18 day itinerary for Japan
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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 Narita or Haneda Airport. Pick up your rental car.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing and grab lunch at a local izakaya.
- Evening: Explore Harajuku and visit Takeshita Street for quirky shops and snacks. Dinner at a themed restaurant, like the Robot Restaurant!
## Day 2: Tokyo
- Morning: Visit the historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple. Don’t forget to try some melon bread!
- Afternoon: Drive to Akihabara, the mecca for anime and electronics. Explore the shops and maybe grab a coffee at a maid café.
- Evening: Head to Tokyo Tower 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 Toshogu Shrine.
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
- 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 Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Afternoon: Explore the Nakamachi Street 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 Shirakawa-go village 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 Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Evening: Dinner in the Higashi Chaya district, famous for its tea houses.
## Day 7: Kanazawa to Noto Peninsula (2 hours)
- Morning: Drive to the Noto Peninsula. 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: Noto Peninsula to Hiroshima (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart early for Hiroshima. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- Afternoon: Explore the Atomic Bomb Dome 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 Itsukushima Shrine.
- Afternoon: Hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for the night.
## Day 10: Hiroshima to Okayama (1.5 hours)
- Morning: Drive to Okayama. Visit Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic town of Kurashiki.
- Evening: Try the local specialty, Okayama’s barazushi.
## Day 11: Okayama to Himeji (1 hour)
- Morning: Depart for Himeji. Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afternoon: Explore Kokoen Garden 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 Osaka Castle and its beautiful park.
- Afternoon: Explore Dotonbori 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 Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, where you can feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic streets of Naramachi.
- Evening: Return to Osaka for the night.
## Day 14: Osaka to Kyoto (1 hour)
- Morning: Drive to Kyoto. Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
- Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama, including the Bamboo Grove and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
- Evening: Dinner in Gion, and keep an eye out for geisha!
## Day 15: Kyoto
- Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of torii gates.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic Higashiyama district and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
## Day 16: Kyoto to Nagoya (1.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Nagoya. Visit Nagoya Castle.
- Afternoon: Explore the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
- Evening: Try hitsumabushi (grilled eel) for dinner.
## Day 17: Nagoya to Mount Fuji (3 hours)
- Morning: Drive to the Mount Fuji area. Visit the Fuji Five Lakes region.
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic views and maybe take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi.
- 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 Shinjuku or Akihabara.
- 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! 🚗✨
Places of interest
Narita or Haneda Airport
Description:** Narita International Airport is one of Japan's primary international airports, located approximately 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo. It serves as a major gateway for international travelers and offers a wide range of amenities, including shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The airport is well-connected to the city via various transportation options, including trains and buses.
Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine located in Nikko, Japan. It was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine complex is known for its intricate and colorful architecture, featuring numerous ornate carvings and decorations. It is considered one of Japan's most important cultural and historical sites.
Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located in Nikko, Japan. It is one of the most famous and picturesque waterfalls in the country, surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. The waterfall drops approximately 97 meters, creating a mesmerizing sight and a soothing sound that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Nakamachi Street
Nakamachi Street is a charming and historic shopping street located in Matsumoto, Japan. Lined with traditional wooden buildings, this pedestrian-friendly street offers a unique blend of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore various boutiques selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. The street also features several art galleries and museums, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Takayama's old town
Description:** Takayama's Old Town, known as Sanmachi Suji, is a beautifully preserved area that showcases traditional Edo-period architecture. Visitors can stroll along narrow streets lined with wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and quaint shops, offering a glimpse into Japan's historical past. The area is particularly charming during the spring and autumn festivals, when the streets come alive with vibrant decorations and local culture.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Japan is a modern art museum located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It features a unique circular design and showcases contemporary art from both Japanese and international artists.
Noto Peninsula
Noto Peninsula is a scenic region located on the northern coast of Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its rugged coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and traditional ryokan inns, Noto Peninsula offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Wajima morning market
Description:** Wajima Morning Market is a vibrant and bustling market located in Wajima City, Japan, known for its fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional crafts. It offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture, sample delicious regional delicacies, and purchase handmade items from local artisans.
Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is a symbol of peace and a reminder of the devastating atomic bombing that occurred in Hiroshima, Japan during World War II. It is the skeletal remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was one of the few buildings to survive the blast. The dome stands as a powerful testament to the horrors of war and serves as a memorial to the victims.
Okayama Castle
Description:** Okayama Castle, also known as "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, is a historic Japanese castle located in Okayama Prefecture. Originally built in the 16th century, it features traditional Japanese architecture and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, including the adjacent Korakuen Garden. The castle has been reconstructed and serves as a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to its history.
Kurashiki
Description:** Kurashiki is a picturesque city in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, known for its well-preserved historic district featuring traditional wooden buildings and charming canals. The Bikan Historical Quarter is particularly famous for its Edo-period architecture, museums, and art galleries, making it a delightful destination for those interested in Japanese culture and history.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Himeji, Japan. It is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Japanese castle architecture and is often referred to as the "White Heron Castle" due to its elegant white exterior.
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Description:** Iwatayama Monkey Park is a unique wildlife park located in Arashiyama, Japan, where visitors can observe and interact with over 170 Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. Set on a hillside, the park offers scenic views of the surrounding area and allows guests to feed the monkeys while learning about their behavior and ecology.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form a pathway through the forested Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, and attracts millions of visitors each year who come to explore the beautiful grounds and hike up the mountain.
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is a historic landmark located in Nagoya, Japan. It was originally built in 1612 and has since been reconstructed multiple times. The castle showcases traditional Japanese architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Japan showcases the rich history and technological advancements of the Toyota Motor Corporation. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of the automotive industry and witness the innovative manufacturing processes employed by Toyota. The museum also highlights the company's contributions to various industries, including textiles and robotics.