Itinerary

Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With 22 days to explore, we can create a relaxed yet fulfilling itinerary that balances your fast-paced travel style with plenty of opportunities to unwind in parks and enjoy traditional cuisine. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1-4: Tokyo

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport.
• Check into your hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful introduction to Tokyo.
• Dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shinjuku.

## Day 2: Explore Tokyo

• Morning: Visit Asakusa and the iconic Senso-ji Temple.
• Lunch: Try some traditional tempura at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Head to Ueno Park to explore the museums and enjoy the greenery.
• Evening: Dinner in Akihabara and explore the vibrant otaku culture.

## Day 3: More Tokyo

• Morning: Visit Meiji Shrine and take a stroll through Yoyogi Park.
• Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of ramen in Harajuku.
• Afternoon: Explore the trendy streets of Harajuku and Omotesando.
• Evening: Dinner at a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji Outer Market.

## Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

• Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours).
• Visit Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
• Lunch: Try yuba (tofu skin), a local specialty.
• Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 5-7: Hakone and Mount Fuji

## Day 5: Travel to Hakone

• Morning: Take the Romancecar train to Hakone.
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
• Lunch: Enjoy kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) at a ryokan.
• Afternoon: Relax in an onsen (hot spring).
• Evening: Stay overnight in a ryokan.

## Day 6: Mount Fuji

• Morning: Take a bus to Lake Kawaguchi for stunning views of Mount Fuji.
• Lunch: Try hōtō (a noodle dish) at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Explore the area or take a boat ride on the lake.
• Evening: Return to Hakone for another night in the ryokan.

## Day 7: Travel to Kyoto

• Morning: Head to Kyoto via Shinkansen (bullet train).
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its gardens.
• Dinner: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) in the Gion district.

## Day 8-12: Kyoto

## Day 8: Explore Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and hike through the torii gates.
• Lunch: Enjoy some traditional soba noodles.
• Afternoon: Explore Nijo Castle and its gardens.
• Evening: Dinner at a kaiseki restaurant.

## Day 9: Arashiyama

• Morning: Head to Arashiyama and visit the Bamboo Grove.
• Lunch: Try some matcha-flavored treats in the area.
• Afternoon: Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Relax by the river and enjoy a casual dinner.

## Day 10: Day Trip to Nara

• Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour).
• Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, where you can see the famous deer.
• Lunch: Try kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves).
• Return to Kyoto in the evening.

## Day 11: Southern Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Tofuku-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens.
• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional obanzai meal (Kyoto-style home cooking).
• Afternoon: Explore Philosopher's Path and visit nearby temples.
• Evening: Dinner in the Pontocho alley.

## Day 12: Relaxation Day

• Spend the day at Kyoto Botanical Gardens.
• Lunch: Try some local sweets at a nearby café.
• Afternoon: Visit Heian Shrine and its gardens.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 13-15: Osaka

## Day 13: Travel to Osaka

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka.
• Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
• Lunch: Try okonomiyaki (savory pancake) in Dotonbori.
• Evening: Explore Dotonbori’s vibrant nightlife.

## Day 14: Universal Studios Japan

• Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan for some fun and excitement.
• Lunch: Enjoy themed dining options in the park.
• Evening: Return to Dotonbori for dinner and try takoyaki (octopus balls).

## Day 15: Day Trip to Himeji

• Take a day trip to Himeji (about 1 hour).
• Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Lunch: Try local specialties like anago (conger eel).
• Return to Osaka in the evening.

## Day 16-18: Hiroshima and Miyajima

## Day 16: Travel to Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Lunch: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
• Evening: Stroll along the riverfront.

## Day 17: Day Trip to Miyajima

• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island.
• Visit Itsukushima Shrine and hike up to Mount Misen.
• Lunch: Try anago meshi (grilled eel on rice).
• Return to Hiroshima in the evening.

## Day 18: Relaxation Day

• Spend the day at Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima.
• Lunch: Enjoy some local sushi.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Castle.
• Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 19-22: Okinawa

## Day 19: Travel to Okinawa

• Fly from Hiroshima to Naha, Okinawa.
• Check into your hotel and relax on the beach.
• Dinner: Try Okinawan soba.

## Day 20: Explore Okinawa

• Visit Shurijo Castle and its gardens.
• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Okinawan meal.
• Afternoon: Relax at Kokusai Street for shopping and local snacks.
• Evening: Dinner at a seaside restaurant.

## Day 21: Beach Day

• Spend the day at Naminoue Beach or Zanpa Beach.
• Lunch: Try some fresh seafood at a beachside café.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset and a casual dinner.

## Day 22: Departure

• Last-minute shopping in Naha.
• Head to the airport for your flight home.

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And there you have it! A delightful 22-day itinerary that balances the fast-paced excitement of Japan with plenty of opportunities to relax in beautiful parks and enjoy traditional food. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌸✈️🍣