15-Day Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Explore Iconic Cities, Historical Sites, Mountains, Museums, and Adventure

Day 1: Tokyo City Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 18, 2025

9:00am

Meiji Shrine

Start your Japan trip at Meiji Shrine, a grand Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest in central Tokyo, providing tranquility amidst the bustling city.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Harajuku Shopping and Takeshita Street

Explore Takeshita Street, famous for youthful fashion and quirky shops, a great place for unique souvenirs and street culture.
JPY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Tokyo National Museum

Visit the Tokyo National Museum to see Japan’s finest collection of art, artifacts, and cultural treasures. Open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY620, 2h

4:00pm

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore Asakusa’s historic district and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, stunning at sunset. The Nakamise shopping street nearby is perfect for snacks and souvenirs.
JPY0, 2h

7:30pm

Tokyo Tower Night View

End your day with panoramic night views of Tokyo from Tokyo Tower. The observation deck is open until 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko

Kawaguchiko, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Travel Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

Take a highway bus from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy scenic mountain landscapes on this route.
JPY2070, 2h

10:30am

Lake Kawaguchi & Sightseeing Cruise

Relax on a boat cruise at Lake Kawaguchi with iconic views of Mount Fuji and surrounding nature.
JPY1200, 1h

1:00pm

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Explore this European-style museum centered around antique music boxes and automated instruments. Open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Ride the ropeway to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the volcanic valley below.
JPY800, 1h

6:00pm

Onsen Hot Spring Bath

Relax at a local onsen with views of Mount Fuji. Many onsen facilities are open till late evening.
JPY1000-2000, 2h
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Day 3: Hakone Adventure and Culture

Hakone, Japan on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Travel Kawaguchiko to Hakone

Take a bus or train towards Hakone area (approx. 2 hours), a renowned hot spring and scenic mountain destination.
JPY2000, 2h

11:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum featuring beautiful sculptures set amid nature. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

2:00pm

Owakudani Valley

Explore Owakudani’s volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and try the famous black eggs boiled in volcanic springs.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji visible on clear days.
JPY1000, 1h

6:00pm

Hakone Shrine Visit

Visit Hakone Shrine nestled by the lake with atmospheric torii gates.
JPY0, 45m

8:00pm

Onsen Stay Experience

Stay overnight in a ryokan with onsen baths to fully enjoy Japanese hot spring culture.
Varies, Overnight
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Day 4: Kyoto Cultural Heritage

Kyoto, Japan on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Travel Hakone to Kyoto

Take Shinkansen bullet train from Odawara Station near Hakone to Kyoto (approx. 2h30m).
JPY13000, 2h30m

11:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with thousands of torii gates creating iconic pathways up the mountain. Open all day.
JPY0, 2h

2:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple renowned for its wooden stage overlooking cherry and maple trees below.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Gion District Walk

Wander through Gion to spot traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly geisha sightings. Ideal at sunset.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Night Visit to Yasaka Shrine

Visit Yasaka Shrine beautifully lit up at night, a peaceful end to your day in Kyoto.
JPY0, 45m
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Shopping

Kyoto, Japan on June 22, 2025

9:00am

Nijo Castle

Tour Nijo Castle, historic residence with beautiful gardens and the renowned nightingale floors. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:00am

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Walk through the majestic Kyoto Imperial Palace park and gardens, former residence of the Imperial family.
JPY0, 1h

1:00pm

Nishiki Market Shopping

Explore Nishiki Market, the 'Kitchen of Kyoto' offering fresh local foods, crafts, and souvenirs.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees and visit nearby temples like Honen-in.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Pontocho Alley Evening Walk

Discover dining and nightlife options in historic Pontocho Alley with narrow lanes and traditional ambiance.
JPY0, 2h
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Day 6: Nara Historical Day

Nara, Japan on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Nara

Take train from Kyoto to Nara (approx. 45 minutes).
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Todai-ji Temple & Daibutsu

Visit Todai-ji to view the giant Buddha statue, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan's iconic cultural treasure.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park

Explore Nara Park with free-roaming sacred deer, a symbol of the city’s harmonious nature.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its lantern festivals and ancient religious significance.
JPY500, 1h

2:00pm

Nara National Museum

Explore Buddhist art and artifacts at the Nara National Museum open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY520, 1h

5:00pm

Evening stroll in Naramachi

Walk in the historic Naramachi district with traditional merchant houses and quaint shops.
JPY0, 1h30m
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Day 7: Osaka Urban Highlights

Osaka, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Travel Nara to Osaka

Short train ride from Nara to Osaka (approx. 45 minutes).
JPY560, 45m

9:00am

Osaka Castle

Explore Osaka Castle grounds and its museum providing historical insights. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the world’s largest public aquariums, featuring diverse marine life. Open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2h

2:00pm

Dotonbori Shopping and Entertainment

Experience vibrant Dotonbori area known for bright neon lights, street food, and shopping.
JPY0, 2h

6:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Night View

Head to Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden observatory for panoramic night views of Osaka city. Open till 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 8: Kobe Scenic and Urban

