20 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With 20 days to explore, you can take your time and really soak in the experiences. Here’s a relaxed itinerary that balances city exploration, cultural experiences, and nature. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take your time to settle into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Stroll around the neighborhood. If you’re in Shinjuku, visit the for a peaceful start.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Omoide Yokocho.
Day 2: Tokyo - Shibuya and Harajuku
- Morning: Visit the iconic and take a photo with the .
- Afternoon: Head to Harajuku. Explore for quirky shops and try some crepes.
- Evening: Visit , then have dinner in Omotesando.
Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa and Ueno
- Morning: Explore Asakusa and visit . Don’t forget to try some melon bread!
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit a museum or just enjoy the park.
- Evening: Dinner in Ueno, perhaps some yakitori.
Day 4: Tokyo - and
- Morning: Dive into , the hub for anime and electronics. Visit a themed café if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Afternoon: Stroll through for high-end shopping and window shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy sushi at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax.
Day 6: Tokyo to Hakone
- Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 7: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Hakone Ropeway for views of , then head to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional Kyoto restaurant.
Day 8: Kyoto - Arashiyama
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the area, including the beautiful .
- Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner.
Day 9: Kyoto - Temples and Shrines
- Morning: Visit and .
- Afternoon: Head to and hike through the torii gates.
- Evening: Dinner in the Pontocho alley.
Day 10: Kyoto - Nara Day Trip
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and with its friendly deer.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and relax.
Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore and its surrounding park.
- Evening: Dive into for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 12: Osaka - Universal Studios or Local Culture
- All Day: Choose between a fun day at or exploring local neighborhoods like Shinsekai.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 13: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 14: Day Trip to Miyajima
- All Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the famous and hike up for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima and relax.
Day 15: Hiroshima to Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 40 minutes). Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore the local area and try some local specialties.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Okayama.
Day 16: Okayama to Takamatsu
- Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore the local area and try sanuki udon.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Day 17: Takamatsu to
- All Day: Take a ferry to , the art island. Visit the and various art installations.
- Evening: Return to Takamatsu for the night.
Day 18: Takamatsu to Kanazawa
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Evening: Explore the and enjoy dinner.
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 and relax.
Day 20: Kanazawa to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Consider visiting the for a final view of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.
Day 21: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport.
This itinerary allows you to experience a mix of urban life, historical sites, and natural beauty at a relaxed pace. Feel free to adjust any days based on your interests or travel style! Enjoy your trip to Japan! 🌸✈️
