20 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Traditional artLearn about shintoism and folkContemporary artDiscover gastronomyGet to know the culture
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of culture, art, and gastronomy, and 20 days will give you a wonderful opportunity to explore its many facets. Here’s a lively itinerary that balances traditional and contemporary art, Shintoism, folk culture, and delicious food experiences. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Asakusa and visit , the oldest temple in Tokyo. Explore for traditional snacks.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) to kick off your culinary journey.
Day 2: Tokyo - Traditional Art
- Morning: Visit the in Ueno Park to see traditional Japanese art.
- Afternoon: Explore Yanaka, a district that survived WWII, showcasing traditional houses and art galleries.
- Evening: Try a kaiseki dinner (traditional multi-course meal) in a local restaurant.
Day 3: Tokyo - Shintoism and Folk Culture
- Morning: Visit , a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby and take part in a Shinto purification ritual.
- Evening: Enjoy a dinner of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in the bustling streets of Shinjuku.
Day 4: Tokyo - Contemporary Art
- Morning: Head to the in Roppongi for contemporary art exhibitions.
- Afternoon: Visit the , Tokyo, which has rotating exhibitions.
- Evening: Dinner at a trendy restaurant in Roppongi, perhaps trying fusion cuisine.
Day 5: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take a train to Nikko (2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of .
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful natural scenery and waterfalls in the area.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a casual dinner at a ramen shop.
Day 6: Tokyo to Kanazawa
- Morning: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa (2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Try Kanazawa’s famous seafood at .
Day 7: Kanazawa - Traditional Art and Culture
- Morning: Explore the .
- Afternoon: Visit the and the for traditional tea houses.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local Kaga cuisine.
Day 8: Takayama Day Trip
- Morning: Take a bus to Takayama (2 hours). Visit the morning market.
- Afternoon: Explore the Takayama Jinya and the old town with its preserved Edo-period buildings.
- Evening: Return to Kanazawa for dinner.
Day 9: Kanazawa to Kyoto
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (2 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Visit and (rock garden).
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant.
Day 10: Kyoto - Shintoism and Folk Culture
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of torii gates.
- Afternoon: Explore the Gion district, known for its geisha culture.
- Evening: Attend a traditional tea ceremony.
Day 11: Kyoto - Traditional and Contemporary Art
- Morning: Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the for contemporary exhibitions.
- Evening: Dinner at a local soba restaurant.
Day 12: Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a train to Nara (1 hour). Visit and with its free-roaming deer.
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 13: Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (2 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 14: Miyajima Island
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit .
- Afternoon: Hike up for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner.
Day 15: Hiroshima to Naoshima
- Morning: Travel to Naoshima (3 hours, including ferry).
- Afternoon: Visit the and the .
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 16: Naoshima - Contemporary Art
- Morning: Explore the and other installations around the island.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 17: Naoshima to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and the .
- Evening: Explore for street food, including takoyaki and kushikatsu.
Day 18: Osaka - Gastronomy and Culture
- Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make sushi or okonomiyaki.
- Afternoon: Visit and its surrounding park.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a high-rise restaurant with a view of the city.
Day 19: Osaka to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the digital art museum in Odaiba.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a sushi restaurant.
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in or .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary is packed with experiences that will immerse you in Japan's rich culture, art, and gastronomy. Each day offers a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, ensuring you get a well-rounded view of this fascinating country. Enjoy your adventure! 🌸🍣🎨