21 Days in Japan: Culture, Nature, and Cities Itinerary

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll through Ueno Park (Ueno Koen). Visit the Ueno Zoo or one of the many museums located within the park, such as the Tokyo National Museum.

For lunch, make your way to Akihabara, known as Tokyo's electronic town. Explore various shops selling electronics, anime, and manga merchandise. Don't forget to try some local street food here.

End your day at Roppongi, a district known for its vibrant nightlife and dining options. Enjoy dinner at one of Roppongi's highly-rated restaurants.

Visit Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen) in the morning. This man-made island offers shopping malls, entertainment complexes, and beautiful waterfront views.

Have lunch at one of Odaiba's many restaurants before heading to Robot Restaurant for an afternoon show filled with robots, neon lights, and entertainment.

Spend your evening exploring Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping district. Enjoy dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Ginza.

Start your day with a visit to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu). This serene shrine is located in a forested area and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

For lunch, head over to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple). Explore Nakamise Shopping Street for souvenirs and traditional snacks.

Conclude your day at Shinjuku Golden Gai, known for its narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and eateries. Enjoy dinner at one of these unique establishments.

Sanrio Puroland is a great way to start your day, especially if you're a fan of Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters. This indoor theme park offers various attractions, shows, and shopping opportunities.

Fujiko F Fujio Museum (Doraemon Museum) is perfect for the afternoon. Explore the world of Doraemon through exhibits, interactive displays, and themed cafes. Have lunch at the museum's cafe.

Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) is ideal for an evening stroll. This narrow alleyway in Shinjuku is filled with tiny bars and eateries offering a nostalgic atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at one of these unique establishments.

Tokyo National Museum is a perfect way to start your final day. This museum houses an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries.

Inokashira Park is ideal for a relaxing afternoon. Stroll through the park, visit the Ghibli Museum if you have time, and enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafes.

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a great place to spend your last evening in Tokyo. This area is known for its narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and eateries. Enjoy dinner at one of these unique establishments.

Begin your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This iconic Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and offers stunning views of the surrounding gardens and pond.

Head to Nishiki Market for lunch. This market is known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' and offers a variety of local foods and delicacies. After lunch, explore the market's many stalls.

In the evening, visit Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and dance. Enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is a must-visit in the morning. Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers beautiful hiking trails through wooded forests.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) is your next stop for an afternoon visit. The palace grounds are expansive and offer a glimpse into Japan's imperial history. Have lunch at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.

Pontocho Alley is perfect for an evening stroll. This narrow alleyway along the Kamogawa River is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and bars. Enjoy dinner at one of these atmospheric establishments.

Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden should be your first stop today. Known for its famous rock garden, this temple offers a serene atmosphere perfect for contemplation.

Arashiyama Park awaits you in the afternoon. Explore the bamboo groves, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, and have lunch at one of the local eateries in Arashiyama.

Kamogawa River (Kamo River) is ideal for an evening walk. The riverbanks are popular spots for locals to relax and enjoy nature. Choose a riverside restaurant for dinner.

Tenryu-ji Temple should be your first stop today. This UNESCO World Heritage site features beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

Sagano awaits you in the afternoon. Explore the bamboo groves and scenic beauty of this area. Have lunch at one of the local eateries in Sagano.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) is perfect for an evening visit. The palace grounds are expansive and offer a glimpse into Japan's imperial history. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Start your day with a visit to Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo). This historic castle offers beautiful views of the surrounding park and a museum inside that details the history of Osaka.

Head to Dotonbori for lunch. This lively area is famous for its street food, neon lights, and entertainment options. Try some takoyaki or okonomiyaki at one of the many food stalls.

Spend your evening at Umeda Sky Building. This futuristic building offers an observation deck with panoramic views of Osaka. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the building.

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a great place to start your day. This museum offers a glimpse into Osaka's past with life-sized replicas of historical buildings.

America-Mura (American Village) is perfect for an afternoon visit. This trendy area is known for its fashion boutiques, cafes, and street art. Have lunch at one of the many cafes here.

たこ焼き くれおーる 道頓堀店 is an excellent choice for dinner. Enjoy delicious takoyaki while exploring the vibrant Dotonbori area.

Todai-ji Temple is a must-see in Nara. This temple houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Nara Park is perfect for an afternoon stroll. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, which are considered sacred. Have lunch at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine should be your final stop for the day. This Shinto shrine is known for its lanterns, which are lit during festivals. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Nara.

Start your day with a visit to Todai-ji Temple[12345]. This temple houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues.

Nara Park[12346] awaits you in the afternoon where you can interact with freely roaming deer considered sacred.

Conclude your day with dinner at one of Nara’s local restaurants before heading back to relax.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a poignant place to start your day. Learn about the impact of the atomic bomb and Hiroshima's recovery.

Miyajima Island (Itsukushima) awaits you in the afternoon. Take a ferry to this island known for its floating torii gate and friendly deer. Have lunch on the island.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is ideal for an evening walk. Reflect on history as you explore this peaceful park before heading to dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Start your day with a visit to Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens. Stroll through the meticulously maintained grounds and enjoy the seasonal flowers and tranquil ponds.

Head to Kanazawa Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha Full-Day Tour for an immersive cultural experience. This tour will take you through the historic samurai district, a traditional tea ceremony, and the geisha district.

For dinner, visit Fuwari, a highly-rated restaurant known for its delicious Japanese cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing evening in Kanazawa.

Takayama Morning Markets (Asaichi) is a great place to start your day. Explore the local produce and crafts at these bustling markets.

Sannomachi Street (Sanmachi Suji) awaits you in the afternoon. This well-preserved historic district offers traditional wooden houses, shops, and sake breweries. Have lunch at one of the local eateries.

Takayama Night Tour with Local Meal and Drinks is perfect for an evening adventure. Experience Takayama's nightlife while enjoying local food and drinks.

Hakone Open-Air Museum should be your first stop today. This unique museum features sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone's natural beauty.

Hakone Ropeway offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area. Have lunch at one of the restaurants near Lake Ashi before taking a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko).

吉池旅館 レストラン 吉池亭 is an excellent choice for dinner. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine while soaking in Hakone's serene atmosphere.

Begin your day with a visit to Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Nikko Toshogu). This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its elaborate architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Head to Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edomura) for an afternoon of historical fun. This theme park recreates life in Edo-period Japan with performances, samurai shows, and ninja experiences.

Conclude your day with dinner at one of Nikko’s local restaurants before heading back to relax.