18 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Avoid crowded placesI like traditional places
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of traditional experiences, and I’m excited to help you craft an 18-day itinerary that steers clear of the crowds while immersing you in the rich culture and history of this beautiful country. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take a moment to breathe in the excitement of Japan!
- Afternoon: Head to , a charming neighborhood that survived the bombings of WWII. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the , and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) in .
Day 2: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of , dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Afternoon: Explore the serene surroundings of and . Enjoy a peaceful hike in the area.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax.
Day 3: Kamakura
- Morning: Travel to Kamakura (about 1 hour). Visit the and .
- Afternoon: Explore the quaint streets of , but avoid peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local soba restaurant.
Day 4: Hakone
- Morning: Head to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Visit the , which features beautiful sculptures in a natural setting.
- Afternoon: Take a scenic boat ride on with views of (if the weather permits).
- Evening: Stay at a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy an onsen (hot spring) experience.
Day 5: Takayama
- Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 4 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the , known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
- Evening: Try Hida beef at a local restaurant.
Day 6:
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 1 hour). Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the stunning views of the village.
- Evening: Return to Takayama for a quiet evening.
Day 7: Kanazawa
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 2 hours). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic , known for its traditional teahouses.
- Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
Day 8: Noto Peninsula
- Morning: Rent a car and drive to the Noto Peninsula. Visit , famous for its lacquerware.
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic coastline and visit the .
- Evening: Stay overnight in a traditional inn in Noto.
Day 9: Matsumoto
- Morning: Drive to Matsumoto (about 2.5 hours). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Afternoon: Explore the , lined with traditional wooden buildings.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in Matsumoto.
Day 10: Nagano
- Morning: Travel to Nagano (about 1 hour). Visit , a significant Buddhist temple.
- Afternoon: Explore the quaint streets of the city and try some local soba noodles.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Nagano.
Day 11: Kiso Valley
- Morning: Head to the Kiso Valley (about 1.5 hours). Start your hike on the from Magome to .
- Afternoon: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and traditional post towns along the way.
- Evening: Stay overnight in at a minpaku (private guesthouse).
Day 12: Matsumoto
- Morning: Continue your exploration of the Kiso Valley, visiting the charming town of .
- Afternoon: Return to Matsumoto and relax.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 13: Kyoto
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 3 hours). Visit the less crowded and its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the , a serene canal-side walk lined with cherry trees.
- Evening: Dinner in the Gion district, but avoid the main tourist spots for a quieter experience.
Day 14: Arashiyama
- Morning: Head to Arashiyama. Visit the Bamboo Grove early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Afternoon: Explore the for a unique experience.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Day 15: Nara
- Morning: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and , where you can see the famous free-roaming deer.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic streets of .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for the night.
Day 16: Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 2 hours). Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore and the surrounding area.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Okayama.
Day 17: Kurashiki
- Morning: Take a short trip to Kurashiki (about 30 minutes). Explore the with its traditional buildings and canals.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Return to Okayama for the night.
Day 18: Departure from Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 1.5 hours). If time allows, visit and its beautiful park.
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or exploring in the quieter areas of Osaka.
- Evening: Depart from Kansai International Airport.
And there you have it! An 18-day itinerary that takes you through some of Japan's most traditional and serene locations while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the more crowded tourist spots. Enjoy your journey through this enchanting country! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask!