Itinerary

Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Here’s a relaxed 20-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the sights, sounds, and serenity of Japan while enjoying its parks and natural beauty. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Ueno Park. Visit the Tokyo National Museum if you’re up for it.
• Evening: Dinner in the Ueno area. Try some local izakaya (Japanese pub) food.

## Day 2: Tokyo - Shinjuku and Shibuya

• Morning: Head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful morning walk.
• Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of Shibuya. Don’t forget to see the famous Shibuya Crossing!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Shibuya. Try some sushi or ramen.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa and Odaiba

• Morning: Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Explore the surrounding streets and try some traditional snacks.
• Afternoon: Head to Odaiba. Walk along the waterfront and visit Odaiba Seaside Park.
• Evening: Enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge lit up at night.

## Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko. Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the natural beauty of Nikko National Park. Don’t miss the scenic Kegon Falls.

## Day 5: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Travel to Hakone. Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and enjoy the sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting.
• Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan.

## Day 6: Hakone - Lake Ashi

• Morning: Take a boat ride on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji.
• Afternoon: Visit Hakone Shrine and enjoy the surrounding forest.
• Evening: Dinner at your ryokan, savoring kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal).

## Day 7: Hakone to Kyoto

• Morning: Travel to Kyoto via shinkansen (bullet train).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and then visit Maruyama Park. Enjoy the cherry blossoms if in season!
• Evening: Explore the Gion district and maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha.

## Day 8: Kyoto - Arashiyama

• Morning: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Afternoon: Relax by the Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy the riverside.
• Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama, perhaps trying yudofu (tofu hot pot).

## Day 9: Kyoto - Temples and Gardens

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Head to Ryoan-ji to see the famous rock garden.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in the city.

## Day 10: Kyoto - Nara Day Trip

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nara. Visit Nara Park to see the free-roaming deer and explore Todai-ji Temple.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.

## Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Nakanoshima Park and enjoy the riverside views.
• Evening: Explore Dotonbori for street food and vibrant nightlife.

## Day 12: Osaka - Universal Studios or Relax

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan or take it easy at Osaka Castle Park.
• Evening: Dinner in Osaka, trying local specialties like okonomiyaki.

## Day 13: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 14: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and hike up Mount Misen for stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima for a relaxing evening.

## Day 15: Hiroshima to Okayama

• Morning: Travel to Okayama. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore Okayama’s local cuisine.

## Day 16: Okayama to Takamatsu

• Morning: Travel to Takamatsu. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Ritsurin Garden, a stunning landscape garden.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Takamatsu, perhaps trying sanuki udon.

## Day 17: Takamatsu to Naoshima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Naoshima, the art island. Explore the outdoor art installations and museums.
• Evening: Return to Takamatsu for a quiet evening.

## Day 18: Takamatsu to Kanazawa

• Morning: Travel to Kanazawa. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.
• Evening: Explore the historic Higashi Chaya District.

## Day 19: Kanazawa - Shirakawa-go Day Trip

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
• Evening: Return to Kanazawa for dinner.

## Day 20: Kanazawa to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo. Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Visit Yoyogi Park for a relaxing stroll.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo, reflecting on your amazing journey!

Tips for Your Trip:

• Transportation: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains.
• Parks and Green Spaces: Japan is filled with beautiful parks, so feel free to swap in more green spaces as you discover them!
• Relaxation: Don’t hesitate to take breaks and enjoy the local cafes or tea houses.

I hope this itinerary helps you have a wonderful and relaxed adventure in Japan! If you have any specific interests or changes in mind, feel free to let me know! Safe travels! 🌸✈️