Kobe, Japan on June 25, 2025

9:00am

Travel Osaka to Kobe

Short train ride from Osaka to Kobe (approx. 30 minutes).
JPY410, 30m

10:00am

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Ride the ropeway up to the herb gardens with spectacular city and sea views. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY1200, 2h

1:00pm

Kobe Harborland and Meriken Park

Explore the waterfront parks and shopping areas with views of the iconic Kobe Port Tower.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Ikuta Shrine

Visit Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, providing cultural insight and tranquility.
JPY0, 45m

6:30pm

Mount Rokko Night View

Take the cable car to Mount Rokko for one of Japan’s top nighttime panoramic city views. Open until late evening.
JPY1900, 2h
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Day 9: Hiroshima History & Peace

Hiroshima, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kobe to Hiroshima

Take Shinkansen from Kobe to Hiroshima (approx. 1h40m).
JPY10000, 1h40m

10:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum to learn about the atomic bombing and peace efforts.
JPY200, 2h

1:00pm

Atomic Bomb Dome

See the iconic ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
JPY0, 30m

2:00pm

Shukkeien Garden

Stroll in the historic Shukkeien Garden, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden near the city center.
JPY260, 1h

4:00pm

Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and its informative museum. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY370, 1h15m
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Day 10: Miyajima Island Adventure

Miyajima, Japan on June 27, 2025

9:00am

Travel Hiroshima to Miyajima Island

Take ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island (approx. 30 minutes).
JPY180, 30m

10:00am

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit Itsukushima Shrine famous for its floating torii gate. The shrine is open all day.
JPY300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Mount Misen Hiking

Hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen for spectacular views over the Seto Inland Sea. Ropeway open until 5:00pm.
JPY2000, 3h

4:00pm

Miyajima Aquarium and Shopping Street

Visit Miyajima Aquarium or explore Omotesando shopping street for local crafts and treats.
JPY1400, 1h30m
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Day 11: Kanazawa Traditional Arts

Kanazawa, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Travel Hiroshima to Kanazawa

Take Shinkansen and Limited Express train to Kanazawa (approx. 4h).
JPY14000, 4h

12:30pm

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s top three gardens, renowned for landscaping, ponds, and flowers. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY320, 1h30m

2:30pm

Kanazawa Castle Park

Explore Kanazawa Castle grounds adjacent to Kenrokuen. Stunning in all seasons.
JPY0, 1h

4:00pm

Nagamachi Samurai District

Stroll through Nagamachi, preserved samurai residences with earthen walls and narrow paths.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Omicho Market Visit

Visit Kanazawa’s lively seafood market, perfect for evening exploration.
JPY0, 1h
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Day 12: Takayama Old Town

Takayama, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kanazawa to Takayama

Take Limited Express train through scenic mountain routes (approx. 2h30m).
JPY4500, 2h30m

11:00am

Takayama Old Town

Walk through beautifully preserved old town streets, traditional merchant houses, and shops.
JPY0, 2h

1:00pm

Takayama Jinya

Visit Takayama Jinya, a historic government house from the Edo period. Open 8:45am to 5:30pm.
JPY430, 1h

3:00pm

Hida Folk Village

Explore the open-air museum featuring traditional farmhouses showcasing regional culture. Open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY700, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Stroll at Miyagawa Morning Market

Visit the market in the evening for local crafts and snacks.
JPY0, 1h
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Day 13: Matsumoto History and Art

Matsumoto, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Travel Takayama to Matsumoto

Train journey through the Japanese Alps (approx. 2h30m).
JPY3500, 2h30m

11:00am

Matsumoto Castle

Visit one of Japan's premier historic castles, famed for black exterior and dramatic architecture. Open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY700, 1h30m

1:00pm

Nakamachi Street

Explore historic merchant street with Edo-period buildings, shops, and cafes.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

See works by noted artists including Yayoi Kusama and local art exhibits. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Evening walk along Metoba River

Enjoy peaceful walk alongside the river lined with cherry and willow trees.
JPY0, 1h
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Day 14: Nagano Temples & Mountains

Nagano, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel Matsumoto to Nagano

Train journey approximately 1h30m.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Zenko-ji Temple

Visit Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. Open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Togakushi Shrine

Travel to Togakushi for ancient shrines set in cedar forests. A great place for light hiking and spiritual atmosphere.
JPY0, 3h

4:00pm

Snow Monkey Park Visit

Optional late afternoon visit to Jigokudani to see wild snow monkeys in hot springs (check seasonal access).
JPY800, 2h
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Day 15: Return to Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Travel Nagano to Tokyo

Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo, approx. 1h30m.
JPY8500, 1h30m

10:00am

Ginza Shopping District

Explore upscale shopping, flagship stores, and modern architecture in Ginza.
JPY0, 2h

1:00pm

Imperial Palace Outer Gardens

Stroll the beautifully maintained outer gardens of the Imperial Palace for a relaxing city nature experience.
JPY0, 1h

3:00pm

Odaiba Visit

Head to Odaiba waterfront for entertainment complexes, museums, and stunning Rainbow Bridge views at sunset.
JPY500, 3h

7:00pm

Tokyo Night Walk Shibuya

Conclude your trip with a night walk in the iconic Shibuya Crossing area, buzzing nightlife and neon city vibes.
JPY0, 2h
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