12 Days of Adventure and Relaxation in Japan: Nature and Rail Journey

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Tsukiji Outer Market

Begin your adventure by sampling fresh sushi and street food at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market.
Take a subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY3000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Savor a delicious bowl of ramen at Ichiran, famous for its rich tonkotsu broth.
Walk or take a short taxi ride.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Explore the beauty of landscaped gardens blending Japanese, English, and French styles.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station, then a short walk.
JPY500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observatory decks of this iconic skyscraper.
Walk from Shinjuku Gyoen.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Zauo

Experience unique dining where you actually fish for your meal in a boat.
Short taxi ride from the observatory.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then transfer to a local train to Nikko.
Duration: 2 hours
Included in JR Pass, 2 hours

9:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Admire the ornate architecture and intricate carvings at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
A 15-minute walk from the station.
JPY1300, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Yuba Restaurant

Try Nikko's famous Yuba (tofu skin) dishes for a local delicacy.
Short walk from Toshogu Shrine.
JPY2000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Kegon Falls

Marvel at the stunning 97-meter waterfall, one of Japan's most beautiful natural sites.
Take a bus from Nikko Station.
JPY550, 2 hours

3:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo via the same route as your morning journey.
Duration: 2 hours
Included in JR Pass, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Indulge in a variety of izakaya dishes at the restaurant made famous by Quentin Tarantino’s 'Kill Bill'.
Take subway to Nishi-Azabu.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Relaxation in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto Station.
Direct train, duration 1.5 hours.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore beautiful sculptures set against panoramic views of Mt. Hakone.
Take a local bus from Hakone Yumoto.
JPY1600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Hakone Museum of Art Café

Enjoy a light meal with views of the surrounding gardens.
Walk from the museum.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Take the Hakone Ropeway

Soar over the volcanic landscape to Owakudani, famous for its hot springs and black eggs.
Catch the ropeway from the station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Owakudani Valley

Enjoy views of the active volcanic area and taste the famous black eggs.
Short walk from the ropeway station.
JPY500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check-in at Ryokan

Unwind in a traditional ryokan with a hot spring bath.
Taxi or local bus from Owakudani.
JPY15000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Indulge in a multi-course kaiseki dinner, showcasing seasonal and local ingredients.
Enjoy your meal at the ryokan.
Included in accommodation, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station.
Direct train, duration 2 hours.
Included in JR Pass, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the iconic golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take a bus from Kyoto Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Musashi Sushi

Experience sushi on a conveyor belt in a casual and fun environment.
Bus back to central Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the serene paths of bamboo and discover nearby temples.
Take a train to Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Togetsukyo Bridge

Relax by the river and enjoy the views while crossing the famous bridge.
Short walk from the bamboo grove.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Gion Nakarulu

Dine on traditional kyo-kaiseki dishes with a focus on seasonal local produce.
Short taxi ride to Gion.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Historical Day in Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service from Kyoto to Nara.
Duration: 1 hour.
Included in JR Pass, 1 hour

9:00AM

Nara Park

Stroll through the park, encountering freely roaming deer and the great Todai-ji Temple.
Short walk from Nara Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Witness the impressive Great Buddha and the beautiful wooden architecture.
Walk within Nara Park.
JPY600, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Edogiku

Enjoy a local dish of soba noodles in a homey atmosphere.
Short walk from Todai-ji.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Explore the beautiful shrine lined with stone lanterns, an emblem of Nara.
Walk or cycle from Nara Park.
JPY500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for the evening.
Take the JR train back.
Included in JR Pass, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nijo Castle Restaurant

Indulge in a meal based on traditional Kyoto-style cuisine, right next to the castle.
Short walk from Nijo Castle.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Urban Adventure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka.
Duration: 30 minutes.
Included in JR Pass, 0.5 hours

9:30AM

Osaka Castle

Step inside the historical castle and enjoy a beautiful park surrounding it.
Take the subway to the castle.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Feast on street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki along Dotonbori's famous canal.
Take the subway, walk to Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore this lively market, tasting fresh seafood, fruits, and snacks.
Walk from Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Shitenno-ji Temple

