14 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic blend of city life, stunning nature, rich traditions, and budget-friendly options. Here’s a 14-day itinerary that balances all your interests perfectly. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take the train to your accommodation in Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Explore Asakusa. Visit Senso-ji Temple and stroll through Nakamise Street for some affordable snacks and souvenirs.
• Evening: Head to Akihabara for some quirky shops and maybe a themed café. Grab dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub).

## Day 2: Tokyo - City Vibes

• Morning: Visit the Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a beautiful forested area.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku and check out Takeshita Street for unique fashion and snacks.
• Evening: Head to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing and enjoy dinner at a budget-friendly ramen shop.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Culture & Tradition

• Morning: Visit the Imperial Palace and East Gardens (free entry!).
• Afternoon: Explore the historic district of Yanaka, where you can see traditional houses and temples.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal at a reasonable restaurant or try some street food in Ueno Park.

## Day 4: Nikko Day Trip

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the beautiful nature in Nikko National Park. Pack a lunch or grab something cheap in town.

## Day 5: Travel 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 the Gion district, where you might spot a geisha. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 6: Kyoto - Temples & Nature

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Relax by the river and enjoy a casual dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 7: Kyoto - Traditional Experiences

• Morning: Participate in a tea ceremony (many places offer affordable options).
• Afternoon: Visit the Philosopher's Path, stopping at small temples along the way.
• Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner, a local specialty.

## Day 8: Nara Day Trip

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour from Kyoto). Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park (with friendly deer!), and Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Enjoy a cheap lunch at a local café.

## Day 9: Travel to Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum (entry is inexpensive).
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner, a must-try local dish.

## Day 10: Miyajima Island

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views. Pack a lunch or enjoy some street food on the island.

## Day 11: Travel to Osaka

• Morning: Head to Osaka (about 1.5 hours from Hiroshima).
• Afternoon: Explore Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
• Evening: Dive into Dotonbori for street food like takoyaki and kushikatsu. It’s vibrant and budget-friendly!

## Day 12: Osaka - City Life

• Morning: Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) or Universal CityWalk if you’re into theme parks.
• Afternoon: Explore the trendy Namba area and shop at Shinsaibashi.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 13: Travel to Hakone

• Morning: Take the train to Hakone (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional ryokan experience (stay overnight in a budget-friendly ryokan).

## Day 14: Return to Tokyo

• Morning: Take the scenic Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji.
• Afternoon: Head back to Tokyo. Spend your last hours shopping in Shinjuku or visiting any missed attractions.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local izakaya or sushi place before heading to the airport.

Tips for Budget Travel:

• Use a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains (including Shinkansen) for 7 or 14 days.
• Eat at konbini (convenience stores) for affordable meals.
• Look for free walking tours in major cities.

This itinerary gives you a taste of Japan's vibrant cities, serene nature, and rich traditions while keeping it budget-friendly. Enjoy your adventure! 🌸✈️