How many days do you need in japan?

This itinerary covers 14 days in japan, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for japan?

Plan your perfect 14 days trip to japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

14-Day Japan Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature in December 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport, take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo and check into your hotel in Shinjuku.

JPY3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood at one of the popular stalls or restaurants in the market.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Sensoji Temple

Explore the historic temple in Asakusa and stroll through the charming streets of Nakamise-dori.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Catch panoramic views of Tokyo as the sun sets.

JPY2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

Experience traditional Japanese pub dining and savour local dishes in Shinjuku.

JPY4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty Japanese breakfast at your hotel.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tokyo National Museum

Discover Japan's rich art and history at the largest museum in the country.

JPY620, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Ueno Park

Pick up a bento box and enjoy it in the scenic park area.

JPY1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the forested grounds of this peaceful Shinto shrine.

Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Harajuku

Explore the trendy shops on Takeshita Street for unique finds.

Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Experience a one-of-a-kind dinner show featuring dazzling robots and performances.

JPY8000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy another delightful breakfast before departing.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar express train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

JPY4000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Marvel at the fusion of nature and art in the beautiful outdoor setting.

JPY1600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Museum Café

Relish a light lunch in the picturesque museum café.

JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hakone Ropeway

Ride the iconic ropeway and enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji.

JPY3000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Onsen Experience

Relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring) at a ryokan.

JPY5000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a kaiseki dinner, an exquisite multi-course meal.

Included, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Hakone to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at ryokan

Savour a traditional Japanese breakfast before checking out.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.

JPY8000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into hotel

Get settled in your hotel, then prepare to explore Kyoto.

Included, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Experience local delicacies as you wander through this vibrant market.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold-leaf adorned temple set against serene gardens.

JPY400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gion District exploration

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion, searching for geishas.

Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Indulge in seasonal kaiseki cuisine for dinner.

JPY6000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your day of exploring.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at a local soba shop

Taste handmade soba noodles at this charming eatery.

JPY1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest and embrace nature.

Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit one of the most important Zen temples in Japan, near the bamboo grove.

JPY500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya or restaurant along the Hozu River.

JPY3000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a splendid breakfast before heading to Osaka.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a short train ride from Kyoto to Osaka.

JPY560, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

Explore the historical castle and its beautiful grounds.

JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savour local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in vibrant Dotonbori.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visit this unique shrine known for its dramatic lion head-shaped stage.

Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Explore the shopping arcade and enjoy some retail therapy.

Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kuromon Market

Enjoy a relaxing dinner focused on fresh local cuisine.

JPY2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka to Nara, enjoying the scenic ride.

JPY1500, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Nara Park and Deer

Stroll through the park and meet the friendly roaming deer.

Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue in this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site.

JPY600, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Naramachi

Savour traditional Japanese food in this old merchant district.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Naramachi Street

Explore this historic area with traditional wooden houses and shops.

Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka for dinner.

JPY1500, 45 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at an Osaka restaurant

Indulge in Osaka’s famous street food, including kushikatsu.

JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor a fulfilling breakfast before setting out for Hiroshima.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.

JPY10000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into hotel

Get settled in Hiroshima before lunch.

Included, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in this food-building.

JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history while exploring the park and museum.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Visit the reconstructed castle and its surrounding moat.

JPY370, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy a traditional dining experience with local sake and dishes.

JPY4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 9: Miyajima Island Day Trip

Miyajima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before the day trip.

Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the train to Miyajimaguchi and then ferry to the island.

JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the iconic shrine and its famous floating torii gate.

JPY300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Miyajima Ropeway

Take the ropeway for stunning views of the island and surrounding sea.

JPY1800, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch on Miyajima Island

Try fresh grilled oysters and other local specialties.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the island

Discover the walking trails and beautiful sights on the island.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Take the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi, then train back to Hiroshima.

JPY800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Hiroshima-style izakaya

End the day with delicious local dishes.

JPY3000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 10: Travel to Okayama

Okayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Okayama

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Okayama.

JPY6000, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Settle in and prepare for a day of sightseeing.

Included, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Korakuen Garden

Visit one of Japan's top three gardens, known for its beauty and tranquility.

JPY400, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch near Korakuen

Dine at a nearby café offering local dishes.

JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Okayama Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle and enjoy the view of the gardens.

JPY300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping in Okayama

Browse local shops and boutiques.

Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a local restaurant

Savor Okayama cuisine at a well-reviewed local restaurant.

JPY2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Okayama

Day 11: Okayama to Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before departing.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Takamatsu

Board a local train to Takamatsu.

JPY1700, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ritsurin Garden

Explore this beautiful historical garden, one of the top gardens in Japan.

JPY410, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local udon shop

Try the famous Sanuki udon at a local eatery.

JPY800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Takamatsu Castle

Visit the ruins of this historical castle and enjoy lovely views of the sea.

JPY200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping in Takamatsu

Explore the shopping streets and local markets for unique souvenirs.

Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy casual dining with friends and delicious local dishes.

JPY2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Takamatsu

Day 12: Takamatsu to Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with energy from a local breakfast.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Matsuyama

Take the ferry from Takamatsu to Matsuyama.

JPY3000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Settle in your Matsuyama hotel and refresh yourself.

Included, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Dogo Onsen

Relax in one of Japan's oldest hot springs.

JPY1500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dogo Onsen

Dine at a charming restaurant near the onsen.

JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Matsuyama Castle

Visit the impressive castle offering great views of the city.

JPY600, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping in Matsuyama

Explore local shops and street vendors in the downtown area.

Varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Savor delicious local flavors at a beloved izakaya.

JPY2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Matsuyama

Day 13: Matsuyama to Kobe

Kobe, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kobe

Take the ferry from Matsuyama to Kobe.

JPY3000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Get settled in your hotel upon arrival.

Included, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Kobe Harborland

Enjoy a leisurely walk and explore the shopping and dining along the waterfront.

Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Kobe Steakhouse

Indulge in world-renowned Kobe beef at a high-end steakhouse.

JPY10000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nunobiki Herb Garden

Take a ropeway to the herb garden for stunning views of the city.

JPY1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Harborland

Explore the local shops and enjoy the atmosphere.

JPY1000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a local brewery

Enjoy craft beer and local cuisine at a charming brewery.

JPY4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kobe

Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kobe.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Kobe to Tokyo.

JPY13500, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Check into hotel

Drop your luggage off and prepare for your final day.

Included, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Final Lunch at a Tokyo Café

Relax and unwind with a casual lunch at a stylish café in the city.

JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute shopping or visit a museum

Explore areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku for last-minute souvenirs.

Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Collect your belongings and relax before your flight.

Varies, 1 hour

8:00PM

Departure from Tokyo

Bid farewell to Japan as you board your evening flight home.

JPY3000, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

14-Day Japan Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature in December 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Tokyo to Hakone

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 4: Hakone to Kyoto

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

11:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

5:30PM

Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 9: Miyajima Island Day Trip

7:30AM

8:30AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 10: Travel to Okayama

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

11:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM