22 day itinerary
Japan
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 for a peaceful introduction to Tokyo.
- Dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shinjuku.
Day 2: Explore Tokyo
- Morning: Visit and the iconic .
- Lunch: Try some traditional tempura at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Head to to explore the museums and enjoy the greenery.
- Evening: Dinner in and explore the vibrant otaku culture.
Day 3: More Tokyo
- Morning: Visit and take a stroll through .
- Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of ramen in .
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy streets of and .
- Evening: Dinner at a sushi restaurant in .
Day 4: Day Trip to
- Take an early train to (about 2 hours).
- Visit 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
Day 5: Travel to Hakone
- Morning: Take the Romancecar train to Hakone.
- Visit the .
- 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:
- Morning: Take a bus to for stunning views of .
- 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 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 and hike through the torii gates.
- Lunch: Enjoy some traditional soba noodles.
- Afternoon: Explore and its gardens.
- Evening: Dinner at a kaiseki restaurant.
Day 9:
- Morning: Head to and visit the .
- Lunch: Try some matcha-flavored treats in the area.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Relax by the river and enjoy a casual dinner.
Day 10: Day Trip to
- Take a day trip to (about 1 hour).
- Visit and , 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 and its beautiful gardens.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional obanzai meal (Kyoto-style home cooking).
- Afternoon: Explore and visit nearby temples.
- Evening: Dinner in the Pontocho alley.
Day 12: Relaxation Day
- Spend the day at .
- Lunch: Try some local sweets at a nearby café.
- Afternoon: Visit 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 and its surrounding park.
- Lunch: Try okonomiyaki (savory pancake) in .
- Evening: Explore ’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 14:
- Spend the day at for some fun and excitement.
- Lunch: Enjoy themed dining options in the park.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and try takoyaki (octopus balls).
Day 15: Day Trip to
- Take a day trip to (about 1 hour).
- Visit , 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 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 in Hiroshima.
- Lunch: Enjoy some local sushi.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 19-22: Okinawa
Day 19: Travel to Okinawa
- Fly from Hiroshima to , Okinawa.
- Check into your hotel and relax on the beach.
- Dinner: Try Okinawan soba.
Day 20: Explore Okinawa
- Visit and its gardens.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Okinawan meal.
- Afternoon: Relax at for shopping and local snacks.
- Evening: Dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Day 21: Beach Day
- Spend the day at or .
- Lunch: Try some fresh seafood at a beachside café.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset and a casual dinner.
Day 22: Departure
- Last-minute shopping in .
- Head to the airport for your flight home.
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! 🌸✈️🍣
