Epic 20180-Day Adventure Through Japan: Culture, Nature, Food & Rail

Day 1: Welcome to Japan

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day at this bustling market, tasting fresh sushi and local delicacies.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji Station.
JPY2000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Senso-ji Temple

Explore the oldest temple in Tokyo and stroll through the Nakamise shopping street.
Travel via subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa Station.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa

Enjoy tempura at Tempura Daikokuya, a local favourite.
Walk to the restaurant from Senso-ji.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tokyo Tower

Visit this iconic symbol of Japan for breathtaking views of the city.
Take the subway to Akabanebashi Station.
JPY1200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Shibuya

Savor yakiniku at Han no Daidokoro, renowned for its high-quality beef.
Subway to Shibuya Station.
JPY3500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the famous scramble crossing, a vibrant display of city life.
Walk from the restaurant to the crossing.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Relaxing Onsen Town

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Depart early for Hakone, known for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Owakudani Valley

Explore the volcanic valley with its bubbling sulphuric pools.
Take the Hakone Cable Car from Hakone-Yumoto.
JPY1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Owakudani

Enjoy black eggs cooked in the area's hot springs.
On-site at Owakudani.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lake Ashi

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
Board a pirate ship cruise at the Owakudani station.
JPY1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind at an onsen (hot spring) such as Yunessun.
Take a bus from Hakone Machi.
JPY3000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Kaiseki Dinner

Dine on a traditional kaiseki meal at a local ryokan.
Walk back to your ryokan.
JPY7000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Heritage

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Journey to Kyoto, known for its classical Buddhist temples and gardens.
Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.
JPY10000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Visit the Golden Pavilion and enjoy its stunning reflection on the pond.
Take a bus from Kyoto Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Kyoto

Taste yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Nanzenji Junsei, a local gem.
Bus back to central Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Wander through the thousands of vermillion torii gates that lead up the mountain.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Gion District

Savour traditional kaiseki cuisine at Gion Karyo.
Walk through Gion to the restaurant.
JPY8000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Gion District Exploration

Stroll through the historic streets, possibly spotting a geisha.
Walking tour around Gion.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Bustling City Life

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Head to the lively city known for its food and entertainment.
Take the train from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Osaka Castle

Visit this iconic landmark and explore its beautiful park.
Take the subway from Osaka Station to Osakajokoen Station.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in street food galore including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Subway back to Namba Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shitenno-ji Temple

One of Japan's oldest temples, showcasing beautiful architecture.
Take bus #62 from Dotonbori.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Shop in Shinsaibashi

Explore the trendy shopping district with countless boutiques.
Subway from Shitenno-ji to Shinsaibashi Station.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hozenji Yokocho

Enjoy traditional izakaya dishes at one of the local restaurants.
Walk to the Yokocho alley from Shinsaibashi.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Nightlife in Namba

Experience the vibrant nightlife and try local bar hopping.
Subway from Hozenji to Namba Station.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 5: Peaceful Remembrance

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Journey to Hiroshima, known for its poignant history and resilience.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
JPY10000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit the park commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb.
Take tram #2 from Hiroshima station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this unique food hall.
Walk to Okonomimura nearby.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens.
Tram from the park back towards the city center.
JPY600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to this picturesque island known for the 'floating' torii gate.
Tram to Miyajimaguchi and the ferry from there.
JPY1800, 3 hours

8:30PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

Dine at Nagataya for another taste of Hiroshima's okonomiyaki.
Return via ferry and tram back to Hiroshima.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Snowy Charms

Sapporo, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Sapporo

Fly to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and known for its winter festivities.
Catch a direct flight from Hiroshima to Sapporo.
JPY15000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Sapporo Clock Tower

Visit this historic landmark and learn about Sapporo's history.
Take the subway from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station.
JPY1000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ramen Yokocho

Enjoy delicious miso ramen at one of the renowned ramen shops.
Walk to the nearby district.
JPY900, 1 hour

2:00PM

Odori Park

Stroll through this city park before enjoying views from the TV tower.
Walk from lunch to the park and then head to the tower.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Mount Moiwa

Take the cable car up for a panoramic city view.
Subway to the cable car station.
JPY1800, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Savour a Genghis Khan dish of grilled lamb and enjoy local beer.
Take the subway to the beer garden.
JPY3500, 2 hours
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Day 7: Alpine Wonders

Nagano, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Nagano

Travel to Nagano, famous for its stunning scenery and sport history.
Train to Nagano Station via the Shinkansen.
JPY8000, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Zenko-ji Temple

Explore one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples.
Bus from Nagano Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Nagano

Enjoy soba noodles at a local soba shop, famed for its artisan flavours.
Walk around the temple grounds to find the shop.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nagano Prefectural Art Museum

Discover modern art and exhibitions inspired by the region.
Take a bus back to the city centre.
JPY500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at a Onsen in Nagano

Unwind in a seasonal hot spring and enjoy the atmospheric surroundings.
Head to the local onsen by bus.
JPY2000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Experience Nagano's sake culture and enjoy regional dishes.
Walk or take bus to a nearby izakaya.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Cultural Treasures

Nara, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Visit Nara, home to some of Japan's most significant temples and parks.
Take the train from Nagano to Nara, with a transfer at Kyoto.
JPY5000, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Nara Park

Enjoy time interacting with the friendly deer that inhabit the park.
Walk from Nara Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Nara

Indulge in kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.
Local restaurants nearby the park.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit this monumental temple housing a giant Buddha statue.
Short walk from Nara Park.
JPY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Naramachi

Discover the traditional townscape and historical buildings of Naramachi.
Walk through the town to explore.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Experience Nara's culinary offerings with local produce.
Walk through the nearby streets.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Modern Meets Traditional

Yokohama, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Yokohama

Journey to Japan's second-largest city, known for its waterfront and culture.
Travel from Nara to Yokohama via train.
JPY5000, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Yokohama Chinatown

Explore the vibrant streets of one of the largest Chinatowns in the world.
Walk from the station to Chinatown.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chinatown

Enjoy delicious dim sum at a popular spot, such as restaurant Chukagai.
Eat in the area.
JPY1800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Minato Mirai

Visit this modern shopping and entertainment area by the waterfront.
Walk to Minato Mirai.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Cup Noodles Museum

Learn about the history of instant noodles and create your own design.
Walk from Minato Mirai to the museum.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Savour fresh seafood and local brews at a lively izakaya.
Find a nearby izakaya within walking distance.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 10: Returning to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Return to the bustling capital city for more exploration.
Take the train back from Yokohama to Tokyo.
JPY500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Meiji Shrine

Explore the serene Shinto shrine surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Take the subway from Tokyo Station to Harajuku.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Harajuku

Savour a trendy crepe at Marion Crepes.
Walk to the crepe shop nearby.
JPY600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Akihabara

Explore the electronic district and shop for anime and tech goods.
Take the train to Akihabara.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Tokyo Skytree

Rise high above the city for panoramic views at the famous tower.
Train from Akihabara to Oshiage Station.
JPY2000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at a Themed Restaurant

Enjoy an immersive dining experience at the Robot Restaurant.
Subway back towards Shinjuku.
JPY5000, 2.5 hours
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