14 Day itinerary toJapan
Local travel distance per day in km.
Day 1
Narita International AirportâžžTokyo
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 70 km
Morning

- Explore the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and purchase local goods.
- Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the oldest temple in Tokyo.
- Take a leisurely walk along the Sumida River and take in views of the Tokyo Skytree.
Afternoon

- Discover the fascinating world of art at teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum in Odaiba.
- Stroll through Shibuya and witness the famous Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the world's busiest pedestrian crossing.
- Enjoy shopping and street food at the Harajuku Takeshita Street, known for its quirky fashion.
- Visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by a forest oasis.
Evening

- Savor a ramen dinner at Ichiran in Shinjuku, famous for individually tailored ramen bowls.
- End the evening in the observation deck of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a stunning night view of Tokyo.
Accomodation

- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, conveniently located near major attractions.
Day 2
TokyoâžžYokohama
Travel time: 0.5 hr| Travel distance: 30 km
Morning

- Head to Yokohama and start at the Cup Noodles Museum to learn about the history of instant noodles and create your personalized cup noodles.
- Walk around the picturesque Yamashita Park, offering beautiful views of Yokohama Bay Bridge.
- Explore the Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, with colorful gates and shops.
Afternoon

- Visit the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a historical building now hosting shops, cafes, and art exhibitions.
- Explore the Orbi Yokohama, a museum offering virtual wildlife experiences, very engaging for children.
- Stroll through Sankeien Garden, a spacious traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings.
- Take a peaceful boat ride in the Minato Mirai area, the urban and cultural heart of Yokohama.
Evening

- Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local izakaya in the Minato Mirai area.
- Admire the beautifully illuminated Cosmo Clock 21, a large ferris wheel in Yokohama Cosmo World.
Accomodation

- InterContinental Yokohama Grand, offering views of the bay.
Day 3
YokohamaâžžKamakura
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 20 km
Morning

- Arrive in Kamakura and start your day at the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a majestic bronze statue dating back to the 13th century.
- Explore Hase-dera Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and view of the sea.
- Walk through Komachi Street, filled with boutique shops selling crafts and street food.
Afternoon

- Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Discover the Zeniarai Benten Shrine, where you can wash money in sacred water to multiply it.
- Explore Enoshima Island, connected by bridge, featuring beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
- Enjoy the local beach vibes at Yuigahama Beach, perfect for a family picnic.
Evening

- Have dinner at a local restaurant in Kamakura, focusing on fresh seafood.
- Take a peaceful evening stroll along the beach to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Accomodation

- Kamakura Prince Hotel, offering views of the ocean.
Day 4
KamakuraâžžHakone
Travel time: 1.5 hr| Travel distance: 65 km
Morning

- Travel to Hakone, starting with the Open-Air Museum, which features sculptures in a magnificent natural setting.
- Relax in an onsen (hot spring) with views of Mt. Fuji.
- Ride the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of the volcanic area, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi.
Afternoon

- Take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi for views of Mt. Fuji from a different perspective.
- Visit Hakone Shrine, a beautiful lakeside shrine nestled in the forest.
- Enjoy a traditional lunch of soba noodles in a local eatery.
- Explore the Hakone Glass Museum, with its extensive collection of Venetian glass art.
Evening

- Have a relaxing dinner at your ryokan, the traditional Japanese inn.
- End your day with a soak in the onsen, perfect for unwinding.
Accomodation

- Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tenseien, known for its onsen facilities.
Day 5
HakoneâžžNagoya
Travel time: 2.5 hr| Travel distance: 220 km
Morning

- Travel to Nagoya via Shinkansen and start your day at Nagoya Castle, a beautifully reconstructed castle with interactive exhibits.
- Visit the Tokugawa Art Museum, home to treasures of the Tokugawa family, including samurai swords and tea ceremony utensils.
- Stroll through the peaceful gardens of the Tokugawaen adjacent to the museum.
Afternoon

- Head to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, a train museum where you can learn about Japanese rail advances.
- Explore Osu Shopping Street, famous for electronics, vintage clothing shops, and food stalls.
- Try Nagoya's specialty dish, hitsumabushi, grilled eel served over rice.
- Visit the Nagoya City Science Museum, featuring a massive globe-like planetarium.
Evening

- Enjoy a hearty dinner at a local izakaya in the Sakae area.
- Explore the nightlife in Sakae, the vibrant entertainment district.
Accomodation

- Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, centrally located at Nagoya Station.
Day 6
NagoyaâžžKyoto
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 130 km
Morning

