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12-Day Ultimate Japan Discovery Itinerary

Viewed by 125 travelers

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Asakusa Exploration

Begin your journey in the historic district of Asakusa, home to the famous Senso-ji Temple.
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Asakusa

Enjoy soba noodles at Yabu Soba, a local spot famous for its handmade soba.
Walking distance from Senso-ji Temple.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the famed Shibuya Crossing and snap a photo at the iconic Hachiko statue.
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Shibuya Station.
JPY0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Meiji Shrine

Find tranquility in the sprawling gardens that surround the Meiji Shrine.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Harajuku

Indulge in delicious okonomiyaki at Kiji.
Walking distance from the shrine.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Tsukiji Outer Market

Start the day with a fresh sushi breakfast at Sushi Daiwa, located within Tsukiji Outer Market.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji Station.
JPY3000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Tokyo Tower

Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for sweeping views of the city.
Take the Toei Oedo Line from Tsukiji to Akabanebashi Station.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Roppongi

Savor a bento box at Roppongi's convenient convenience stores or try a local ramen shop.
Walking distance from Tokyo Tower.
JPY1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Akihabara Electric Town

Dive into Akihabara's anime culture and explore its quirky shops and arcades.
Take the Hibiya Line from Roppongi to Akihabara Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Akihabara

Enjoy a themed dinner at a maid café like @home café or a casual meal at a local izakaya.
Walking distance from the entertainment area.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Board the Nikko Limited Express from Shinjuku Station to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko.
Take the JR Shinjuku Line to Shinjuku Station.
JPY4000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Toshogu Shrine

Visit Toshogu Shrine, the ornate resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Take a bus from Nikko Station to Toshogu Shrine.
JPY1300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nikko

Try yuba (tofu skin) at the famous Hippari Dako in the heart of Nikko.
Walking distance from Toshogu Shrine.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kegon Falls

Marvel at the stunning Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls.
Take a bus from Nikko back to the park entrance.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Ride back to Tokyo on the Limited Express train.
Board the same train at Kiyotaki Station.
JPY4000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner in Tokyo

End the day with a comforting bowl of ramen at Ichiran Ramen.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Shinjuku Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 4: Relaxing in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

9:00AM

Journey to Hakone

Travel to Hakone via the Romancecar scenic train from Shinjuku.
Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore the unique combination of nature and art at the Hakone Open Air Museum.
Take a bus or taxi from the train station.
JPY1600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hakone

Enjoy katsu (pork cutlet) at the charming restaurant, Hakone Cafe.
Walking distance from the museum.
JPY1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lake Ashi Cruise

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji.
Walk to the dock from the restaurant.
JPY1400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Onsen Experience

Unwind in an onsen (hot spring) - try Gora Kadan for a luxurious experience.
Take a bus to Gora.
JPY3000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Hakone

Dine at the French restaurant La Terrazza, famous for its breathtaking views.
Reservation recommended, located within Gora Kadan.
JPY6000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 5: Cultural Heart of Japan

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.
15-minute bus from Hakone to Odawara Station.
JPY10000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Start with the magical Fushimi Inari Shrine and its countless red torii gates.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Kyoto

Enjoy kyo-kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) at Gion Karyo.
Take the subway to Gion-Shijo Station.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Witness the beauty of the Golden Pavilion covered in gold leaf on a serene pond.
Take a bus from Gion to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Kyoto

Savor udon noodles at Omen, located near Ginkaku-ji.
Take a bus back to Gion and then a short walk.
JPY1500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Traditions and Tranquility

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a morning stroll.
Take the JR Sagano Line to Arashiyama.
JPY0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike up to the mountain park and meet the friendly monkeys overlooking Kyoto.
Walking distance from the Bamboo Grove.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Shoraian, nestled in the woods.
Walking distance from the park.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the beautiful wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple with sweeping views.
Take a bus from Arashiyama to Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Gion

Enjoy sushi at a well-reviewed spot, Izuju, taking in the traditional atmosphere.
Take a bus back to the Gion district.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Nara Line to reach Nara and start your day with a local guide.
Board the train at Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Nara Park

