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12-Day Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Viewed by 129 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Upon your arrival, check into your centrally located hotel, ideally around Shinjuku for accessibility to transport and dining.
From Narita or Haneda Airport, take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to the city.
JPY1500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market, a haven for food lovers.
Take the Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku to Tsukiji.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Wander through the vibrant shopping streets leading up to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple.
Take the Ginza Line from Tsukiji to Asakusa.
JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Ueno Park

Stroll around Ueno Park, known for its natural beauty and museums.
A 15-minute walk from Asakusa.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Robatayaki Restaurant

Savour grilled yakitori and seasonal vegetables at a traditional robatayaki restaurant in Shinjuku.
Head back to Shinjuku via metro.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Adventure

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast set with grilled fish at a café in Shinjuku.
Walk to a local café.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Experience serenity at Meiji Shrine, surrounded by lush forests, a perfect start to your day.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Harajuku Lunch at Kawaii Monster Café

Dig into whimsical dishes at the Kawaii Monster Café, a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
Walk from Meiji Shrine to Harajuku.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shop in Shibuya and Shinjuku

Explore the bustling streets of Shibuya, including the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya.
JPY0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

Experience a delicious selection of tapas-style dishes in an upbeat late-night izakaya.
Head back to Shinjuku for dinner.
JPY4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before an exciting day trip.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Leave Tokyo and enjoy a scenic train ride to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko.
Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station.
JPY2800, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the ornate structures and beautiful gardens of Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Take a bus from the station to Toshogu.
JPY1300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Try Yuba, or tofu skin, at a local restaurant in Nikko.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY2500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Scenic Nikko National Park

Take in the stunning natural beauty of waterfalls and lakes in Nikko National Park.
Use the bus network to visit scenic spots.
JPY500, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner back in Tokyo

Indulge in kaiten-sushi (conveyor belt sushi) for a quick and tasty dinner.
Return by train to Tokyo.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 4: Hakone Onsen Experience

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Ride the Shinkansen to Odawara and transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara.
JPY7000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore modern and contemporary art in a stunning outdoor setting.
Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to the museum.
JPY1600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savour a delicious bowl of soba noodles at a nearby eatery.
Walk to a local noodle shop.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax in a Hot Spring

Indulge in the soothing waters of a traditional onsen.
Visit an onsen accessible via local transport.
JPY3000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Experience a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, featuring seasonal ingredients.
Dine at your accommodation.
JPY8000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 5: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan, including grilled fish and rice.
N/A
JPY3000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen for a swift journey to Kyoto.
Take the Shinkansen from Hakone to Kyoto.
JPY13000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste various street foods at Nishiki Market, a food lover's paradise.
Walk from the station to the market.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Golden Pavilion set against serene gardens.
Take a bus to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the tranquil beauty of the towering bamboo stalks in Arashiyama.
Take a train to Arashiyama.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Kyoto Restaurant

Savour yudofu (soft tofu) in a peaceful setting in Kyoto.
Return to the city centre by train.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Temples and Tradition in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast featuring local ingredients.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through thousands of red torii gates leading up Mount Inari.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station.
JPY200, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch Near Fushimi Inari

Enjoy tofu dishes close to the shrine.
Walk to a local restaurant.
JPY2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic wooden stage with panoramic views of Kyoto.
Take bus 100 from Fushimi Inari.
JPY400, 2 hours

4:00PM

Wander Through Gion District

Take in the charm of traditional wooden buildings and perhaps spot a geisha.
Walk to Gion.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Izakaya

Enjoy a menu full of colourful dishes while soaking in Kyoto's atmosphere.
Dine in Gion.
JPY4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take a scenic train ride to Nara, famous for its deer park.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto Station.
JPY560, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer and explore the beautiful park area.
Walk from the station to Nara Park.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Naramachi District

