Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination, and with 21 days, you can really immerse yourselves in its culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Since you’re looking for a cooler time of year, I’d recommend visiting in late autumn (November) or early spring (March) when the weather is mild and the scenery is breathtaking. Let’s dive into your itinerary!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head to the iconic Shibuya Crossing and grab a coffee at a nearby café.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shinjuku. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sake!

## Day 2: Explore Tokyo

• Morning: Visit the historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple. Don’t forget to explore Nakamise Street for snacks and souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Head to Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum. Enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage.
• Evening: Dinner in the Ueno area. Try some sushi at a local restaurant.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Toshogu Shrine and the beautiful Kegon Falls. Enjoy the stunning autumn colors!

## Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) for a unique experience.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
• Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.

## Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the scenic Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji, then head to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Visit the Gion district in the evening to see traditional wooden machiya houses.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Gion.

## Day 6: Explore Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Dinner in Arashiyama, perhaps trying yudofu (tofu hot pot).

## Day 7: Kyoto Temples and Shrines

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
• Afternoon: Explore the historic Higashiyama district, visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, where you can see the friendly deer.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.

## Day 9: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
• Evening: Dive into the street food scene in Dotonbori. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

## Day 10: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 11: Day Trip to Miyajima

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

## Day 12: Hiroshima to Okayama

• Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 40 minutes). Visit Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
• Evening: Dinner in Okayama.

## Day 13: Okayama to Takamatsu

• Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Try sanuki udon, a local specialty.

## Day 14: Takamatsu to Naoshima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Naoshima, an island known for its contemporary art museums and installations. Visit the Benesse House Museum and the Chichu Art Museum.
• Evening: Return to Takamatsu for dinner.

## Day 15: Takamatsu to Kanazawa

• Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Higashi Chaya district, known for its teahouses.

## Day 16: Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go

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

## Day 17: Kanazawa to Takayama

• Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Sanmachi Suji district, known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
• Evening: Try Hida beef for dinner.

## Day 18: Takayama to Nagoya

• Morning: Visit the Takayama Morning Market, then travel to Nagoya (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying hitsumabushi (grilled eel).

## Day 19: Nagoya to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Meiji Shrine and take a stroll through Harajuku.
• Evening: Dinner in Shinjuku, perhaps at a themed restaurant for a fun experience.

## Day 20: Tokyo Free Day

• All ## Day: Enjoy a free day to explore Tokyo at your leisure. Consider visiting Akihabara for electronics and anime culture, or Odaiba for shopping and entertainment.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant with a view of the Tokyo skyline.

## Day 21: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Perhaps visit the Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

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This itinerary balances sightseeing with relaxation, allowing you to soak in the beauty and culture of Japan without feeling rushed. Plus, with the cooler weather, you’ll enjoy the stunning autumn leaves or cherry blossoms, depending on your travel dates. Don’t worry about the language barrier; many signs are in English, and people are generally very helpful. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️