22 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:LocalKyotoTokyoOsakaCountryside
Itinerary
Japan is a treasure trove of culture, history, and stunning landscapes, and 22 days will give you a fantastic opportunity to explore its many facets. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances the vibrant urban life of Tokyo, Kyoto, and with the serene beauty of the countryside.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of . Don’t miss the famous !
- Evening: Dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in . Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
Day 2: Tokyo - Traditional Meets Modern
- Morning: Visit the historic in Asakusa. Stroll through for snacks and souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Head to , the mecca for anime and electronics. Explore the shops and maybe visit a themed café.
- Evening: Enjoy a view of Tokyo from the or .
Day 3: Tokyo - Culture and Nature
- Morning: Visit the , nestled in a beautiful forested area.
- Afternoon: Explore , especially for quirky fashion and crepes.
- Evening: Dinner in , known for its stylish restaurants.
Day 4: Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and visit .
- Evening: Stroll through the , and keep an eye out for geisha!
Day 6: Kyoto - Temples and Traditions
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
- Afternoon: Explore , including the and the .
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant.
Day 7: Kyoto - More Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Visit and enjoy the views of the city.
- Afternoon: Wander through the historic streets of .
- Evening: Attend a tea ceremony for a taste of Japanese tradition.
Day 8: Day Trip to
- All Day: Take a short train ride to . Visit and , where you can feed the friendly deer.
Day 9: Kyoto to
- Morning: Travel to (about 15 minutes by train).
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful park.
- Evening: Dive into for street food – try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
Day 10: - Food and Fun
- Morning: Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore or the .
- Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in Namba.
Day 11: Day Trip to
- All Day: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles. Explore the surrounding gardens.
Day 12: to
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try -style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 13: Day Trip to Miyajima
- All Day: Take a ferry to . Visit the iconic and hike up for stunning views.
Day 14: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the old town with its traditional wooden houses.
- Evening: Enjoy a local Hida beef dinner.
Day 15: - Countryside Charm
- Morning: Visit the morning market and the .
- Afternoon: Take a bus to , a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Evening: Return to for a relaxing evening.
Day 16: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Evening: Explore the , known for its teahouses.
Day 17: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , a significant Buddhist site.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) in the area.
Day 18: to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
- Evening: Explore the for local crafts and food.
Day 19: to Tokyo
- Morning: Return to Tokyo (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the digital art museum in .
- Evening: Enjoy a river cruise on the .
Day 20: Tokyo - Shopping and Relaxation
- Morning: Explore the upscale shopping district of .
- Afternoon: Visit and its museums, or relax in a café.
- Evening: Dinner in the trendy neighborhood of .
Day 21: Tokyo - Last Explorations
- Morning: Visit the or the .
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in or .
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a sushi restaurant.
Day 22: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute sightseeing or shopping, depending on your flight time.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary gives you a mix of urban excitement, cultural immersion, and countryside tranquility. Make sure to savor the local cuisine, interact with the friendly locals, and soak in the beautiful scenery. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! 🌸✈️