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11-Day Japan Itinerary: Relaxation, Culture & Culinary Adventures

Viewed by 71 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Upon arrival, check in to a traditional ryokan to savor the authentic Japanese hospitality.
Transfer from Kansai International Airport to your ryokan via train.
JPY10000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its stunning autumn foliage, capturing the local culture.
Take the JR Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dotonbori District

Stroll through the vibrant Dotonbori District, soaking up the neon lights and local street food.
Take the subway from Osakajokoen to Namba Station.
JPY300, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Indulge in local delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki at an iconic eatery.
Walk around the area; everything is within walking distance.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 2: Cultural Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Traditional Japanese Breakfast

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan, featuring seasonal ingredients.
Breakfast provided at the ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the exquisite Golden Pavilion, surrounded by stunning fall foliage.
Take the JR to Kyoto Station then a local bus.
JPY400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savor various local street foods at Nishiki Market, one of the culinary highlights of Kyoto.
Take a local bus from Kinkaku-ji to Nishiki Market.
JPY1500, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Gion District

Wander through the historic Gion District, searching for geishas and beautiful tea houses.
Walk from Nishiki Market to Gion.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Gion

Dine at a kaiseki restaurant, experiencing multi-course traditional Japanese cuisine.
Enjoy a leisurely walk to your chosen restaurant.
JPY6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Another delightful breakfast at your ryokan, featuring seasonal flavors.
Breakfast provided at the ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the tranquility of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove amidst colorful autumn leaves.
Take the JR to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
JPY400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy soba noodles at a local eatery nearby the bamboo grove.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike to the Iwatayama Monkey Park and enjoy remarkable views of Kyoto.
Hike from the bamboo grove; the park is located on the mountain.
JPY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at an Onsen

Unwind your day at a nearby onsen, experiencing natural hot springs.
Take a taxi or local bus to an onsen facility.
JPY1500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner near Ryokan

Finish your day with a comforting meal at a nearby izakaya.
Walk back to your ryokan area.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy your breakfast at the ryokan before departing for Tokyo.
Breakfast provided at the ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tokyo

Board the shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo, marveling at the countryside views.
Walk to Kyoto Station; 2.5 hours train ride.
JPY14000 (JR Pass), 3 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Tokyo Accommodation

Check in to your hotel in Tokyo, perfect for resting before exploring.
Transfer to your accommodation using the subway.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch in Tsukiji Outer Market

Explore the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, tasting various seafood delicacies at local stalls.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY2000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Coffee Experience in Shinjuku

Visit a renowned coffee shop in Shinjuku for a specialty coffee break, enjoying the local vibe.
Take the subway from Tsukiji to Shinjuku.
JPY800, 1 hour

5:00PM

Culinary Walking Tour

Join a guided food tour exploring Shinjuku’s diverse cuisine, sampling various local dishes.
Meet your guide at a designated location.
JPY8000, 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Shinjuku

Enjoy a local dinner at a traditional izakaya in Shinjuku after your food tour.
Access is easy after your tour.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 5: Culinary Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Tokyo hotel to fuel your day ahead.
Breakfast provided at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, surrounded by beautiful gardens enhanced by fall colors.
Take the JR to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho)

Enjoy delicious grilled skewers and local dishes at the iconic Omoide Yokocho alley.
Walk to Omoide Yokocho from Meiji Shrine.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Enjoy a stroll through the serene East Gardens, soaking up the relaxing atmosphere.
Take a subway or taxi to the palace.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Culinary Workshop

Participate in a cooking class specializing in sushi or ramen in a local kitchen.
Join the workshop after a short walk or subway ride.
JPY6000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Conclude your final culinary day in Tokyo with dinner at a recommended local izakaya.
Find a restaurant nearby.
JPY3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 6: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your day trip to Nikko.
Breakfast provided at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Take the shinkansen to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance.
JR Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then transfer to JR Nikko Line.
JPY10000 (JR Pass), 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, famous for its intricate carvings.
Bus transfer from the station to the shrine.
JPY1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch near Toshogu Shrine