Visit one of Japan’s oldest temple complexes, showcasing stunning architecture.
Take the subway.
JPY300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Savor high-quality Matsusaka beef grilled to perfection.
Take the tram to the restaurant.
JPY8000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Day Trip to Himeji

Himeji, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Himeji.
Duration: 1 hour.
Included in JR Pass, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s most stunning castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Short walk from Himeji Station.
JPY1000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Ajiro

Enjoy Himeji's local dishes including delicious seafood.
Walk back to the town.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kokoen Garden

Stroll through beautiful gardens with ponds and traditional landscaping.
Adjacent to Himeji Castle.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the City

Take time to wander along the charming streets of Himeji.
Short walk from Kokoen Garden.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka in the early evening.
Take the Shinkansen.
Included in JR Pass, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Taste Osaka's famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in a lively atmosphere.
Take subway to the restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Historical Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
Duration: 1 hour.
Included in JR Pass, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay respects and learn about the history of the atomic bombing.
Short walk from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Gain a deeper understanding of the events and impact of the bombing.
Walk from the park.
JPY200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this unique food theme park.
Walk to the nearby food street.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Shukkeien Garden

Relax in this traditional Japanese garden filled with ponds and tea houses.
Short taxi ride.
JPY260, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Tour the reconstructed castle and enjoy views from its top floor.
Short taxi ride.
JPY370, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Shukkeien Tea House

Experience a calm atmosphere with matcha and traditional Kyoto sweets.
Taxi back to the garden.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Island Excursion to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take a ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island.
Duration: 30 minutes.
JPY1800, 0.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Admire the famous floating torii gate at this picturesque shrine.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Mount Misen

Take a hike up Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Take the ropeway followed by a hiking segment.
JPY1000, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Yamaguchi

Enjoy local seafood dishes while soaking in the stunning views.
Back to the town area.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Daisho-in Temple

Wander through this peaceful temple complex nestled in the forest.
Walk from the town area, following signs.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Take the ferry back to Hiroshima for the evening.
Return ferry ride.
JPY1800, 0.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nagataya

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner before resting.
Walking distance from the ferry terminal.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Mountain Retreat in Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Matsumoto

Take the limited express train from Hiroshima to Matsumoto.
Transfer at Nagoya; duration: 3.5 hours total.
JPY10000, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

Matsumoto Castle

Explore one of Japan's most beautiful and historic castles.
Short taxi ride from Matsumoto Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nakamachi Street

Enjoy soba noodles or local specialties in a charming area.
Walk from the castle vicinity.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Nakamachi Street Walking Tour

Wander around traditional wooden buildings and small shops.
Free walking tour options available.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Matsumoto Asama Onsen

Dine in a ryokan or onsen with thermal bath services.
Taxi or local bus from Nakamachi.
JPY7000, 2 hours
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Day 11: Experience Takayama

Takayama, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Take the train from Matsumoto to Takayama, passing through beautiful mountain scenery.
Transfer at Nagoya, duration: 2.5 hours.
JPY6000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Takayama Jinya

Explore the historical government headquarters of the Edo period.
Short walk from Takayama Station.
JPY430, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shirakawa-go

Experience local Hida beef in a scenic Japanese village.
Take the bus to Shirakawa-go.
JPY1200, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Sannomachi Street

Wander through the well-preserved traditional streets filled with crafts and foods.
Return to Takayama by bus.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Sample Local Sake

Visit Sake breweries for tastings of this famous regional drink.
Stroll around Sannomachi.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hirata

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner showcasing Takayama’s culinary delights.
Short walk from the sake breweries.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Tokyo

Take the train from Takayama to Tokyo, transferring at Nagoya.
Duration: 4.5 hours.
JPY10000, 4.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Revisit the market for any missed delicacies or souvenirs.
Take subway to Tsukiji.
JPY3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Discover Tokyo’s oldest temple and its surrounding traditional streets.
Subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Shopping in Akihabara

Dive into the world of anime, manga, and electronics in this vibrant district.
Take the subway.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro

Indulge in a world-class sushi experience at the renowned restaurant.
Short walk or taxi.
JPY30000, 2 hours
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