Japan 14-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Narita (NRT)

Arrive at Narita International Airport, clear customs, and take a train (e.

g., Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner) to your accommodation in Tokyo.

Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card upon arrival for convenient public transport throughout your trip. Narita Express goes directly to major stations like Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku.

Check-in to Hotel

Check into your hotel, 'Little Japan', located in the Asakusabashi area.

Settle in and refresh.

The hotel offers a cafe & bar downstairs, a great spot to meet locals and other travelers.

Asakusa Temple & Old Town Tour

Step into Tokyo’s past on this immersive walking tour.

Visit Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, pass through Kaminarimon Gate, and stroll Nakamise Street.

Book this tour in advance for a guaranteed spot. The area is lively with street food and traditional crafts. Product Code: 456539P20

Traditional Dinner in Asakusa

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Asakusa, trying popular Japanese dishes like Tempura or Unagi (eel).

Asakusa has many traditional dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.

Private Tokyo Insights Tour

Get unique insights of Japan's iconic capital in a private tour that concentrates on you, exploring areas tailored to your interests.

This tour can be customized. Discuss your interests (e.g., specific neighborhoods, themes) with your guide. Product Code: 445856P1

Shibuya Crossing & Harajuku

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, then head to Harajuku for vibrant street fashion, quirky shops, and the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Takeshita Street in Harajuku is famous for its youth culture.

Dinner in Shibuya

Enjoy dinner at one of Shibuya's many diverse restaurants, from sushi bars to izakayas.

Shibuya offers a wide range of dining experiences. Consider trying a conveyor belt sushi restaurant for a fun experience.

Private Mt Fuji Tour from Tokyo

Take an exhilarating day trip to the foothills of Mt.

Fuji: enjoy a flavorful Japanese-style BBQ lunch, capture the scenery, and explore Lake Motosu.

This private tour includes a guide and offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Product Code: 222933P1

Dinner back in Tokyo

Return to Tokyo and enjoy a relaxing dinner near your hotel or in a neighborhood you'd like to explore further.

After a long day, a cozy dinner at a local izakaya can be a great way to unwind.

Akihabara Anime Fans Tour

A tailor-made private tour for anime fans in Akihabara, exploring the best spots for manga, games, figures, and electronics.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time looking for a specific 'Akiba experience.' Product Code: 176858P1

Ginza Shopping & Coffee

Stroll through Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping district, home to luxury boutiques, department stores, and art galleries.

Enjoy a coffee break at a stylish cafe.

Ginza is beautiful for window shopping even if you're not planning major purchases. It also has many renowned theaters and art spaces.

Ginza Dining Experience

Indulge in a fine dining experience in Ginza, known for its exquisite restaurants, or opt for a casual meal in one of its hidden alleys.

From high-end sushi to international cuisine, Ginza offers diverse dining options. Reservations might be needed for popular spots.

Tokyo Private E-Bike Tour

Enjoy a unique 3-hour private e-bike tour, starting and ending at your hotel, exploring Tokyo's hidden gems and vibrant streets.

This is a great way to see different parts of Tokyo and get some exercise. The e-bike makes it easy to navigate the city. Product Code: 5512036P1

Farewell Tokyo Lunch

Enjoy a final lunch in Tokyo, perhaps trying a dish you haven't had yet or revisiting a favorite.

Tokyo Station has many bento box options if you prefer to eat on the Shinkansen.

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Head to Tokyo Station and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.

This scenic journey offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel.

Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if it aligns with your overall travel plans, otherwise individual tickets are readily available. Reservations are recommended for peak times. Try to get a seat on the right side of the train for potential views of Mt. Fuji!

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Kyoto from your previous destination (Tokyo/Fuji area) and check into your accommodation.

Take some time to settle in.

Information on travel from your previous location would be in the Day 5 activities.

Lunch in Kyoto

Enjoy your first meal in Kyoto.

Look for traditional Kyoto cuisine near your hotel or Kyoto Station.

Gion District Exploration

Stroll through the historic Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and geisha. Enjoy the ambiance of old Kyoto.

Best time to spot geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) is usually at dusk around Hanamikoji-dori street.

Private Tea Ceremony & Sake Tasting

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with a private tea ceremony and sake tasting in a historic samurai house.

Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Tea-ceremony-and-sake-tasting-in-300-year-old-Kyoto-samurai-house/d332-402518P2?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Dinner in Gion

Dine in the Gion area, enjoying Kyoto's culinary delights.

Many restaurants offer traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic Zen temple, Kinkaku-ji, with its stunning golden facade reflected in the pond.

One of Kyoto's most famous landmarks.

Try to arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds. Entry fee applies.

Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore Ryoan-ji, famous for its austere rock garden.

A perfect place for quiet contemplation and appreciating Zen aesthetics.

Located close to Kinkaku-ji, making it easy to visit both.

Lunch near Temples

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Ryoan-ji or Kinkaku-ji.

Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)

Gain unique insights into the philosophy and beauty of Japanese Zen gardens with a private guided tour.

Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Zen-Garden-Zen-Mind/d332-72156P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Gyoza Cooking Class

Learn to make delicious traditional Japanese gyoza dumplings in a fun cooking class.

Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Making-GYOZA-dumplings-at-Traditional-Kyoto-townhouse/d332-60659P9?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Travel to Nara

Take a local train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station.

The journey is short and scenic.

Todai-ji Temple & Nara Park

Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to a massive bronze Buddha statue, and explore Nara Park, famous for its friendly wild deer.

You can buy 'deer crackers' to feed the deer, but be mindful as they can be quite eager!

Lunch in Nara

Enjoy lunch near Nara Park.

Many restaurants offer local specialties like mochi or persimmon leaf sushi.

Kofuku-ji Temple

Explore Kofuku-ji Temple, one of Nara's oldest and most historically significant temples, with its impressive five-story pagoda.

The pagoda is Nara's second tallest.

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto after a full day in Nara.

Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy dinner back in Kyoto.

Travel to Koyasan

Journey to the sacred mountain monastic complex of Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This involves trains and a cable car.

Shukubo Check-in & Lunch

Check into your Shukubo (temple lodging).

Many Shukubo include vegetarian (shojin ryori) lunch or dinner. Settle in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Book your Shukubo well in advance. Most include dinner and breakfast.

Okunoin Cemetery Walk

Explore Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery and one of Koyasan's most sacred sites.

Walk through moss-covered tombstones and towering cedars to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.

Very atmospheric, especially towards evening. Be respectful.

Kongobu-ji Temple

Visit Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, featuring beautiful fusuma (sliding door) paintings and Japan's largest rock garden.

Temple Dinner & Evening Prayer

Experience a traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meal) at your Shukubo, followed by an optional evening prayer session.

Dinner and breakfast are usually included in the Shukubo stay. Morning prayers are typically very early.

Morning Prayer (Optional)

Participate in the optional morning prayer ritual with the monks at your Shukubo for a profound spiritual experience.

Times vary by temple. Dress appropriately.

Temple Breakfast

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian breakfast at your Shukubo.

Danjo Garan Complex

Explore the Danjo Garan complex, Koyasan's central temple area with several pagodas, halls, and statues, including the Konpon Daito Pagoda.

Lunch in Koyasan

Have a final lunch in Koyasan before departing.

Many small eateries offer local dishes.

Return to Kyoto

Begin your journey back to Kyoto from Koyasan, preparing for the next segment of your trip.

Farewell Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy a final dinner in Kyoto, perhaps trying a dish you haven't yet or revisiting a favorite spot.

Travel to Osaka

Take a Shinkansen or local train from Kyoto to Osaka, a quick and convenient journey.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your hotel and grab a casual lunch near Dotonbori or Shinsekai.

Dotonbori & Street Food

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its dazzling neon lights, iconic Glico Running Man sign, and endless street food stalls.

Sample local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Best experienced in the afternoon and evening as the lights come on.

Osaka Sake Tasting & Takoyaki Cooking

Enjoy cooking Osaka's best street food, Takoyaki, with a local guide's secret recipe and special ingredients, including Wagyu and cheese.

The experience also includes sake tasting.

A fun and delicious way to dive into Osaka's culinary scene.

Evening Dotonbori Stroll

Enjoy the lively nightlife of Dotonbori, find a restaurant for dinner, or simply soak in the atmosphere with its countless illuminated signs and bustling crowds.

Travel to Hiroshima

Take an early Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station for a day trip.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, Children's Peace Monument, and the Peace Memorial Museum.

This is a powerful and sobering experience dedicated to world peace.

Allow ample time for reflection. The museum is very informative.

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Lunch

Enjoy a delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake cooked in layers with noodles, cabbage, and your choice of meat and seafood.

Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine

Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, home of the iconic 'floating' torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

Explore the shrine, enjoy deer roaming freely, and walk along the scenic waterfront.

Check tide times if you want to see the torii gate both floating and at low tide.

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka by ferry and Shinkansen.

Travel to Kanazawa

Take the Thunderbird Limited Express train from Osaka to Kanazawa.

Enjoy scenic views of the countryside.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your Kanazawa accommodation and find a local restaurant for lunch, perhaps at Omicho Market.

Kenrokuen Garden

Explore Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's 'Three Great Gardens.

' Marvel at its extensive grounds, diverse flora, and traditional teahouses.

Allow plenty of time to wander through this beautiful landscape garden.

Kanazawa Castle Park

Visit the grounds of Kanazawa Castle, located adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden.

Explore the reconstructed castle buildings and enjoy the views.

Higashi Chaya District

Stroll through the historic Higashi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa's traditional geisha districts. Admire the preserved wooden teahouses and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere.

Some teahouses offer public viewing or tea experiences during the day.

Nagamachi Samurai District

Explore the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, where samurai and their families once resided.

Visit a preserved samurai residence, such as the Nomura House, to get a glimpse into their lives.

A quiet and atmospheric area, a stark contrast to the lively geisha district.

Lunch & Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy a final lunch in Kanazawa, perhaps sampling fresh seafood at Omicho Market, and pick up any last-minute souvenirs.

Travel to Tokyo

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station directly to Tokyo Station.

Travel to Narita Airport (NRT)

From Tokyo Station, take the Narita Express (N'EX) directly to Narita International Airport (NRT) for your departure.

International Flight Departure

Depart from Narita International Airport (NRT) for your return journey.

Ensure you arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight.