14 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination, especially for car enthusiasts. With 14 days to explore, you can experience a mix of vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and, of course, some thrilling car culture. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that includes a car meet and plenty of other exciting activities!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel in Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Shibuya. Don’t miss the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shinjuku. Try some yakitori and sake!

## Day 2: Tokyo - Car Culture

• Morning: Visit the Toyota Mega Web in Odaiba. It’s a car theme park where you can see the latest models and even test drive some.
• Afternoon: Head to Akihabara to explore the otaku culture. Check out some anime and gaming shops.
• Evening: Dinner in Akihabara, then explore the vibrant nightlife.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Car Meet

• Morning: Visit a local car meet! Check online for events happening in Tokyo. You might find meets in places like Daikoku Futo or Tatsumi PA.
• Afternoon: After the meet, head to the Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Dinner in Roppongi, followed by a visit to a rooftop bar for stunning night views.

## Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Rent a car and drive to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
• Evening: Stay overnight in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.

## Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

• Morning: Drive to Kyoto (about 3 hours). Stop at Lake Ashi for some beautiful photos of Mt. Fuji.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Evening: Explore Gion, the geisha district, and have dinner at a traditional restaurant.

## Day 6: Kyoto - Temples and Culture

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
• Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama, including the Bamboo Grove and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama, then take a stroll along the river.

## Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Drive to Osaka (about 1 hour). Visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful park.
• Afternoon: Explore Dotonbori, famous for its street food. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
• Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in Namba, maybe catch a comedy show.

## Day 8: Osaka - Car Culture

• Morning: Visit the Osaka Auto Messe (if it coincides with your travel dates) or check out local car shops and tuning garages.
• Afternoon: Head to the Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest in the world.
• Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya, then explore the Umeda Sky Building for night views.

## Day 9: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Drive to Hiroshima (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 10: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

• Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine.
• Afternoon: Hike up to Mount Misen for stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner and relax.

## Day 11: Hiroshima to Fukuoka

• Morning: Drive to Fukuoka (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Ohori Park and visit the Fukuoka Castle ruins.
• Evening: Enjoy Hakata ramen for dinner in the Nakasu district.

## Day 12: Fukuoka to Nagoya

• Morning: Drive to Nagoya (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
• Evening: Dinner in Sakae, the city’s entertainment district.

## Day 13: Nagoya to Tokyo

• Morning: Drive back to Tokyo (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science or the teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo, perhaps at a themed restaurant.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Harajuku or Ginza.
• Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to the airport for your flight home.

Tips:

• Make sure to check local car meet schedules in advance.
• Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for flexibility, especially for longer distances.
• Always have a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card for navigation and communication.

Enjoy your adventure in Japan! It’s a country that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, and I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time! 🚗✨