20 day itinerary
Japan
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 . 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
- Morning: Head to for a peaceful morning walk.
- Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of . Don’t forget to see the famous Crossing!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in . Try some sushi or ramen.
Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa and
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. Explore the surrounding streets and try some traditional snacks.
- Afternoon: Head to . Walk along the waterfront and visit .
- Evening: Enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge lit up at night.
Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of . Don’t miss the scenic .
Day 5: Tokyo to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan.
Day 6: -
- Morning: Take a boat ride on with views of Mount Fuji.
- Afternoon: Visit and enjoy the surrounding forest.
- Evening: Dinner at your ryokan, savoring kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal).
Day 7: to
- Morning: Travel to via shinkansen (bullet train).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and then visit . Enjoy the cherry blossoms if in season!
- Evening: Explore the Gion district and maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 8: -
- Morning: Head to . Walk through the and visit the .
- Afternoon: Relax by the and enjoy the riverside.
- Evening: Dinner in , perhaps trying yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 9: - Temples and Gardens
- Morning: Visit and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Head to to see the famous rock garden.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in the city.
Day 10: - Day Trip
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Visit to see the free-roaming deer and explore .
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and enjoy the riverside views.
- Evening: Explore for street food and vibrant nightlife.
Day 12: - Universal Studios or Relax
- All Day: Spend the day at or take it easy at .
- Evening: Dinner in , trying local specialties like okonomiyaki.
Day 13: to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the and Museum.
- Evening: Try -style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 14: -
- All Day: Take a ferry to . Visit and hike up for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to for a relaxing evening.
Day 15: to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Explore ’s local cuisine.
Day 16: to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , a stunning landscape garden.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in , perhaps trying sanuki udon.
Day 17: to
- All Day: Take a ferry to , the art island. Explore the outdoor art installations and museums.
- Evening: Return to for a quiet evening.
Day 18: to Kanazawa
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa. Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Evening: Explore the historic .
Day 19: Kanazawa - Day Trip
- All Day: Take a day trip to , 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 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! 🌸✈️
