14 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

A 14-day adventure in Japan sounds like an incredible experience for you and your friends! Japan is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, and there’s so much to see and do. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances culture, food, nature, and fun!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple. Don’t forget to explore Nakamise Street for some delicious snacks and souvenirs!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the vibrant Akihabara district. Try some themed cafes or ramen shops.

## Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

• Morning: Visit the iconic Meiji Shrine and take a stroll through the surrounding Yoyogi Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku, especially Takeshita Street for quirky shops and crepes.
• Evening: Head to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing and grab dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and enjoy the beautiful nature. Don’t forget to try yuba (tofu skin) for lunch!

## Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore Gion, the geisha district. You might even spot a geisha or maiko!

## 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 to see the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner (multi-course meal) in Kyoto.

## Day 6: Nara Day Trip

• All ## Day: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park (where you can feed the friendly deer), and Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Try some kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) for lunch!

## Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Explore Osaka Castle and its beautiful park.
• Evening: Dive into Dotonbori for street food! Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

## Day 8: Osaka Adventure

• Morning: Visit Universal Studios Japan for a day of fun and thrills!
• Evening: After a day of rides, relax at a local onsen (hot spring) to unwind.

## Day 9: Hiroshima and Miyajima

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner before heading back to Osaka.

## Day 10: Osaka to Hokkaido (Sapporo)

• Morning: Fly or take a train to Sapporo (about 1.5 hours by plane).
• Afternoon: Explore Odori Park and visit the Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views.
• Evening: Enjoy Sapporo’s famous miso ramen for dinner.

## Day 11: Sapporo and Otaru

• Morning: Take a day trip to Otaru (about 30 minutes by train). Explore the picturesque canal and glass shops.
• Afternoon: Try some fresh seafood at the Otaru Fish Market.
• Evening: Return to Sapporo and enjoy a local beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum.

## Day 12: Sapporo to Tokyo

• Morning: Fly back to Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhoods of Shinjuku and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
• Evening: Experience the nightlife in Shinjuku, perhaps at a karaoke bar!

## Day 13: Tokyo Shopping and Culture

• Morning: Explore the upscale shopping district of Ginza. Don’t forget to check out the food halls!
• Afternoon: Visit the teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Odaiba.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a sushi restaurant or a teppanyaki grill.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Maybe visit the Tokyo Skytree for one last view of the city!
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen.
• Food: Be adventurous with food! Try local specialties in each region.
• Etiquette: Remember to be respectful in temples and shrines, and learn a few basic Japanese phrases!

I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your trip! Japan is full of surprises, and I’m sure you and your friends will have an unforgettable time! Safe travels! 🌸✈️