17 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed paceLess touristyExclude hiroshimaHistory, food and culturePublic transport
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of history, culture, and delicious food, and with 17 days, you can really soak it all in at a relaxed pace. Let’s craft an itinerary that allows you to explore some less touristy spots while still enjoying the rich tapestry of Japanese life. Grab your travel journal, and let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your accommodation in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Settle in and take a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood. If you’re in Shinjuku, visit the tranquil .
- Evening: Enjoy your first dinner in Japan at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in , a narrow alley filled with small eateries.
Day 2: Tokyo - Yanaka and Ueno
- Morning: Head to Yanaka, a charming district that survived WWII. Explore the and the quaint shops.
- Afternoon: Visit and its museums. The is a must for history buffs!
- Evening: Try some street food at , where you can sample everything from yakitori to sweet treats.
Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa and Kappabashi
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa, but take the back streets to avoid the crowds. Explore the traditional shops.
- Afternoon: Walk to , known for its kitchenware shops. Grab lunch at a local soba shop.
- Evening: Head to the for a relaxing evening stroll and enjoy the view of Tokyo Skytree.
Day 4: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of .
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around and .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local ramen shop.
Day 5: Tokyo to Kamakura
- Morning: Take the train to Kamakura (about 1 hour). Visit the and .
- Afternoon: Stroll through for some local snacks and shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy a seaside dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Day 6: Kamakura to Yokohama
- Morning: Head to Yokohama (about 30 minutes). Visit the and create your own cup noodle!
- Afternoon: Explore the historic and the waterfront area.
- Evening: Dine in , one of the largest in the world, and try some delicious dim sum.
Day 7: Yokohama to Takayama
- Morning: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Takayama (about 4 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) and explore the old town with its well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, a multi-course Japanese meal.
Day 8: Takayama -
- Morning: Take a bus to , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: Explore the village and enjoy a local lunch. Don’t forget to try the region’s famous Hida beef!
- Evening: Return to Takayama and relax at an onsen (hot spring).
Day 9: Takayama to Kanazawa
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the and the historic .
- Evening: Try Kanazawa’s famous seafood at Omicho Market.
Day 10: Kanazawa to Noto Peninsula
- Morning: Rent a car or take a bus to the Noto Peninsula. Visit Wajima and its morning market.
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic coastline and visit the .
- Evening: Stay overnight in a local ryokan and enjoy fresh seafood.
Day 11: Noto Peninsula to Matsumoto
- Morning: Head back to Kanazawa and take the train to Matsumoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Evening: Stroll through and enjoy dinner at a local soba restaurant.
Day 12: Matsumoto to Nagano
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nagano (about 1 hour). Visit , a significant pilgrimage site.
- Afternoon: Explore the surrounding area, perhaps visiting the nearby to see the famous snow monkeys.
- Evening: Enjoy a local dinner featuring Nagano’s famous soba noodles.
Day 13: Nagano to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the shinkansen to Kyoto (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the less touristy neighborhood of Arashiyama. Explore the bamboo grove and the .
- Evening: Dine at a traditional kaiseki restaurant in the area.
Day 14: Kyoto - Fushimi Inari and Uji
- Morning: Visit early to avoid crowds. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Head to Uji (about 30 minutes) to visit the and enjoy some matcha tea.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and explore the Gion district, perhaps catching a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 15: Kyoto to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit and , where you can feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic streets of and try some local snacks.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 16: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Visit and its beautiful park.
- Afternoon: Explore the area, famous for its street food. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
- Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in , perhaps visiting a local bar or karaoke spot.
Day 17: Departure from Osaka
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Head to for your departure.
And there you have it! A delightful 17-day itinerary that balances history, culture, and food while allowing you to explore some of Japan’s less touristy gems. Enjoy your adventure, and don’t forget to take lots of photos and notes along the way! Safe travels! 🌸✈️🍣