14 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Train travel at relaxed paceExclude Tokyo Kyoto Hiroshima
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of culture, history, and stunning landscapes, and there’s so much to explore beyond the big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Here’s a delightful 14-day itinerary that allows you to travel at a relaxed pace, soaking in the beauty and charm of Japan. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport. Take the train to your hotel in .
- Afternoon: Explore , famous for its neon lights and street food. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Evening: Stroll along the river and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the Glico Man sign!
Day 2: to
- Morning: Take a short train ride to (about 45 minutes). Visit , home to a giant Buddha statue.
- Afternoon: Explore , where you can feed the friendly deer. Visit with its beautiful lanterns.
- Evening: Return to and enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub).
Day 3: to
- Morning: Head to (about 1 hour by train). Visit , a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby, a lovely Japanese garden.
- Evening: Return to for a relaxing evening.
Day 4: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour by train). Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore , known as the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior.
- Evening: Enjoy a local specialty, ’s barazushi (scattered sushi).
Day 5: to
- Morning: Take a short train ride to (about 15 minutes). Stroll through the historic with its charming canals and traditional buildings.
- Afternoon: Visit the , Japan’s first museum of Western art.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in , perhaps trying some local sake.
Day 6: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours by train). Visit , a stunning landscape garden.
- Afternoon: Explore the ruins and enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Evening: Try Sanuki udon, a local specialty, for dinner.
Day 7: to
- Morning: Take a ferry to , an island known for its contemporary art (about 1 hour). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the and the outdoor art installations.
- Evening: Stay overnight on and enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Ferry back to and then take a train to (about 2 hours). Visit , which offers panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon: Relax at , one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.
- Evening: Enjoy a local meal, perhaps trying some fresh seafood.
Day 9: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours by train). Visit , one of the few original castles in Japan.
- Afternoon: Explore the for lunch and try local specialties like katsuo no tataki (seared bonito).
- Evening: Stroll along the and enjoy the sunset.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Head back to (about 2 hours by train). Take a leisurely day to revisit any favorite spots or relax.
- Afternoon: Visit the local shops and cafes.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 4 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most famous gardens.
- Evening: Explore the , known for its traditional teahouses.
Day 12: to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 1.5 hours). Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 13: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2.5 hours by train). Visit the , a historical government building.
- Afternoon: Explore the district with its well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
- Evening: Try Hida beef for dinner, a local delicacy.
Day 14: to
- Morning: Head to (about 2.5 hours by train). Visit and its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in Japan, perhaps trying hitsumabushi (grilled eel) before preparing for your departure.
Departure
- Depending on your flight schedule, you can either head to Chubu Centrair International Airport from or return to for your flight home.
This itinerary allows you to experience a mix of urban and rural Japan, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the local culture. Don’t forget to savor the delicious food, take lots of photos, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this incredible country! Safe travels! 🌸🚄