19-Day Adventure Through Japan Itinerary

Begin your day in Tsukuba with a visit to the famous Tsukuba Space Center. Here you can learn about Japan's space missions and see real rockets on display. It's an educational start to your day.

Travel to Mito for lunch at one of the local eateries before heading to Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens. The garden is especially beautiful during plum blossom season but offers serene landscapes year-round.

End your day with a visit to Art Tower Mito, which features contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Start your morning by visiting the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in). This iconic bronze statue stands at over 13 meters tall and is one of Japan's most famous landmarks.

Enjoy lunch at one of Kamakura's traditional restaurants before heading over to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. This important Shinto shrine offers beautiful grounds and historical significance.

Conclude your day with a stroll along Komachi Street, known for its charming shops, cafes, and street food vendors. It's an excellent place for some evening shopping and snacking.

Begin your day by visiting the Ushiku Daibutsu, one of the tallest statues in the world standing at 120 meters. The statue also has an observation deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Have lunch at one of Ushiku's local restaurants before heading over to Ushiku Chateau. This historic winery offers tours where you can learn about wine production in Japan and enjoy some tastings.

End your day with a relaxing walk around Ushikunuma Pond. The area is known for its natural beauty and tranquility, making it a perfect spot for unwinding after a busy day.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway up the mountain. This site is not only visually stunning but also deeply spiritual.

Head over to Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum for an educational and delicious experience. Learn about the history and process of sake brewing in Kyoto, and enjoy some tastings of this traditional Japanese beverage.

Conclude your day with a serene walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The towering bamboo stalks create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll. Nearby, you can find local eateries to enjoy a traditional Kyoto dinner.

Begin your day at Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. This museum offers a unique glimpse into Osaka's past with life-sized replicas of historical buildings and streetscapes.

For lunch, head to Dotonbori, Osaka's famous street known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food. Afterward, visit America-Mura (American Village), a trendy area filled with shops, cafes, and street art.

End your day at Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow alleyway lined with traditional restaurants and bars. Enjoy an authentic Osaka dining experience in this charming setting.

Start your morning by visiting Nara Park, where you can interact with the friendly deer that roam freely around the park. Don't miss seeing Todai-ji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.

Have lunch at one of Nara's local restaurants before heading to Nara National Museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, offering deep insights into Japan's religious history.

Conclude your day with a visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The shrine is known for its beautiful lanterns that light up during special festivals but is equally enchanting in the evening light.

Begin your day at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. This poignant site commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb and promotes peace through education about nuclear disarmament.

For lunch, try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at one of the city's renowned eateries before heading to Hiroshima Castle. The reconstructed castle offers historical exhibits and panoramic views from its top floor.

End your day with a visit to Shukkeien Garden. This historic garden features beautiful landscapes designed in miniature form, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

Start your day with a visit to Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its 'floating' torii gate that appears to be floating on water during high tide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Japan's most photographed locations and offers a serene and spiritual start to your day.

After exploring the shrine, enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries specializing in fresh seafood. Then, take a hike up Mount Misen. The trails offer stunning views of the island and the Seto Inland Sea, and you can also take a ropeway for part of the journey if you prefer.

Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll along Omotesando Street, lined with shops selling local crafts and delicacies. It's an excellent place to pick up souvenirs and enjoy some evening snacks.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Kurashiki Bikan Chiku) is your first stop today. This beautifully preserved area features Edo-period buildings, willow-lined canals, and charming streets that transport you back in time.

Ohara Museum of Art (Ohara Bijutsukan) is next on your list. Located within the historical quarter, this museum houses an impressive collection of Western art as well as Japanese works. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafes before exploring the museum.

Shoko Shuseikan will be your final destination for the day. This historic site offers insights into Japan's industrial heritage and features beautiful gardens where you can unwind after a day of exploration.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. This museum showcases Japan's railway history with interactive exhibits, including real trains like the Shinkansen and Maglev.

