18 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:By car
Itinerary
An 18-day road trip through Japan sounds like an incredible adventure! With your own wheels, you’ll have the freedom to explore both the bustling cities and the serene countryside. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that balances culture, nature, and delicious food. Buckle up!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Pick up your rental car.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head to Shibuya to see the famous and grab lunch at a local izakaya.
- Evening: Explore and visit for quirky shops and snacks. Dinner at a themed restaurant, like the Robot Restaurant!
Day 2: Tokyo
- Morning: Visit the historic Asakusa district and . Don’t forget to try some melon bread!
- Afternoon: Drive to , the mecca for anime and electronics. Explore the shops and maybe grab a coffee at a maid café.
- Evening: Head to for stunning views of the city at night. Dinner in Roppongi.
Day 3: Tokyo to Nikko (2 hours)
- Morning: Drive to Nikko. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of .
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around and .
- Evening: Stay overnight in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
Day 4: Nikko to Matsumoto (2.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Matsumoto. Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Afternoon: Explore the for local crafts and snacks.
- Evening: Try soba noodles for dinner, a local specialty.
Day 5: Matsumoto to Takayama (1.5 hours)
- Morning: Drive to Takayama. Stop at the scenic on the way.
- Afternoon: Explore Takayama’s old town and visit the morning market.
- Evening: Enjoy Hida beef for dinner, a must-try in this region.
Day 6: Takayama to Kanazawa (2 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Kanazawa. Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner in the Higashi Chaya district, famous for its tea houses.
Day 7: Kanazawa to (2 hours)
- Morning: Drive to the . Visit Wajima and its morning market.
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic coastline and the terraced rice fields.
- Evening: Stay overnight in a seaside ryokan and enjoy fresh seafood.
Day 8: to Hiroshima (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart early for Hiroshima. Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Explore the and the surrounding area.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 9: Hiroshima to Miyajima (30 min ferry)
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic .
- Afternoon: Hike up for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for the night.
Day 10: Hiroshima to Okayama (1.5 hours)
- Morning: Drive to Okayama. Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore the historic town of .
- Evening: Try the local specialty, Okayama’s barazushi.
Day 11: Okayama to Himeji (1 hour)
- Morning: Depart for Himeji. Visit , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afternoon: Explore nearby.
- Evening: Drive to Kobe (30 min) for dinner and try Kobe beef!
Day 12: Kobe to Osaka (1 hour)
- Morning: Drive to Osaka. Visit and its beautiful park.
- Afternoon: Explore for street food and shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy a night out in Osaka, trying takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 13: Osaka to Nara (1 hour)
- Morning: Drive to Nara. Visit and , where you can feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic streets of .
- Evening: Return to Osaka for the night.
Day 14: Osaka to Kyoto (1 hour)
- Morning: Drive to Kyoto. Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama, including the Bamboo Grove and the .
- Evening: Dinner in Gion, and keep an eye out for geisha!
Day 15: Kyoto
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of torii gates.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic and .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
Day 16: Kyoto to Nagoya (1.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Nagoya. Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Try hitsumabushi (grilled eel) for dinner.
Day 17: Nagoya to Mount Fuji (3 hours)
- Morning: Drive to the Mount Fuji area. Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic views and maybe take a boat ride on .
- Evening: Stay overnight in a ryokan with views of Mount Fuji.
Day 18: Mount Fuji to Tokyo (2 hours)
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of Mount Fuji. Drive back to Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in or .
- Evening: Return your rental car and prepare for departure.
Tips:
- Make sure to have a GPS or a reliable map app for navigation.
- Check for parking availability in cities, as it can be limited.
- Enjoy the local cuisine at every stop; Japan is a food lover's paradise!
This itinerary gives you a taste of Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Enjoy your road trip, and safe travels! 🚗✨