14 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination, and with 14 days, you can really dive into its rich culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. Let’s create an itinerary that includes onsen experiences, omakase dining, sushi, and a geisha dinner. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the vibrant district of Shibuya. Don’t miss the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue.
• Evening: Enjoy your first dinner at an omakase sushi restaurant in Shinjuku. Try places like Sushi Saito or Sushi Yoshitake for an unforgettable experience.

## Day 2: Tokyo - Traditional and Modern

• Morning: Visit the historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple. Stroll through Nakamise Street for snacks and souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Head to Akihabara for some anime and tech shopping. Grab a quick lunch at a local ramen shop.
• Evening: Dinner at a kaiseki restaurant for a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Geisha Experience

• Morning: Visit the Meiji Shrine and take a peaceful walk through Yoyogi Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku and indulge in some trendy street food.
• Evening: Attend a geisha dinner in the Asakusa area. Enjoy traditional performances while savoring exquisite Japanese cuisine.

## Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the beautiful nature. Don’t forget to try yuba (tofu skin) for lunch!
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at an onsen in the city, like Oedo Onsen Monogatari.

## Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy a kyo-kaiseki lunch.
• Evening: Explore Gion, the geisha district. Have dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 6: Kyoto - Temples and Tea

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji for some zen garden vibes.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a sushi dinner at a local sushi bar.

## Day 7: Kyoto - Cultural Immersion

• Morning: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony.
• Afternoon: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and hike through the iconic torii gates.
• Evening: Dinner at a kaiseki restaurant to experience the art of Japanese dining.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

• All ## Day: Take a short train ride to Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, where you can feed the friendly deer.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto and relax at your ryokan’s onsen.

## Day 9: Travel to Osaka

• Morning: Head to Osaka (about 15 minutes by train).
• Afternoon: Explore Dotonbori, famous for its street food. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
• Evening: Enjoy an omakase dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 10: Osaka - Food and Fun

• Morning: Visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Explore the Osaka Aquarium or Universal Studios Japan if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya or a sushi restaurant.

## Day 11: Travel to Hakone

• Morning: Take the train to Hakone (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi.
• Evening: Check into an onsen ryokan and enjoy a traditional dinner.

## Day 12: Hakone to Tokyo

• Morning: Relax in the onsen and enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.
• Afternoon: Head back to Tokyo. Spend the afternoon shopping in Ginza or exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Shimokitazawa or Nakameguro.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a high-end omakase sushi restaurant.

## Day 13: Tokyo - Last Explorations

• Morning: Visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.
• Afternoon: Explore the trendy area of Omotesando and enjoy some last-minute shopping.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya or ramen shop.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Perhaps visit the Tokyo Skytree for a final view of the city.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 14-day itinerary filled with onsen relaxation, culinary adventures, and cultural experiences. Make sure to check the availability of reservations for omakase and geisha dinners in advance, as they can fill up quickly. Enjoy your trip to Japan! 🍣🌸🗾