How many days do you need in Japan?

This itinerary covers 11 days in Japan, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Japan?

Plan your perfect 11 days trip to Japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

11-Day Ultimate Japan Adventure – Culture, Cuisine & Nature

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy a fresh sushi breakfast at one of the many stalls in the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, known for its seafood.

JPY2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, Senso-ji, located in Asakusa, and learn about its rich history.

JPY0, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa

Enjoy a delicious bowl of tempura soba at a nearby restaurant after visiting Senso-ji.

JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Immerse yourself in the mecca of otaku culture by visiting various anime and game shops in Akihabara.

JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the hustle and bustle at the renowned Shibuya Crossing, and perhaps snap a picture with the Hachiko statue.

JPY0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Indulge in a delectable bowl of tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran, known for its unique individual dining booths.

JPY1200, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a Japanese-style breakfast, including grilled fish, rice, and miso soup at a café near your accommodation.

JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

TeamLab Borderless

Experience the stunning digital art installations at TeamLab Borderless, a truly immersive and interactive experience.

JPY3200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Head to DiverCity for a quick lunch, try the delicious udon or ramen available in the food court.

JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Tokyo Tower

Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city and a chance to see nearby landmarks.

JPY1200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shop in Harajuku

Stroll through the vibrant streets of Harajuku, known for its trendy fashion boutiques and quirky stores.

JPY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Koshigoe

Savor fresh seafood dishes at Koshigoe, famed for its unique blend of Japanese flavors.

JPY3500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Take the early morning Limited Express train to Nikko, known for its beautiful shrines and natural scenery.

JPY4000, 2 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a traditional Nikko breakfast, featuring local specialties at a nearby café.

JPY1200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Discover the ornate and historically significant Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

JPY1300, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy yuba (tofu skin) dishes, a specialty in Nikko, at a quaint local restaurant.

JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji

Walk around the stunning Lake Chuzenji, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.

JPY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo on the Limited Express train after a splendid day in Nikko.

JPY4000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner in Tokyo

Dine at a local izakaya, enjoying a variety of small plates and sake.

JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 4: Hakone Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your morning with a Japanese breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead.

JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara and continue by train to Hakone, a stunning hot spring destination.

JPY3000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore this blend of nature and art, featuring sculptures and installations that showcase contemporary artworks.

JPY1600, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a quaint restaurant, trying local specialties such as black eggs.

JPY2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax in Onsen

Unwind in one of the many onsens (hot springs) in Hakone, soaking in the mineral-rich waters with views of nature.

JPY3000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Ryokan

Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner at a ryokan (inn), showcasing seasonal and local ingredients.

JPY6000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Savor a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan that invigorates you for another day.

JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Hakone to Kyoto—a journey filled with stunning landscapes.

JPY11000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market and grab a variety of street food, including takoyaki and matcha sweets.

JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

JPY400, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, feeling the tranquility of the towering bamboo stalks.

JPY350, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gion District

Dine at a traditional Kyoto restaurant in Gion, trying local kaiseki cuisine.

JPY5000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Exploring Kyoto More

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast in a local café, featuring pastries and a cup of matcha.

JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up Mount Inari.

JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Fushimi area

Grab a bowl of udon or soba at a local restaurant nearby.

JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera

Visit Kiyomizu-dera, the historic temple with stunning views over the city.

JPY400, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Gion District

Wander through the traditional streets of Gion, famous for its geishas and wooden machiya houses.

JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner at an izakaya, sampling various small dishes and drinks.

JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day.

JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Hop on a train to Nara, famous for its free-roaming deer and historic temples.

JPY700, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore Todai-ji, housing the Great Buddha statue and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Nara Park

Enjoy a picnic lunch in Nara Park, surrounded by friendly deer, with local specialties bought at a convenience store.

JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Nara Park and Feed Deer

Interact with the adorable deer that roam freely in Nara Park.

JPY0, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto by train, enjoying the beautiful views along the way.

JPY700, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Kyoto Station

Have dinner in the food court at Kyoto Station, offering a variety of cuisines.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Journey to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast in your hotel before heading to Hiroshima.

JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, getting ready to explore the historical city.

JPY10000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a must-visit for foodies.

JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay tribute at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a poignant reminder of the past.

JPY0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Hiroshima Castle

Visit Hiroshima Castle to learn more about the region's history and enjoy the landscaped park surrounding it.

JPY600, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

End your day with dinner at a local izakaya, trying local dishes such as grilled fish.

JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 9: Day Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Miyajima.

JPY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for the floating torii gate.

JPY1800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's most important cultural assets.

JPY300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Miyajima

Try the famous grilled oysters from a stall nearby, a delicious local treat.

JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike Mount Misen

Enjoy a thrilling hike up Mount Misen, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.

JPY0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back to Hiroshima on the ferry after an adventurous day on Miyajima.

JPY1800, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

Have a relaxed dinner in Hiroshima, trying more local dishes at a restaurant near your hotel.

JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 10: Fun in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Osaka.

JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Board a train to Osaka, a vibrant city known for its street food and entertainment.

JPY10000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historical Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, rich in history and beauty.

JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors in the lively Dotonbori area.

JPY1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Universal Studios Japan

Spend an exciting afternoon at Universal Studios Japan, enjoying rides and attractions based on famous films.

JPY8000, 5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner in Namba

Have dinner in the Namba district, trying local specialties and more from the vibrant night market.

JPY2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 11: Last Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, savoring pastries and coffee.

JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market

Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, sampling various fresh foods and local snacks.

JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Discover the beautiful Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, which showcases classical Japanese architectural styles.

JPY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Ramen Shop

Enjoy a hearty bowl of ramen as a final meal in Japan, embracing the delicious flavors.

JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs and gifts in the bustling Shinsaibashi shopping district.

JPY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure

Head back to the hotel to check out and make your way to Kansai International Airport for departure.

JPY3500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

11-Day Ultimate Japan Adventure – Culture, Cuisine & Nature

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

7:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Hakone Hot Springs

8:30AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Exploring Kyoto More

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:30PM

6:30PM

Day 8: Journey to Hiroshima

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 9: Day Trip to Miyajima

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 10: Fun in Osaka

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

8:00PM

Day 11: Last Day in Osaka

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM