14 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:I travel at a fast paceInclude non turistic area
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic country with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. With your fast-paced travel style and interest in non-touristy areas, I’ve crafted an exciting 14-day itinerary that balances the must-see spots with hidden gems. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Check into your hotel in .
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of . Visit the lesser-known for lunch, a narrow alley filled with tiny eateries.
- Evening: Head to the observation deck of the for a panoramic view of the city at sunset.
Day 2: Tokyo - Local Culture
- Morning: Visit , a charming neighborhood that survived WWII. Stroll through and the quaint streets.
- Afternoon: Explore the area, but skip the zoo and head to the for a deep dive into Japanese art.
- Evening: Dinner in the local izakayas of the area. Try some yakitori!
Day 3: Nikko Day Trip
- All Day: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites like , but also explore the less-visited lined with Jizo statues. Enjoy the natural beauty of and .
Day 4: Tokyo to Kanazawa
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Then, explore the .
- Evening: Try Kanazawa’s famous seafood at .
Day 5: Kanazawa to
- Morning: Head to (about 1 hour by bus). Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: Hike to the viewpoint for stunning views of the village. Enjoy a local lunch.
- Evening: Return to Kanazawa and relax at a local onsen (hot spring).
Day 6: Kanazawa to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours by bus).
- Afternoon: Explore the , known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings. Visit the , a historical government building.
- Evening: Enjoy Hida beef at a local restaurant.
Day 7: to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan's most beautiful castles. Explore the for traditional crafts.
- Evening: Try soba noodles, a local specialty.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Head to (about 1 hour by train).
- Afternoon: Visit the , a significant pilgrimage site. Explore the surrounding area, including the quaint shops.
- Evening: Enjoy a local dinner and try some sake from the region.
Day 9: to Kyoto
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 3 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Visit the less-crowded neighborhood of . Walk through the and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner in the , known for its traditional atmosphere.
Day 10: Kyoto - Hidden Gems
- Morning: Explore the , a serene canal-side walk. Visit the lesser-known .
- Afternoon: Head to the , a rural area with beautiful temples and rice fields. Visit .
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal.
Day 11: Kyoto to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and , but also explore the less-visited .
- Afternoon: Wander through the quaint streets of , the old merchant district.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for the night.
Day 12: Kyoto to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours by Shinkansen).
- Afternoon: Visit the , but also take a ferry to to see the iconic floating torii gate.
- Evening: Try for dinner.
Day 13: to
- Morning: Head to (about 1 hour by train).
- Afternoon: Visit and . Explore the less-visited , known for its unique architecture.
- Evening: Enjoy a local dinner in .
Day 14: to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 1 hour by train).
- Afternoon: Explore the local neighborhoods of and , known for their retro charm and local shops.
- Evening: Enjoy street food in , but venture into the back alleys for hidden gems.
Departure
- Depending on your flight, you can spend some more time in Osaka or head back to Tokyo for your departure.
This itinerary is packed with experiences that showcase both the iconic and the off-the-beaten-path aspects of Japan. Enjoy your adventure, and don’t forget to savor every moment (and every bite)! Safe travels! 🌸✈️