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 enjoying its natural beauty. Let’s get started!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take your time settling into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Ueno Park. Visit the Tokyo National Museum if you’re up for it.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Ameyoko market area, sampling street food.

## Day 2: Tokyo - Shinjuku and Shibuya

• Morning: Visit [Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=[Shinjuku](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Shinjuku&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")%20Gyoen%20National%20Garden&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") for a peaceful morning walk.
• Afternoon: Explore Shibuya, see the famous crossing, and visit Yoyogi Park.
• Evening: Dinner in Shibuya, perhaps at a cozy izakaya.

## Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa and Odaiba

• Morning: Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, then wander around Nakamise Street.
• Afternoon: Head to Odaiba. Enjoy the waterfront parks and visit TeamLab Borderless.
• Evening: Dinner with a view of the Rainbow Bridge.

## Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko. Visit Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the natural beauty of Nikko National Park. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 5: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Travel to Hakone. Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
• Afternoon: Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a stroll around Gora Park.
• Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan.

## Day 6: Hakone - Mount Fuji

• Morning: Take the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji.
• Afternoon: Visit Lake Ashi and enjoy a boat ride.
• Evening: Return to your ryokan for dinner and relaxation.

## Day 7: Hakone to Kyoto

• Morning: Travel to Kyoto via shinkansen (bullet train).
• Afternoon: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and stroll through the Higashiyama District.
• Evening: Dinner in Gion, perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha.

## Day 8: Kyoto - Arashiyama

• Morning: Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryu-ji Temple.
• Afternoon: Relax at Arashiyama Park and take a boat ride on the river.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in Arashiyama.

## Day 9: Kyoto - Northern Temples

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and its beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Head to Ryoan-ji for its famous rock garden and peaceful surroundings.
• Evening: Dinner in the city center.

## Day 10: Kyoto - Southern Temples

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and hike through the torii gates.
• Afternoon: Explore Tofuku-ji Temple and its beautiful Zen gardens.
• Evening: Relax at your accommodation.

## Day 11: Kyoto to Nara

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park and enjoy the company of the friendly deer.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.

## Day 12: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
• Afternoon: Explore Nakanoshima Park and the Osaka Museum of History.
• Evening: Enjoy street food in Dotonbori.

## Day 13: Osaka - Day Trip to Himeji

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle and the beautiful Kokoen Garden. Return to Osaka in the evening.

## Day 14: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and see the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
• Evening: Enjoy local okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 15: Hiroshima to Okayama

• Morning: Travel to Okayama. Visit Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens.
• Afternoon: Explore Okayama Castle.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner in Okayama.

## Day 16: Okayama to Takamatsu

• Morning: Travel to Takamatsu. Visit Ritsurin Garden, a stunning landscape garden.
• Afternoon: Explore the local area and try some sanuki udon.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening by the waterfront.

## Day 17: Takamatsu to Naoshima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Naoshima, the art island. Visit the Benesse House and various art installations.
• Evening: Return to Takamatsu for dinner.

## Day 18: Takamatsu to Kanazawa

• Morning: Travel to Kanazawa. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most famous gardens.
• Afternoon: Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the historic Higashi Chaya District.

## Day 19: Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Return to Kanazawa in the evening.

## Day 20: Kanazawa to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen again or explore Yoyogi Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo, perhaps in the Shinjuku area.

## Day 21: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or a visit to a local café.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

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This itinerary allows you to explore Japan at a leisurely pace while enjoying its parks and green spaces. Feel free to adjust any days based on your interests or travel preferences. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️