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12-Day Ultimate Japan Travel Itinerary

Viewed by 449 travelers

Day 1: Arriving in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrive at Narita/Haneda Airport

Touch down in Tokyo and get ready for your adventure!
Take the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station.
JPY3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your accommodation and refresh.
Choose a hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya for convenience.
JPY15000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Grab fresh sushi at one of the many vendors.
Head to the market via subway (Toei Oedo Line).
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Experience culture at Tokyo's oldest temple.
Ride the subway to Asakusa Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Enjoy panoramic views of the city as the sun sets.
Walk from Senso-ji; it’s around 20 minutes.
JPY2000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

Immerse yourself in Japanese dining at a local izakaya.
Find an izakaya near Skytree; no need for travel.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Enjoy a delightful garden cafe surrounded by blooms.
Subway to Aoyama Itchome Station.
JPY1800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Walk through the serene forested path to the shrine.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Dive into the cutting-edge fashion scene.
Walk to Takeshita Street.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Crepe Shop

Indulge in a sweet or savory crepe at one of the famous shops.
Grab a crepe on Takeshita Street.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Shibuya Crossing

Experience the buzz of the famous intersection.
Subway to Shibuya Station.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Explore the lively shopping district and boutique stores.
Stay in Shibuya to shop.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Experience the fun of conveyor belt sushi.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY1500, 1 hour

8:00PM

Night View at Roppongi Hills

End your day with a stunning nighttime view of Tokyo.
Take the subway to Roppongi.
JPY2000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Kyoto Bound

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast before your journey.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen, Japan's famous bullet train to Kyoto.
Catch the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.
JPY13000, 2 hours 30 minutes

11:00AM

Check into Hotel in Kyoto

Settle in and get ready to explore.
Choose a hotel near Kyoto Station for convenience.
JPY12000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savor local delicacies and street food.
Walk to Nishiki Market, about 15 minutes away from the hotel.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning pavilion covered in gold leaf.
Take bus 101 or 205 from Nishiki Market.
JPY400, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the breathtaking bamboo forest.
Take the JR train to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Ryokan

Dine in a traditional setting with kaiseki cuisine.
Make a reservation at a local ryokan.
JPY6000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Relax at the Hotel

Take the evening to unwind after a busy day.
Return to the hotel by taxi.
JPY1000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Kyoto Temple Tour

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day of exploring.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic red torii gates and hike the trails.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Discover the beautiful gardens and historical significance.
Take the bus or taxi to the palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kyo Kaiseki Yudofu

Savor delicate tofu dishes in a serene environment.
Nearby the Imperial Palace.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Enjoy the peaceful gardens and temple grounds.
Take bus 100 or 17 from the restaurant.
JPY500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Philosopher’s Path

Walk along the charming canal lined with cherry trees.
Short walk from Ginkaku-ji.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience Kyoto’s famous nightlife and dining scene.
Walk to Pontocho Alley.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Traditional Geisha Show

Watch a captivating performance and learn about the culture.
Book a show in advance in Gion.
JPY6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before heading to Nara.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Catch the train to Nara, known for its free-roaming deer.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto Station.
JPY600, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer and enjoy the park's beauty.
Walk to Nara Park from the station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Todaiji Temple

See the Great Buddha in one of Japan's most significant temples.
Short walk through Nara Park.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Naramachi

Experience traditional Japanese food in a historic area.
Nearby Todaiji Temple.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Kasuga-taisha

Visit the shrine famous for its thousands of lanterns.
Walk through the beautiful forested path.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for dinner and rest.
Kintetsu Nara Line back to Kyoto.
JPY600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hanamikoji Street

Savor Kyoto-style sushi and seasonal ingredients.
Walk or taxi to Hanamikoji Street.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 6: Osaka Excursion

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy another satisfying breakfast at your hotel.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the JR train to Osaka, known for its vibrant food scene.
Board the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle grounds and beautiful gardens.
Walk to Osaka Castle Park from the station.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Taste famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the subway to Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Explore Osaka's bustling shopping arcade.
A short walk from Dotonbori.
Variable, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy stunning views of the city from the floating garden.
Take the subway to Umeda.
JPY1500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Sample deep-fried skewers in this Osaka specialty.
Return to Dotonbori and walk to the restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to your hotel to rest.
Take the JR train back to Kyoto.
JPY500, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Cultural Day in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima to delve into its history.
Ride the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima.
JPY11000, 1 hour 45 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history at this significant memorial.
Walk from Hiroshima Station to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at its finest.
Short walk to Okonomimura.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Hiroshima Castle

