15-Day Adventure Itinerary in Japan

  • Day 1: Tokyo
    2 hours (56 km) from Narita International Airport

    Start your adventure in Japan's bustling and vibrant capital, Tokyo. Visit Asakusa, a popular tourist spot where you can see the famous Sensō-ji Temple and experience traditional Japanese culture. Take a stroll in Ueno Park to see beautiful cherry blossoms, various museums, and a zoo.

  • Day 2: Hakone
    2 hours (92 km) from Tokyo

    Experience nature and relaxation in Hakone. Take a ride on the world-famous Hakone Ropeway and soak in hot springs while enjoying the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. Visit the Owakudani Valley to see volcanic activity and try kuro-tamago, a traditional hard-boiled egg cooked in the hot springs.

  • Day 3: Kyoto
    2 hours and 20 minutes (476 km) from Hakone

    Explore Japan's ancient capital and visit Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful architecture and scenery. Take a stroll in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates.

  • Day 4: Nara
    1 hour and 30 minutes (45 km) from Kyoto

    Visit the ancient city of Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. See the beautiful Todai-ji Temple and Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in Japan. Walk through the Nara Park to see wild deer that roam freely.

  • Day 5-6: Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
    5 hours and 30 minutes (847 km) from Nara

    Visit Hiroshima and learn about the history of World War II in Japan. See the Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for a profound experience. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and see the famous red Torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.

  • Day 7-8: Osaka
    1 hour and 30 minutes (70 km) from Miyajima Island

    Experience the food and nightlife in Osaka, known as "Japan's Kitchen." Visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks, and take a stroll in the Dotonbori District to try delicious street food. Take a day trip to Universal Studios Japan, one of the most popular amusement parks in Japan.

  • Day 9-10: Kanazawa
    2 hours and 30 minutes (240 km) from Osaka

    Visit the historical city of Kanazawa and see the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three traditional gardens in Japan. Visit Omicho Market, a lively market where you can try fresh local seafood. Explore the Higashi Chaya District and see traditional Japanese tea houses.

  • Day 11-12: Sapporo & Otaru
    1 hour and 30 minutes (56 km) from Kanazawa

    Travel to Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. Experience the famous Sapporo Snow Festival (held in February), enjoy delicious local cuisine, and visit Odori Park. Take a day trip to Otaru, a romantic canal town with a beautiful view of the ocean.

  • Day 13-14: Tokyo
    1 hour and 30 minutes (800 km) from Sapporo

    Return to Tokyo and explore the Ginza District, famous for high-end shopping and delicious food. Visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, and Harajuku for trendy fashion and dessert spots. Visit Tsukiji Fish Market to try fresh sushi and seafood.

  • Day 15: Departure
    2 hours (56 km) from Narita International Airport

    Depart from Narita International Airport and say goodbye to Japan.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Asakusa (2 hours, free)
  • Ueno Park (3 hours, free)
  • Hakone Ropeway (3 hours, ¥4,000)
  • Owakudani Valley (2 hours, ¥500)
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple (2 hours, ¥500)
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (2 hours, free)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (3 hours, free)
  • Todai-ji Temple and Great Buddha (2 hours, ¥500)
  • Peace Memorial Park and Museum (3 hours, free)
  • Itsukushima Shrine (3 hours, ¥200)
  • Osaka Castle (2 hours, ¥600)
  • Dotonbori District (2 hours, free)
  • Kenrokuen Garden (2 hours, ¥300)
  • Omicho Market (2 hours, free)
  • Sapporo Snow Festival (3 hours, free)
  • Ginza District (2 hours, free)
  • Shibuya Crossing (2 hours, free)
  • Harajuku (2 hours, free)
  • Tsukiji Fish Market (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ¥7,100

Transportation

Transportation in Japan is efficient and convenient. The best way to get around is by taking trains such as the Japan Rail (JR) pass. For travelers, it's recommended to buy a Japan Rail Pass for 7, 14 or 21 days, depending on the length of stay. Prices for the Japan Rail Pass range from ¥29,110 to ¥81,870. Alternatively, travelers can use subways, taxis or buses depending on the destination.

Travel costs between destinations vary, but they are reasonably priced. It's suggested to budget around ¥15,000 for transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit other destinations such as Nagoya, Okinawa, or Hiroshima. If you have less time, consider spending fewer days in Tokyo or Osaka.

Airports

The main airport in Japan is Narita International Airport (NRT), located 60 kilometers east of Tokyo. Other airports include Haneda International Airport (HND), located in Tokyo, and Kansai International Airport (KIX), located in Osaka.

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