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12-Day Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Explore the Land of the Rising Sun

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Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrival at Narita/Haneda Airport

Welcome to Japan! Clear customs and take the Airport Limousine Bus to the city center.
Airport to City Center
JPY 3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel and get ready to explore.
Hotel in Shinjuku
JPY 15000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy a delectable bowl of tonkotsu ramen in a unique setting.
Just steps from your hotel
JPY 1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Shibuya Crossing

Immerse yourself in the iconic hustle and bustle of the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.
Take the Hachiko exit from Shibuya Station
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Wander through the tranquil forest leading to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis in the city.
Walk from Harajuku Station
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Atsu-Atsu

Savor the tender gyukatsu (beef cutlet) served with rice and side dishes.
Head back towards Shinjuku
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Tokyo Skytree

End your first day with an enchanting view of Tokyo from the observation deck.
Train to Oshiage Station
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi at one of the market's renowned stalls.
Train to Tsukiji Station
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, enjoying traditional shops along the way.
Train to Asakusa Station
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sometaro

Try your hand at making okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) in this cozy spot.
Walking from Senso-ji
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Akihabara

Lose yourself in the world of anime and electronics, browsing through unique shops.
Train to Akihabara Station
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Enjoy Harajuku Culture

Stroll through the vibrant streets of Harajuku, famous for its youth culture.
Train to Harajuku Station
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Uobei Sushi

Experience the futuristic conveyor belt sushi restaurant with endless choices.
Train back to Shinjuku
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Catch the Tobu Limited Express train to Nikko.
Walking to the station
JPY 3000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the grandiose shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Walking from Nikko Station
JPY 1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy delicious yakitori at this popular local spot.
Walking from Toshogu Shrine
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji

Take a scenic bus ride to Lake Chuzenji, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Bus from Nikko Station
JPY 1000, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo for a relaxed evening.
Bus Stop to Nikko Station
JPY 3000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Nabezo

Enjoy a hot pot dinner experience featuring seasonal ingredients.
Walking from your hotel
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 4: Kyoto Bound

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel for your journey with breakfast at the hotel.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Hop on the Shinkansen train to Kyoto.
Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
JPY 14000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Drop your bags at your hotel and prepare for your afternoon adventure.
Kyoto Station to your hotel
JPY 15000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Omen

Sample delicious udon noodles in this charming eatery.
Walking from your hotel
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden temple set amidst serene gardens.
Bus from your hotel
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the breathtaking bamboo forest, a truly ethereal experience.
Train from Kinkaku-ji
JPY 600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Savor kaiseki, a multi-course traditional Japanese meal.
Train/Walking to Gion District
JPY 5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a plush breakfast before another day of exploration.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through the thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up the mountainside.
Train to Fushimi Inari Station
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Kizuna

Try inari-zushi (sushi rice wrapped in seasoned tofu skin) near the shrine.
Returning to the main road
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Nijo Castle

Discover the beautifully preserved castle that was once the residence of the shoguns.
Train to Nijo-Jo-mae Station
JPY 800, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Gion

Explore the historic streets of Gion, keeping an eye out for geisha.
Walking from Nijo Castle
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of local delicacies at this vibrant food market.
Walking to Nishiki Market
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Osaka Adventure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up before the short journey to Osaka.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train ride to Osaka.
Kyoto Station to Osaka Station
JPY 1500, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its beautiful gardens.
Walking from Osaka Station
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Try takoyaki (octopus balls) in the bustling Dotonbori district.
Train to Namba Station
JPY 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan's oldest temples, showcasing exquisite architecture.
Train from Dotonbori
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Shinsaibashi

Spend your afternoon shopping in Osaka's popular shopping district.
Train to Shinsaibashi Station
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Relish high-quality Matsusaka beef at this top-rated restaurant.
Walking from Shinsaibashi
JPY 6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Journey to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grasp your last meal in Osaka before the train ride.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station
JPY 12000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect and pay respects at this important memorial site.
Walking from Hiroshima Station
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a food stall in this famous building.
Walking from Peace Park
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore this historic castle with a museum inside.
Walking from lunch
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kuro-chan

Enjoy delicious grilled chicken and local specialties.
Walking from Hiroshima Castle
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 8: Miyajima Island Day Trip

Miyajima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a scenic excursion to Miyajima Island.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Catch the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island.
Walking to the ferry terminal
JPY 1800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Marvel at the iconic floating torii gate and beautiful shrine.
Walking from ferry terminal
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yakigaki-no-hayashi

Savor delicious grilled oysters at this seaside eatery.
Near Itsukushima Shrine
JPY 2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Mount Misen

Hike up to the summit for stunning panoramic views.
Cable car and hiking trail
JPY 2000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry back to Hiroshima and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Ferry to terminal
JPY 1800, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Okonomimura

Enjoy another round of the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Walking to food stalls
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 9: Nara Exploration

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a lovely breakfast before traveling.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Take the train from Hiroshima to Nara.
Hiroshima Station to Nara Station
JPY 5000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Wander through the park and meet the friendly free-roaming deer.
Walking from Nara Station
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh tuna cuisine in this famed eatery.
Walking from Nara Park
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue housed in this impressive temple.
Walking from lunch
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Naramachi

Explore the historic merchant district with traditional buildings.
Walking from Todai-ji
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Naramachi Tsumugi

Relish a traditional kyo-kaiseki meal showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Walking to restaurant
JPY 5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 10: Kanazawa Discovery

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before heading to Kanazawa.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Take the train from Nara to Kanazawa.
Nara Station to Kanazawa Station
JPY 6000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kenroku-en Garden

Stroll through one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, featuring seasonal beauty.
Walking from Kanazawa Station
JPY 300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gyokusen-en

Dine at a traditional tea house in the garden setting.
In Kenroku-en
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Kenrokuen

Continue your explorations at Kenrokuen, admiring the stunning views.
Walking around
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore innovative contemporary art in a unique architectural space.
Walking from Kenrokuen
JPY 1000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes reflecting Kanazawa's coastal location.
Walking from the museum
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanazawa

Day 11: Traditional Takayama

Takayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your morning meal before heading to Takayama.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Take a train from Kanazawa to Takayama.
Kanazawa Station to Takayama Station
JPY 6000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Takayama Old Town

Wander the beautifully preserved streets and traditional shops.
Walking from Takayama Station
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shimamura

Savor Hida beef in this renowned local restaurant.
Walking from Old Town
JPY 4500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hida Folk Village

Explore the outdoor museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof houses.
Bus from Takayama
JPY 400, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hirata

Enjoy local delicacies in this cozy dining spot.
Bus back to Takayama
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Takayama

Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Takayama before heading back to Tokyo.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo.
Takayama Station to Tokyo Station
JPY 15000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sushizanmai

Treat yourself to a final sushi meal at a popular chain.
Walking from Tokyo Station
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shopping in Shinjuku

Spend your afternoon shopping for souvenirs and gifts.
Train to Shinjuku Station
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi

Enjoy a lovely farewell dinner in a famous restaurant that inspired Kill Bill.
Walking from Shinjuku
JPY 5000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Departure from Tokyo

Prepare for your evening flight home or onward adventures.
Tokyo Station to Narita/Haneda Airport
JPY 3000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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