25 day itinerary
Japan
Itinerary
Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With 25 days to explore, you can really take your time and enjoy everything it has to offer. Here’s a relaxed itinerary that includes stays in high-class ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and allows you to soak in the culture at a leisurely pace. Let’s dive in!
Day 1-3: Tokyo
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport.
- Check into a luxury hotel like the or .
- Spend the evening exploring the vibrant area. Enjoy dinner at a high-end sushi restaurant.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration
- Morning: Visit the historic and .
- Afternoon: Stroll through and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner in the upscale , perhaps at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 3: More Tokyo
- Morning: Explore the fashionable streets of and visit .
- Afternoon: Head to to see the famous crossing and do some shopping.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at a ryokan-style restaurant.
Day 4-6: Hakone
Day 4: Travel to Hakone
- Take the Romancecar train to Hakone (about 1.5 hours).
- Check into a luxurious ryokan like or .
- Spend the afternoon soaking in an onsen (hot spring) and enjoying the ryokan’s amenities.
Day 5: Hakone Exploration
- Morning: Visit the .
- Afternoon: Take a cruise on and enjoy views of .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional multi-course dinner at your ryokan.
Day 6: Relaxation Day
- Spend the day at leisure. Enjoy the onsen, take a nature walk, or visit the .
- Evening: Another delightful dinner at your ryokan.
Day 7-9: Kyoto
Day 7: Travel to Kyoto
- Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Check into a high-end ryokan like or .
- Evening: Explore the Gion district and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 8: Kyoto Temples and Gardens
- Morning: Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore , including the and .
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 9: More Kyoto
- Morning: Visit and hike through the torii gate pathway.
- Afternoon: Explore the and visit .
- Evening: Relax at your ryokan and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Day 10-12: Nara and Osaka
Day 10: Day Trip to Nara
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour).
- Visit and , where you can see the friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore and the beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 11: Travel to Osaka
- Morning: Head to Osaka (about 30 minutes by train).
- Check into a luxury hotel like .
- Afternoon: Explore and its surrounding park.
- Evening: Enjoy street food in , trying takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 12: Osaka Exploration
- Morning: Visit the or .
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy Namba and Shinsaibashi shopping districts.
- Evening: Dinner at a high-end restaurant, perhaps with a view of the city skyline.
Day 13-15: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Day 13: Travel to Hiroshima
- Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours).
- Check into a luxury hotel like .
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 14: Day Trip to Miyajima
- Morning: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island.
- Visit and hike up to for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Explore the island and enjoy the local delicacies.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima and relax at your hotel.
Day 15: Relaxation Day
- Spend the day at leisure in Hiroshima. Consider visiting or shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Day 16-18: Kanazawa
Day 16: Travel to Kanazawa
- Take the Shinkansen to Kanazawa (about 2.5 hours).
- Check into a ryokan like or .
- Evening: Explore the and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
Day 17: Kanazawa Exploration
- Morning: Visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Explore and the .
- Evening: Dinner at your ryokan, enjoying local seafood.
Day 18: More Kanazawa
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the local markets and try some fresh seafood.
- Evening: Relax at your ryokan and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 19-21: Takayama and
Day 19: Travel to Takayama
- Take a bus or train to Takayama (about 2.5 hours).
- Check into a ryokan like or .
- Evening: Stroll through the old town and enjoy a local dinner.
Day 20: Takayama Exploration
- Morning: Visit the and sample local produce.
- Afternoon: Explore the and learn about traditional rural life.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at your ryokan.
Day 21: Day Trip to
- Take a bus to (about 1 hour).
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Return to Takayama for the night.
Day 22-25: Tokyo and Departure
Day 22: Return to Tokyo
- Travel back to Tokyo (about 4 hours).
- Check into a luxury hotel like .
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a high-end restaurant with a view.
Day 23: Last Day in Tokyo
- Morning: Visit the for panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of or for last-minute shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at an onsen or spa.
Day 24: Day Trip to
- Take a day trip to (about 2 hours by train).
- Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Return to Tokyo for your last night.
Day 25: Departure
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
- Last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight schedule.
- Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A delightful 25-day itinerary that allows you to experience the best of Japan at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the luxurious comfort of ryokan stays. Don’t forget to savor the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the culture along the way. Safe travels! 🌸✈️
