Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging 21-day itinerary that takes you from Osaka to Tokyo, with plenty of time to explore the highlights and hidden gems along the way. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

• Morning: Arrive in Osaka. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Dotonbori for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the iconic Glico Man sign!
• Evening: Enjoy some street food—try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

## Day 2: Osaka

• Morning: Visit Osaka Castle and explore the surrounding park.
• Afternoon: Head to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Dinner in the Namba area. Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

## Day 3: Nara Day Trip

• Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park and feed the friendly deer.
• Evening: Return to Osaka and relax at a local izakaya.

## Day 4: Kyoto

• Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 30 minutes). Start at Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Afternoon: Visit Ryoan-ji for its famous rock garden.
• Evening: Explore Gion, the geisha district, and have dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant.

## Day 5: Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and hike through the thousands of torii gates.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner in Arashiyama.

## Day 6: Kyoto

• Morning: Explore the historic district of Higashiyama. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• Afternoon: Wander through the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
• Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner.

## Day 7: Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 8: Miyajima

• Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and see the floating torii gate.
• Afternoon: Hike up to Mount Misen for stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima and relax.

## Day 9: Himeji

• Morning: Travel to Himeji (about 1 hour). Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Afternoon: Explore Kokoen Garden nearby.
• Evening: Head back to Osaka for dinner.

## Day 10: Osaka to Kanazawa

• Morning: Depart for Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours by train).
• Afternoon: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Higashi Chaya District and try gold leaf ice cream!

## Day 11: Kanazawa

• Morning: Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Afternoon: Explore the Kanazawa Castle Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner in the city.

## Day 12: Takayama

• Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Takayama Jinya and explore the old town.
• Evening: Try Hida beef for dinner.

## Day 13: Shirakawa-go

• Morning: Take a bus to Shirakawa-go (about 1 hour). Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Afternoon: Visit the gassho-zukuri farmhouses and enjoy the scenery.
• Evening: Return to Takayama for the night.

## Day 14: Nagoya

• Morning: Depart for Nagoya (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Nagoya Castle and the Atsuta Shrine.
• Evening: Try hitsumabushi (grilled eel) for dinner.

## Day 15: Matsumoto

• Morning: Travel to Matsumoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
• Evening: Explore the Nakamachi Street and enjoy soba noodles.

## Day 16: Hakone

• Morning: Depart for Hakone (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional ryokan dinner.

## Day 17: Hakone to Tokyo

• Morning: Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi and see Mount Fuji.
• Afternoon: Travel to Tokyo (about 1.5 hours).
• Evening: Explore Shibuya and see the famous Shibuya Crossing.

## Day 18: Tokyo

• Morning: Visit the Meiji Shrine and take a stroll through Yoyogi Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku and shop on Takeshita Street.
• Evening: Dinner in Shinjuku. Try ramen or sushi!

## Day 19: Tokyo

• Morning: Visit the historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple.
• Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Sumida River to Odaiba.
• Evening: Explore Odaiba and enjoy the futuristic attractions.

## Day 20: Tokyo

• Morning: Visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Akihabara, the hub for anime and electronics.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in a themed restaurant (like Robot Restaurant or Ninja Restaurant).

## Day 21: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Ginza or Shinjuku.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 21-day adventure through Japan, filled with culture, history, and mouth-watering cuisine. Make sure to take lots of photos and enjoy every moment! If you have any specific interests or need adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌸✈️