23 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination for families, with a rich blend of culture, history, and fun activities. Here’s a 23-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and family-friendly fun. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the local area. Visit a nearby park or shopping district.
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a family-friendly izakaya (Japanese pub) or a sushi restaurant.
Day 2: Tokyo - Asakusa & Ueno
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks from !
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit or the .
- Evening: Dinner in Ueno. Try some ramen!
Day 3: Tokyo - Shibuya & Harajuku
- Morning: Explore Shibuya. Check out the famous and .
- Afternoon: Stroll through Harajuku. Visit for quirky shops and crepes.
- Evening: Dinner in Harajuku. Consider a themed café for a fun experience!
Day 4: Tokyo - Disneyland or
- All Day: Spend the day at or . Both parks are incredibly family-friendly and offer a magical experience.
- Evening: Stay for the nighttime parade and fireworks!
Day 5: Tokyo - &
- Morning: Visit , the hub for anime and gaming. Explore the shops and arcades.
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit (a digital art museum) and enjoy the seaside park.
- Evening: Dinner at , where you can see the giant Gundam statue.
Day 6: Tokyo to Nikko
- Morning: Take a train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of .
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful nature around and .
- Evening: Stay overnight in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
Day 7: Nikko to Hakone
- Morning: Head to Hakone (about 2 hours). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Take a cruise on with views of .
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) and enjoy dinner at your ryokan.
Day 8: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dinner in the , where you might spot a geisha!
Day 9: Kyoto - Arashiyama
- Morning: Explore Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the .
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 10: Kyoto - Fushimi Inari &
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Day 11: Kyoto to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride 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 12: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Visit and its park.
- Afternoon: Explore the , one of the largest in the world.
- Evening: Dinner in . Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
Day 13: Osaka -
- All Day: Spend the day at . Enjoy rides and attractions, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
- Evening: Stay for the nighttime show.
Day 14: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Visit the and Museum.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to to see the famous floating torii gate.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 15: Hiroshima to Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 45 minutes). Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore the local area or visit the .
- Evening: Dinner in Okayama.
Day 16: Okayama to Takamatsu
- Morning: Travel to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Visit , one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore the local area and try sanuki udon for lunch.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening by the waterfront.
Day 17: Takamatsu to
- Morning: Take a ferry to , the art island (about 1 hour). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the outdoor art installations and the .
- Evening: Stay overnight on and enjoy a local dinner.
Day 18: to Kanazawa
- Morning: Return to Takamatsu and travel to Kanazawa (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan's top three gardens.
- Evening: Explore the and enjoy dinner.
Day 19: Kanazawa -
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 1.5 hours). Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a local lunch and take in the stunning mountain scenery.
- Evening: Return to Kanazawa for dinner.
Day 20: Kanazawa to Takayama
- Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2 hours). Visit the , a historical government building.
- Afternoon: Explore the with its traditional wooden houses.
- Evening: Try Hida beef for dinner!
Day 21: Takayama to Nagoya
- Morning: Travel to Nagoya (about 2.5 hours). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner in Nagoya. Try hitsumabushi (grilled eel).
Day 22: Nagoya to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 1.5 hours). Last-minute shopping in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
- Afternoon: Visit the for panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 23: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute sightseeing or shopping, depending on your flight time.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, nature, and fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. Make sure to check the opening hours and any seasonal events that might be happening during your visit. Have a fantastic trip to Japan! 🌸✈️
