17 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:CoupleI travel at a fast pace
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 . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit . Stroll through for snacks and souvenirs.
- Evening: Explore , 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 and take a photo with the Hachiko statue.
- Afternoon: Explore , including for quirky shops and crepes. Visit .
- Evening: Head to Shinjuku. Enjoy the view from the , then explore 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 , , and . 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 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 for views of , then head to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit and .
- Evening: Stroll through , 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 .
- Afternoon: Head to and then to the .
- 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 , (with the friendly deer), and . Return to Kyoto in the evening.
Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and the surrounding park.
- Evening: Explore 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 , one of Japan's most beautiful castles, and . 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 and Museum.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 11: Hiroshima - Day Trip to Miyajima
- All Day: Take a ferry to . Visit and hike up 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 and .
- Evening: Explore 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 and .
- Evening: Explore 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 and .
- 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 digital art museum in .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the area with a view of the .
Day 16: Tokyo - Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 30 minutes). Visit the , stroll through , and enjoy the waterfront at . 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!