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The Grand Tour of Japan: A 14-Day Odyssey

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.

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