14 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic blend of nature, adventure, and a sprinkle of urban charm. Here’s a fast-paced 14-day itinerary that balances your love for parks and green spaces with some thrilling activities, while still giving you a taste of city life. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Head to Ueno Park. Explore the park, visit the Tokyo National Museum, and enjoy the cherry blossoms if it’s the right season.
• Evening: Stroll through Ameyoko Market for some street food and local snacks.

## Day 2: Tokyo to Nikko

• Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Nikko National Park. Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine and take a walk around Lake Chuzenji.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and enjoy dinner in Shinjuku.

## Day 3: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
• Evening: Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji.

## Day 4: Hakone to Mount Fuji

• Morning: Head to Fuji Five Lakes area. Rent a bike and explore the lakes.
• Afternoon: Hike around Lake Kawaguchi or take a short trek on the Fujiyoshida Trail.
• Evening: Stay overnight in a ryokan (traditional inn) with a view of Mount Fuji.

## Day 5: Mount Fuji to Matsumoto

• Morning: Depart for Matsumoto (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Matsumoto Castle and stroll through Nakamachi Street.
• Evening: Explore Alps Park for a beautiful sunset view.

## Day 6: Matsumoto to Kamikochi

• Morning: Take a bus to Kamikochi (about 1.5 hours).
• ## Day: Spend the day hiking in Kamikochi National Park. Enjoy trails like the Kappa Bridge to Taisho Pond.
• Evening: Return to Matsumoto for the night.

## Day 7: Matsumoto to Takayama

• Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Hida Folk Village and the old town.
• Evening: Try local Hida beef for dinner.

## Day 8: Takayama to Shirakawa-go

• Morning: Take a bus to Shirakawa-go (about 1 hour).
• ## Day: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
• Evening: Return to Takayama for the night.

## Day 9: Takayama to Kanazawa

• Morning: Depart for Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Higashi Chaya District for tea houses and local crafts.

## Day 10: Kanazawa to Nara

• Morning: Travel to Nara (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Nara Park to see the free-roaming deer and explore Todai-ji Temple.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in Nara, perhaps with a stroll through the park.

## Day 11: Nara to Kyoto

• Morning: Head to Kyoto (about 1 hour).
• ## Day: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park for some fun with the monkeys!
• Evening: Explore the Gion District and maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha.

## Day 12: Kyoto to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try the local specialty, okonomiyaki, for dinner.

## Day 13: Hiroshima to Miyajima

• Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island.
• ## Day: Hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views and explore the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima for the night.

## Day 14: Hiroshima to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 1.5 hours).
• ## Day: Spend your last day in Osaka Castle Park and enjoy the gardens.
• Evening: Indulge in street food at Dotonbori before heading to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains.
• Accommodations: Mix between hotels, ryokans, and guesthouses for a varied experience.
• Packing: Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring!

This itinerary is packed with adventure, nature, and just enough city life to keep things exciting. Enjoy your trip to Japan! 🌸🏞️🚴‍♂️