21 Days of Culture and Nature in Japan Itinerary

Umeda Sky Building offers stunning views of Osaka from its observation deck. Spend about an hour here enjoying the panoramic views.

America-Mura (American Village) is next on your list for some trendy shopping and lunch at one of its many cafes or eateries like 一蘭. Allocate around 2 hours for this activity.

Tsutenkaku Tower is perfect for an evening visit, offering great views of Osaka’s skyline illuminated at night. End your day with dinner at 串カツ田中, famous for its kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

Start your day with a visit to Kuromon Ichiba Market. This lively market is perfect for sampling fresh seafood, fruits, and other local delicacies. Spend about an hour here exploring the stalls.

Head over to America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops, cafes, and street art. Have lunch at one of its popular eateries like 松屋. Allocate around 2 hours for this activity.

End your day with dinner at 北新地 鳥しき, famous for its yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Afterward, enjoy some evening entertainment in Osaka’s vibrant nightlife districts such as Namba or Shinsaibashi.

Start your final day in Japan with a visit to Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. This museum offers a fascinating look into Osaka's past, with life-sized replicas of historical buildings. Spend around 1.5 hours here.

Head over to Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples. Allocate around an hour for this visit before having lunch at すしざんまい 道頓堀店, known for its fresh sushi.

End your trip with a relaxing evening at Umeda Sky Building. Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the observation deck and have dinner at one of the building's restaurants such as 牛角 難波本店, famous for its yakiniku (grilled meat).

Take an early train to Kyoto and start your day at the serene Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Explore the famous torii gate pathway for about 2 hours.

Visit the beautiful Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) next. This stunning temple is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Spend around 1.5 hours here before heading to lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion in the evening, visiting Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine). Enjoy dinner at a traditional Kyoto restaurant such as Pontocho Alley.

Begin your day with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples offering stunning views over the city. Spend around an hour exploring the temple grounds.

Head over to Nijo-jo Castle, another significant historical site in Kyoto. Allocate around 1.5 hours here before having lunch at a nearby restaurant such as Nishiki Market where you can sample various local delicacies.

End your day with a relaxing stroll through Arashiyama Park, known for its scenic beauty especially during sunset hours, followed by dinner at one of Arashiyama’s traditional restaurants.

Take a morning train to Nara and start your day with a visit to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. Spend about 2 hours exploring this magnificent temple.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park, where you can see friendly deer roaming freely. Have lunch at one of the park's cafes or restaurants before visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine in the afternoon. Allocate around 3 hours for these activities.

Return to Osaka in the evening and dine at お好み焼き千房, known for its delicious okonomiyaki.

Travel to Kanazawa in the morning and begin your exploration with a visit to Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Spend about 2 hours here enjoying the serene landscape.

Head over to Kanazawa Castle Park, located nearby, for an afternoon stroll. Have lunch at one of Kanazawa’s top-rated sushi restaurants like もりもり寿し or 金沢まいもん寿司. Allocate around 3 hours for these activities.

In the evening, experience traditional Japanese culture with a tea ceremony at Kenrokuen Tea House or explore Higashi Chaya District before dining at another highly-rated local restaurant.

Start your day with a visit to the Kanazawa Full Day Private Guided Tour. This tour will take you through the city's most iconic sites, including Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle. Spend around 3 hours exploring these beautiful landmarks.

After your guided tour, head to ひらみぱん for a delightful lunch. This restaurant is known for its delicious pastries and cozy atmosphere. After lunch, explore the Higashi Chaya District, where you can experience traditional tea houses and shops. Allocate around 2 hours for this activity.

End your day with a visit to the Kanazawa Night Tour With Full Course Meal. This tour offers a unique dining experience while exploring Kanazawa's nightlife. Enjoy a full-course meal at one of Kanazawa's top-rated restaurants.

Start your day with a visit to the Takayama Morning Markets (Asaichi). These markets are perfect for experiencing local culture and sampling fresh produce. Spend about 1.5 hours here.

Explore the historic Sannomachi Street (Sanmachi Suji) in the afternoon. This well-preserved area offers a glimpse into Takayama's past with its traditional wooden houses and shops. Allocate around 2 hours for this activity, followed by lunch at 飛騨牛料理専門店 牛政 to try some famous Hida beef.

End your day with a visit to the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine & Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. Spend about 1.5 hours here learning about Takayama's rich festival traditions before enjoying dinner at 飛騨高山ラーメン まるや.

Takayama Old Town Guided Walking Tour 45min. is a great way to start your day in Takayama. This short but informative tour will take you through the historic streets of Takayama. Spend about an hour here.

Hida Great Limestone Cave and Ohashi Collection Kan Museum is next on your list. Explore these fascinating caves and museum for about 2 hours before heading to lunch at 飛騨牛ステーキハウス キッチン飛騨, known for its exquisite Hida beef steaks.

Takayama Night Tour with Local Meal and Drinks will be an exciting way to end your day. This tour offers a chance to experience Takayama's nightlife while enjoying local cuisine and drinks over approximately 3 hours.

