22 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyHistory and Nature FocusMilitary history and foodArts and craftsTraditional experiences
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of history, nature, and culture, making it a fantastic destination for a family-friendly adventure. Here’s a 22-day itinerary that balances military history, traditional experiences, arts and crafts, and of course, delicious food! Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore Asakusa and visit . Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from the Nakamise shopping street!
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) to kick off your culinary journey.
Day 2: Tokyo - Military History
- Morning: Visit the to learn about the city’s history.
- Afternoon: Head to the and the , which focuses on Japan’s military history.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji.
Day 3: Tokyo - Arts and Crafts
- Morning: Participate in a traditional origami workshop.
- Afternoon: Visit the , Tokyo.
- Evening: Explore the vibrant streets of and try some trendy street food.
Day 4: Nikko Day Trip
- Morning: Take a train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of .
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around and .
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a quiet dinner.
Day 5: Tokyo to Kamakura
- Morning: Travel to Kamakura (about 1 hour). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Try Kamakura’s famous shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl) for dinner.
Day 6: Kamakura to Hakone
- Morning: Head to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Take a scenic boat ride on with views of .
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
Day 7: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit and stroll through its gardens.
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant.
Day 8: Kyoto - Traditional Experiences
- Morning: Participate in a tea ceremony experience.
- Afternoon: Visit Gion, the geisha district, and explore its traditional wooden machiya houses.
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner in Gion.
Day 9: Kyoto - Military History
- Morning: Visit , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afternoon: Explore the and its gardens.
- Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner.
Day 10: Nara Day Trip
- Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and see the Great Buddha.
- Afternoon: Stroll through and feed the friendly deer.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 11: Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 2 hours). Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Explore the and the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 12: Miyajima Island
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit and see the famous floating torii gate.
- Afternoon: Hike up to for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner.
Day 13: Hiroshima to Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 1 hour). Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Try the local specialty, Okayama-style barazushi (sushi).
Day 14: Okayama to Takamatsu
- Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore the local art scene at the (if it’s happening).
- Evening: Enjoy udon noodles, a local specialty.
Day 15: Takamatsu to Naoshima
- Morning: Take a ferry to Naoshima Island. Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the outdoor art installations and the .
- Evening: Stay overnight on Naoshima and enjoy a local seafood dinner.
Day 16: Naoshima to Osaka
- Morning: Return to Takamatsu and then travel to Osaka (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit and its surrounding park.
- Evening: Explore for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 17: Osaka - Arts and Crafts
- Morning: Participate in a pottery workshop in Osaka.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 18: Osaka to Kanazawa
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 3 hours). Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Try Kanazawa’s famous seafood at the Omicho Market.
Day 19: Kanazawa - Traditional Experiences
- Morning: Visit the and try gold leaf crafts.
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Day 20: Kanazawa to Takayama
- Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2.5 hours). Visit the , a historical government building.
- Afternoon: Explore the Sanmachi Suji district with its traditional wooden houses.
- Evening: Try Hida beef for dinner.
Day 21: Takayama to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 1 hour). Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: Participate in a local craft workshop, like washi paper making.
- Evening: Return to Takayama for dinner.
Day 22: Takayama to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 4 hours). Last-minute shopping in or .
- Afternoon: Visit the for a final dose of history.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant.
Departure
- Morning: Head to the airport for your flight home, filled with wonderful memories of Japan!
This itinerary offers a blend of history, nature, and traditional experiences, ensuring that your family has a memorable and enriching trip. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! 🌸✈️