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near Toshogu.
Walk to a local eatery.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Lake Chuzenji

Experience the stunning views at Lake Chuzenji, a perfect spot for autumn colors.
Take a bus from Toshogu Shrine to Lake Chuzenji.
JPY1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo after your day of exploration.
Bus back to Nikko Station and then train back to Tokyo.
JPY10000 (JR Pass), 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Shibuya

Delve into a unique dinner experience at a local ramen shop in Shibuya.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 7: Fly to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast at your hotel before heading to Sapporo.
Breakfast provided at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Sapporo

Board your flight to Sapporo to discover Hokkaido's natural beauty.
Transfer to Haneda Airport and then take a short flight to New Chitose Airport.
JPY12000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Sapporo Accommodation

Check in to your hotel and refresh before lunch.
Transfer to your accommodation in Sapporo.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sapporo Central Market

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the market's many delightful restaurants.
Take a short walk to the market.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Odori Park

Wander through Odori Park, enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and relaxing atmosphere.
Walk from the market to Odori Park.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Susukino

Dine on the famous Sapporo ramen in the lively nightlife area of Susukino.
Walk to Susukino from Odori Park.
JPY2000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sapporo

Day 8: Discover Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Breakfast provided at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Moerenuma Park

Explore the iconic Moerenuma Park known for its stunning landscapes and artistic structures.
Take a bus or taxi from your hotel.
JPY500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Izakaya

Enjoy local specialties in an izakaya setting for your lunch.
Return to Sapporo center and find a nearby izakaya.
JPY2200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Sapporo Beer Museum

Dive into Hokkaido’s beer history, finishing with a tasting session.
Take a bus or subway to the museum.
JPY600, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Museum

Savor delicious food pairings at the Beer Garden adjacent to the museum.
Located next to the Beer Museum.
JPY3500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sapporo

Day 9: Travel to Lake Toya

Lake Toya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Lake Toya.
Breakfast provided at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Lake Toya

Catch a bus to Lake Toya, taking in the scenic beauty along the way.
Bus from Sapporo; about 2 hours journey.
JPY1800, 2.2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Lakeside Ryokan

Check in to a lakeside ryokan where you will experience traditional hospitality and views.
Transfer to the ryokan upon arrival.
JPY12000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ryokan

Enjoy a kaiseki lunch at your ryokan overlooking Lake Toya.
Lunch served at the ryokan.
Included, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Lake Toya

Take a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, admiring the breathtaking views and fall foliage.
Access to the walking paths from the ryokan.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Savor a seasonal dinner at the ryokan, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Dinner served at the ryokan.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Toya

Day 10: Visit Hakushu Distillery

Hakushu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy breakfast with a view at your lakeside ryokan.
Breakfast provided at the ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakushu Distillery

Take the train to Hakushu for a tour of the famous Hakushu Distillery.
Catch a train; 1.5-hour journey.
JPY1500 (JR Pass), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Tour of Hakushu Distillery

Discover the production process and history of the renowned Hakushu whiskey.
Join a scheduled tour at the distillery.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hakushu Restaurant

Dine at the distillery restaurant, enjoying local cuisine with a whiskey pairing.
Located within the distillery grounds.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Return to Lake Toya

Travel back to Lake Toya for a beautiful evening.
Take the train back to Toya Station.
JPY1800 (JR Pass), 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Onsen

Unwind with a soak in the onsen back at your ryokan.
Onsite hot spring facilities are available.
Included, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Conclude your day with another exquisite dinner at the ryokan.
Dinner served at the ryokan.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hakushu

Day 11: Depart from Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy one last breakfast at your ryokan, taking in the serene surroundings.
Breakfast provided at the ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to New Chitose Airport

Head to New Chitose Airport for your departure flight.
Take the bus from your ryokan to the airport.
JPY1800, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Sapporo
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