20 day itinerary
Japon
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging 20-day itinerary for four people that balances city exploration, cultural experiences, and some relaxation. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at . Check into your hotel in Shinjuku.
- Afternoon: Explore for a peaceful stroll.
- Evening: Head to for dinner. Try some yakitori and soak in the atmosphere!
Day 2: Tokyo - Shibuya & Harajuku
- Morning: Visit the iconic and take a photo with Hachiko.
- Afternoon: Explore Harajuku’s for quirky shops and crepes.
- Evening: Dinner in Shinjuku. Consider a themed restaurant like Robot Restaurant for a unique experience!
Day 3: Tokyo - Asakusa &
- Morning: Visit in Asakusa. Don’t forget to try some ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes).
- Afternoon: Head to for some anime and gaming shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in .
Day 4: Tokyo - Day Trip to Nikko
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (2 hours by train). Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your hotel.
Day 5: Tokyo to Hakone
- Morning: Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
- Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 6: Hakone to Kyoto
- Morning: Take the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji, then head to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit .
- Evening: Dinner in Gion, and keep an eye out for geisha!
Day 7: Kyoto - Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari
- Morning: Explore and visit the .
- Afternoon: Head to and hike up the torii gate path.
- Evening: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) for dinner.
Day 8: Kyoto - & Tea Ceremony
- Morning: Visit and its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 9: Kyoto to Nara
- Day Trip: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 1 hour). Visit and to see the friendly deer.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 10: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore and its surrounding park.
- Evening: for street food! Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Day 11: Osaka -
- All Day: Spend the day at . Enjoy the rides and attractions!
- Evening: Dinner in Universal City Walk.
Day 12: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 13: Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
- Day Trip: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit and hike .
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima for a relaxing evening.
Day 14: Hiroshima to Okayama
- Morning: Travel to Okayama (about 45 minutes). Visit and .
- Afternoon: Explore the local area and try some local specialties.
- Evening: Travel to for a charming evening stroll.
Day 15: Okayama to Takamatsu
- Morning: Head to Takamatsu (about 1 hour). Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore the local udon shops and try .
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the waterfront.
Day 16: Takamatsu to
- Day Trip: Take a ferry to , the art island. Visit the and various art installations.
- Evening: Return to Takamatsu for dinner.
Day 17: Takamatsu to Kanazawa
- Morning: Travel to Kanazawa (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Evening: Explore the and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
Day 18: Kanazawa to
- Day Trip: Take a bus to , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Evening: Return to Kanazawa for a relaxing evening.
Day 19: Kanazawa to Tokyo
- Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in Shibuya or Harajuku.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a nice sushi restaurant.
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary offers a mix of urban excitement, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, perfect for a group of four! Make sure to check train schedules and book accommodations in advance, especially for the ryokan stays. Enjoy your adventure in Japan! 🌸✈️🍣
