14-Day Comprehensive Japan Itinerary: Exploring Culture, Nature, and Food

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on April 20, 2025

15:45

Arrive at Narita International Airport

Begin your adventure in Japan. After landing, you will be transported to your hotel in Tokyo for check-in.
0, 2 hours

18:00

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Experience some of the best tonkotsu ramen in a unique setting where you can enjoy your meal in privacy.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

19:30

Explore Shibuya Crossing

Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, and see the Hachiko Statue.
0, 1 hour

20:30

Stroll in Shinjuku

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku, including the myriad of bars and traditional izakayas.
0, 2 hours

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on April 21, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy a diverse array of fresh seafood and local delicacies at this famous market.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

09:30

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple located in Asakusa and experience its rich history and culture.
0, 1 hour

11:00

Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center

Get a panoramic view of the area from this observatory and learn about local attractions.
JPY 0, 30 minutes

12:00

Lunch at Suke6 Diner

Savor hearty Japanese and Western-style comfort food in this trendy diner.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

13:30

Ueno Park Visit

Enjoy a peaceful walk in Tokyo's largest park, featuring museums and a zoo.
JPY 0, 2 hours

15:30

Tokyo National Museum

Discover Japan’s historical relics and art collections at this renowned museum.
JPY 620, 2 hours

17:30

Take a River Cruise

Relax and enjoy views of the city from the water with a scenic river cruise.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

19:00

Dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Indulge in a unique experience of gyukatsu (breaded and fried beef cutlet) served with various dipping sauces.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Day Trip to Kamakura

Kamakura, Japan on April 22, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a traditional Japanese breakfast, including grilled fish, rice, and miso soup for energy.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

09:00

Travel to Kamakura

Take the train to the coastal town of Kamakura, known for its historical temples and scenic beauty.
JPY 920, 1 hour

10:30

Visit Great Buddha

Marvel at the iconic Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in, an impressive symbol of Japan.
JPY 300, 1 hour

11:30

Hiking to Hase-dera Temple

Enjoy a scenic hike to Hase-dera, known for its beautiful gardens and views of the ocean.
JPY 0, 2 hours

13:30

Lunch at Café Kamakura

Dine at this local favorite café, offering delicious coffee and light meals using fresh ingredients.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

15:00

Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Explore this significant Shinto shrine and walk through its beautiful grounds and paths.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

16:30

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo to rest and prepare for dinner.
JPY 920, 1 hour

18:00

Dinner at Nakiryu

Savor a Michelin-star ramen experience known for its rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on April 23, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a variety of Japanese dishes to kickstart your day.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

09:00

Travel to Hakone

Journey to the mountainous area of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs and stunning views.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

10:30

Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore a unique fusion of nature and art, featuring numerous sculptures and pieces showcased outdoors.
JPY 1,600, 2 hours

12:30

Lunch at Ubudo

Relish traditional kaiseki lunch, a multi-course meal that highlights seasonal ingredients.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

14:00

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind in a traditional Japanese onsen and enjoy the natural hot springs for a relaxing experience.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

16:00

Explore Lake Ashi

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi with scenic views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

17:30

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo after an enchanting day in Hakone.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

19:30

Dinner at Sushi Saito

If possible, indulge in a omakase sushi experience at one of the finest sushi restaurants in the world.
JPY 30,000, 2 hours

Day 5: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on April 24, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a breakfast of fluffy pancakes and fresh fruits to start your day.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

09:00

Travel to Osaka

Catch a shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka, known for its vibrant culture and delicious food.
JPY 14,000, 3 hours

12:30

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into Osaka's street food scene with famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki along this lively district.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

14:00

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the grand Osaka Castle, offering panoramic views from the top and beautiful gardens.
JPY 600, 2 hours

16:30

Explore Kuromon Market

Wander through this bustling market filled with fresh seafood, produce, and local delicacies.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

18:00

Dinner at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M

Enjoy a premium yakiniku experience with delicious marbled beef cooked to perfection.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

Day 6: Kyoto Adventure

Kyoto, Japan on April 25, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast with grilled fish and pickled vegetables.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

09:00

Travel to Kyoto

A short train ride to Kyoto, famous for its historical temples and beautiful landscapes.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

10:00

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Witness the breathtaking sight of the Golden Pavilion and its serene gardens.
JPY 400, 1 hour

11:30

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through this enchanting bamboo forest and capture stunning photos.
JPY 0, 1 hour

