14 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is such a fantastic destination, and with 14 days, you can really soak in the culture, nature, and fun! Here’s a lively itinerary that includes all your must-see spots: Mount Fuji, Hakone, Disney, Universal Studios, and the Ghibli Museum. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Get your JR Pass if you plan to travel extensively by train.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing and grab a bite at a local izakaya.
• Evening: Explore Harajuku and take a stroll down Takeshita Street. Don’t forget to try some crepes!

## Day 2: Tokyo - Ghibli Museum & Shinjuku

• Morning: Head to Mitaka to visit the Ghibli Museum. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
• Afternoon: After the museum, explore Inokashira Park nearby. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or a boat ride.
• Evening: Head to Shinjuku. Visit the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for stunning views of the city at night.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Disney Resort

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (both are amazing!). Enjoy the rides, parades, and delicious snacks. Don’t forget to take lots of photos with your favorite characters!

## Day 4: Tokyo - More City Exploration

• Morning: Visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji Temple. Explore the Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and snacks.
• Afternoon: Head to Akihabara for some otaku culture. Check out the shops and maybe visit a themed café.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the area, then take a stroll through the illuminated streets of Ginza.

## Day 5: Hakone

• Morning: Take the train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) for a unique experience.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and enjoy the beautiful sculptures and nature.
• Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.

## Day 6: Mount Fuji

• Morning: Head to the Fuji Five Lakes area. You can take a bus or train to Lake Kawaguchi for stunning views of Mount Fuji.
• Afternoon: Explore the area, maybe take a boat ride on the lake or visit the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park for some thrilling rides.
• Evening: Return to Hakone for another night in the onsen.

## Day 7: Kyoto

• Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours from Hakone). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Gion district, where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant.

## Day 8: Kyoto - Temples and Culture

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Hike up the mountain for great views!
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama to see the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience.

## Day 9: Nara Day Trip

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park and feed the friendly deer. Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a relaxing evening.

## Day 10: Osaka - Universal Studios

• All ## Day: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes from Kyoto) and spend the day at Universal Studios Japan. Enjoy the rides, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
• Evening: Explore the Dotonbori area for dinner. Try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

## Day 11: Osaka - City Exploration

• Morning: Visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful park.
• Afternoon: Head to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city. Explore the shopping areas around Namba.
• Evening: Enjoy a night out in Osaka, maybe catch a comedy show or visit a themed café.

## Day 12: Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner. Try the local specialty, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

## Day 13: Back to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Spend your last day shopping in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Visit the Meiji Shrine if you have time.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps with a view of Tokyo Tower.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight time.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Don’t forget to grab some snacks for the journey home!

And there you have it! A fun-filled 14-day itinerary that covers all your interests while allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of Japan. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️