- Arrive in Kyoto and start your day at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), celebrated for its stunning gold leaf exterior.
- Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoy the scenic paths.
- Experience the traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse.
Afternoon

- Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens and historical architecture.
- Explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace within the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
- Discover the quaint streets of Gion, famous for geisha culture.
- Enjoy lunch at Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen', offering local delights.
Evening

- Dine at a traditional kaiseki restaurant, experiencing Kyoto's multi-course cuisine.
- Catch an evening performance of a traditional Japanese dance or music show in Gion.
Accomodation

- Hotel Granvia Kyoto, situated at Kyoto Station for easy travel access.
Day 7
KyotoâžžOsaka
Travel time: 0.5 hr| Travel distance: 56 km
Morning

- Depart for Osaka and visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest in the world, featuring diverse marine life.
- Explore the lively streets of Dotonbori, famous for neon lights and street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Visit Osaka Castle, showcasing history with a beautiful garden setting.
Afternoon

- Spend an afternoon at Universal Studios Japan, a theme park with attractions for the entire family.
- Visit the Osaka Museum of History for a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
- Try authentic Japanese cuisine at Kuromon Ichiba Market.
- Enjoy a walk along the Nakanoshima Rose Garden for some relaxation.
Evening

- Delight in Osaka's vibrant street food culture at a local dining alley.
- Experience the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory for a panoramic view of the city at night.
Accomodation

- Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu, located conveniently near major sights.
Day 8
OsakaâžžNara
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 40 km
Morning

- Travel to Nara and begin at Nara Park, famous for free-roaming deer and its serene landscape.
- Visit Todai-ji Temple, housing a giant Buddha statue and rich history.
- Explore Isuien Garden, a beautiful landscape garden known for its scenic beauty.
Afternoon

- Discover the Kasuga-taisha Shrine, renowned for its bronze lanterns.
- Visit the Nara National Museum, featuring Buddhist art and cultural artifacts.
- Stroll along the Naramachi district, known for its traditional wooden townhouses.
- Enjoy lunch at a local eatery serving traditional Japanese fare.
Evening

- Have dinner in a historic building repurposed as a restaurant in Naramachi.
- Relax in a peaceful onsen to unwind from the day's activities.
Accomodation

- Hotel Nikko Nara, conveniently located near Nara Station.
Day 9
NaraâžžOkayama
Travel time: 2 hr| Travel distance: 160 km
Morning

- Travel to Okayama via Shinkansen and visit the Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, representing the power and elegance of ancient times.
- Visit Okayama Castle, known as 'Crow Castle' for its black exterior.
- Explore the Handayama Botanical Garden, famous for its vast array of plant species.
Afternoon

- Enjoy art at the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, featuring works by local and national artists.
- Tour the Hayashibara Museum of Art, renowned for its samurai artifacts and marvelous swords.
- Visit the neighboring city of Kurashiki and explore the Bikan Historical Quarter, known for its preserved historic buildings.
- Stroll along the canal in Kurashiki, famous for its scenic beauty and classic architecture.
Evening

- Have a casual dinner in the vibrant downtown of Okayama, enjoying local specialties.
- Stroll through the lively shopping arcade at night for some leisurely retail therapy.
Accomodation

- Hotel Granvia Okayama, centrally located for easy access to tourist spots.
Day 10
OkayamaâžžHiroshima
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 160 km
Morning

- Travel to Hiroshima via Shinkansen and start with a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a sobering yet essential experience commemorating the 1945 atomic bombing.
- View the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing peace.
- Explore Shukkeien Garden, a historic Japanese garden.
Afternoon

- Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its 'floating' torii gate.
- Hike to the top of Mount Misen for stunning views of the sea and island.
- Browse through local craft stores on Miyajima, renowned for its woodwork and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes).
- Enjoy traditional okonomiyaki for lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening

- Have dinner in Hiroshima at an izakaya, where you can try local seafood dishes.
- Return to Miyajima for a peaceful walk along the beach and enjoy the evening lights on the torii gate.
Accomodation

- Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, near Hiroshima Station for easy access.
Day 11
HiroshimaâžžMatsuyama
Travel time: 3 hr| Travel distance: 155 km
Morning

- Travel to Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, and first visit the Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve original castles, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Walk through Ninomaru Historical Garden, which offers insight into the castle's feudal past with seasonal flora.
- Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, and enjoy a bath.
Afternoon