12:30

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Taste delicious soba noodles with views of the river in this traditional eatery.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

14:00

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and architecture.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

16:00

Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour

Wander through the thousands of iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
JPY 0, 2 hours

18:30

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, in the historic Gion district.
JPY 5,500, 2 hours

Day 7: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 26, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a healthy breakfast of rice, grilled fish, and miso soup.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

09:30

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at its historic architecture and gardens.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

11:00

Kinkaku-ji

Revisit the Golden Pavilion for a different perspective or relax in its gardens.
0, 1 hour

12:30

Lunch at Hanamikoji

Enjoy contemporary Japanese cuisine in the traditional Gion district.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

14:00

Walk along Philosopher's Path

Enjoy a tranquil walk along this historic canal lined with cherry blossom trees, especially beautiful in spring.
0, 2 hours

16:30

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Experience this historic temple with beautiful views of Kyoto from its wooden stage.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

18:30

Dinner at Season's Prime

Relish seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, showcasing Kyoto's culinary excellence.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

Day 8: Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hiroshima, Japan on April 27, 2025

07:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast featuring local specialties to prepare for the day.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

08:15

Travel to Hiroshima

Catch an early shinkansen to Hiroshima, site of the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park.
JPY 14,000, 2 hours

10:30

Visit Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history at this somber but beautiful memorial park dedicated to peace.
0, 1.5 hours

12:00

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with noodles and toppings.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

13:30

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Take a short ferry ride to the picturesque Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii gate.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

14:30

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Experience the stunning shrine and its famous floating torii gate, a symbol of Japan.
JPY 300, 1 hour

15:30

Explore Mount Misen

Take a hike to the top for breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY 0, 2 hours

18:00

Return to Hiroshima and Dinner

After exploring Miyajima, return to Hiroshima for a delicious dinner of seafood bowls at Donburiya.
JPY 1,600, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on April 28, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a tasty breakfast of rice, miso soup, and pickles to energize for the day ahead.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

09:00

Travel to Nara

Take the train to Nara, the first capital of Japan, known for its historic sites and friendly deer.
JPY 1,400, 1 hour

10:30

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the Great Buddha statue, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:00

Lunch at Naramachi Kintetsu

Savor traditional Japanese cuisine in the charming old town area.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

13:30

Nara Park

Walk through Nara Park, where you can see and feed the adorable free-roaming deer.
JPY 0, 1 hour

14:30

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Admire the beautiful lanterns and historic architecture of this Shinto shrine.
JPY 500, 1 hour

16:00

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto after a satisfying day in Nara.
JPY 1,400, 1 hour

17:30

Dinner at Izakaya Maruhachi

Enjoy casual dining with a variety of yakitori and local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

Day 10: Kanazawa Journey

Kanazawa, Japan on April 29, 2025

07:30

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a healthy start with a breakfast of rice, fish, and miso soup.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

08:30

Travel to Kanazawa

Catch the train to Kanazawa, famous for its tea houses and traditional arts.
JPY 5,500, 2.5 hours

11:00

Visit Kenroku-en Garden

Explore one of Japan's top three gardens, known for its beautiful seasonal scenery.
JPY 310, 1.5 hours

12:30

Lunch at Omicho Market

Sample diverse seafood dishes at this bustling market, a true foodie's paradise.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

14:00

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Discover the history and architecture of this historic castle and its picturesque gardens.
JPY 410, 1.5 hours

15:30

Explore Higashi Chaya District

Walk through this charming geisha district filled with traditional tea houses and shops.
0, 1.5 hours

17:00

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto to unwind after your adventures.
JPY 5,500, 2.5 hours

19:30

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Delight in another exquisite kaiseki experience in the historic Gion area.
JPY 5,500, 2 hours

Day 11: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on April 30, 2025

08:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Finish your journey with a classic Japanese breakfast to prepare for departure.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

09:00

Travel to Tokyo

Take the shinkansen back to Tokyo for the last day of your adventure.
JPY 14,000, 3 hours

12:00

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the vibrant world of anime, manga and gaming in this iconic district.
0, 2 hours

14:00

Lunch at Yoshinoya

Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal of gyudon (beef bowl) at this fast food chain.
JPY 700, 1 hour

15:30

Last-minute Shopping in Shibuya

Visit Shibuya for some last-minute souvenirs and shopping in the bustling district.
0, 1.5 hours

17:00

Head to Narita Airport

Make your way to the airport for your return flight and reflect on a fantastic trip.
0, 1.5 hours