20 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Include natural placesNo art museumInclude food experiencesInclude local culture experiencesInclude less touristic places
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of natural beauty, delicious food, and rich culture. Here’s a 20-day itinerary that balances all your interests while steering clear of the more touristy spots. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the tranquil . Enjoy a picnic with some onigiri (rice balls) from a local convenience store.
- Evening: Head to for dinner. Try yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at one of the tiny izakayas.
Day 2: Tokyo - Local Culture
- Morning: Visit , a charming neighborhood that survived WWII. Explore the old temples and traditional houses.
- Afternoon: Participate in a tea ceremony experience in . Learn about this beautiful tradition.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya in the area. Try some seasonal dishes.
Day 3: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take an early train to Nikko. Visit the stunning .
- Afternoon: Explore . Hike to and enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a bowl of ramen at a local shop.
Day 4: Hakone - Nature and Onsen
- Morning: Travel to Hakone. Visit the (not an art museum, promise!) and enjoy the sculptures in nature.
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride on with views of Mt. Fuji.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) and enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 5: - Coastal Culture
- Morning: Head to . Visit the and .
- Afternoon: Walk along the to .
- Evening: Try shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl) at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Matsumoto - Nature and History
- Morning: Travel to Matsumoto. Visit the iconic .
- Afternoon: Explore the with its traditional wooden buildings.
- Evening: Enjoy soba noodles at a local soba shop.
Day 7: - Alpine Beauty
- All Day: Take a bus to , a stunning national park. Hike along the Azusa River, surrounded by the Northern Japan Alps. Pack a bento for lunch!
- Evening: Return to Matsumoto for dinner.
Day 8: Takayama - Local Culture
- Morning: Travel to Takayama. Visit the , a historical government building.
- Afternoon: Explore the district, known for its traditional sake breweries. Try some sake tasting!
- Evening: Enjoy Hida beef at a local restaurant.
Day 9: - UNESCO Village
- Morning: Take a bus to . Explore the gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: Hike to the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the village.
- Evening: Return to Takayama for dinner.
Day 10: Kanazawa - Culture and Nature
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa. Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the , famous for its teahouses. Try gold leaf ice cream!
- Evening: Dinner at a local seafood market.
Day 11: - Coastal Beauty
- All Day: Take a day trip to the . Visit for its lacquerware and the morning market.
- Evening: Return to Kanazawa for dinner.
Day 12: Kyoto - Traditional Culture
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto. Visit early to avoid crowds.
- Afternoon: Explore the . Look for geisha and enjoy a traditional tea house experience.
- Evening: Try kaiseki cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 13: Arashiyama - Nature and Culture
- Morning: Visit the . Take a walk through the serene paths.
- Afternoon: Visit the for a fun experience with monkeys.
- Evening: Enjoy yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a local restaurant.
Day 14: Nara - Historical Sites
- Morning: Day trip to Nara. Visit and see the .
- Afternoon: Stroll through and feed the friendly deer.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 15: Hiroshima - Resilience and Nature
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima. Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to . Visit and hike up to .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 16: - Cycling Adventure
- All Day: Rent a bike and cycle the , a scenic route connecting islands. Enjoy the coastal views and local food along the way.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for a relaxing dinner.
Day 17: Okayama - Gardens and Culture
- Morning: Travel to Okayama. Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore and the surrounding area.
- Evening: Try the local specialty, Kibi Dango (sweet rice flour dumplings).
Day 18: - Island Culture
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Explore the island’s unique architecture and outdoor installations.
- Afternoon: Visit the (not an art museum, just a beautiful space in nature!).
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local eatery.
Day 19: Osaka - Food Capital
- Morning: Travel to Osaka. Visit and its surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Explore the area. Try street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki.
- Evening: Enjoy a lively night out in the Namba district.
Day 20: Departure from Osaka
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in or a visit to for some final food experiences.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A delightful mix of nature, culture, and food experiences across Japan. Each day is packed with unique adventures, and you’ll get to see both the iconic and the lesser-known gems of this beautiful country. Enjoy your trip! 🌸🍣🚄