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11-Day Nature Itinerary in Japan: A Journey Through Scenic Beauty

Viewed by 64 travelers

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, indulging in fresh sushi and local snacks.
Walk to the market from your accommodation or take the subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Yoyogi Park

Stroll through Yoyogi Park, famous for its vast greenery and cherry blossoms in season.
Take the Yoyogi Station on the Yamanote Line.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Meiji Shrine

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a beautiful forest in the heart of Tokyo.
Adjacent to Yoyogi Park.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Uobei Shijuku

Enjoy a sushi train experience at Uobei Shijuku, where you can enjoy fresh seafood at affordable prices.
Take a local train to Shinjuku Station and walk.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax among tranquil gardens at Shinjuku Gyoen, featuring traditional Japanese, English, and French gardens.
Take a short walk from your lunch spot.
JPY500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Soshigaya Okusan

Savor authentic Japanese cuisine at this popular local spot known for its seasonal dishes.
Use the subway back to Soshigaya Station.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Nikko National Park

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Take an early train from Tokyo to Nikko.
Board the Limited Express train from Asakusa Station.
JPY3000, 2 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Tsubaki

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at Café Tsubaki near Nikko Station.
Walk from the station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:15AM

Toshogu Shrine

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Take a local bus from the station.
JPY1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Try Nikko's famous Yuba (tofu skin) at Hippari Dako.
Walk back to the main street.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lake Chuzenji

Explore the majestic Lake Chuzenji, perfect for a scenic walk or renting a canoe.
Take a bus from Nikko Station.
JPY800, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Shizen

Delight in seasonal recipes made with locally sourced ingredients at Restaurant Shizen.
Bus back to Nikko City.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 3: Hakone Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Take a train from Nikko to Hakone, known for its unique hot springs.
Travel via train back to Tokyo, then the Romancecar to Hakone.
JPY4000, 3 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Bakery & Cafe

Relish some fresh pastries and coffee at a local bakery in Hakone.
Take a short walk from Hakone Station.
JPY800, 1 hour

12:30PM

Hakone Open Air Museum

Discover art in nature at the Hakone Open Air Museum, surrounded by beautiful sculptures.
Bus from Hakone Station.
JPY1600, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Hakone Yuryo

Enjoy a meal at a traditional ryokan featuring local delicacies.
Return to the bus stop.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Onsen

Unwind in a traditional onsen while soaking in scenic views of the mountains.
Hop onto a local bus to an onsen resort.
JPY3000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Itadakimasu

Taste local dishes served in seasonal sets at Itadakimasu.
Walk to the restaurant from the onsen.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Fuji Five Lakes

Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Fuji Five Lakes

Travel towards the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes area for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
Take a bus from Hakone to Fujikawaguchiko.
JPY2500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Nice

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with views of Mt. Fuji at Cafe Nice.
Walk to the cafe from the bus stop.
JPY1200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lake Kawaguchiko

Explore Lake Kawaguchiko with opportunities for hiking and cycling around the lake.
Rent a bike from a nearby shop.
JPY1500, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Fujiten Restaurant

Dine at Fujiten Restaurant, known for its ramen and mountain views.
Stop at the restaurant after cycling around the lake.
JPY1000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Take a stunning ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for incredible views.
Walk to the ropeway station.
JPY900, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hirano

Savor local Japanese cuisine at Hirano, focused on fresh ingredients from the region.
Short walk from the ropeway station.
JPY2800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Fujikawaguchiko

Day 5: Kamikochi Mountains

Kamikochi, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Kamikochi

Journey to Kamikochi, a stunning national park known for its breathtaking landscapes.
Take a bus from Fujikawaguchiko to Matsumoto, then connect to Kamikochi.
JPY4500, 3.5 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation in Kamikochi.
Located conveniently near the bus stop.
JPY2000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Kamikochi Hiking Trails

Explore beautiful hiking trails surrounded by majestic mountains and rivers.
Begin your trek from the main information center.
Free, 3 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Kappabashi

Enjoy lunch with local mountain cuisine at Kappabashi, overlooking the river.
Head back to the main village.
JPY1300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Kappa Bridge

Visit the iconic Kappa Bridge for a perfect photo op against the backdrop of the mountains.
Walk from your lunch venue.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Return to your hotel for a traditional Japanese dinner featuring seasonal delicacies.
Located in the same area as your accommodation.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kamikochi

