21 Days Exploring Japan from North to South Itinerary

Begin your day with a scenic trip from Tokyo to Hakone. Join the From Tokyo: Hakone Cruise & Mt. Fuji 5th Station Day Trip tour. This full-day excursion includes a cruise on Lake Ashi, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, followed by a visit to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji for some incredible photo opportunities.

After exploring Mt. Fuji, head to the famous Hakone Open-Air Museum. This museum features an impressive collection of sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone's natural beauty. Enjoy lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill, known for its delicious food and craft beer.

Conclude your day with a relaxing soak in one of Hakone's renowned hot springs (onsen). Visit Hakone Yuryo, an upscale onsen resort that offers private baths and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner, try traditional kaiseki cuisine at Kaiseki Saryo Tsubaki.

Travel from Hakone to Kawagoe in the morning. Start your exploration with a visit to Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street. Known as 'Little Edo,' this street is lined with well-preserved buildings from the Edo period, offering a glimpse into Japan's past.

Continue your historical journey by visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja). This beautiful shrine is famous for its wooden plaques where visitors write their wishes. For lunch, dine at Cafe Torocco, which offers delicious local dishes in a charming setting.

In the evening, explore more of Kawagoe's cultural heritage by visiting Kurazukuri Street and its traditional warehouses turned into shops and museums. End your day with dinner at Restaurant Yamazaki, known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

Start your day with a visit to Yudanaka Onsen. This traditional hot spring town is famous for its natural hot springs and snow monkeys. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen while taking in the serene surroundings. The experience of bathing alongside snow monkeys is truly unique and unforgettable.

After a rejuvenating morning, head to the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you can observe the famous Japanese macaques as they bathe in the hot springs. For lunch, visit Enza Cafe, which offers delicious local cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

In the evening, explore the charming streets of Yudanaka and visit some of its traditional shops and eateries. End your day with dinner at Suzuriya, known for its exquisite kaiseki meals made from fresh, local ingredients.

Travel from Yudanaka to Nagano in the morning. Begin your exploration with a visit to Zenkoji Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple is one of Japan's most important pilgrimage sites and offers a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage.

After visiting Zenkoji Temple, head to Matsushiro Castle, a historic site that played a significant role during Japan's feudal era. For lunch, dine at Shinshu Soba no Kusabue, renowned for its delicious soba noodles made from locally sourced buckwheat.

In the evening, explore more of Nagano's cultural heritage by visiting Togakushi Shrine, known for its beautiful forested setting and ancient cedar trees. End your day with dinner at Irohado, which offers traditional Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting.

Travel from Nagano to Kanazawa in the morning. Start your exploration with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens. Stroll through its meticulously designed pathways and enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.

After exploring Kenrokuen Garden, head to Kanazawa Castle Park. This historic site offers insights into Japan's feudal past and provides stunning views of Kanazawa city. For lunch, dine at Morihachi Honten, known for its exquisite kaiseki meals made from fresh local ingredients.

In the evening, explore Higashi Chaya District, known for its well-preserved geisha houses and traditional teahouses. Visit Shima Teahouse for an authentic tea ceremony experience. End your day with dinner at Kappo Takada, which offers delicious seafood dishes made from fresh catches from the Sea of Japan.

Begin your day with a visit to the Takayama Jinya, a historical government house from the Edo period. This well-preserved building offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past and administrative history. Wander through its rooms and courtyards, imagining life in ancient Japan.

After exploring Takayama Jinya, head to the Hida Folk Village. This open-air museum showcases traditional thatched-roof houses and rural architecture from the Hida region. Enjoy lunch at Hida Beef Cuisine Takumiya, known for its delectable Hida beef dishes.

In the evening, stroll through Sanmachi Suji, Takayama's old town district. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and shops selling local crafts. End your day with dinner at Suzuya, which offers traditional Japanese cuisine in a cozy setting.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Kurashiki Bikan Chiku) is your first stop today. This picturesque area is known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings and charming canals. Stroll along the canal-lined streets and admire the white-walled storehouses that have been converted into museums, cafes, and shops.

