20 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination, and with 20 days, you can explore a mix of vibrant cities, serene countryside, and cultural treasures. Since you have tattoos, I’ll make sure to include places that are more tattoo-friendly, as some onsen (hot springs) and ryokan (traditional inns) may have restrictions. Let’s dive into your itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Get your JR Pass (if you plan to travel by train).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in . Explore the bustling streets and grab lunch at a local ramen shop.
- Evening: Visit the for panoramic views of the city. Dinner in (Memory Lane) for some yakitori.
Day 2: Tokyo - &
- Morning: Head to . Check out the famous Crossing and .
- Afternoon: Stroll through , visit for quirky shops, and grab a crepe.
- Evening: Explore , then dinner in Omotesando. Try a tattoo-friendly izakaya!
Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa &
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. Don’t forget to try some melon bread!
- Afternoon: Head to , the mecca for anime and electronics. Explore the shops and maybe visit a themed café.
- Evening: Dinner in , then check out the vibrant nightlife.
Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to Nikko
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (2 hours by train). Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 5: Tokyo to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a tattoo-friendly ryokan.
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a dip in the onsen.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 6: to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the scenic Ropeway and see if the weather permits.
- Afternoon: Travel to Kyoto (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Evening: Explore , the geisha district. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Kyoto - Temples and Shrines
- Morning: Visit and (rock garden).
- Afternoon: Head to . Walk through the and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner in , then return to your hotel.
Day 8: Kyoto - Fushimi Inari & Nara
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of torii gates.
- Afternoon: Take a short train ride to Nara. Visit and with its friendly deer.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 9: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful park.
- Evening: for street food! Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 10: Osaka -
- All Day: Spend the day at . Enjoy the rides and attractions, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Day 11: 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 12: Hiroshima -
- All Day: Take a ferry to . Visit and hike up for stunning views. Return to Hiroshima in the evening.
Day 13: Hiroshima to Okayama & Kurashiki
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 40 minutes). Visit and .
- Afternoon: Head to Kurashiki, explore the historic with its beautiful canals.
- Evening: Return to Okayama for dinner.
Day 14: Okayama to Takamatsu
- Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore the local udon shops and try the famous Sanuki udon.
- Evening: Relax at a tattoo-friendly onsen in the area.
Day 15: Takamatsu to
- All Day: Take a ferry to , the art island. Visit the and the . Enjoy the unique art installations around the island.
Day 16: to Kanazawa
- Morning: Return to Takamatsu and travel to Kanazawa (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Explore the , known for its traditional teahouses.
Day 17: Kanazawa to
- All Day: Take a bus to , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the gassho-zukuri farmhouses and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. Return to Kanazawa in the evening.
Day 18: Kanazawa to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhood of for shopping and cafes.
- Evening: Dinner in , maybe try a tattoo-friendly izakaya.
Day 19: Tokyo - Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 30 minutes). Visit the , stroll through Chinatown, and enjoy the waterfront at .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo for your last dinner.
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in Tokyo. Visit a few shops for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Tattoo-Friendly Travel:
- Look for tattoo-friendly onsen and ryokan. Some places may allow tattoos, especially if you book private baths.
- Consider using tattoo cover-up stickers if you plan to visit places with strict policies.
- Always check in advance for any specific rules regarding tattoos at attractions or accommodations.
I hope this itinerary excites you! Japan is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, and you’re going to have an amazing time exploring it all. Safe travels! 🌸✈️
