14-Day Adventurous Journey Through Japan - December 2024

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Start your trip with a visit to the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, where you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere and shop for souvenirs.
JPY 500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the electronic town of Akihabara, famous for its anime culture, shops, and maid cafés.
Free to wander, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Gyu-Katsu Taraku

Indulge in a delicious gyu-katsu (breaded beef cutlet) at Gyu-Katsu Taraku, renowned for its fresh ingredients.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian scramble intersections in the world.
Free to view, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

End your day with a unique dining experience at Ichiran Ramen, famous for its tonkotsu ramen served in a private booth.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast in the world's largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Meiji Shrine

Visit Meiji Shrine, an oasis of tranquility nestled in a lush forest, perfect for a serene walk.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Experience the speedy sushi train at Uobei, where sushi arrives via conveyor belt.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tokyo Tower

Ascend Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city and Mt. Fuji on clear days.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Savor traditional Japanese fare at Gonpachi, known for its role as the inspiration for the famous 'Kill Bill' restaurant scene.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours

Day 3: Relaxing Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Start your day early and take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the unique Hakone Open-Air Museum featuring incredible sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting.
JPY 1,600, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bakery & Restaurant Trigger

Enjoy lunch at this charming restaurant known for its fresh-baked bread and local dishes.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Onsen experience at Hakone Yuryo

Relax in a traditional onsen with a view of the mountains and serene surroundings.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tofuya Ukai

Delight in a multi-course kaiseki meal set in a beautiful traditional building.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

Day 4: Charming Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.
JPY 3,300, 2 hours

10:00AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji, a stunning golden temple surrounded by gardens reflecting over the pond.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ramen Sen no Kaze

Enjoy delicious, authentic ramen at this local renowned eatery.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forests of Arashiyama, a truly magical experience.
Free to stroll, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Koya

Dine on exquisite dishes at Koya, serving seasonal kaiseki cuisine.
JPY 4,500, 2 hours

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Start your day in one of the best coffee shops in Kyoto overlooking the beautiful scenery.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Spend the morning exploring the iconic vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Free entry, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Try your hand at making okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at this popular eatery.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Nijo Castle

Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens and historic architecture.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Omen

Savor handmade udon noodles served in a warm and inviting environment at Omen.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara for a short day trip.
JPY 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Nara Park

Begin at Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer, where you can enjoy feeding them.
Free to visit, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Feast on outstanding tuna sashimi and donburi at this local favourite.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Todai-ji Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Todai-ji Temple, home to the giant Great Buddha statue.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Visit this impressive shrine famous for its stone lanterns and tranquil paths.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nishida Shoten

Enjoy classic Japanese yakitori in a cozy setting to end your day trip.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Historical Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station, a swift journey on the bullet train.
JPY 10,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Spend the morning at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, honouring the victims of the atomic bombing.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Sample Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) in a casual setting.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hiroshima Castle

Explore the historic Hiroshima Castle, notable for its reconstructed wooden structure and museum.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Kiro Sunset Café

Enjoy your meal overlooking the river at this café, perfect for unwinding after a full day.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Island Day Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, renowned for its floating torii gate.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its stunning torii gate amidst the sea.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Momiji-tei

Try the special dish of grilled anago (conger eel) in a scenic restaurant with a view.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike up Mount Misen

Enjoy a moderate hike up Mount Misen, where you can witness breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY 2,000 for the cable car, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Daisho-in Temple

Wrap up a wonderful day with dinner surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of Daisho-in Temple.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima to Osaka.
JPY 10,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

Begin your day at the historical Osaka Castle, known for its impressive architecture and beautiful park.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Savour street food delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the bustling Dotonbori area.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Shitenno-ji Temple

Explore the oldest temple in Japan, Shitenno-ji, and immerse yourself in its rich history.
JPY 300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Savour melt-in-your-mouth Matsusaka beef in a stylish yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

Day 10: Osaka Adventures

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day with fresh seafood and local delicacies at Kuromon Ichiba Market.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a thrilling day at Universal Studios Japan with exciting rides and attractions.
JPY 8,400, 8 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Relish delicious udon noodles in a modern setting at this popular noodle house.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

Day 11: Nagoya Stopover

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nagoya

Journey takes around 1.5 hours by Shinkansen from Osaka to Nagoya.
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Nagoya Castle

Discover the elegant Nagoya Castle and its beautiful gardens.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hitsumabushi Tachibanaya

Don’t miss trying Hitsumabushi, grilled eel served with rice at this well-known restaurant.
JPY 3,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Atsuta Shrine

Visit one of Shinto's holiest shrines, famous for its sacred sword.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yabaton

Enjoy Nagoya’s famous miso katsu (pork cutlet) in a charming eatery known for its local delicacies.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

Day 12: Takayama Exploration

Takayama, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Take a train from Nagoya to Takayama; enjoy picturesque views during this scenic route.
JPY 6,000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Takayama Old Town

Stroll through the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama Old Town, known for its traditional Edo-period architecture.
Free to wander, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ajikura Tengoku

Savor Hida beef grilled to perfection at this popular restaurant renowned for its delicious dishes.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hida Folk Village

Visit Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses and folk crafts.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Maruya

End your day with delicious yakitori and local sake at Maruya.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

Day 13: Cultural Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Journey to Kanazawa by limited express train from Takayama.
JPY 4,000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, known for its seasonal beauty.
JPY 400, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savor fresh seafood and local delicacies at this vibrant market.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Higashi Chaya District

Discover the historic Higashi Chaya District, known for its traditional tea houses.
Free to stroll, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Delight in exquisite sushi at Fuwari, a refined sushi restaurant in Kanazawa.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

Day 14: Back to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo; enjoy the comfort and speed of the bullet train.
JPY 14,000, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen for a peaceful stroll through beautiful landscapes and gardens.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Naritaya

Savour delicious ramen at Naritaya, known for its rich broth and flavours.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping in Harajuku

Immerse yourself in the vibrant fashion scene of Harajuku, full of quirky shops and trendy boutiques.
Free to browse, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sukiyaki Restaurant

End your adventure with a delightful sukiyaki dinner, enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours