience the vibrant nightlife in Roppongi or Shinjuku

Day 3: Tokyo

• Spend the day exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Harajuku and Omotesando
• Visit the teamLab Borderless digital art museum
• Relax in Yoyogi Park or take a boat cruise on the Sumida River

Day 4: Hakone

• Take a day trip to Hakone to see Mt. Fuji
• Relax in an onsen (hot spring) and enjoy the beautiful scenery
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Shrine

Day 5: Kyoto

• Travel to Kyoto and check into your accommodation
• Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of torii gates
• Explore the historic Gion district and maybe spot a geisha

Day 6: Kyoto

• Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple
• Explore the traditional streets of Higashiyama district
• Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and try on a kimono

Day 7: Nara

• Take a day trip to Nara to see the friendly deer at Nara Park
• Visit Todai-ji Temple and its giant Buddha statue
• Explore the beautiful Isuien Garden and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Day 8: Hiroshima

• Travel to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate
• Enjoy fresh oysters and local cuisine in the island's charming village

Day 9: Osaka

• Travel to Osaka and visit the bustling Dotonbori district
• Explore Osaka Castle and its surrounding park
• Try delicious street food at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Day 10: Osaka

• Visit the futuristic Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city
• Explore the trendy district of Namba and Shinsaibashi
• Enjoy a traditional kabuki or bunraku puppet show in the evening

Day 11: Kanazawa

• Travel to Kanazawa and visit the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden
• Explore the historic samurai district of Nagamachi
• Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Day 12: Departure

• Spend your last morning exploring Kanazawa's local markets
• Travel back to Tokyo for your departure flight

I hope this itinerary gives you a good mix of traditional culture, modern attractions, and natural beauty during your 12 days in Japan. Enjoy your trip!