Ohara Museum of Art (Ohara Bijutsukan) is next on your list. This museum houses an impressive collection of Western art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. For lunch, dine at Kurashiki Ivy Square, which offers a variety of local dishes in a beautiful setting.

Shoko Shuseikan will be your evening destination. This historic site includes a museum dedicated to traditional Japanese crafts and industries. End your day with dinner at Restaurant Kura, known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is your first stop today. This park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945 and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of peace. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about this tragic event in history.

Miyajima Island awaits you next. Take a short ferry ride to this beautiful island known for its iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy lunch at Momijidani Teahouse, which offers delicious local dishes with stunning views of nature.

Hiroshima Castle will be your final destination for the day. Explore this reconstructed castle that offers insights into Hiroshima's feudal past. End your day with dinner at Okonomimura, famous for its Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Start your day with a visit to Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto-jo). This iconic castle is one of Japan's most impressive and well-preserved castles, offering a glimpse into the country's feudal history. Wander through its grounds and explore the various exhibits that showcase the castle's rich history.

After exploring Kumamoto Castle, head to Suizenji Jojuen Garden. This traditional Japanese garden is known for its beautiful landscapes, including a miniature representation of Mount Fuji. Enjoy lunch at Suizenji Jojuen Garden Tea House, which offers delicious local dishes in a serene setting.

In the evening, visit Shimada Museum of Arts, which houses an impressive collection of samurai artifacts and traditional Japanese art. End your day with dinner at Katsuretsutei, renowned for its mouthwatering tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet).

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is your first stop today. This expansive park offers beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and stunning views of Hakata Bay. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum awaits you next. Learn about the history and process of sake brewing at this fascinating museum. For lunch, dine at Ippudo Ramen, famous for its delicious Hakata-style ramen.

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum will be your final destination for the day. Explore this museum that showcases traditional Fukuoka life during the Meiji and Taisho periods. End your day with dinner at Yatai Food Stalls, where you can sample a variety of local street food.

Sakurajima Volcano is your first stop today. Take a ferry ride to this active volcano island and explore its various attractions, including hot springs, hiking trails, and observation points offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.

Sengan-en Garden awaits you next. This traditional Japanese garden offers beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, and stunning views of Sakurajima Volcano across Kagoshima Bay. Enjoy lunch at Sengan-en Garden Restaurant, which offers delicious local dishes made from fresh ingredients.

Shoko Shuseikan will be your final destination for the day (if not visited on Day 8). This historic site includes a museum dedicated to traditional Japanese crafts and industries. End your day with dinner at Tontoro Ramen, known for its rich tonkotsu ramen.

Start your day with a visit to Aoshima Island. This small island is known for its unique rock formations called the 'Devil's Washboard' and the beautiful Aoshima Shrine. Stroll along the beach and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

After exploring Aoshima Island, head to Udo Shrine, a stunning shrine built into a cliff overlooking the ocean. The shrine is dedicated to Yamasachihiko, a deity associated with maritime safety and good fortune. Enjoy lunch at Seafood Restaurant Kaikyo, which offers fresh seafood dishes with stunning ocean views.

In the evening, visit Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo, where you can see a variety of animals and enjoy beautiful gardens. End your day with dinner at Miyachiku, renowned for its delicious Miyazaki beef.

Ritsurin Garden is your first stop today. This historic garden is one of Japan's most famous landscape gardens, offering beautiful scenery and meticulously designed pathways. Stroll through the garden and enjoy its seasonal beauty.

Shikoku Mura awaits you next. This open-air museum showcases traditional buildings from across Shikoku Island, providing insights into Japan's rural heritage. For lunch, dine at Udon Baka Ichidai, known for its delicious Sanuki udon noodles.

Takamatsu Castle will be your final destination for the day. Explore this historic castle that offers stunning views of Takamatsu city and the Seto Inland Sea. End your day with dinner at Kitahama Alley, a trendy area with various restaurants offering local cuisine.