- Explore the Ishite-ji Temple, part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and delve into its history and unique architecture.
- Visit the Shiki Memorial Museum, dedicated to Masaoka Shiki, a famous haiku poet from Matsuyama.
- Take a stroll through the lively Dogo shopping arcade and try local snacks and delicacies.
- Enjoy a typical Setouchi bowl for lunch, full of flavor from the Seto Inland Sea.
Evening

- Dine at a local restaurant, savoring seasonal produce and seafood.
- Watch the evening illumination at Dogo Onsen, which creates an enchanting atmosphere.
Accomodation

- Dogo-kan, a traditional ryokan near Dogo Onsen offering comfortable accommodations.
Day 12
MatsuyamaâžžTakamatsu
Travel time: 2 hr| Travel distance: 150 km
Morning

- Travel to Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, and visit Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful and largest traditional promenades gardens.
- Visit the Takamatsu Castle Site, where you can enjoy a pleasant walk around the castle ruins and view the Seto Inland Sea.
- Explore the Kagawa Museum, offering insights into the region's history and culture.
Afternoon

- Take the ferry to Naoshima Island, known as Japan’s art island, and visit the Chichu Art Museum featuring works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.
- Visit the Benesse House Museum, blending contemporary art with nature.
- Discover Art House Project, where artists have transformed empty houses into art installations.
- Try Sanuki udon, a regional specialty, for lunch on Naoshima.
Evening

- Return to Takamatsu for dinner and enjoy various seafood delicacies in a local restaurant.
- Stroll along the city’s vibrant waterfront area enjoying the evening lights.
Accomodation

- JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu, with convenient access to Takamatsu Station.
Day 13
TakamatsuâžžTottori
Travel time: 4 hr| Travel distance: 230 km
Morning

- Travel to Tottori from Takamatsu and visit the Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's largest sand dunes, offering camel rides and sandboarding.
- Experience the Sand Museum, featuring amazing sand sculptures created by artists from around the world.
- Visit Karoichi Fish Market to see a variety of fresh seafood and enjoy a sushi breakfast.
Afternoon

- Explore the Tottori Castle Ruins for a peek into the past with its remaining walls and spectacular views.
- Hike up Mount Daisen, often called 'mini-Fuji' for its profile, offering lush hiking trails.
- Visit the Tottori Flower Park, a vast area with seasonal blooms and garden displays.
- Enjoy a lunch made with fresh mountain vegetables and regional flavors.
Evening

- Have a hearty dinner in a local izakaya, enjoying Tottori’s unique beef dishes.
- Relax at Misasa Onsen famous for its radon-rich springs, reputed for their health benefits.
Accomodation

- Tottori Washington Hotel Plaza, centrally located and comfortable.
Day 14
TottoriâžžOsaka Kansai International Airport
Travel time: 3.5 hr| Travel distance: 190 km
Morning

- For your final day, relax at Yonago Waterbirds Sanctuary, famous for its migratory bird populations and scenic beauty.
- Shop for last-minute souvenirs at Aeon Mall Tottori Higashi, featuring a wide array of local craft and specialty stores.
- Visit the Tottori Museum of Art to appreciate local and contemporary art exhibitions.
Afternoon

- Depart for Osaka for your return flight, ensuring to revisit any of your favorite places in Osaka such as Dotonbori or Osaka Castle if time allows.
- Enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional restaurant at the airport before departure.
- Reflect on the diverse experiences and memories created throughout the trip.
Evening

- Conclude the trip as you check in for your flight back home.
- Reflect on the diverse experiences and memories created throughout the trip.
Accomodation

- Not needed on the final day as the day concludes with travel back home.
In late August to early September, Japan is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). In some regions, there is a chance of rainfall due to the tail end of the rainy season.
August is a busy time due to summer vacations, especially with children returning to school in September. Expect crowds in popular tourist attractions. The trip avoids the main Obon holiday in Japan.
- This itinerary is designed to provide a balanced travel experience that caters to various interests, including adventure, culture, art, nature, and relaxation.
- The use of public transport is recommended as Japan has an efficient rail network, and it minimizes the environmental impact.
- Tickets for popular museums and attractions such as teamLab Borderless and Universal Studios Japan should be booked in advance to avoid long queues and ensure availability.
- Participation in onsen (hot spring) requires adherence to local customs, including bathing naked and thoroughly washing before entering.
- The trip includes multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, providing rich cultural and historical insights.
Showing forecasted weather for the upcoming 16 days in Japan.