15-Day Itinerary for Japan

  • Day 1: Tokyo
    Estimated travel time: 1 hour from airport

    Begin your Japan itinerary with a visit to bustling Tokyo. Explore the city's popular Shinjuku district, marvel at the architecture of the Tokyo Tower, and visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan.

  • Day 2: Mount Fuji
    Estimated travel time: 2 hours from Tokyo

    Take a day trip to nearby Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic active volcano. Enjoy scenic views of the mountain from Lake Kawaguchi or take a daring hike to the summit.

  • Day 3: Hakone
    Estimated travel time: 1 hour from Mount Fuji

    Relax and admire the stunning natural beauty of Hakone, known for its hot springs and iconic view of Mount Fuji. Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway or explore the Open Air Museum.

  • Day 4: Kyoto
    Estimated travel time: 2.5 hours from Hakone

    Take a bullet train to the ancient capital of Kyoto. Visit the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, stroll among the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park, and experience traditional tea ceremony at Gion.

  • Day 5: Arashiyama
    Estimated travel time: 30 minutes from Kyoto

    Explore the peaceful, bamboo-filled neighbourhood of Arashiyama. Visit the popular Monkey Park Iwatayama or take a serene boat ride along the Hozu river.

  • Day 6: Osaka
    Estimated travel time: 1 hour from Kyoto

    Visit the vibrant city of Osaka, known for its mouth-watering street food and iconic castle. Take a ride on the thrilling rollercoasters of Universal Studios Japan or stroll around the extravagant Osaka Castle Park.

  • Day 7: Nara
    Estimated travel time: 1 hour from Osaka

    Make a day trip to the ancient city of Nara, famous for its friendly deer and Todaiji Temple housing the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha.

  • Day 8: Hiroshima
    Estimated travel time: 5 hours from Nara

    Take a long journey to Hiroshima and learn about the terrible history of the atomic bomb at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Visit the nearby Itsukushima Shrine, known for its iconic floating torii gate.

  • Day 9: Miyajima Island
    Estimated travel time: 1 hour from Hiroshima

    Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and wander around the scenic Itsukushima Shrine. Climb Mount Misen for panoramic views of the island or relax on the beach.

  • Day 10: Okayama
    Estimated travel time: 2.5 hours from Miyajima Island

    Explore the charming Okayama City, known for its traditional Japanese garden, Korakuen. Visit the Okayama Castle or take a stroll near the famous Bikan street in the Kurashiki district.

  • Day 11: Himeji
    Estimated travel time: 50 minutes from Okayama

    Visit the stunning Himeji Castle, commonly known as the White Heron Castle. Marvel at the structure's intricate design and explore the castle's central keep that offers a breath-taking view of the city.

  • Day 12: Kobe
    Estimated travel time: 2.5 hours from Himeji

    Visit the cosmopolitan city of Kobe, famous for its Kobe beef and picturesque harbour views. Take a walk along the iconic Kobe Harbourland or visit the historic Kitano district to admire western-style architecture.

  • Day 13: Nagoya
    Estimated travel time: 3 hours from Kobe

    Visit the technological hub of Nagoya, home to the famous Toyota Museum and the magical Nagoya Castle. Take a stroll around the tranquil Tsurumai Park or visit the eye-catching SCMAGLEV and Railway Park.

  • Day 14: Yokohama
    Estimated travel time: 2 hours from Nagoya

    Explore the charming port city of Yokohama, located in the outskirts of Tokyo. Visit the largest Chinatown in Japan or marvel at the view of the city from the 296-meter tall Landmark Tower.

  • Day 15: Tokyo
    Estimated travel time: 30 minutes from Yokohama

    End your Japan itinerary with a final day in Tokyo. Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing, browse the traditional shops in the Asakusa district, and enjoy a final view of the city from the Tokyo Skytree.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shinjuku district (3 hours, free)
  • Tokyo Tower (2 hours, 1500 yen)
  • Meiji Shrine (2 hours, free)
  • Mount Fuji (4 hours, 3000 yen)
  • Hakone Ropeway (2 hours, 2400 yen)
  • Open Air Museum (2 hours, 1800 yen)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (3 hours, free)
  • Maruyama Park (1 hour, free)
  • Tea Ceremony at Gion (2 hours, 5000 yen)
  • Monkey Park Iwatayama (2 hours, 550 yen)
  • Osaka Castle Park (2 hours, free)
  • Todaiji Temple (3 hours, 600 yen)
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (2 hours, 200 yen)
  • Itsukushima Shrine (2 hours, 300 yen)
  • Korakuen (2 hours, 400 yen)
  • Okayama Castle (2 hours, 300 yen)
  • Himeji Castle (3 hours, 1000 yen)
  • Kobe Harbourland (2 hours, free)
  • Toyota Museum (3 hours, 1000 yen)
  • Nagoya Castle (2 hours, 500 yen)
  • Chinatown (2 hours, free)
  • Landmark Tower (3 hours, 1000 yen)
  • Shibuya Crossing (1 hour, free)
  • Asakusa District (2 hours, free)
  • Tokyo Skytree (2 hours, 3100 yen)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 17300 yen/person

Transportation

Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass to cover the cost of bullet train travel between cities. Local travel within cities can be done with prepaid transport cards such as Suica or Pasmo. Taxis are also available but can be expensive.

Estimated transportation cost: 29,000 yen/person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the historic city of Kanazawa or a relaxing trip to the traditional onsen (hot spring) town of Kinosaki. If you have less time, consider skipping Okayama or Yokohama to allow for more time in other cities.

Airports

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) is located 60 km east of the city centre while Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) is located 14 km south of the city centre. The distance between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka is about 40 km.

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