15 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With your constraints in mind, here’s a fun and engaging 15-day itinerary that will take you through some of the most beautiful and unique spots in Japan, including Ginzan Onsen, Zao Fox Village, Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoological Park, Shirakawa Village, and Nagano. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of Shibuya. Don’t forget to take a photo at the famous Shibuya Crossing!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shinjuku. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sake!

## Day 2: Tokyo to Nagano

• Morning: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples. Explore the surrounding area and grab some local snacks.
• Evening: Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.

## Day 3: Nagano to Shirakawa Village

• Morning: Depart for Shirakawa-go (about 2.5 hours by bus). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Don’t forget to take lots of photos!
• Evening: Stay overnight in a minpaku (a traditional guesthouse) in Shirakawa-go.

## Day 4: Shirakawa Village to Ginzan Onsen

• Morning: Head back to Takayama and then take a bus to Ginzan Onsen (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your ryokan and enjoy the hot springs. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with traditional wooden buildings.
• Evening: Have dinner at your ryokan and relax in the onsen.

## Day 5: Ginzan Onsen to Zao Fox Village

• Morning: Depart for Zao Fox Village (about 2 hours by bus and train).
• Afternoon: Spend time at Zao Fox Village, where you can interact with adorable foxes. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
• Evening: Head to Yamagata city for dinner and stay overnight.

## Day 6: Yamagata to Asahikawa

• Morning: Travel to Asahikawa (about 4 hours by train).
• Afternoon: Visit the Asahiyama Zoo, known for its unique enclosures and animal interactions. Don’t miss the penguin walk!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Asahikawa, trying local specialties like Asahikawa ramen.

## Day 7: Asahikawa to Sapporo

• Morning: Take a train to Sapporo (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Odori Park and visit the Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Try Sapporo’s famous miso ramen for dinner and enjoy the nightlife in Susukino.

## Day 8: Sapporo to Otaru

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Otaru (about 30 minutes).
• Afternoon: Stroll along the picturesque canal and visit the glassworks and music box shops. Don’t forget to try some fresh sushi!
• Evening: Return to Sapporo for the night.

## Day 9: Sapporo to Hakodate

• Morning: Travel to Hakodate (about 3.5 hours by train).
• Afternoon: Visit the historic Fort Goryokaku and take the Goryokaku Tower for stunning views.
• Evening: Enjoy Hakodate’s famous seafood at the morning market and take a night view from Mount Hakodate.

## Day 10: Hakodate to Tokyo

• Morning: Head back to Tokyo (about 4 hours by shinkansen).
• Afternoon: Explore Akihabara, the hub of otaku culture. Check out the anime and manga shops!
• Evening: Dinner in Akihabara, perhaps at a themed café.

## Day 11: Day Trip to Nikko

• Morning: Take a train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine.
• Afternoon: Explore the beautiful natural scenery, including Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo for the night.

## Day 12: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the shinkansen to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through the beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner in Gion and keep an eye out for geisha!

## Day 13: Kyoto Exploration

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
• Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama, including the Bamboo Grove and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Relax at a local tea house and enjoy some matcha.

## Day 14: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka (about 30 minutes).
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and explore the surrounding park.
• Evening: Dive into the street food scene in Dotonbori. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!

## Day 15: Departure from Osaka

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Osaka or visit the Osaka Aquarium if time allows.
• Afternoon: Head to Kansai International Airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 15-day adventure through Japan, filled with culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy your trip! If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to ask!