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10-Day Nature and Foodie Itinerary for Japan

Viewed by 53 travelers

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and seafood at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, where local vendors serve delicious offerings straight from the sea.
Take Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji Station.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Ueno Park

Stroll through Ueno Park, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms and diverse museums, providing a perfect introduction to Tokyo’s nature.
Walk to Ueno Park (15 min from Tsukiji).
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ameyoko Street

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many food stalls along Ameyoko Street, where you can taste local street food like takoyaki and yakitori.
Walk to Ameyoko Street (5 min from Ueno Park).
JPY 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, an oasis in the city with stunning seasonal flowers and picturesque landscapes.
Take the train to Shinjuku Station and walk (20 min).
JPY 500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Experience an intimate dining atmosphere at Omoide Yokocho, where you can savor delicious grilled meats and local sake.
Take the train back to Shinjuku Station.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and traditional Japanese pastries at a nearby café before heading out.
Walk to the nearest café.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Take the Tobu train to Nikko to explore the stunning shrines nestled in a natural setting.
Tobu Asakusa Line to Tobu Nikko Station (2 hours).
JPY 2000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine, surrounded by lush forests and intricate architecture.
Take a local bus from Tobu Nikko Station.
JPY 1300, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yuba Onsen

Try Yuba (tofu skin) dishes at local eateries in Nikko for a unique culinary experience.
Walk to one of the local restaurants (10 min).
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji

Relax at Lake Chuzenji, renowned for its breathtaking views and seasonal changes - a perfect place for a short hike.
Catch a bus to Lake Chuzenji.
JPY 750, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Tokyo and Dinner

Head back to Tokyo and treat yourself to ramen at Ichiran, famous for its flavorful broths.
Take the train back (2 hours).
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 3: Hakone Adventures

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel, featuring grilled fish, miso soup, and rice.
Restaurant in the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Frame your day with art and nature at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where modern sculptures blend into the surrounding landscapes.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway.
JPY 1600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Izakaya

Savor local dishes including fresh local fish and seasonal vegetables at a nearby izakaya.
Walk to the izakaya (15 min).
JPY 2400, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lake Ashi Cruise

Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on a scenic boat cruise across Lake Ashi.
Walk to the pier (10 min).
JPY 1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Hakone Shrine

Visit the beautiful Hakone Shrine, located at the edge of the tranquil lake, surrounded by towering trees.
Walk to Hakone Shrine (15 min).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner in a Traditional Ryokan

Experience a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, featuring multiple dishes that highlight seasonal and regional ingredients.
Return to hotel.
JPY 6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Cultural Deep Dive in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Ryokan

Start with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Catch the Shinkansen and enjoy a quick ride to Kyoto, filled with anticipation for the stunning sights ahead.
Book Shinkansen tickets in advance.
JPY 14000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Bask in the beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the iconic golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take the bus from Kyoto Station.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Dive into the flavors of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, sampling traditional delicacies such as yudofu (tofu hot pot) and matcha sweets.
Walk to Nishiki Market (15 min).
JPY 1500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene experience that feels like stepping into another world.
Take the train from Kyoto Station.
JPY 620, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion District

Experience the atmosphere of Gion while enjoying kaiseki cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Take the train back to Gion.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Nature and Monkeys in Arashiyama

Arashiyama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café in Arashiyama.
Walk to a nearby café.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Get up close with wild monkeys at the Iwatayama Monkey Park, a delightful experience for all ages.
Hike up to the park (30 min trek).
JPY 600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride on the Sagano Romantic Train and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley.
Walk to the train station (15 min).
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savor yuba (tofu skin) noodles at a nearby eatery, known for their authentic flavors.
Walk to the restaurant (10 min).
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the beautiful gardens and Zen architecture at Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk to the temple (15 min).
JPY 500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Soba Restaurant

Conclude the day with a relaxing meal at a soba restaurant, focusing on these traditional buckwheat noodles.
Walk to a nearby soba place.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Arashiyama

