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
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.
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 & 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.
ⓒ臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・テレビ朝日・ADK
| Park Name | NIJIGEN NO MORI |
|---|---|
| Address | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | 0799-64-7061 |
| Website | https://nijigennomori.com/ |
| Reservations | https://ticket.nijigennomori.com/en/ |
| Operation Hours | Everyday10:00-22:00 *Each attraction has a different last reception time and closing time. |
Click here for details of NIJIGEN NO MORI
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.
