16 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a fun and engaging 16-day itinerary for your trip in 2025. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple. Stroll through Nakamise Street for some traditional snacks and souvenirs.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the vibrant Akihabara district. Try some delicious ramen or sushi!

## Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

• Morning: Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Afternoon: Explore the trendy Harajuku area, including Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine.
• Evening: Head to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing and grab dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and enjoy the beautiful nature in Nikko National Park.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your hotel.

## Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
• Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.

## Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of Mount Fuji, then head to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Evening: Explore the Gion district and keep an eye out for geisha!

## Day 6: Kyoto Temples and Culture

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama to see the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

## Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

• All ## Day: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park (with friendly deer!), and Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.

## Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and stroll through the surrounding park.
• Evening: Dive into the street food scene in Dotonbori. Don’t miss trying takoyaki and okonomiyaki!

## Day 9: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Head to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 10: Day Trip to Miyajima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views.
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima and relax.

## Day 11: Hiroshima to Okayama and Kurashiki

• Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 40 minutes). Visit Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
• Afternoon: Head to Kurashiki to explore the historic Bikan district with its charming canals and traditional buildings.
• Evening: Return to Okayama for dinner.

## Day 12: Okayama to Himeji and Kobe

• Morning: Travel to Himeji (about 30 minutes) to visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Afternoon: Continue to Kobe (about 1 hour). Explore the waterfront and visit the Kobe Harborland.
• Evening: Enjoy Kobe beef for dinner!

## Day 13: Kobe to Kanazawa

• Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Higashi Chaya district, known for its traditional teahouses.

## Day 14: Kanazawa to Takayama

• Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2 hours). Check into a ryokan.
• Afternoon: Explore the Sanmachi Suji district with its well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
• Evening: Enjoy a local Hida beef dinner.

## Day 15: Takayama to Shirakawa-go and Nagoya

• Morning: Take a bus to Shirakawa-go (about 1 hour) to see the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
• Afternoon: Return to Takayama and then head to Nagoya (about 2.5 hours).
• Evening: Explore Nagoya’s nightlife and try hitsumabushi (grilled eel).

## Day 16: Departure from Nagoya

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, visit Nagoya Castle or the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains.
• Cash: While Japan is becoming more digital, having cash on hand is still useful, especially in smaller towns.
• Etiquette: Be respectful in temples and shrines, and remember to take off your shoes when entering homes and ryokans.

I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your adventure in Japan! Each day is packed with unique experiences, delicious food, and beautiful sights. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️