Itinerary

Japan is such a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. A 20-day itinerary allows you to explore at a leisurely pace, soaking in all the sights and experiences. Let’s dive into a relaxed journey through Japan!

## Day 1-3: Tokyo

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport.
• Check into your hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Take a leisurely stroll around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to shake off the jet lag.
• Dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Omoide Yokocho.

## Day 2: Explore Tokyo

• Morning: Visit the historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple.
• Afternoon: Head to Akihabara for some anime and electronics shopping.
• Evening: Enjoy the view from Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower, followed by dinner in the area.

## Day 3: More Tokyo

• Morning: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Harajuku and Omotesando.
• Afternoon: Visit Meiji Shrine and take a peaceful walk through the forested area.
• Evening: Dinner in Shibuya, and don’t forget to see the famous Shibuya Crossing!

## Day 4-5: Nikko

## Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

• Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours).
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toshogu Shrine.
• Explore the beautiful nature around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
• Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 5: Relax in Tokyo

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café.
• Visit the teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Odaiba.
• Spend the afternoon shopping in Ginza or exploring the quirky shops in Shimokitazawa.
• Dinner at a sushi restaurant.

## Day 6-8: Hakone

## Day 6: Travel to Hakone

• Take the Romancecar train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours).
• Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) with an onsen (hot spring).
• Relax in the onsen and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.

## Day 7: Explore Hakone

• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
• Take a cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji.
• Ride the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views.
• Return to your ryokan for another soak in the onsen.

## Day 8: More Hakone

• Visit the Owakudani volcanic valley.
• Explore the Hakone Shrine.
• Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before heading to your next destination.

## Day 9-11: Kyoto

## Day 9: Travel to Kyoto

• Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Check into your hotel or ryokan.
• Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine in the late afternoon to avoid crowds.

## Day 10: Explore Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama, including the Bamboo Grove and Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Dinner in Gion, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a geisha!

## Day 11: More Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and stroll through the historic streets of Higashiyama.
• Afternoon: Explore Nijo Castle.
• Evening: Relax at a tea house or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

## Day 12-14: Nara and Osaka

## Day 12: Day Trip to Nara

• Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour).
• Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, where you can feed the friendly deer.
• Explore Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
• Return to Kyoto for the night.

## Day 13: Travel to Osaka

• Head to Osaka (about 30 minutes by train).
• Visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful park.
• Spend the evening in Dotonbori, trying street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

## Day 14: More Osaka

• Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) in the morning.
• Afternoon: Explore the trendy Namba and Shinsaibashi shopping districts.
• Evening: Enjoy a night out in the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views.

## Day 15-17: Hiroshima and Miyajima

## Day 15: Travel to Hiroshima

• Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours).
• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Explore the Atomic Bomb Dome.
• Dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant.

## Day 16: Day Trip to Miyajima

• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island.
• Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and see the floating torii gate.
• Hike up to Mount Misen for stunning views.
• Return to Hiroshima for the night.

## Day 17: Relax in Hiroshima

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Visit Shukkeien Garden and explore the local shops.
• Take a slow afternoon stroll along the river.

## Day 18-20: Hokkaido (Sapporo)

## Day 18: Travel to Sapporo

• Fly from Hiroshima to Sapporo (about 1.5 hours).
• Check into your hotel and explore the city center.
• Visit Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower.

## Day 19: Explore Sapporo

• Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting.
• Explore the historic village of Hokkaido.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring Sapporo ramen.

## Day 20: Departure

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping.
• Head to New Chitose Airport for your departure.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Japan at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to soak in the culture, history, and natural beauty. Don’t forget to savor the local cuisine and take lots of photos! Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️