Eat at a quaint café in the historic Naramachi area, sampling local specialties.
Short walk to the district.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue housed within this breathtaking temple.
Walk to the temple from the district.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage shrine surrounded by wooded walking paths and stone lanterns.
Use the walking trails from Todai-ji.
JPY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Savor traditional Nara cuisine, perhaps some kakinohazushi (persimmon leaf sushi).
Walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto after a fulfilling day in Nara.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line back to Kyoto Station.
JPY560, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Osaka Excursion

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a satisfying breakfast at your Kyoto hotel.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

A short train journey takes you to the bustling city of Osaka.
Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY560, 30 minutes

10:15AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the iconic Osaka Castle and its beautiful park surroundings.
Take the subway from Osaka station to Tanimachi 4-chome.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savour delicious street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the vibrant Dotonbori area.
Walk to Dotonbori from Osaka Castle.
JPY3000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Shop at Shinsaibashi

Enjoy some retail therapy at Shinsaibashi, Osaka's premier shopping area.
Walk to Shinsaibashi from Dotonbori.
JPY0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a lively dinner atmosphere with great food at a local izakaya.
Head back to Dotonbori for dinner.
JPY4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Hiroshima and Peace

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your travel to Hiroshima.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, reflecting on the journey ahead.
Board the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
JPY15000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at the poignant memorials celebrating peace.
A short tram ride from the station.
JPY200, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a famous food hall.
Walk to Okonomimura from the park.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Hiroshima Castle

Visit the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle, providing insight into the city's history.
Take public transport to the castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Travel to Miyajima

Catch a ferry to the 'Island of Gods' and revel in its beauty.
Take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi to the island.
JPY4000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner on Miyajima Island

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at a restaurant with views of the iconic tori gate.
Dine at a restaurant on the island.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 10: Miyajima Experience

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast on the island with splendid views.
N/A
JPY3000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the famous shrine that appears to float on water during high tide.
Walk to the shrine from your hotel.
JPY300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hike up Mount Misen

Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Take the ropeway to the trailhead.
JPY1800, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch on Miyajima

Savour a delicious lunch of anago meshi (grilled eel over rice) nearby.
Walk to a recommended local restaurant.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Momiji Manju

Sample famous maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste available at several shops.
Explore the village to find them.
JPY1000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Ferry Back to Hiroshima

After a fulfilling day on Miyajima, head back to Hiroshima.
Take the ferry back.
JPY4000, 1 hour

8:30PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya experiencing Hiroshima's vibrant nightlife.
Walk to the izakaya near your hotel.
JPY4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 11: Fukuoka's Flavors

Fukuoka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast in Hiroshima

Start your day with a local breakfast before heading to Fukuoka.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Fukuoka

Take the Shinkansen to Fukuoka, the gateway to the southern islands.
Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Hakata Station.
JPY16000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Ohori Park

Wander through the beautiful landscape of Ohori Park, home to a picturesque pond.
Take a tram or walk from the station.
JPY0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yatai Stalls

Enjoy casual dining at the famous Yatai stalls, where you can try local specialties like ramen.
Walk from the park to the stalls.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Fukuoka Tower

Visit Fukuoka Tower for stunning views of the city and the coastline.
Take a bus or tram to Fukuoka Tower.
JPY800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy fresh seafood and yakitori at a bustling izakaya in the city.
Walk back towards the bustling streets.
JPY3500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Nightlife in Fukuoka

Experience Fukuoka's vibrant nightlife, perhaps visiting some bars or karaoke spots.
Walk around the Tenjin district.
JPY0, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Fukuoka

Day 12: Back to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Fukuoka before departure.
N/A
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Conclude your adventure with a Shinkansen ride back to Tokyo.
Take the Shinkansen from Hakata Station.
JPY16000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Last-minute Shopping in Shibuya

Pick up souvenirs from Shibuya before heading to the airport.
Take the Yamanote Line from Tokyo to Shibuya.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shibuya

Savour a final lunch at a sushi place close to the shopping area.
Walk to a recommended sushi restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Head to the Airport

Depart with plenty of time for the flight back home, cherishing your memories of Japan.
Using the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to transfer to the airport.
JPY5000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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