14-Day Relaxing Exploration of Japan

1. Day 1: Tokyo
   Distance: 23km Time: 1 hour

   City Exploration

   Visit the famous Tokyo Tower, and have a delicious sushi lunch near the water

2. Day 2: Kamakura
   Distance: 52km Time: 1.5 hours

   Peaceful Temples

   Explore the huge Buddha statue in Kotokuin Temple, and stroll through Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine with its serene atmosphere

3. Day 3: Hakone
   Distance: 66km Time: 1.5 hours

   Hot Springs & Lakes

   Savor a day long Ropeway ride reveling in the fantastic views of Mt. Fuji, then bathe in hot springs at Yuryo onsen to relax

4. Day 4: Nagoya
   Distance: 171km Time: 2.5 hours

   Castle & Parks

   Stroll through the picturesque Nagoya castle and its gardens, wind down afterwards in the tranquil Tsurumai Park

5. Day 5: Kyoto
   Distance: 138km Time: 2.5 hours

   Historic highlights

   Visit the iconic Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari-taisha, and the picturesque Bamboo Forest

6. Day 6: Kyoto
   Distance: Within Kyoto

   Culture day

   Experience Japanese arts with a visit to the Samurai and geisha districts, then appreciate the traditional architecture and gardens at Nijo castle and Kinkakuji temple

7. Day 7: Nara
   Distance: 44km Time: 1 hour

   Buddhist heritage

   Be overwhelmed by the impressive Todaiji Temple housing the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan and stroll through the tranquil deer park, home to many wild deer.

8. Day 8: Osaka
   Distance: 40km Time: 1 hour

   Hipster city

   Try savory Takoyaki balls from the street vendors, and experience Umeda Sky building's panoramic views at night or hop in to one of the many bars in America-mura district

9. Day 9: Himeji
   Distance: 84km Time: 1.5 hours

   Castle in clouds

   Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Himeji castle, often called "White Egret Castle," particularly during sunny days when it rises above cloud cover

10. Day 10: Hiroshima
    Distance: 343km Time: 4 hours

    Atomic History

    Learn and experience WWII history at the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, then taste the popular Okonomiyaki savory pancake prepared in an authentic way

11. Day 11: Miyajima
    Distance: 20km Time: 1 hour

    Island atmosphere

    Take the morning ferry towards Miyajima, walk along the gorgeous Itsukushima Shrine and Mt. Misen, before slurping fresh oysters and exploring local market

12. Day 12: Matsuyama
    Distance: 330km Time: 4.5 hours

    Relaxing Ryokan

    Relax in Dogo Onsen, a favorite spot for Japan's oldest hot spring baths, chill at the peaceful Ishite-ji Temple before the overnight stay at the cozy Matsuyama city ryokan

13. Day 13: Shikoku
    Distance: 75km Time: 2 hours

    Bike tour

    Take part in a Scenic bike ride over the famous Shimanami Kaido route connecting Shikoku and Honshu Island, enjoying dazzling scenery everywhere. Stop for lunch at one of the small fishing along the way

14. Day 14: Osaka
    Distance: 333km Time: 3.5 hours

    Final Shopping

    Have a final shopping spree at Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi shopping streets, snacking the day away with famous crab and sea urchin dishes!

Time and Costs Estimates

• Tokyo Tower (2 hours, 1600 Yen)
• Kotokuin Temple (1 hour, 200 Yen)
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (1 hour, Free)
• Yuryo onsen (3 hours, 3200 yen)
• Nagoya Castle (2 hours, 500 yen)
• Tsurumai Park (1-2 hours, Free)
• Golden Pavilion (1 hour, 400 yen)
• Fushimi Inari-taisha (2 hours, Free)
• Nijo castle (1 hour, 1000 yen)
• Kinkakuji temple (1 hour, 400 yen)
• Todaiji temple (1-2 hour, 600 yen)
• Umeda Sky Building (2 hours, 700 yen)
• Himeji castle (3 hours, 1000 yen)
• Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum (2 hours, Free)
• Itsukushima Shrine (2 hours, 300 yen)
• Dogo Onsen (3 hours, 2000 yen)
• Shimanami Kaido route (4-6 hours, 2000 yen)

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, head west to admire Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi or spend a day or two in Sapporo, Hokkaido's thriving urban center. If you’re looking to cut the itinerary short by a few days, you could consider skipping Shikoku and riding through Hiroshima or adding more time in Osaka or Tokyo for an even more relaxed trip!