22 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, and with 22 days, you can explore a wonderful mix of culture, nature, and, of course, some Mario-themed fun! Let’s create a relaxed itinerary that balances sightseeing, parks, and delicious food. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Stroll through . It’s a beautiful green space with museums and a zoo.
- Evening: Dinner at for some street food. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
Day 2: Tokyo - Exploring Asakusa and
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. Don’t forget to explore the Nakamise shopping street for snacks!
- Afternoon: Head to for some gaming culture. Check out the retro game store.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) in .
Day 3: Tokyo - Parks and Culture
- Morning: Visit . It’s a lovely park with beautiful landscapes.
- Afternoon: Explore the in .
- Evening: Try some ramen at in Shibuya.
Day 4: Tokyo - Mario and More
- Morning: Spend the day at in Osaka (you can take a shinkansen, or bullet train, to Osaka).
- Afternoon: Enjoy the area.
- Evening: Dinner at the park or nearby for street food like okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Day 5: Osaka - and Parks
- Morning: Explore and try local specialties like takoyaki and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
- Afternoon: Visit for a relaxing stroll.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in the area.
Day 6: Kyoto - Temples and Gardens
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 30 minutes from Osaka). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore and its gardens.
- Evening: Dinner at a local soba (buckwheat noodles) shop.
Day 7: Kyoto - Arashiyama
- Morning: Visit the and .
- Afternoon: Relax at and enjoy the river views.
- Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner.
Day 8: Kyoto - Cultural Day
- Morning: Visit with its iconic torii gates.
- Afternoon: Explore and maybe catch a glimpse of a geisha.
- Evening: Dinner at a kaiseki restaurant for a traditional multi-course meal.
Day 9: Nara - Day Trip
- Morning: Take a day trip to Nara (about 45 minutes from Kyoto). Visit and feed the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 10: Hiroshima - Peace and Parks
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 2 hours from Kyoto). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 11:
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Visit .
- Afternoon: Hike up to for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner.
Day 12: Okayama -
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 1.5 hours from Hiroshima). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Try local specialties like Kibidango (sweet rice dumplings).
Day 13: Kurashiki - Historical Town
- Morning: Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 14: Takamatsu -
- Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1.5 hours from Okayama). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Try Sanuki udon for dinner.
Day 15: Shikoku -
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the outdoor art installations.
- Evening: Return to Takamatsu for dinner.
Day 16: Nagoya - Culture and Parks
- Morning: Travel to Nagoya (about 3 hours from Takamatsu). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Try hitsumabushi (grilled eel) for dinner.
Day 17: Nagoya -
- Morning: Visit (make sure to book tickets in advance!).
- Afternoon: Enjoy the park and its attractions.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 18: Yokohama -
- Morning: Travel to Yokohama (about 2 hours from Nagoya). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore and try some dim sum.
- Evening: Visit for a peaceful evening stroll.
Day 19: Tokyo - Final Days
- Morning: Return to Tokyo. Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore and .
- Evening: Dinner at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Day 20: Tokyo -
- Morning: Visit . Check out (book in advance).
- Afternoon: Explore .
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in .
Day 21: Tokyo - Shopping and Relaxation
- Morning: Visit for shopping and try some crepes.
- Afternoon: Relax at or visit Shinjuku Gyoen again.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 22: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Food:
- Look for local markets and convenience stores for affordable and delicious meals.
- Don’t hesitate to try street food; it’s often the best way to experience local flavors!
This itinerary balances cultural experiences, green spaces, and family-friendly activities while keeping a relaxed pace. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! 🌸🍣🎮