Day 6: Cultural Day in Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Savor a peaceful breakfast at your accommodation in Arashiyama.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Head to Nara, once the capital of Japan, to experience its ancient beauty and friendly deer.
Take the train from Kyoto Station (1 hour).
JPY 720, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, housing a giant Buddha statue inside its impressive wooden structure.
Walk from the train station (20 min).
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Taste kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi) at a charming local restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant (10 min).
JPY 1800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Nara Park

Spend the afternoon strolling in Nara Park, where you can interact with free-roaming deer amidst serene gardens.
Walk to Nara Park (10 min).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Delve into the mystical atmosphere of the Kasuga-taisha Shrine, renowned for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns.
Walk to the shrine (15 min).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

End the day with dinner at a cozy izakaya, featuring seasonal seafood and local sake.
Return to Nara city center.
JPY 2500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 7: Historic Takayama

Takayama, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fill up with breakfast at your hotel in Nara to prepare for exploring Takayama.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Takayama

Experience a picturesque train ride to Takayama surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Take the train from Nara to Takayama (3 hours).
JPY 3000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Takayama Jinya

Tour the Takayama Jinya, an historic government building offering insights into the region's past.
Walk to Takayama Jinya (10 min from station).
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Hida Beef Restaurant

Indulge in grilled Hida beef at a local restaurant, famous for its flavor and marbling.
Walk to a nearby restaurant (15 min).
JPY 3000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Stroll Through Sanmachi Suji

Wander the charming streets of Sanmachi Suji, lined with traditional wooden houses and sake breweries.
Walk (10 min).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Sake Brewery

Finish the day with a tasting dinner at a local sake brewery, paired with delightful dishes.
Walk to the brewery (10 min).
JPY 3500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Takayama

Day 8: Scenic Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Takayama before heading to Shirakawa-go.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Shirakawa-go

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Take a bus from Takayama (1 hour).
JPY 2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Shirakawa-go Village

Wander through the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go, ideal for photography and cultural immersion.
Walk through the village.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy local specialties like gohei mochi (rice cakes), a treat unique to the region.
Visit a local eatery.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike to Shiroyama Observatory

Embark on a short hike to Shiroyama Observatory for panoramic views of Shirakawa-go.
Follow the marked trail.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Guesthouse

Enjoy a traditional homemade meal at a local guesthouse in Shirakawa-go.
Return to selected guesthouse.
JPY 2500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Shirakawa-go

Day 9: Cultural Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Guesthouse

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse before leaving for Kanazawa.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Travel to Kanazawa, known as the city of gold leaf and traditional arts.
Take a bus from Shirakawa-go (1.5 hours).
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kenroku-en Garden

Wander through Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, and enjoy its beauty year-round.
Walk from the bus station (10 min).
JPY 320, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Seafood Market

Delight in fresh seafood at the Omicho Market, a local favorite known for its delicious sushi and sashimi.
Short walk from Kenroku-en.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Kanazawa Castle

Discover the history and architectural beauty of Kanazawa Castle, surrounded by lovely park grounds.
Walk to Kanazawa Castle (15 min).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Wrap up your day with dinner at a local izakaya, enjoying regional specialties and drinks.
Walk to the izakaya (10 min).
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kanazawa

Day 10: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kanazawa before heading back to Tokyo.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, reflecting on your amazing journey.
Book tickets in advance.
JPY 14000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tokyo Station

Grab a quick bento lunch at one of the many eateries within Tokyo Station, a delicious and efficient option.
In Tokyo Station.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore the peaceful grounds of Meiji Shrine, a perfect way to unwind after your travels.
Take the train to Harajuku Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping in Harajuku

Wander around Harajuku for some last-minute shopping and delicious street food as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walking around Harajuku area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner in Shinjuku

End your incredible journey in Japan with dinner at a gourmet izakaya in Shinjuku, toasting to a remarkable adventure.
Take the train to Shinjuku.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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