20 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed paceFood tourPublic transport
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and, of course, incredible food. With 20 days to explore, you can take your time and really soak in the experiences. Here’s a relaxed itinerary that includes a food tour and utilizes Japan’s efficient public transport system. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Settle in and explore your neighborhood. Maybe grab a quick bite at a local konbini (convenience store).
- Evening: Head to for dinner. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at an izakaya.
Day 2: Tokyo - Shibuya &
- Morning: Visit the iconic and grab breakfast at a café.
- Afternoon: Stroll through , visit , and explore for unique snacks and shopping.
- Evening: Dinner at a themed restaurant (like a ninja or robot restaurant) for a fun experience.
Day 3: Tokyo - Tsukiji & Asakusa
- Morning: Start your day with a food tour at . Sample fresh sushi and street food.
- Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit . Enjoy some traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes).
- Evening: Dinner at a local soba or udon restaurant.
Day 4: Tokyo - &
- Morning: Explore , the hub for anime and electronics. Try a maid café for a quirky experience.
- Afternoon: Head to for upscale shopping and lunch at a sushi restaurant.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner (traditional multi-course meal) in .
Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko
- Morning: Take the train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the stunning .
- Afternoon: Explore the natural beauty of . Don’t miss .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and have a casual dinner at a ramen shop.
Day 6: 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 traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 7: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the scenic Hakone Ropeway and enjoy views of . Then, head to Kyoto (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya, sampling Kyoto-style dishes.
Day 8: Kyoto - Arashiyama & Central Kyoto
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore and .
- Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner.
Day 9: Kyoto - Fushimi Inari &
- Morning: Hike up ’s thousands of torii gates.
- Afternoon: Visit and its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner or a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes.
Day 10: Day Trip to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore and sample kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves).
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore , famous for street food. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Namba.
Day 12: Osaka - Food Tour
- Morning: Join a guided food tour to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
- Afternoon: Visit and its surrounding park.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya or a kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) restaurant.
Day 13: Day Trip to Himeji
- Morning: Take the train to Himeji (about 1 hour). Visit , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Explore and enjoy a bento lunch.
- Evening: Return to Osaka for dinner.
Day 14: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 15: Day Trip to Miyajima
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit and see the famous floating torii gate.
- Afternoon: Hike up for stunning views or explore the island’s shops.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner.
Day 16: Hiroshima to Fukuoka
- Morning: Travel to Fukuoka (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy tonkotsu ramen at a yatai (street food stall).
Day 17: Fukuoka - Food Tour
- Morning: Join a food tour to sample local specialties like mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and more ramen.
- Afternoon: Visit the and explore the shopping district.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 18: Fukuoka to Nagasaki
- Morning: Travel to Nagasaki (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the and .
- Evening: Try Nagasaki champon (noodle dish) for dinner.
Day 19: Nagasaki - Gunkanjima & Local Cuisine
- Morning: Take a boat tour to for a glimpse into its history.
- Afternoon: Explore and sample local specialties like shippoku ryori (a fusion of Japanese and Chinese cuisine).
- Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in Japan at a local restaurant.
Day 20: Departure from Fukuoka
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Fukuoka.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure flight.
This itinerary allows you to experience Japan’s vibrant cities, rich history, and delicious food at a leisurely pace. Don’t forget to get a Japan Rail Pass for convenient travel between cities! Enjoy your trip, and feel free to ask if you have any questions or need adjustments! Safe travels! 🍣✈️🌸