Interact with the friendly deer roaming freely in historic Nara Park.
Walking distance from Nara Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nara

Try kakinoha-zushi, a unique sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves at Kakinoha-zushi Hompo.
Walking distance from Nara Park.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the grand Todai-ji Temple, home to a Great Buddha statue.
Walking distance from lunch.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Kasuga-taisha

Wander through the lantern-lit paths leading to Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
Take a short bus ride from Todai-ji.
JPY200, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Take the Kintetsu train back to Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner in Kyoto

Head to the famous Nishiki Market for a variety of street food options.
Walking distance from Kyoto Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Hiroshima Peace

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Hop on the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima for a historical exploration.
Board at Kyoto Station.
JPY11000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a sobering tribute to the past.
Take a tram from Hiroshima Station to Genbaku Dome-mae.
JPY200, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Hiroshima

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a famous food hall.
Walking distance from the park.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Discover the historical Hiroshima Castle and its beautiful gardens.
Take a tram from the park to Hiroshima Castle.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shukkeien Garden

Stroll through the serene Shukkeien Garden, enjoying the tranquility amidst the city.
Take a tram back towards the city center.
JPY300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

End your day with delicious fresh oysters at Kaki Tei.
Short walk from the gardens.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 9: Miyajima Island Adventure

Miyajima, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the ferry from Hiroshima to beautiful Miyajima Island, known for its floating torii gate.
Ferry terminal is close to Hiroshima Station.
JPY2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the iconic floating Itsukushima Shrine during high tide.
Walking distance from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch on Miyajima

Savor momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cake) and kaki (oysters) from one of the local vendors.
Cafes and stalls are abundant near the shrine.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Mount Misen

Take the ropeway or hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views of Seto Inland Sea.
Access the ropeway from the base.
JPY1800, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back down on the ropeway and take the ferry back to Hiroshima.
Short walk back to the ferry terminal.
JPY2000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

Enjoy a hearty meal at Nagataya known for its okonomiyaki.
Take a tram from the ferry terminal back towards the city.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 10: Osaka’s Vibrance

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Osaka Station.
Board at Hiroshima Station.
JPY5500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Osaka Castle

Explore the stunning Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
Take the subway from Osaka Station to Osaka Business Park Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy a street food feast at the Dotonbori district famous for takoyaki and street vendors.
Take the subway from the castle.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kuromon Market

Wander through Kuromon Ichiba Market, sampling local delights and street dishes.
Short walk from Dotonbori.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Umeda Sky Building

Go to Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of Osaka during sunset.
Take the subway to Umeda Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Indulge in a delicious meal of kushikatsu at Daruma.
Short walk from Umeda.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 11: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Start your day at one of the world's largest aquariums featuring marine life from the Pacific Rim.
Take the subway to Osakako Station.
JPY2500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tempozan Market

Grab lunch at Tempozan Marketplace, sampling various local foods.
Walking distance from the aquarium.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Osaka Mint Bureau

Visit the beautiful cherry blossoms at Osaka Mint, especially in spring.
Take a subway from Osakako to Tenmabashi Station.
JPY0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore one of Japan's oldest shrines, with beautiful gardens and unique architecture.
Take a train from Tenmabashi Station to Sumiyoshi Taisha.
JPY200, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Osaka

Conclude the exploration with a sumptuous meal at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, savoring quality wagyu beef.
Return to the city center via train.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo Station and prepare for your departure.
Board at Osaka Station.
JPY15000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Tokyo

Grab a final sushi lunch at Midori Sushi at Shinbashi Station.
Walking distance from Tokyo Station.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping in Ginza

Spend the afternoon shopping at Ginza, known for its high-end boutiques and department stores.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Ginza Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Final Dinner in Tokyo

End your adventure with a fine kaiseki dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro, a culinary experience.
Walking distance from Ginza.
JPY30000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Departure from Tokyo

Head to the airport for your onward journey, cherishing the memories made in Japan.
Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to Narita or Haneda Airport.
JPY3000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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