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.
Airport to hotel via train
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.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station, 10 minutes from your hotel
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.
Subway to Asakusa Station, 20 minutes from Tsukiji
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Catch panoramic views of Tokyo as the sun sets.
Take the subway from Asakusa to Oshiage Station, 10 minutes
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

Experience traditional Japanese pub dining and savour local dishes in Shinjuku.
Walk to nearby izakaya from hotel
JPY4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty Japanese breakfast at your hotel.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tokyo National Museum

Discover Japan's rich art and history at the largest museum in the country.
Take the subway to Ueno Station, 30 minutes
JPY620, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Ueno Park

Pick up a bento box and enjoy it in the scenic park area.
Walking distance from museum
JPY1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the forested grounds of this peaceful Shinto shrine.
Take the subway to Harajuku Station, 20 minutes
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Harajuku

Explore the trendy shops on Takeshita Street for unique finds.
Walking distance from Meiji Shrine
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Experience a one-of-a-kind dinner show featuring dazzling robots and performances.
Take the subway back to Shinjuku, 15 minutes
JPY8000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Tokyo to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy another delightful breakfast before departing.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar express train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Subway to Shinjuku Station, then Romancecar to Hakone, total 1.5 hours
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Marvel at the fusion of nature and art in the beautiful outdoor setting.
Bus from Hakone-Yumoto to Open-Air Museum, 20 minutes
JPY1600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Museum Café

Relish a light lunch in the picturesque museum café.
Walking distance
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hakone Ropeway

Ride the iconic ropeway and enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Bus back to start of ropeway, 20 minutes
JPY3000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Onsen Experience

Relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring) at a ryokan.
Return to ryokan via bus 30 minutes
JPY5000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a kaiseki dinner, an exquisite multi-course meal.
Dining area of ryokan
Included, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hakone to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at ryokan

Savour a traditional Japanese breakfast before checking out.
Dining area of ryokan
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.
Bus to Odawara Station, then Shinkansen, total 1.5 hours
JPY8000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into hotel

Get settled in your hotel, then prepare to explore Kyoto.
Walking distance from Kyoto Station
Included, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Experience local delicacies as you wander through this vibrant market.
Take subway to Shijo Station, short walk
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold-leaf adorned temple set against serene gardens.
Take bus from Nishiki Market to Kinkaku-ji, 30 minutes
JPY400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gion District exploration

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion, searching for geishas.
Bus back to downtown, 30 minutes
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Indulge in seasonal kaiseki cuisine for dinner.
Walking distance from Gion District
JPY6000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your day of exploring.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station, 10 minutes
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at a local soba shop

Taste handmade soba noodles at this charming eatery.
Walking distance from Fushimi Inari, 10 minutes
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest and embrace nature.
Take the train from Inari to Arashiyama Station, 40 minutes
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit one of the most important Zen temples in Japan, near the bamboo grove.
Walking distance from Bamboo Grove
JPY500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya or restaurant along the Hozu River.
Walking distance from Tenryu-ji
JPY3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a splendid breakfast before heading to Osaka.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a short train ride from Kyoto to Osaka.
Train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station, 30 minutes
JPY560, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

Explore the historical castle and its beautiful grounds.
Take tram or walk to the castle, 20 minutes
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savour local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in vibrant Dotonbori.
Subway to Namba Station, 20 minutes
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visit this unique shrine known for its dramatic lion head-shaped stage.
Walking distance from Dotonbori, 10 minutes
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Explore the shopping arcade and enjoy some retail therapy.
Subway from Namba to Shinsaibashi, 5 minutes
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kuromon Market

Enjoy a relaxing dinner focused on fresh local cuisine.
Walking distance from Shinsaibashi, 10 minutes
JPY2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka to Nara, enjoying the scenic ride.
Train from Osaka Station to Nara Station, 45 minutes
JPY1500, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Nara Park and Deer

Stroll through the park and meet the friendly roaming deer.
Walking distance from Nara Station, 20 minutes
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue in this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walking distance from Nara Park, 10 minutes
JPY600, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Naramachi

Savour traditional Japanese food in this old merchant district.
Walking distance from Todai-ji, 15 minutes
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Naramachi Street

Explore this historic area with traditional wooden houses and shops.
Walking distance from Lunch, 10 minutes
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka for dinner.
Train from Nara to Osaka Station, 45 minutes
JPY1500, 45 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at an Osaka restaurant

Indulge in Osaka’s famous street food, including kushikatsu.
Walking distance from Osaka station
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Savor a fulfilling breakfast before setting out for Hiroshima.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
Train from Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station, 1.5 hours
JPY10000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into hotel

Get settled in Hiroshima before lunch.
Walking distance from station
Included, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in this food-building.
Walking distance from hotel, 10 minutes
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history while exploring the park and museum.
Walking distance from lunch, 15 minutes
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Visit the reconstructed castle and its surrounding moat.
Walking distance from Peace Park, 20 minutes
JPY370, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy a traditional dining experience with local sake and dishes.
Subway or walking distance from hotel
JPY4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Miyajima Island Day Trip

