21 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy. Here’s a relaxed 21-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Japan while also giving you plenty of time to unwind in nature. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
- 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: Visit . Enjoy a leisurely walk and maybe a picnic.
- Afternoon: Explore . Don’t forget to see the famous Crossing and Hachiko Statue.
- Evening: Dinner in . Try some ramen or sushi!
Day 3: Tokyo - and
- Morning: Head to . Visit Senso-ji Temple and explore the surrounding streets.
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Sumida River to . Enjoy the waterfront parks.
- Evening: Explore ’s shopping and entertainment options. Dinner with a view of the Rainbow Bridge.
Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Don’t miss and .
Day 5: Tokyo to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the beautiful sculptures in a natural setting.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan.
Day 6: -
- Morning: Take the Ropeway for views of .
- Afternoon: Visit and try the famous black eggs!
- Evening: Return to your ryokan for another relaxing evening.
Day 7: to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit and stroll through the cherry blossom trees (if in season).
- Evening: Dinner in the Gion district. Keep an eye out for geisha!
Day 8: - Temples and Gardens
- Morning: Visit and its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore and its famous rock garden.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Day 9: -
- Morning: Head to . Walk through the .
- Afternoon: Visit and its gardens. Take a boat ride on the Hozu River.
- Evening: Relax at a local café.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Day trip to . Visit and feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore and its Great Buddha.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit . Explore the castle and its beautiful grounds.
- Evening: Enjoy street food in . Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
Day 12: - Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Visit and the beautiful .
- Evening: Return to for a relaxed dinner.
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 to for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to .
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 some sanuki udon.
Day 17: to
- All Day: Take a ferry to . Explore the art installations and museums, including the .
- Evening: Return to .
Day 18: to
- Morning: Travel to . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Evening: Explore the historic .
Day 19: -
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and enjoy the beautiful rural scenery.
- Evening: Return to .
Day 20: to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo. Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and . Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Evening: Last-minute shopping in or Shinjuku.
Day 21: Departure from Tokyo
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. If time allows, visit one last time.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A lovely, relaxed 21-day itinerary that balances city exploration with nature and tranquility. Each day is designed to give you a taste of Japan’s rich culture while allowing you to unwind in its beautiful parks and gardens. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️
