17 day itinerary
Tokyo
Itinerary
That sounds like an amazing trip! Let’s dive into your 17-day itinerary, blending the vibrant energy of Tokyo, the serene relaxation of an onsen, and the cultural richness of Kyoto. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (Dec 16)
- Morning: Arrive at . After clearing customs, take the train or a taxi to your hotel in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Grab a light lunch nearby.
- Evening: Head to Shinjuku. Explore the bustling streets, visit the Observation Decks of the for stunning views, and enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub).
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration (Dec 17)
- Morning: Visit the historic Asakusa district. Explore and stroll through for snacks and souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit the or the if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Evening: Dinner in Akihabara. Explore the anime and gaming culture, and maybe visit a themed café.
Day 3: Modern Tokyo (Dec 18)
- Morning: Visit the , nestled in a beautiful forested area.
- Afternoon: Explore , especially for quirky shops and street food.
- Evening: Head to Shibuya. Experience the famous and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Day Trip to (Dec 19)
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours from Tokyo). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including and the beautiful natural scenery. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 5: Tokyo Museums and Shopping (Dec 20)
- Morning: Visit the digital art museum in Odaiba.
- Afternoon: Explore the shopping scene in . Don’t miss the flagship stores and unique boutiques.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a sushi restaurant in .
Day 6: Onsen Experience (Dec 21)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and head to an onsen resort. Consider Hakone or Kusatsu for a great experience.
- Afternoon: Relax in the onsen and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Evening: Have a traditional kaiseki dinner at the onsen.
Day 7: Onsen Relaxation (Dec 22)
- All Day: Enjoy a full day of relaxation. Explore the area around your onsen, perhaps visiting local attractions or taking a nature walk.
Day 8: Onsen to Tokyo (Dec 23)
- Morning: Enjoy a final soak in the onsen before checking out.
- Afternoon: Return to Tokyo. Check back into your hotel.
- Evening: Explore the nightlife in . Enjoy dinner and maybe visit a bar or club.
Day 9: Day Trip to (Dec 24)
- All Day: Take a day trip to (about an hour from Tokyo). Visit the , , and enjoy the coastal scenery. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 10: Tokyo Parks and Gardens (Dec 25)
- Morning: Visit for a peaceful stroll.
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner in the Marunouchi area, with views of the Tokyo Station.
Day 11: Travel to Kyoto (Dec 26)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Kyoto. Visit .
- Evening: Dinner in the , perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 12: Kyoto Temples (Dec 27)
- Morning: Visit , famous for its thousands of torii gates.
- Afternoon: Head to . Walk through the and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner.
Day 13: Cultural Kyoto (Dec 28)
- Morning: Visit . Enjoy the views and explore the surrounding streets.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic , with its charming shops and tea houses.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 14: Day Trip to Nara (Dec 29)
- All Day: Take a day trip to Nara (about an hour from Kyoto). Visit , (with its friendly deer), and . Return to Kyoto in the evening.
Day 15: Kyoto to Tokyo (Dec 30)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Maybe do some last-minute shopping in Shibuya or .
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo, perhaps at a teppanyaki restaurant.
Day 16: Last Day in Tokyo (Dec 31)
- Morning: Visit the or for panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Explore any remaining sights or do some last-minute shopping.
- Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tokyo! Consider joining the festivities at Shibuya or a temple for a traditional experience.
Day 17: Departure (Jan 1)
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack up.
- Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to Haneda Airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A well-rounded itinerary that balances relaxation, culture, and the vibrant life of Tokyo and Kyoto. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌏✈️
