9 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

Japan is such a fantastic destination, and with 9 days, you can experience a delightful mix of culture, entertainment, and delicious food. Since you want to include both Disneyland and Universal Studios, I’ll weave those into your itinerary. Let’s get started!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing and grab lunch at a local izakaya.
• Evening: Explore Harajuku and visit Takeshita Street for quirky shops and delicious crepes. Have dinner at a themed restaurant, like the Robot Restaurant or a cat café!

## Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland! Arrive early to maximize your time. Don’t miss classics like Space Mountain and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Enjoy lunch in the park and take lots of photos with Disney characters!
• Evening: Stay for the nighttime parade and fireworks. Afterward, head back to your hotel and rest up for the next day.

## Day 3: Tokyo Sightseeing

• Morning: Visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji Temple. Stroll through Nakamise Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Head to Akihabara for some otaku culture. Explore the shops and maybe even visit a maid café!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Shinjuku and take in the views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck.

## Day 4: Travel to Osaka

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and stroll through the surrounding park. Grab lunch at a nearby café.
• Evening: Head to Dotonbori for a vibrant atmosphere, neon lights, and street food. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!

## Day 5: Universal Studios Japan

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan! Make sure to check out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the thrilling rides. Grab lunch in the park and enjoy the various themed areas.
• Evening: Stay for the nighttime show and then head back to your hotel to relax.

## Day 6: Kyoto Day Trip

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Kyoto (about 30 minutes). Start at Fushimi Inari Taisha with its iconic torii gates.
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and then head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Don’t forget to stop by the Iwatayama Monkey Park if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Evening: Return to Osaka and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 7: Nara Day Trip

• Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park and feed the friendly deer. Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine for some beautiful scenery.
• Evening: Return to Osaka and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Maybe try a local izakaya for a fun atmosphere!

## Day 8: Back to Tokyo

• Morning: Head back to Tokyo via Shinkansen. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood and street food. Then, explore Ginza for shopping and high-end boutiques.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Roppongi with a view of Tokyo Tower or the city skyline.

## Day 9: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Consider visiting Odaiba for a futuristic vibe and the teamLab Borderless exhibit if you have time.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Don’t forget to grab some snacks for the journey home!

And there you have it! A fun-filled 9-day itinerary that balances the magic of theme parks with the rich culture and history of Japan. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌸✨