Relaxing Itinerary for 8 Days in Japan

  • Day 1: Tokyo DisneySea
    1 hour (15 miles) from Narita Airport

    Tokyo DisneySea is a unique Disney theme park with seven themed ports. The park is known for its spectacular shows, including Fantasmic! and their seasonal events such as Christmas Wishes.

  • Day 2: Meiji Shrine
    19 minutes (5 miles) from Tokyo DisneySea

    Meiji Shrine is located in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, and it's a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. This peaceful shrine surrounded by trees is perfect for relaxation and meditation.

  • Day 3: Hakone Onsen
    2 hours (74 miles) from Meiji Shrine

    Hakone is a beautiful mountainous town known for its hot springs or onsen, this is a great opportunity to unwind in the hot spring baths and also enjoy views of Mount Fuji.

  • Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    3 hours (220 miles) from Hakone Onsen

    The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a lush and natural forest located in western Kyoto, where visitors can enjoy a meditative walk amidst bamboo trees swaying in the breeze. There are also other attractions in the area, such as temples and a traditional Japanese garden.

  • Day 5: Fushimi Inari Shrine
    37 minutes (8 miles) from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Fushimi Inari Shrine is a sacred place of worship situated at the base of a mountain, featuring thousands of vermilion torii gates. Visitors can take an hour-long hike to the top of the mountain to experience a serene environment and stunning views of Kyoto.

  • Day 6: Shirakawago
    4 hours (147 miles) from Fushimi Inari Shrine

    Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are unique structures that use a steep thatched roof to create a large attic space for silkworm cultivation. Visitors can also roam around the villages and learn about the local culture.

  • Day 7: Takayama Old Town
    40 minutes (20 miles) from Shirakawago

    Takayama Old Town is a preserved old town located in the heart of Takayama City. Visitors can take a stroll along the picturesque streets lined with historic townhouses and traditional shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts such as pottery and traditional sweets.

  • Day 8: Tokyo Skytree
    3 hours (139 miles) from Takayama Old Town

    Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower that is located in Sumida, Tokyo. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning views of Tokyo City, as well as dine in a number of restaurants and visit the souvenir shop.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Tokyo DisneySea (1 day, ¥7,500)
  • Meiji Shrine (2 hours, Free)
  • Hakone Onsen (1 day, ¥3,000- ¥10,000)
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (3 hours, Free)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (2 hours, Free)
  • Shirakawago (1 day, ¥2,000- ¥4,000)
  • Takayama Old Town (2 hours, Free)
  • Tokyo Skytree (2 hours, ¥3,000- ¥4,000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ¥18,500- ¥24,500

Transportation

Japan is known for its fast and efficient train system, and the JR Pass can be a good option for people planning on visiting various locations in Japan. This Pass allows for unlimited use of JR trains which include Shinkansen, buses, and ferries, within the specified period. A 7-day JR Pass costs ¥29,650, while a 14-day JR Pass costs ¥47,250. It's important to remember that the JR pass is only available for tourists, and thus people need to procure a "Temporary Visitor" sticker on their passports. Additionally, traveling between Tokyo DisneySea, and Narita airport can be done through different transportation options such as trains, buses, or taxis.

Useful Tips

If visitors have more time, there are many other attractions in Tokyo, such as the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Tsukiji Fish Market. In Kyoto, visitors can visit other temples, such as Kiyomizu-dera or the Golden Temple, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Takayama, visitors can also visit the Hida Folk Village, which showcases traditional Hida architecture and folk arts. Conversely, if visitors have less time, they can choose to relax at onsen following arrival at the airport or enjoy a quick visit to Tokyo Skytree or Meiji Shrine.

Airports

The main international airports are Narita Airport (NRT), about 1 hour away from Tokyo and Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is around 50 minutes from Kyoto.

0