Miyajima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before the day trip.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the train to Miyajimaguchi and then ferry to the island.
Train and ferry combined travel, 1 hour
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the iconic shrine and its famous floating torii gate.
Walking distance from ferry terminal, 5 minutes
JPY300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Miyajima Ropeway

Take the ropeway for stunning views of the island and surrounding sea.
Walking distance from shrine, 20 minutes
JPY1800, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch on Miyajima Island

Try fresh grilled oysters and other local specialties.
Walking distance from ropeway, 30 minutes
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the island

Discover the walking trails and beautiful sights on the island.
Walking distance from lunch, 10 minutes
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Take the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi, then train back to Hiroshima.
Ferry and train combined travel, 1 hour
JPY800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Hiroshima-style izakaya

End the day with delicious local dishes.
Walking distance from hotel
JPY3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Travel to Okayama

Okayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Okayama

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Okayama.
Train from Hiroshima Station to Okayama Station, 45 minutes
JPY6000, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Settle in and prepare for a day of sightseeing.
Walking distance from Okayama Station
Included, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Korakuen Garden

Visit one of Japan's top three gardens, known for its beauty and tranquility.
Walking distance from hotel, 15 minutes
JPY400, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch near Korakuen

Dine at a nearby café offering local dishes.
Walking distance, 5 minutes
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Okayama Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle and enjoy the view of the gardens.
Walking distance from lunch, 10 minutes
JPY300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping in Okayama

Browse local shops and boutiques.
Walking distance from the castle, 15 minutes
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a local restaurant

Savor Okayama cuisine at a well-reviewed local restaurant.
Walking distance from the hotel
JPY2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Okayama to Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before departing.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Takamatsu

Board a local train to Takamatsu.
Train from Okayama Station to Takamatsu Station, 1 hour
JPY1700, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ritsurin Garden

Explore this beautiful historical garden, one of the top gardens in Japan.
Walking distance from Takamatsu Station, 30 minutes
JPY410, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local udon shop

Try the famous Sanuki udon at a local eatery.
Walking distance from the garden, 10 minutes
JPY800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Takamatsu Castle

Visit the ruins of this historical castle and enjoy lovely views of the sea.
Walking distance from lunch, 15 minutes
JPY200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping in Takamatsu

Explore the shopping streets and local markets for unique souvenirs.
Walking distance from the castle, 20 minutes
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy casual dining with friends and delicious local dishes.
Walking distance from hotel
JPY2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Takamatsu to Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with energy from a local breakfast.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Matsuyama

Take the ferry from Takamatsu to Matsuyama.
Ferry terminal, 1 hour.
JPY3000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Settle in your Matsuyama hotel and refresh yourself.
Walking distance from ferry terminal, 10 minutes
Included, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Dogo Onsen

Relax in one of Japan's oldest hot springs.
Walking distance from hotel, 15 minutes
JPY1500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dogo Onsen

Dine at a charming restaurant near the onsen.
Dining area near Dogo Onsen
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Matsuyama Castle

Visit the impressive castle offering great views of the city.
Train or bus from Dogo Onsen, 30 minutes
JPY600, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping in Matsuyama

Explore local shops and street vendors in the downtown area.
Walking distance from Matsuyama Castle, 20 minutes
Varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Savor delicious local flavors at a beloved izakaya.
Walking distance from downtown, 10 minutes
JPY2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Matsuyama to Kobe

Kobe, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kobe

Take the ferry from Matsuyama to Kobe.
Ferry terminal, 1 hour.
JPY3000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Get settled in your hotel upon arrival.
Walking distance from ferry terminal, 10 minutes
Included, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Kobe Harborland

Enjoy a leisurely walk and explore the shopping and dining along the waterfront.
Walking distance from hotel, 15 minutes
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Kobe Steakhouse

Indulge in world-renowned Kobe beef at a high-end steakhouse.
Walking distance from Harborland, 10 minutes
JPY10000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nunobiki Herb Garden

Take a ropeway to the herb garden for stunning views of the city.
Subway to Shin-Kobe Station, then ropeway, 30 minutes
JPY1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Harborland

Explore the local shops and enjoy the atmosphere.
Ropeway back to Shin-Kobe, then subway.
JPY1000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a local brewery

Enjoy craft beer and local cuisine at a charming brewery.
Walking distance from Harborland, 15 minutes
JPY4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kobe.
Hotel dining area
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Kobe to Tokyo.
Train from Shin-Kobe to Tokyo, 2.5 hours
JPY13500, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Check into hotel

Drop your luggage off and prepare for your final day.
Walking distance from Tokyo Station, 10 minutes
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.
Walking distance from your hotel
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute shopping or visit a museum

Explore areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku for last-minute souvenirs.
Subway to Shibuya, 30 minutes
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Collect your belongings and relax before your flight.
Subway back to hotel, 30 minutes
Varies, 1 hour

8:00PM

Departure from Tokyo

Bid farewell to Japan as you board your evening flight home.
Travel to airport by Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus
JPY3000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability