18-Day Japan Adventure: Tokyo to Hiroshima Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu). This serene shrine is located in a lush forested area and offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Afterward, head to Harajuku for some trendy shopping and people-watching.

In the afternoon, explore Ueno Park (Ueno Koen). This large public park is home to several museums, including the renowned Tokyo National Museum. Spend some time exploring the museum's extensive collection of art and artifacts. For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of Ueno's charming cafes.

Conclude your day with a visit to Akihabara, Tokyo's famous electronics district. Explore its numerous shops selling gadgets, anime merchandise, and more. For dinner, try one of Akihabara's themed restaurants.

Start your day with a visit to Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest structures in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views from its observation decks. Afterward, head over to Asakusa to visit the historic Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple). The temple grounds are also home to Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy traditional souvenirs.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll through Hama Rikyu Gardens, an Edo-period Japanese garden surrounded by modern skyscrapers. Enjoy tea at the garden’s teahouse while taking in beautiful views of seasonal flowers and landscapes.

End your day with an exciting experience at Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. This unique dining experience features dazzling performances by robots along with vibrant lights and music.

Kick off your morning with some fun at Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park dedicated to Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters. It’s perfect for fans looking for cute photo opportunities and themed attractions.

After enjoying Sanrio Puroland, head over to Yokohama for an afternoon at Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (Shinyokohama Raumen Museum). Learn about ramen history while sampling different regional varieties from around Japan.

Wrap up your day by visiting Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen). Take a leisurely walk along Tokyo Bay’s waterfront promenade while enjoying stunning night views of Rainbow Bridge illuminated against city lights.

Begin your day with a visit to Ghibli Museum. This museum, dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, offers a magical experience for fans of Hayao Miyazaki's films. Explore the whimsical exhibits and enjoy the unique architecture of the museum.

After your visit to the Ghibli Museum, head over to Inokashira Park. This beautiful park is perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a boat ride on the pond. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the serene surroundings.

In the evening, make your way to Yanaka. This charming neighborhood offers a glimpse into Tokyo's past with its traditional shops and narrow streets. Enjoy dinner at one of Yanaka's cozy eateries.

Start your day with a visit to Tokyo Imperial Palace. Explore the beautiful palace grounds and gardens while learning about Japan's imperial history. The East Gardens are particularly stunning and open to the public.

Next, head over to Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. Spend some time exploring its extensive collection of art and artifacts from Japan and other Asian countries. For lunch, try one of Ueno's nearby restaurants.

Conclude your day with an evening visit to Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) in Shinjuku. This narrow alleyway is filled with tiny eateries serving delicious yakitori and other Japanese dishes. It's a great place for an authentic dining experience.

Begin your morning with a visit to Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum. Learn about Japan's national sport and if you're lucky, you might catch a sumo practice session or tournament.

Afterward, head over to Akihabara, Tokyo's famous electronics district. Spend some time exploring its numerous shops selling gadgets, anime merchandise, and more. For lunch, try one of Akihabara's themed cafes.

End your day at Shinjuku Golden Gai, known for its narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and pubs. Enjoy dinner at one of Shinjuku Golden Gai's unique establishments.

Start your magical day early at Tokyo Disneyland®. This world-renowned theme park offers a variety of attractions, parades, and shows that are perfect for all ages. Begin with the iconic Cinderella Castle and explore the different themed lands.

Continue your adventure in Tokyo Disneyland by exploring more attractions and enjoying lunch at one of the park's themed restaurants. Don't miss out on popular rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.

As evening falls, find a spot to watch the spectacular nighttime parade and fireworks show. The dazzling lights and performances make for an unforgettable end to your day at Tokyo Disneyland.

Fujiko F Fujio Museum (Doraemon Museum) is a must-visit for fans of the beloved Doraemon series. Explore exhibits featuring original artwork, life-sized characters, and interactive displays that bring the world of Doraemon to life.