Discover the history of this reconstructed castle.
Walk or take the tram to Hiroshima Castle.
JPY600, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Shukkeien Garden

Relax in this beautiful Japanese garden.
Take a taxi from Hiroshima Castle.
JPY260, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Nagataya

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki prepared right in front of you.
Walk to the restaurant from Shukkeien Garden.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel in Hiroshima

Rest after a meaningful day.
Take a taxi back to the hotel.
JPY1000, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 8: Isle of Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty meal to start your day.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the ferry to the famous island.
Take the tram to the ferry terminal, then the ferry.
JPY500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the floating shrine that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A short walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Momiji-tei

Try the famous momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes).
Located on the island, close to the shrine.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike Mount Misen

Take a trek up for gorgeous views of the island.
Use the ropeway or hike the trails.
JPY1800, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

End your day with a cozy meal at a local izakaya.
Find an izakaya near the ferry terminal.
JPY3000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Return to Hiroshima Hotel

Head back to your hotel after an inspiring day.
Take the ferry back to Hiroshima.
JPY500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 9: Day in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your journey to Fukuoka.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Fukuoka

Take the Shinkansen to Fukuoka, known for its ramen.
Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Hakata Station.
JPY8000, 1 hour 30 minutes

10:30AM

Visit Ohori Park

Enjoy a stroll in this serene urban park.
Short taxi or subway ride from Hakata.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hakata Ramen Shop

Savor the iconic tonkotsu ramen in its birthplace.
Nearby the park.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Discover the historical remains of the castle.
Taxi from the ramen shop.
JPY200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Kushida Shrine

Experience the vibrant culture at this important shrine.
Subway or taxi from castle ruins.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Yatai Stall

Experience street food culture with a delicious meal.
Walk to the nearby Yatai stalls.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hiroshima Hotel

Wind down after a fulfilling day.
Shinkansen back to Hiroshima.
JPY8000, 1 hour 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Fukuoka

Day 10: Explore Nagasaki

Nagasaki, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with a healthy breakfast.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nagasaki

Take the train to Nagasaki, famed for its history.
Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Nagasaki.
JPY10000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Dejima

Explore the historic island that was a Dutch trading post.
Short taxi or tram ride from Nagasaki Station.
JPY500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Shikairou

Try the famous Nagasaki Champon (noodle dish).
Walk from Dejima to the restaurant.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Nagasaki Peace Park

Reflect on peace at this poignant memorial site.
Short taxi from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Take the Ropeway to Mount Inasa

Enjoy views of the city from one of Nagasaki's highest points.
Walk to the ropeway station.
JPY1300, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Taste a variety of local dishes at an izakaya.
Find a nearby izakaya after visiting Mount Inasa.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Travel back to Hiroshima

Head back to your hotel for the night.
Shinkansen from Nagasaki to Hiroshima.
JPY10000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nagasaki

Day 11: Relaxing Hakone Retreat

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Hiroshima.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Shinkansen to Odawara, then Hakone.
Catch the Shinkansen to Odawara, followed by transport to Hakone.
JPY12000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check into Onsen Ryokan

Settle into an onsen ryokan for relaxation.
Choose a ryokan close to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY20000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch at the ryokan.
Dine on-site.
Included, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover art in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Take a short bus ride to the museum.
JPY1600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax in Onsen

Unwind in the hot spring baths.
Enjoy the onsen facilities at your ryokan.
Included, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at ryokan

Experience another traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Dine on-site.
Included, 2 hours

9:30PM

Star Gazing

End the day with a serene view of the starry sky.
Relax in the outdoor onsen area.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Finish your stay with a peaceful breakfast.
Enjoy breakfast at the ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo via the scenic train route.
Take the train from Hakone to Tokyo.
JPY12000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Free Time in Tokyo

Explore last-minute sights or gift shops.
Use local transportation to your desired destination.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop

Savor delicious ramen one last time before departure.
Choose a shop in Shinjuku.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Akihabara

Explore the famous electronics district and otaku culture.
Subway to Akihabara Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure from Tokyo

Catch your flight back home or onto your next destination.
Head to Narita/Haneda Airport.
Variable, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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