Day 6: Matsumoto City

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Matsumoto

Depart Kamikochi for Matsumoto city, known for its historic castle.
Bus returns to Matsumoto Station.
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at Matsumoto Coffee

Start your day with some great coffee and pastries at Matsumoto Coffee.
Easily walkable from the train station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Matsumoto Castle

Explore the stunning Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s most beautiful original castle.
Walk from your breakfast spot.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kobayashi

Taste the region's famous soba noodles at the local favorite, Kobayashi.
Short walk from the castle.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nakamachi Street

Stroll through Nakamachi Street, lined with historic wooden buildings and shops.
Walk along the main road.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chashu

End your day with a delicious dinner featuring ramen at Chashu.
Head back to the city center.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Matsumoto

Day 7: Norikura Highlands

Norikura, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Norikura

Travel to Norikura, a picturesque highland area known for hiking.
Take a bus from Matsumoto to Norikura.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café while soaking in the beautiful scenery.
Walk from the bus stop.
JPY800, 1 hour

11:00AM

Norikura National Park

Explore the stunning trails of Norikura National Park through lush forests and mountain vistas.
Start from the visitor center.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Onsen Town

Recharge with lunch at one of the local restaurants offering mountain cuisine.
Ride a bus to the nearby onsen area.
JPY1200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Hiking to Mt. Norikura

Hike towards Mt. Norikura for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Follow hiking signs from the onsen.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Join a traditional dinner at your ryokan, featuring fresh regional produce.
Back to your accommodation.
JPY4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Norikura

Day 8: Nara Nature

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Leave Norikura for Nara, a city rich with historical sites and nature.
Bus back to Matsumoto, then take a train to Nara.
JPY4000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries at a local bakery near Nara Park.
Short walk from Nara Station.
JPY800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Nara Park

Visit the famous Nara Park, home to friendly free-roaming deer and beautiful temples.
Walk from breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Maguro Katsu

Have lunch featuring fresh tuna at Maguro Katsu, a local favorite.
Short walk from the park.
JPY1000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit Todai-ji Temple, housing a colossal Great Buddha statue.
Walk through Nara Park.
JPY600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Naramachi

Enjoy traditional kaiseki dining in the historic Naramachi district.
Walk from Todai-ji Temple.
JPY5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 9: Kyoto Gardens

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Leave Nara and head to Kyoto, famous for its historic temples and gardens.
Take a train from Nara to Kyoto.
JPY600, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kaffe Kura

Savor freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries at Kaffe Kura.
Short walk from Kyoto Station.
JPY1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, famous for its gold-leaf exterior and surrounding gardens.
Take bus 101 from the station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market and enjoy a variety of street food for lunch.
Take a bus back to downtown Kyoto.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a must-see natural wonder.
Take a train to Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a healthy meal focused on yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Yudofu Sagano.
Walk from the bamboo grove.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 10: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Kumano, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kumano

Journey to the Kumano area, known for its ancient pilgrimage trails.
Take a train from Kyoto to Kii Tonda.
JPY5000, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at Local Ryokan

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your ryokan in Kumano.
Directly in your accommodation.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

Visit the iconic Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, set against a stunning waterfall.
Local bus from the ryokan.
JPY600, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Savor local dishes sourced from the surrounding mountains at a local restaurant.
Next to the shrine.
JPY1500, 1 hour

4:30PM

Hike Along the Kumano Kodo

Hike part of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, surrounded by lush landscapes.
Follow designated trails from the shrine.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ryokan

End your day with a delicious dinner at your ryokan, emphasizing local ingredients.
Back to the ryokan.
JPY3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kumano

Day 11: Osaka Farewell

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Head to Osaka, the bustling city famous for its food culture.
Take a train from Kumano to Osaka.
JPY3500, 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Market

Indulge in fresh seafood and street food at Kuromon Market, a culinary hub.
Short walk from Namba Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Osaka Castle Park

Explore the beautiful gardens and historical sections of Osaka Castle Park.
Take the subway to Osaka Castle Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Discover iconic street food in the energetic Dotonbori area for lunch.
Take a subway ride to Namba Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Namba Parks

Shop and enjoy the rooftop garden view at Namba Parks, an architectural wonder.
Walk from Dotonbori.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Yakiniku

Treat yourself to a memorable dinner featuring Matsusaka Wagyu beef.
Take the subway back to Shinsaibashi.
JPY6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka
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