17 day itinerary for Japon

Itinerary

Japan is a fantastic country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging 17-day itinerary that will take you through some of the best spots in Japan. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Don’t forget to stroll through Nakamise Street for some tasty snacks!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the vibrant district of Akihabara, famous for its electronics and otaku culture. Try a themed café for a unique experience!

## Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Meiji Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area. It’s a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku and take a walk down Takeshita Street for quirky shops and delicious crepes.
• Evening: Head to Shibuya to see the famous [Shibuya Crossing](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=[Shibuya](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Shibuya&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")%20Crossing&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") and grab dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub).

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine, admire the natural beauty of Lake Chuzenji, and see Kegon Falls. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

• Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy an onsen (hot spring).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji.
• Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.

## Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

• Morning: After breakfast, take the Romancecar or Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Gion district, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. Have dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 6: Kyoto Temples and Shrines

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama to see the Bamboo Grove and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Relax with a traditional tea ceremony experience.

## Day 7: Kyoto to Nara

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park (where you can feed the friendly deer), and Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Return to Kyoto in the evening.

## Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore Osaka Castle and its beautiful park.
• Evening: Dive into the street food scene in Dotonbori. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki!

## Day 9: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the city’s history.
• Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.

## Day 10: Day Trip to Miyajima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views. Return to Hiroshima in the evening.

## Day 11: Hiroshima to Okayama and Kurashiki

• Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 40 minutes). Visit Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
• Afternoon: Head to Kurashiki, a charming town with a historic canal area. Explore the Bikan Historical Quarter.
• Evening: Return to Okayama for dinner and stay overnight.

## Day 12: Okayama to Himeji and Kobe

• Morning: Travel to Himeji (about 30 minutes) to visit Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles.
• Afternoon: Continue to Kobe (about 1 hour). Explore the waterfront and visit the Kobe Harborland.
• Evening: Enjoy Kobe beef for dinner!

## Day 13: Kobe to Kanazawa

• Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens, and explore Kanazawa Castle.
• Evening: Stroll through the Higashi Chaya District, known for its traditional teahouses.

## Day 14: Kanazawa to Takayama

• Morning: Travel to Takayama (about 2.5 hours). Check into a ryokan.
• Afternoon: Explore the Sanmachi Suji district, famous for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
• Evening: Enjoy a local Hida beef dinner.

## Day 15: Takayama to Shirakawa-go and Nagoya

• Morning: Take a bus to Shirakawa-go (about 1 hour) to see the UNESCO World Heritage site with its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
• Afternoon: Return to Takayama and then travel to Nagoya (about 2.5 hours).
• Evening: Explore Nagoya’s vibrant nightlife and try hitsumabushi (grilled eel).

## Day 16: Nagoya to Tokyo

• Morning: Visit Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
• Afternoon: Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo (about 1.5 hours).
• Evening: Enjoy your last night in Tokyo with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree for stunning views of the city.

## Day 17: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs!
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!

This itinerary gives you a mix of urban experiences, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and pace. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! 🌸✈️