Museum Meiji-Mura offers a unique experience as it features over sixty buildings from Japan's Meiji era relocated to this open-air museum. Have lunch at one of the on-site restaurants before exploring these historical structures.

Narukawa Art Museum will round off your day in Nagoya. Though it's located in Hakone, it's worth mentioning as it houses an extensive collection of modern Japanese art set against stunning views of Lake Ashi.

Start your morning by visiting Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street. Known as 'Little Edo,' this street features traditional warehouses converted into shops selling local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs.

Head over to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja). This shrine is famous for its beautiful wooden architecture and serene atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at one of Kawagoe’s charming eateries nearby.

Conclude your day with a visit to Ashikaga Flower Park. Although not exactly in Kawagoe but worth traveling for its breathtaking flower displays especially during wisteria season.

Begin your day with a visit to Yokohama Zoo ''Zoorasia''. This expansive zoo is divided into different ecological areas, each representing various parts of the world. It's a great place to see a wide variety of animals in well-designed habitats.

After enjoying the zoo, head to Yokohama Chinatown for lunch. This vibrant area is filled with delicious Chinese restaurants and street food vendors. Post-lunch, visit the Cup Noodles Museum where you can learn about the history of instant noodles and even create your own custom cup.

Conclude your day with a stroll along Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama's waterfront area known for its stunning skyline views, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Enjoy dinner at one of the high-rated restaurants in the area.

Hakone Open-Air Museum is your first stop today. This museum features an impressive collection of sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone's natural beauty. The outdoor setting makes it a unique art experience.

Pola Museum of Art is next on your list. Located in a forested area, this museum houses an extensive collection of Western and Japanese art. Enjoy lunch at the museum's café before exploring its exhibits.

Narukawa Art Museum will be your final destination for the day. Overlooking Lake Ashi, this museum offers not only beautiful art but also stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto-jo) is your first stop today. One of Japan's most impressive castles, it offers insights into feudal Japan and features beautiful grounds perfect for a morning stroll.

Yudanaka Onsen awaits you next. Though it's quite a distance from Kumamoto, this hot spring town offers relaxing baths and scenic views that make it worth the trip. Enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries before soaking in an onsen.

Shiraito Falls (Shiraito no Taki) will round off your day with its breathtaking beauty. The falls are illuminated in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Start your day by visiting Zenkoji Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple is one of Japan’s most important pilgrimage sites and offers serene surroundings for reflection.

Head over to Mt. Koya. Although it's located outside Nagano, it's worth mentioning as it provides spiritual retreats with temples offering lodging and vegetarian meals prepared by monks.

Conclude your day with a visit to Utsubo Park. Known for its beautiful rose gardens and peaceful atmosphere, it's an excellent spot to unwind after a day full of exploration.

Asahiyama Memorial Park (Asahiyama Kinen Koen) is your first stop today. This park offers panoramic views of Sapporo and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for a morning walk and some fresh air.

Susukino awaits you next. Known as Sapporo's entertainment district, it's filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries before exploring the area.

Mt. Moiwa (Moiwa-yama) will round off your day with its breathtaking night views of Sapporo. Take the ropeway to the summit and enjoy the stunning cityscape illuminated at night.

Kenrokuen Garden is your first stop today. Known as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, it offers a serene and picturesque start to your day with its meticulously designed landscapes.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is next on your list. This museum features innovative contemporary art exhibits that challenge traditional boundaries. Enjoy lunch at the museum's café before exploring its collections.

Higashi Chaya District will be your final destination for the day. This historic geisha district is known for its well-preserved wooden teahouses and charming streets, offering a glimpse into Kanazawa's rich cultural heritage.

Lake Motosu (Motosu-ko) is your first stop today. This lake offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and is perfect for a morning of relaxation by the water.

Aokigahara Forest awaits you next. Known as the 'Sea of Trees,' this forest offers intriguing trails through dense woodland, providing both beauty and mystery. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafes before exploring.

Katsunuma Winery will round off your day with a delightful wine-tasting experience. Learn about local wine production and enjoy some tastings in this scenic vineyard setting.