Dogo Onsen is your first stop today. This historic hot spring bathhouse is one of Japan's oldest and most famous onsen resorts. Enjoy a relaxing soak in its rejuvenating waters.

Matsuyama Castle awaits you next. This well-preserved castle offers panoramic views of Matsuyama city and provides insights into Japan's feudal history. For lunch, dine at Okaido Shopping Street, which offers various local dishes in a bustling setting.

Ishiteji Temple will be your final destination for the day. Explore this ancient temple that is part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage route and features beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. End your day with dinner at Botchan Ressha, known for its delicious local cuisine.

Start your day with a visit to Kochi Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original castles. This well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past and provides stunning views of the city from its top floor. Wander through its grounds and explore the various exhibits that showcase the castle's rich history.

After exploring Kochi Castle, head to Katsurahama Beach. This scenic beach is famous for its beautiful coastline and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a prominent figure in Japanese history. Enjoy lunch at Katsurahama Rest House, which offers delicious local dishes with stunning ocean views.

In the evening, visit Hirome Market, a bustling food market where you can sample a variety of local delicacies. End your day with dinner at Hirome Market Stalls, known for their fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere.

Iya Valley is your first stop today. This remote valley is known for its stunning natural beauty, including steep gorges, vine bridges, and crystal-clear rivers. Take a leisurely hike through the valley and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Tokushima Awa Odori Kaikan awaits you next. This museum is dedicated to Tokushima's famous Awa Odori dance festival and offers interactive exhibits where you can learn about the history and culture of this traditional dance. For lunch, dine at Awa Odori Kaikan Restaurant, which offers delicious local dishes.

Ryozenji Temple will be your final destination for the day. Explore this ancient temple that is part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage route and features beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. End your day with dinner at Tokushima Ramen Todai, known for its rich Tokushima-style ramen.

Korakuen Garden is your first stop today. This historic garden is one of Japan's three most famous landscape gardens, offering beautiful scenery and meticulously designed pathways. Stroll through the garden and enjoy its seasonal beauty.

Okayama Castle awaits you next. This reconstructed castle offers insights into Japan's feudal past and provides stunning views of Okayama city from its top floor. For lunch, dine at Okayama Korakuen Tea House, which offers delicious local dishes in a serene setting.

Kibitsu Shrine will be your final destination for the day. Explore this ancient shrine that features beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. End your day with dinner at Mimasaka, known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

Start your day with a visit to the Chichu Art Museum. This unique museum is built mostly underground and features works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. The architecture itself is a work of art, designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings.

After exploring the Chichu Art Museum, head to Benesse House Museum. This museum combines contemporary art with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy lunch at Benesse House Restaurant, which offers delicious local dishes in a beautiful setting.

In the evening, explore the Art House Project in Honmura. This project involves transforming old houses into contemporary art installations. End your day with dinner at Issen, known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is your first stop today. This iconic Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and offers stunning reflections in its surrounding pond. Stroll through its beautiful gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Fushimi Inari Taisha awaits you next. This famous Shinto shrine is known for its thousands of red torii gates that form a picturesque pathway up Mount Inari. For lunch, dine at Inari Saryo, which offers delicious local dishes in a charming setting.

Gion District will be your final destination for the day. Explore this historic district known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. End your day with dinner at Gion Karyo, renowned for its exquisite kaiseki meals.

Osaka Castle is your first stop today. This iconic castle offers insights into Japan's feudal past and provides stunning views of Osaka city from its top floor. Wander through its grounds and explore the various exhibits that showcase the castle's rich history.

Dotonbori awaits you next. This bustling district is famous for its vibrant nightlife, neon lights, and delicious street food. For lunch, dine at Kani Doraku, known for its mouthwatering crab dishes.

Umeda Sky Building will be your final destination for the day (if not visited on Day 1). Explore this modern architectural marvel that offers panoramic views of Osaka from its Floating Garden Observatory. End your day with dinner at Sky Lounge Stardust, which offers delicious cuisine with stunning city views.