14 day itinerary for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Matsumoto

Itinerary

Japan is a treasure trove of culture, history, and stunning landscapes, and your 14-day itinerary will be a delightful mix of castles, temples, and vibrant city life. Let’s dive into your adventure!

## 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 Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. Stroll through Nakamise Street for some traditional snacks and souvenirs.
• Evening: Enjoy a night tour of Tokyo. Consider a guided tour that includes a visit to the Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking night views of the city.

## Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine surrounded by a beautiful forest.
• Afternoon: Explore Harajuku and Omotesando for some trendy shopping and unique cafes.
• Evening: Head to Shibuya to see the famous Shibuya Crossing and enjoy dinner at a local izakaya. Consider a night walk around the area to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nikko (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the stunning Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

## Day 4: Tokyo to Matsumoto

• Morning: Travel to Matsumoto (about 2.5 hours by train). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Explore the surrounding park.
• Evening: Stroll through the Nakamachi Street, lined with traditional wooden buildings, and enjoy a local dinner.

## Day 5: Matsumoto to Takayama

• Morning: Take a bus to Takayama (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Sanmachi Suji district, known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings. Visit the Takayama Jinya, a historical government building.
• Evening: Enjoy a night tour of Takayama, perhaps including a visit to a local sake brewery.

## Day 6: Takayama to Kyoto

• Morning: Travel to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
• Evening: Explore Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. Consider a traditional kaiseki dinner and keep an eye out for geisha and maiko.

## Day 7: Kyoto Temples and Castles

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
• Afternoon: Head to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Join a night tour that includes a visit to the illuminated Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about 1 hour from Kyoto). Visit Todai-ji Temple, housing a giant Buddha statue, and Nara Park, where you can see free-roaming deer. Return to Kyoto in the evening.

## Day 9: Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (about 30 minutes by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle, a beautiful castle surrounded by a park. Explore the castle museum.
• Evening: Head to Dotonbori for a lively night out. Try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

## Day 10: Osaka Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), one of the largest aquariums in the world.
• Afternoon: Explore the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Consider a night cruise on the Osaka Bay for a different perspective of the city lights.

## Day 11: Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the city's history.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local okonomiyaki restaurant, a Hiroshima specialty.

## Day 12: Day Trip to Miyajima

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Explore the island and hike up to Mount Misen for stunning views. Return to Hiroshima in the evening.

## Day 13: Hiroshima to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo (about 4 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Palace and its East Gardens.
• Evening: Explore Akihabara, the hub of otaku culture. Enjoy a themed café experience or shop for anime merchandise.

## Day 14: Departure from Tokyo

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a final view of the city.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for convenient travel between cities.
• Always check the opening hours of temples and attractions, as they can vary.
• Don’t forget to try local specialties in each city!

This itinerary balances cultural experiences, historical sites, and vibrant city life, ensuring you get the most out of your 14 days in Japan. Enjoy your trip! 🌸✈️