18 Days Exploring Japan's Cities and Culture Itinerary

Begin with a peaceful stroll through Ueno Park (Ueno Koen). This large public park is home to museums, temples, and beautiful landscapes. It's a great spot for some morning relaxation.

Visit Tokyo National Museum located within Ueno Park. The museum houses an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries, providing deep insights into Japanese culture.

Explore Shinjuku Golden Gai in the evening. This area is famous for its narrow alleys lined with tiny bars, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere. It's a great place to experience Tokyo's nightlife.

Start your day at Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines surrounded by lush forested areas offering tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Make your way to Harajuku, known for its vibrant street fashion culture. Stroll through Takeshita Street filled with trendy shops, quirky cafes, and unique boutiques.

Conclude your day at Shibuya. Witness the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Enjoy dinner at one of Shibuya’s many restaurants offering diverse cuisines.

Travel to Mitaka to visit the enchanting Ghibli Museum. Dedicated to Studio Ghibli’s works, this museum offers a magical journey through animation history.

Spend your afternoon at Inokashira Park nearby. The park features beautiful ponds, walking trails, and even a small zoo. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon amidst nature.

Return to central Tokyo for dinner at Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) where you can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori in an atmospheric setting reminiscent of post-war Japan.

Tokyo Tower is an iconic symbol of Tokyo and offers fantastic views over the city. Start your day by visiting this landmark and taking in the panoramic sights.

Tsukiji Fish Market is a great place to explore for lunch. Although the inner market has moved, the outer market still thrives with numerous stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, and street food.

Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen) offers a beautiful waterfront view and various entertainment options. Enjoy dinner at one of Odaiba's many restaurants while watching the sunset over Tokyo Bay.

Start your day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers a picturesque and spiritual experience.

Head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples. The wooden stage that juts out from the main hall offers stunning views of the cherry and maple trees below, as well as the city of Kyoto in the distance.

End your day at Pontocho Alley. This narrow alley is packed with traditional tea houses and restaurants offering a variety of Japanese cuisines. It's a great place to enjoy an authentic Kyoto dining experience.

Begin with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This iconic Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions.

Next, explore Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden, famous for its rock garden. The serene atmosphere provides a perfect setting for contemplation and relaxation.

Spend your evening at Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and dance performances by maiko (apprentice geisha).

Start your day with a peaceful walk through Arashiyama Park. Visit the famous Bamboo Grove for an ethereal experience walking through towering bamboo stalks.

Visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and historic buildings. Enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries around Arashiyama.

Conclude your day with a visit to Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Learn about sake brewing history and enjoy some sake tasting.

Begin your exploration with a visit to Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo). This historic castle offers insights into Japan’s feudal history along with beautiful views from its observation deck.

Head over to Dotonbori for lunch. This lively district is famous for its street food, neon lights, and entertainment options. Try local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

End your day at かに道楽, renowned for its crab dishes. Enjoy dinner while taking in views of Dotonbori Canal illuminated by neon lights.

Start your day with a visit to Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour. This tour covers the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toshogu Shrine, the serene Lake Chuzenji, and the breathtaking Kegon Waterfall.

Continue exploring Nikko by visiting Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edomura). This cultural theme park recreates the Edo period with traditional buildings, samurai performances, and ninja shows.

End your day with a relaxing stroll around Nikko National Park. The park offers beautiful natural scenery and is perfect for an evening walk to unwind.

Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-visit. This unique museum features an impressive collection of sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone’s natural beauty. It’s a great way to start your day immersed in art and nature.

Hakone Ropeway offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. Take a ride up to Owakudani, where you can see volcanic activity and enjoy local delicacies like black eggs boiled in sulfuric hot springs.

Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko) is perfect for an evening boat cruise. Enjoy the serene waters with views of Mount Fuji in the distance. Afterward, dine at one of the lakeside restaurants offering fresh seafood.

Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-visit. This unique museum features an impressive collection of sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone’s natural beauty. It’s a great way to start your day immersed in art and nature.

Hakone Ropeway offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. Take a ride up to Owakudani, where you can see volcanic activity and enjoy local delicacies like black eggs boiled in sulfuric hot springs.

Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko) is perfect for an evening boat cruise. Enjoy the serene waters with views of Mount Fuji in the distance. Afterward, dine at one of the lakeside restaurants offering fresh seafood.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology provides fascinating insights into Japan’s industrial history. Learn about Toyota’s evolution from textile machinery to automotive giant.

味噌煮込みうどん 山本屋総本家 is perfect for lunch. Enjoy traditional miso-nikomi udon, a hearty noodle dish that’s a specialty of the region.

Nagoya Za Kabuki Café offers an entertaining evening with kabuki performances in a café setting. Experience traditional Japanese theater while enjoying drinks and snacks.

Begin your day at Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer considered sacred messengers in Shinto religion. You can feed them special deer crackers available at stalls around the park.

Visit Todai-ji Temple within Nara Park which houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The temple itself is an architectural marvel with rich historical significance.

Conclude your day at Isuien Garden located near Todai-ji Temple; this traditional Japanese garden features beautifully landscaped grounds divided into two distinct sections from different periods.

Begin your day at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of Nara’s most important Shinto shrines known for its thousands of bronze lanterns that line the pathways leading up to it.

Visit Isuien Garden, located near Todai-ji Temple; this traditional Japanese garden features beautifully landscaped grounds divided into two distinct sections from different periods.

Conclude your day with dinner at Kikusuiro, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking Nara Park.

Start your day with a visit to Himeji Castle (Himeji-Jo). Known as the 'White Heron Castle' due to its elegant, white appearance, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Japan's most beautiful and well-preserved castles.

Head over to Koko-en Garden, located next to Himeji Castle. This traditional Japanese garden features nine different gardens designed in various styles from the Edo period. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant in Himeji, enjoying regional specialties such as anago (conger eel) or Himeji oden.

Magome-juku is a beautifully preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail. Start your day by exploring its cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden buildings and shops selling local crafts and snacks.

Nakasendo Trail offers a scenic hike from Magome to Tsumago. This well-maintained trail takes you through picturesque countryside, forests, and small villages, providing a glimpse into Japan's historical travel routes.

Magome Chaya is an excellent choice for dinner. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in a cozy setting while reflecting on the day's journey.

Tsumago-juku is another well-preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail. Begin your day by exploring its historic streets and visiting the Honjin and Wakihonjin, former inns that hosted feudal lords during their travels.

Tsumago Castle Ruins offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike up to the ruins is short but rewarding, providing insights into the region's history and natural beauty.

Tsumago Soba Shop serves delicious soba noodles made from locally sourced ingredients. It's an ideal place to enjoy a hearty meal after a day of exploration.