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11-Day City Experiences Tour of Japan

Viewed by 75 travelers

Tuesday, November 21: Arrival in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Start your trip by exploring the bustling Shibuya district in the morning. Marvel at the famous Shibuya Crossing, shop at trendy stores, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the historic Meiji Shrine and take a peaceful stroll through the serene gardens. As the evening sets in, head to the vibrant nightlife district of Shinjuku and have dinner at an izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub.

  • Shibuya Crossing: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Meiji Shrine: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Shinjuku nightlife: Cost varies, Time Spent: Evening

Wednesday, November 22: Tokyo Explorations

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Tokyo Tower, offering breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Japanese culture and history at the Tokyo National Museum. End your day with a visit to the Odaiba area, where you can enjoy shopping, visit the teamLab Borderless digital art museum, and relax in an onsen, a traditional hot spring bath.

  • Tokyo Tower: Cost varies, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Tokyo National Museum: Cost: ¥620 (approx. $6), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Odaiba: Cost varies, Time Spent: Afternoon

Thursday, November 23: Tokyo's Day Trip to Nara

Today, take a day trip to the historic city of Nara. In the morning, visit the famous Todai-ji Temple and be amazed by the giant bronze Buddha statue. Explore the beautiful Nara Park, where you can interact with friendly deer. In the afternoon, wander through the charming streets of Nara's old town and discover local shops and traditional architecture. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

  • Todai-ji Temple: Cost: ¥600 (approx. $6), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Nara Park: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Nara Old Town: Time Spent: Afternoon

Friday, November 24: Tokyo to Kyoto

Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train (Shinkansen). Check-in to your Kyoto hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the Arashiyama district. Visit the famous bamboo forest, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Hozu River, and explore the stunning Tenryu-ji Temple. In the evening, indulge in Kyoto's renowned kaiseki cuisine in a traditional restaurant.

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Hozu River Boat Ride: Cost: ¥4,100 (approx. $40), Time Spent: 2 hours
  • Tenryu-ji Temple: Cost: ¥500 (approx. $5), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kaiseki Dinner: Cost varies, Time Spent: Evening

Saturday, November 25: Exploring Kyoto

Start your day at the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Explore the historic district of Higashiyama in the afternoon and visit iconic landmarks such as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the historic Gion district, famous for its geisha culture. End your day with a serene stroll through the beautiful Maruyama Park.

  • Kinkaku-ji Temple: Cost: ¥400 (approx. $4), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Cost: ¥400 (approx. $4), Time Spent: 2 hours
  • Gion District: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Maruyama Park: Free, Time Spent: Evening

Sunday, November 26: Kyoto to Osaka

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka by train. In the morning, explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, known for its lively street food scene and neon lights. Visit the historic Osaka Castle in the afternoon and enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck. As the evening approaches, experience the vibrant nightlife of Osaka by visiting the entertainment district of Shinsekai and trying local delicacies.

  • Dotonbori: Cost varies, Time Spent: Morning
  • Osaka Castle: Cost: ¥600 (approx. $6), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Shinsekai: Cost varies, Time Spent: Evening

Monday, November 27: Day Trip to Mount Fuji

Take a day trip to Mount Fuji from Osaka. Explore the Fuji Five Lakes area, visit the tranquil Lake Kawaguchi, and take a cable car ride to Mount Tenjo for stunning views of Mount Fuji. Immerse yourself in Japanese hot spring culture by visiting an onsen near Mount Fuji. Return to Osaka in the evening.

  • Lake Kawaguchi: Cost varies, Time Spent: Morning
  • Mount Tenjo Cable Car: Cost: ¥800 (approx. $8), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Onsen near Mount Fuji: Cost varies, Time Spent: Afternoon

Tuesday, November 28: Osaka Explorations

Spend the day exploring Osaka's vibrant districts. Start with a visit to the historic Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world. In the afternoon, explore the trendy district of Umeda and visit the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city. End your day by enjoying traditional Osaka street food at the vibrant Kuromon Ichiba Market.

  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Cost: ¥2,300 (approx. $23), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Umeda Sky Building: Cost: ¥1,500 (approx. $15), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kuromon Ichiba Market: Cost varies, Time Spent: Evening

Wednesday, November 29: Osaka to Hokkaido

Travel from Osaka to Hokkaido by domestic flight. Upon arrival, head to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. Explore the historic district of Odori Park in the afternoon, visit the striking Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views, and try Hokkaido's famous ramen for dinner.

  • Odori Park: Free, Time Spent: Afternoon
  • Sapporo TV Tower: Cost: ¥720 (approx. $7), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Hokkaido Ramen: Cost varies, Time Spent: Evening

Thursday, November 30: Hokkaido Adventures

Embark on a day trip to Otaru, a charming canal city near Sapporo. Visit the Otaru Canal, stroll along its picturesque streets, and explore the famous Music Box Museum. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Otaru's seafood markets and indulge in local sweets such as Otaru LeTao cheesecake.

  • Otaru Canal: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Music Box Museum: Cost: ¥600 (approx. $6), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Otaru Seafood Market: Cost varies, Time Spent: Lunch
  • Otaru LeTao: Cost varies, Time Spent: Afternoon

Friday, December 1: Departure from Japan

It's time to say goodbye to Japan. Check out of your hotel and depart from Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting Kamakura, a historic coastal town near Tokyo, famous for its giant Buddha statue and beautiful temples. Another favorite among locals is the Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, a shrine known for its thousands of bright orange torii gates, creating a mesmerizing path through the forested mountainside. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Yokohama, a vibrant city just outside of Tokyo, boasting a beautiful waterfront, unique museums, and a lively Chinatown.

For more travel options and prices, you can check hotel and flight prices.

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