Here’s our thoughtfully curated 14-day itinerary blending Japan’s iconic attractions with some lesser-known gems. The route will give you a balanced experience of Japan’s ancient traditions and modern marvels. The itinerary weaves together bustling cityscapes, tranquil temples, hands-on experiences, and picturesque landscapes, giving you a well-rounded taste of Japan’s cultural heritage and modern innovation.
We know that many people couldn’t possibly consider such a long trip all in one go, so we’ve organised it for an easy split into 2 x 7-day blocks (Part 1 & Part 2). And listing attractions the way we have, gives you the traveller, the easy option to switch things around if you have your own ideas too.
Table of Contents
- Part 1
- Day 1 – Tokyo
- Day 2 – Tokyo
- Day 3 – Hakone
- Day 4 – Kanazawa
- Day 5 – Takayama
- Day 6 – Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
- Day 7 – Kyoto
- Part 2
- Day 8 – Kyoto Hidden Gems
- Day 9 – Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
- Day 10: Himeji (Day Trip en route to Kobe)
- Day 11 – Kobe & Awaji Island
- Day 12 – Osaka
- Day 13 – Nara
- Day 14: Tokyo
Part 1
Day 1 – Tokyo
Highlights: Tokyo Skytree, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing
1. Tokyo Skytree – Head to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views and, if time allows, explore the Sumida Aquarium below.
2. Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park – A peaceful, forested shrine area, set in a vast park near Harajuku.
3. Harajuku Takeshita Street – Wander through Tokyo’s quirky fashion district.
4. Shibuya – Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing and enjoy the lively Shibuya Center-Gai. Consider a meal at a hidden gem like Nabezo Shibuya, known for its exceptional hotpot.
Day 2 – Tokyo
Highlights: TeamLab Borderless, Odaiba, Akihabara
1. TeamLab Borderless or Planets – Dive into digital art at one of these renowned exhibitions for a futuristic experience.
2. Odaiba – Take a walk through Odaiba’s man-made island. Check out the life-sized Gundam statue, futuristic architecture, and seaside views.
3. Akihabara – Explore Japan’s tech, anime, and manga mecca. Drop by retro gaming stores and maid cafés.
Day 3 – Hakone
Highlights: Onsen, Open-Air Museum, Lake Ashi
1. Onsen Experience – Stay at an onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) for an authentic Japanese experience.
2. Hakone Open-Air Museum – Wander through outdoor sculptures and admire works by Picasso and others against the scenic mountain backdrop.
3. Lake Ashi – Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, with views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Day 4 – Kanazawa
Highlights: Kenrokuen Garden, Samurai District, Higashi Chaya Gai (district)
1. Kenrokuen Garden – Explore one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, a perfect blend of art and nature.
2. Nagamachi Samurai District – Stroll through the historical samurai quarter, visiting restored samurai houses.
3. Higashi Chaya District – Explore the preserved tea houses and gold leaf shops.
Day 5 – Takayama
Highlights: Hida Folk Village, Sanmachi Suji
1. Travel to Takayama – Head to this charming town nestled in the mountains.
2. Hida Folk Village – Step back in time as you explore traditional houses, tools, and customs of rural Japan.
3. Sanmachi Suji – Wander the preserved Edo-period streets filled with sake breweries, craft shops, and restaurants.
Day 6 – Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Highlights: Traditional Gassho-zukuri Houses
1. Shirakawa-go – Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique, thatched-roof houses.
2. Gokayama – Visit this quieter, less-touristy village near Shirakawa-go, where you can engage in hands-on experiences like traditional washi (Japanese paper) making.
Day 7 – Kyoto
Highlights: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine – Walk through the famous torii gates of this iconic shrine, best visited in the early morning for fewer crowds.
2. Gion District – Explore Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district and keep an eye out for geiko and maiko (Kyoto’s geisha and apprentices).
3. Kiyomizu-dera – Visit this temple with sweeping views of Kyoto, especially beautiful during autumn.
Part 2
Day 8 – Kyoto Hidden Gems
Highlights: Kurama-dera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
1. Kurama-dera & Kurama Onsen – Escape to the mountains for a scenic train ride to Kurama. Hike to the mystical Kurama-dera Temple, then relax in the nearby onsen.
2. Arashiyama – Visit the famous Bamboo Grove and consider a visit to Okochi Sanso Villa, a quieter estate with beautiful gardens and tea service.
Day 9 – Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Highlights: Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine
1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum, and park.
2. Miyajima Island – Take a ferry to Miyajima, known for Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating” torii gate and wild deer.
Day 10: Himeji (Day Trip en route to Kobe)
Highlights: Himeji Castle, Rokko Mountain
1. Himeji Castle – Known as the “White Heron Castle,” Himeji is Japan’s most famous and beautiful castle. Wander through its perfectly preserved interiors and stroll around the surrounding gardens.
2. Koko-en Garden – Adjacent to Himeji Castle, this landscaped garden is an excellent spot for a break with a view of the castle from a distance.
3. Continue to Kobe and Mount Rokko – Enjoy panoramic night views of Kobe and Osaka.
Day 11 – Kobe & Awaji Island
Highlights: Kobe Harborland, Awaji Island Zenbo Seinei, Nijigennomori Anime Park
1. Kobe – Stroll through Kobe Harborland for stunning waterfront views and try Kobe beef at a local spot.
2. Awaji Island – Head over the bridge and up to Zenbo Seinei. Experience the regenerative effect of yoga and meditation seemingly floating above the treetops in this architectural marvel.
3. Nijigennomori – Head along the road to this great ‘Anime Park’ for a fun-filled afternoon with your favourite characters. A must-see, especially for fans of Naruto, Godzilla, and Dragon Quest.
Day 12 – Osaka
Highlights: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi
1. Osaka Castle – Tour this historic site with its beautiful surrounding gardens.
2. Dotonbori – Experience Osaka’s famous food district, with street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
3. Shinsaibashi – Shop along this popular street to conclude your journey in Japan.
Day 13 – Nara
Highlights: Todai-ji Temple, Nara Deer Park
1. Travel to Nara – A quick train ride from Kyoto.
2. Todai-ji Temple – Home to the Great Buddha, this temple is an architectural marvel.
3. Nara Deer Park – Spend time in this open park where tame deer roam freely, symbolizing Nara’s harmony with nature.
Day 14: Tokyo
Final Day: Highlights: Hamarikyu Gardens, Sumida boat ride, Asakusa
1. Hamarikyu Gardens/Sumida boat ride from Hinode Pier to Asakusa
2. Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple – Finish with Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and explore the lively Nakamise Street with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
ⓒ臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・テレビ朝日・ADK
