14 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Off the beaten trackPopular sightsTravel optionsActivities that are specific to JapanLocals tips
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of experiences, and I’m excited to help you craft a 14-day itinerary that balances off-the-beaten-path adventures with some of the must-see sights. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Take the Narita Express or the Airport Limousine Bus to your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the , known for its old-world charm and traditional houses. Visit and the quaint shops along Yanaka Ginza.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) in the area. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sake!
Day 2: Tokyo - Hidden Gems
- Morning: Head to the , a beautiful and less crowded shrine with stunning torii gates.
- Afternoon: Visit the quirky . Stroll through and check out the (book tickets in advance!).
- Evening: Dinner at a local ramen shop. Try the tsukemen (dipping noodles) for a unique twist!
Day 3: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of .
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around and . If you’re feeling adventurous, hike a bit around the area.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a quiet dinner in the , known for its bohemian vibe.
Day 4: Tokyo to Kanazawa
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Then, explore the .
- Evening: Try Kanazawa’s famous seafood at . Don’t miss the sushi!
Day 5: Kanazawa - Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the , famous for its teahouses. Consider a tea ceremony experience!
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner (traditional multi-course meal) for a taste of local cuisine.
Day 6: and Takayama
- Morning: Take a bus to , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: After exploring, head to Takayama (about 1 hour by bus). Visit the , a historical government building.
- Evening: Stroll through the and enjoy local sake tasting.
Day 7: Takayama to Matsumoto
- Morning: Visit the morning market in Takayama for local crafts and snacks.
- Afternoon: Take a train to Matsumoto (about 2.5 hours). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Evening: Try soba noodles, a specialty of the region, for dinner.
Day 8: Matsumoto to Nagano
- Morning: Head to the picturesque for a day of hiking amidst stunning mountain scenery.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch in nature and continue exploring the trails.
- Evening: Return to Matsumoto and take a train to Nagano (about 1 hour). Relax in an onsen (hot spring) in the area.
Day 9: Nagano to Kyoto
- Morning: Visit the in Nagano before heading to Kyoto (about 3 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Explore the and the .
- Evening: Dinner in the Pontocho Alley, known for its traditional atmosphere and dining options.
Day 10: Kyoto - Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Visit and (rock garden).
- Afternoon: Explore the , stopping at small temples and cafes along the way.
- Evening: Attend a traditional tea ceremony or a kaiseki dinner.
Day 11: Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and , where you can feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore the and its beautiful lanterns.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 12: Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 2 hours). Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to to see the iconic floating torii gate at .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) for dinner.
Day 13: Hiroshima to Osaka
- Morning: Head to Osaka (about 1.5 hours by train). Visit and its surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Explore the , famous for its neon lights and street food. Don’t miss trying takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
- Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Namba.
Day 14: Departure from Osaka
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in or visit the if time allows.
- Afternoon: Head to Kansai International Airport for your departure.
Local Tips:
- Transportation: Get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen, for a set number of days.
- Cash: While Japan is becoming more digital, many places still prefer cash, so keep yen handy.
- Etiquette: Be respectful in temples and shrines, and remember to take off your shoes when entering homes or certain traditional accommodations.
I hope this itinerary excites you! Japan is a land of contrasts, and you’ll find a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Enjoy your adventure! 🌸✈️