17 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and modernity. With 17 days to explore, you can cover a lot of ground. Here’s a fast-paced itinerary that balances the must-see sights with some hidden gems. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple. Stroll through Nakamise Street for snacks and souvenirs.
• Evening: Explore Akihabara, the otaku capital. Enjoy dinner at a themed café (like a maid café) for a unique experience.

## Day 2: Tokyo - Shibuya & Shinjuku

• Morning: Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing and take a photo with the Hachiko statue.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku, including Takeshita Street for quirky shops and crepes. Visit Meiji Shrine.
• Evening: Head to Shinjuku. Enjoy the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, then explore Omoide Yokocho for dinner.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours by train). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## 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 views of Mount Fuji, then head to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji (rock garden).
• Evening: Stroll through Gion, the geisha district, and have dinner at a traditional restaurant.

## Day 6: Kyoto - Arashiyama & Central Kyoto

• Morning: Explore Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Afternoon: Head to Nijo Castle and then to the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

## Day 7: Kyoto - Day Trip to Nara

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park (with the friendly deer), and Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Return to Kyoto in the evening.

## Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and the surrounding park.
• Evening: Explore Dotonbori for street food (try takoyaki and okonomiyaki) and the vibrant nightlife.

## Day 9: Osaka - Day Trip to Himeji

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Himeji (about 1 hour). Visit Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles, and Kokoen Garden. Return to Osaka in the evening.

## Day 10: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel 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 11: Hiroshima - Day Trip to Miyajima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and hike up Mount Misen for stunning views. Return to Hiroshima in the evening.

## Day 12: Hiroshima to Fukuoka

• Morning: Travel to Fukuoka (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle ruins.
• Evening: Explore Nakasu for street food and enjoy a bowl of tonkotsu ramen.

## Day 13: Fukuoka to Nagasaki

• Morning: Travel to Nagasaki (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum.
• Evening: Explore Dejima and have dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 14: Nagasaki to Kumamoto

• Morning: Travel to Kumamoto (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen Garden.
• Evening: Try Kumamoto’s famous basashi (raw horse meat) for dinner.

## Day 15: Kumamoto to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Odaiba.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Odaiba area with a view of the Rainbow Bridge.

## Day 16: Tokyo - Day Trip to Yokohama

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Yokohama (about 30 minutes). Visit the Cup Noodles Museum, stroll through Chinatown, and enjoy the waterfront at Minato Mirai. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 17: Departure from Tokyo

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

This itinerary is packed with activities and sights, perfect for a couple traveling at a fast pace! Make sure to check train schedules and book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to let me know!