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a great way to start your day in Nagoya. This museum offers fascinating insights into Japan's industrial history. Spend around 2 hours here.

Nagoya Castle is next on your list. Explore this historic site and its beautiful gardens for about 2 hours before heading to lunch at 矢場とん, famous for its miso katsu.

Nagoya Private and Personalized Eat Like a Local Tour will be an exciting way to end your day. This tour will take you through Nagoya’s best food spots, allowing you to sample various local delicacies over approximately 3 hours.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is perfect for train enthusiasts and families alike. Spend around 2 hours exploring the exhibits showcasing Japan's railway history.

Nagoya Samurai & Toyota Tour (Nagoya Castle, Toyota Museum) offers a comprehensive look at Nagoya’s historical and industrial heritage. Allocate around 3 hours for this tour before having lunch at 山本屋総本家, famous for its miso nikomi udon.

Nagoya Night Life will give you a taste of Nagoya’s vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy dinner at one of Nagoya’s popular izakayas or bars as part of this guided evening tour.

Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-visit in Hakone. This unique museum features outdoor sculptures set against stunning natural backdrops. Spend around 2 hours exploring the exhibits.

Hakone Ropeway offers breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape and Lake Ashi. Allocate around 1 hour for this activity, followed by lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill which is nearby.

Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko) is perfect for an evening boat cruise or lakeside walk. Spend about 1-2 hours here before heading to dinner at 富士屋ホテル メインダイニングルーム ザ・フジヤ, known for its elegant dining experience.

Begin your day with a visit to the Pola Museum of Art. This museum features an impressive collection of Western and Japanese art set against beautiful natural surroundings. Spend around an hour here.

Hakone Hachiri Old Tokaido Highway Hiking Tour offers a chance to explore Hakone’s scenic trails while learning about its historical significance. Allocate around 2-3 hours for this hike before having lunch at はつ花そば 本店, known for its delicious soba noodles.

End your day with some relaxation at one of Hakone’s renowned onsens such as 箱根湯本温泉 天成園. Enjoy soaking in the hot springs while taking in the serene surroundings.

Begin your Tokyo adventure with a visit to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu). This serene shrine is located in a lush forested area, offering a peaceful start to your day. Spend around an hour here.

Head over to the bustling district of Shibuya next, where you can experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and explore nearby shops and cafes like Starbucks overlooking the crossing or have lunch at one of Shibuya’s popular eateries such as Ichiran Ramen.

End your day with a visit to Tokyo Tower, one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck before having dinner at one of Tokyo’s top-rated restaurants such as Gonpachi Nishiazabu.

Tokyo Skytree is a great way to start your day in Tokyo. This iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. Spend around 1.5 hours here.

Tsukiji Fish Market is perfect for lunch and an afternoon stroll. Sample fresh sushi and other seafood delicacies at one of the market's many stalls or restaurants like Sushi Dai. Allocate around 2 hours for this activity.

Robot Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its futuristic robot show. Enjoy dinner and entertainment over approximately 2 hours.

Start your day with a visit to the Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura). This iconic statue is one of Kamakura's most famous landmarks. Spend about an hour here exploring the site.

Head to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine next. This important Shinto shrine offers beautiful grounds and historical significance. Allocate around 1.5 hours for this visit, followed by lunch at 鎌倉五郎本店, known for its traditional Japanese sweets.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Komachi Street, lined with shops and eateries. End your day with dinner at 和食処 鎌倉, offering delicious local cuisine.

Kamakura Historical Hiking Tour with the Great Buddha is a fantastic way to start your day. This guided tour will take you through Kamakura’s scenic trails and historical sites, including the Great Buddha statue. Spend around 3 hours on this tour.

Hasedera Temple is next on your list. This beautiful temple offers stunning views over Kamakura and the sea. Allocate around an hour for this visit before having lunch at 鎌倉パスタ, known for its delicious pasta dishes.

Kamakura Hidden Hike will take you through some lesser-known trails in Kamakura, offering a peaceful end to your day. Enjoy dinner at レストランアマルフィイデラセーラ, which offers Italian cuisine with a view.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a poignant start to your day in Hiroshima. Spend around 2 hours here learning about the history and impact of the atomic bomb.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is nearby and perfect for a reflective walk. Allocate around an hour for this visit before heading to lunch at Ekohiiki, known for its fresh seafood.

Miyajima Island (Itsukushima) is a must-visit in the evening. Take a ferry ride to this beautiful island and explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine as well as other attractions on the island. Enjoy dinner at one of Miyajima’s local restaurants before returning to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Atomic Bomb Dome Private Tour is a poignant way to start your day in Hiroshima. Spend around 2 hours learning about the history and impact of the atomic bomb.

Shukkeien Garden is perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll. Allocate around an hour for this visit before heading to lunch at Shinsen Kappo Yamaichi, known for its traditional Japanese cuisine.

Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour will give you a taste of Hiroshima’s vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy dinner and drinks at various local bars over approximately 3 hours.