10 day itinerary for Japao

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary that will take you through some of the most iconic spots in Japan, blending tradition with modernity. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or the Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Once you’ve settled in, head to Shibuya. Check out the famous Shibuya Crossing and grab a coffee at a nearby café.
• Evening: Explore Harajuku. Stroll down Takeshita Street for quirky shops and delicious crepes. For dinner, try some ramen at a local spot.

## Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

• Morning: Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Don’t forget to explore Nakamise Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Head to Ueno Park. You can visit the Tokyo National Museum or just enjoy a leisurely walk in the park.
• Evening: Make your way to Akihabara, the mecca for anime and gaming enthusiasts. Enjoy dinner at a themed café, like a maid café or an anime café.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take an early train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Don’t miss the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji if time permits. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). The gardens are beautiful, so take your time exploring.
• Evening: Head to Gion, the famous geisha district. Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner and keep an eye out for geisha on their way to appointments.

## Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture

• Morning: Start your day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The views from the wooden terrace are breathtaking, especially in the fall.
• Evening: Explore the charming streets of Higashiyama. Grab some matcha ice cream and enjoy the atmosphere.

## Day 6: Arashiyama and Nara

• Morning: Head to Arashiyama. Walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Afternoon: Take a train to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit Todai-ji Temple and meet the friendly deer in Nara Park.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya.

## Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka (about 15 minutes). Start your day at Osaka Castle and explore the surrounding park.
• Afternoon: Head to Dotonbori for lunch. Try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Dotonbori. Don’t miss the iconic Glico Man sign!

## Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the city’s history.
• Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy the beautiful views of the floating torii gate.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner before heading back to your hotel.

## Day 9: Hiroshima to Hokkaido (Sapporo)

• Morning: Fly or take a train to Sapporo (you might need to connect through Osaka or Tokyo). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting session. Stroll through Odori Park.
• Evening: Try Sapporo’s famous miso ramen for dinner. If you’re there in winter, don’t miss the Sapporo Snow Festival!

## Day 10: Sapporo and Departure

• Morning: Visit the Historic Village of Hokkaido or the Moerenuma Park for some last-minute sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to do some last-minute shopping or enjoy a final meal.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Japan!

Tips:

• Transportation: Get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen.
• Cash: While Japan is becoming more cashless, it’s still good to have yen on hand for smaller shops and restaurants.
• Etiquette: Be respectful in temples and shrines, and remember to take off your shoes when required.

I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your trip to Japan! Each day is packed with experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of this incredible country. Safe travels! 🌏✈️