15-Day Adventurous Itinerary for Exploring Japan

  • Day 1: Tokyo
    0 minutes from the city center

    Get ready to immerse yourself in the busy city life of Tokyo! Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market early in the morning to try some fresh sushi, then head to Shibuya Crossing to witness the busiest pedestrian crossing in Japan. End your day with a visit to Tokyo Tower to enjoy the night view of the city.

  • Day 2: Mount Fuji
    2 hours (99 miles) from Tokyo

    Take an adventure to Mount Fuji and hike its trails to see its picturesque landscapes and scenic waterfalls. You can also try paragliding, zip-lining or take a dip in the Onsen (hot spring) after the hike.

  • Day 3: Kyoto
    2 hours 30 minutes (224 miles) from Mount Fuji

    Head over to the ancient city of Kyoto, where you can visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine to witness its awe-inspiring torii gates. Afterward, rent a bike and bike through the traditional streets of Higashiyama district to witness its shrines and temples. End your day with a traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner experience.

  • Day 4: Osaka
    1 hour (32 miles) from Kyoto

    Visit the Osaka Castle early in the morning and be amazed at its beauty and history. Ride the thrilling roller coasters in Universal Studios Japan after lunch and explore the nightlife in the Dotonbori area.

  • Day 5: Hiroshima
    3 hours 30 minutes (212 miles) from Osaka

    Head over to Hiroshima and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum to learn about its tragedy during WWII. Visit the Miyajima Torii Gate by ferry afterward and stay overnight in a traditional ryokan to complete your Japanese cultural experience.

  • Day 6: Shikoku Island
    2 hours 30 minutes (96 miles) from Hiroshima by car and ferry

    Explore the beauty of the Shikoku Island and hike the famous Kompira-san mountain to see its mystical atmosphere. Visit the Naruto Whirlpool and witness the power of nature. End your day with a seafood dinner in Matsuyama.

  • Day 7: Okayama
    2 hours (95 miles) from Matsuyama

    Visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical District and witness its well-preserved Edo-period architecture. Head over to Korakuen Garden afterward to see its stunning views and have a picnic. End your day with some local treats in the bustling shopping area of Okayama.

  • Day 8: Nagoya
    2 hours (96 miles) from Okayama

    Visit the Atsuta Shrine and witness its historic treasures. Head over to the Nagashima Spa Land and try their thrilling rides. End your day with a seafood dinner in the Sakae area.

  • Day 9: Hakone
    2 hours 30 minutes (114 miles) from Nagoya

    Enjoy a relaxing day in Hakone by visiting its hot springs and traditional Japanese inns. Take a ride on the famous Hakone Ropeway and witness its stunning views of the nearby Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. Try their local delicacies after and complete your day by stargazing.

  • Day 10: Yokohama
    1 hour (43 miles) from Hakone

    Visit one of the largest Chinatowns in the world in Yokohama and taste its delicious Chinese cuisine. Take a stroll at the waterfront promenade and witness the nighttime scenery of Minato Mirai 21. End your day with a relaxing foot spa at the Shin-Yokohama Rāmen Museum.

  • Day 11: Niigata
    5 hours (202 miles) from Yokohama

    Take this opportunity to explore Japan's rural side in Niigata. Visit the Naeba Ski Resort and try skiing or snowboarding in the winter. Go fishing and enjoy their fresh seafood in the summer. Explore the city at night and enjoy its live jazz music and bars.

  • Day 12: Nagano
    2 hours 30 minutes (96 miles) from Niigata

    Head over to Nagano and visit the famous Matsumoto Castle. Take a dip in the local onsens (hot springs) to unwind. End your day in Zenko-ji Temple and witness its beautiful golden hall and history.

  • Day 13: Sendai
    2 hours 30 minutes (141 miles) from Nagano

    Visit the beautiful and peaceful Matsushima Bay and witness its picturesque scenery. Head over to Sendai to visit the Osaki Hachiman Shrine and unwind in the hot springs of Sakunami Onsen.

  • Day 14: Sapporo
    1 hour 30 minutes (451 miles) from Sendai

    Visit Shiroi Koibito Park and experience its chocolate factory and musical clock tower. Take a stroll in Odori Park and witness the beautiful scenery of the city. End your day by trying their famous ramen and crab cuisines.

  • Day 15: Tokyo
    1 hour 30 minutes (81 miles) from Sapporo

    Head back to Tokyo to visit anything you may have missed, like Meiji Shrine or Tsukiji Outer Market, before your flight. Say goodbye to Japan and its culture, and hope to come back soon!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tsukiji Fish Market (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Shibuya Crossing (30 minutes, free entry)
  • Tokyo Tower (1-2 hours, ¥2,800 for adults)
  • Mount Fuji (1 day, free entry)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Osaka Castle (1-2 hours, ¥600 entry fee)
  • Universal Studios Japan (1 day, ¥8,700 for adults)
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum (2 hours, free entry)
  • Kompira-san (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Kurashiki Bikan Historical District (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Atsuta Shrine (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Hakone (1 day, ¥4,000 for the Hakone Ropeway)
  • Minato Mirai 21 (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Naeba Ski Resort (1 day, ¥5,200 for adults)
  • Matsumoto Castle (1-2 hours, ¥610 for adults)
  • Matsushima Bay (2-3 hours, ¥1,500 for a cruising tour)
  • Shiroi Koibito Park (2-3 hours, ¥600 for adults)
Total Estimated Costs: ¥22,810

Transportation

While Japan has an extensive train and bus network, renting a car is recommended for those who want to follow this itinerary as it provides more flexibility and convenience. The cost of renting a car for 15 days is estimated to be around ¥50,000. Adding fuel and toll road fees, the total transportation cost comes to approximately ¥100,000.

Useful Tips

If you have less time, consider shortening the number of days spent in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Sendai, while adding more time to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Alternatively, you can opt to focus on one region of Japan, like Hokkaido or Kyushu, for a more in-depth exploration.

If you have more time, consider visiting Hokkaido's famous ski resorts during the winter, or adding more time exploring the lesser-known regions of Japan, like Shikoku or Tohoku.

Airports

Japan has several major airports including Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Osaka International Airport (ITM), Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS), and Fukuoka International Airport (FUK). Tokyo Narita Airport commonly serves as the main international gateway, while Tokyo Haneda Airport is the hub for domestic flights.

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