Yokohama Zoo ''Zoorasia'' is one of Japan's largest zoos, offering a unique experience with its naturalistic habitats. Spend your afternoon exploring different zones representing various ecosystems around the world. Enjoy lunch at one of the zoo's cafes while watching animals in their enclosures.

Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen) offers stunning views of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, visit shopping malls like Aqua City Odaiba or DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, and enjoy dinner with a view.

Embark on an exciting day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji. Start early in the morning by taking a bus or train from Tokyo Station towards Mt Fuji’s 5th Station. Enjoy breathtaking views as you ascend this iconic mountain.

Spend your afternoon exploring Mt Fuji’s 5th Station area which offers various hiking trails along with shops selling local souvenirs and snacks like Houtou noodles—a regional specialty dish worth trying!

Return back down towards Lake Kawaguchi where you can relax by its scenic shores before heading back towards Tokyo city center later that evening.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering breathtaking views of cherry blossoms or autumn foliage depending on the season.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form scenic trails up Mount Inari. Spend your afternoon hiking through these picturesque paths while discovering smaller shrines along the way.

Pontocho Alley is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. This narrow alleyway along Kamogawa River is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants serving everything from kaiseki cuisine to yakitori.

Start your day with a visit to Nijo-jo Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. Explore the castle's interiors and learn about its historical significance.

In the afternoon, head to Sanjusangen-do Temple. This temple is famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Spend some time admiring the intricate details of these statues and the serene atmosphere of the temple.

Conclude your day with a visit to Gion Corner. This cultural center offers performances of traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and dance. Enjoy dinner at one of Gion's traditional restaurants.

Begin your day with a visit to Arashiyama Park. This scenic area is known for its bamboo groves and beautiful landscapes. Take a leisurely walk through the bamboo forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

After exploring Arashiyama, head to Tenryu-ji Temple. This Zen temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features stunning gardens designed by Muso Soseki. Enjoy lunch at one of Arashiyama's charming cafes.

End your day with a visit to Pontocho Alley. This narrow alleyway along Kamogawa River is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants serving everything from kaiseki cuisine to yakitori.

Start your morning at Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho). Explore the palace grounds and learn about Japan's imperial history. The gardens are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Next, head over to Nishiki Market, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'. Spend some time exploring this bustling market filled with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Enjoy lunch at one of Nishiki Market's food stalls or nearby restaurants.

Conclude your day with an evening visit to Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine). This shrine is beautifully illuminated at night and offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

Embark on a day trip from Kyoto to Nara. Start early in the morning by taking a train from Kyoto Station towards Nara Park where you can interact freely roaming deer considered sacred according Shinto beliefs while visiting iconic landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple housing Great Buddha statue within massive wooden structure!

Spend afternoon exploring more historic sites around area including Kasuga Taisha Shrine renowned its thousands bronze stone lanterns lining pathways leading up complex itself offering serene atmosphere perfect reflection meditation amidst lush greenery surrounding entire vicinity! Don’t forget try local specialty dishes like Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) available various eateries nearby too!

'Return back towards Kyoto city center later evening after full-day adventure discovering rich cultural heritage preserved beautifully well-maintained historic sites scattered throughout picturesque townscape itself providing ample opportunities capture memorable moments along way!

Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) is a must-visit landmark in Osaka. Start your day exploring this historic castle, which offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The surrounding park is also beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season.

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

Shinsaibashi is a great place to spend your evening. This shopping district offers a mix of high-end boutiques and quirky shops. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area, perhaps trying some Kobe beef or other local specialties.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an essential visit to understand the impact of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The museum provides a poignant look at the events of August 6, 1945, and its aftermath.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located nearby and offers a serene environment for reflection. Visit the various monuments within the park, including the A-Bomb Dome and Children's Peace Monument.

Miyajima Island (Itsukushima) is a short ferry ride away from Hiroshima city center. Spend your evening exploring this beautiful island known for its iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima Jinja). Enjoy dinner at one of Miyajima's traditional inns or restaurants before heading back to Hiroshima.