17 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed pace
Itinerary
Japan is such a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. A 17-day itinerary allows you to explore at a leisurely pace, soaking in the sights and experiences. Here’s a relaxed itinerary that balances city exploration, cultural experiences, and nature.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Take your time settling into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Stroll around the neighborhood. If you’re in Shinjuku, visit the for a peaceful introduction to Japan.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shinjuku. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sake!
Day 2: Tokyo - Shibuya and Harajuku
- Morning: Head to Shibuya. Visit the famous and take a photo with the Hachiko statue.
- Afternoon: Walk to Harajuku. Explore for quirky shops and delicious crepes. Don’t miss the serene nearby.
- Evening: Dinner in Harajuku. Try some trendy cafes or traditional ramen.
Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa and Ueno
- Morning: Visit Asakusa and the . Explore the Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and snacks.
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit a museum (like the ) or just enjoy the park’s beauty.
- Evening: Dinner in Ueno. Try some local street food or a cozy restaurant.
Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to Nikko
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours by train). Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Don’t forget to try yuba (tofu skin) for lunch!
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your hotel.
Day 5: Tokyo to Hakone
- Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 6: 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 explore the Gion district. Keep an eye out for geisha!
- Evening: Dinner in Gion. Try kaiseki or Kyoto-style sushi.
Day 7: Kyoto - Arashiyama and Northern Kyoto
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful and Ryoan-ji rock garden.
- Evening: Dinner in Northern Kyoto. Enjoy some local specialties.
Day 8: Kyoto - Southern Kyoto
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
- Afternoon: Head to for its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dinner in the Pontocho alley, known for its atmospheric dining options.
Day 9: Kyoto to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and , where you can feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful forested paths.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 10: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore and its surrounding park.
- Evening: Dive into for street food! Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Day 11: Osaka - Day Trip to Himeji
- All Day: Take a day trip to Himeji (about 1 hour). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, and stroll through the .
- Evening: Return to Osaka for a relaxed dinner.
Day 12: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 13: Hiroshima - Day Trip to Miyajima
- All Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic and hike up to for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima and relax.
Day 14: Hiroshima to Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 45 minutes). Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Okayama.
Day 15: Okayama to Takamatsu
- Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the local area and try some Sanuki udon for lunch.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy a quiet dinner.
Day 16: Takamatsu to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon shopping in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Maybe splurge on sushi or a teppanyaki experience!
Day 17: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight time.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A lovely, relaxed 17-day itinerary that allows you to experience the best of Japan without feeling rushed. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️