About this Itinerary
Making a Japan itinerary can be extremely challenging-in large part because there is so much to see and explore! That being said, Japan’s train system is so efficient and incredible that a lot can be covered in a short amount of time. This 12-day Itinerary will show you a diverse array of what Japan has to offer. You will visit some of Japan’s major cities, learn about the country’s culture and history, explore the country’s beautiful rural areas, and embark on a peaceful and educational retreat.
12 Day Japan Itinerary Overview
- Day 1-2: Tokyo
- Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone
- Day 4-6: Kyoto
- Day 7: Osaka
- Day 8-9: Mount Koya
- Day 10-11: Hiroshima + Mount Koya + Return to Tokyo
- Day 12: Final Tokyo and Depart
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Day 1-2: Tokyo
When flying into Japan, there is a good chance you will be landing in Tokyo. While I am generally not a big fan of visiting big cities, Tokyo surprised me. For starters, Tokyo may be the cleanest major city in the world. Good luck finding any piece of trash on the ground – it is almost nonexistent! What also amazed me is despite being a highly populated city, many parts of Tokyo feel calimg and peaceful. Of course, however, sections of the city are also great for night-life and high-energy entertainment (if that is your vibe). Having a good array of peaceful parks, skyline views, energetic nightlife, and tons of incredible food, Tokyo is a can’t miss when visiting Japan!
Things to Do in Tokyo
- Meji Shrine and surrounding Park in the morning
- Takeshita Street for some street food
- Shibuya Crossing around rush hour
- Golden Gai Bar Scene
- Uneo Park (especially during cherry blossom season)
- Nightlife and Tokyo clubs
- Akihabara (if you are into anime)
- Piss Alley food (not much for vegetarians but a cool vibe)
Day 3: Hakone Day Trip
It’s time to get away from the city life and start exploring some of Japan’s beautiful rural areas. Hakone is a great day trip for several reasons. Not only is it beautiful and highly scenic, but it is also a great location to catch a glimpse of the famous mount Fuji! To top it all off, if you are interested in trying Japan’s famous onsens baths, there may be no better place to do so than Hakone!
Transport
Take the train from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Odawara Station. At Odawara transfer trains to Hakone-Yumoto station. Once you arrive at the station, there are several modes of transportation that will take you around Hakone
Things to Do in Hakone
- Hakone Open Air Museum
- Relaxing at a Park in Gora
- Cable car to Sounzan
- Ropeway to Owakudani
- Active sulphur vents in Owakudani
- Sightseeing cruise around Lake Ashi
- Onsen!
Day 4-7: Kyoto
If there is one destination in Japan that you should slow travel in, it is Kyoto. Kyoto is what you think of when you think of authentic old-school Japan. I recommend 3 full days in the city on a 10+ day itinerary. If you are short on time, it is possible to squeeze in the highlights into 2.
Transport
You cant come to Tokyo and not sit on a bullet train! Take your first bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto Station. The train will get you there in a whopping 2.5 hours!
Things to Do in Kyoto
- Check out: The Perfect 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary
Day 7: Osaka/Nara
Osaka was my least favorite place in Japan, however I have included it in this itinerary as it is a popular city to visit. Personally, I only visited Osaka to see a sumo wrestling match (which was so worth it!) If you are interested in doing the same, I recommend looking up sumo tournament schedules. A lot of the matches take place in Osaka. If you are a day short in your itinerary, you can also opt to skip Osaka. You will be returning to Osaka for the night on Night 9 as well, so you could potentially get a glimpse of the city then!
Transport
Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station via the bullet train will get you to the city in less than 20 minutes!
Day 8-9: Mount Koya + Return to Osaka
If you want to leave Japan, having a good understanding of its connection to Buddhism, you must visit Mount Koya. Whether you are religious or not, this experience is one you will never forget.
Try to arrive at Mount Koya as early as possible on Day 8, so you can spend a full day enjoying the peaceful bliss on this mountain retreat. On Day 9, partake in the morning buddhist rituals before making your way back to Osaka for the evening.
Transport
Take a subway from Shin-Osaka Station to Nankai Namba Station. From there take the Nankai Koya line to Gokurakubashi Station. Once you arrive, a cable car will take you up to Mount Koya!
Things to Do in Mount Kya
- Check out: The Ultimate Mount Koya Guide
Day 10-11: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island + Return to Tokyo
At this point in your trip, you’ve experienced Japan’s nightlife, major cities, rural beauty, and Buddhist culture-It is now time to incorporate some history into this trip. Hiroshima needs no explanation. This once decimated city has rebuilt itself with pride. While Hiroshima isn’t the most standout of Japan’s cities, its historical significance makes it worth a visit.
Spend half of Day 10 day exploring Hiroshima and then make your way to one of Japan’s hidden gems, Miyajima Island. Most people visit the island for a few hours, but I highly recommend spending the night.
Wake up early on Day 11 and Hike Mount Misen, before making your way back to Hiroshima. If you have some time, continue to explore the city before jumping on your bullet train back to Tokyo!
Transport
Take the bullet train on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.
To get from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, you must take the ferry. To get to the ferry port take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (a 25-minute ride). There are two ferry companies operating from this port: JR and Matsudai. Both companies’ ferry rides take 10 minutes and both cost 180 yen one way. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on JR ferries
Things to Do In Hiroshima
- Shukkeien garden
- Hiroshima Castle
- Hiroshima Goku jinja
- Atomic bomb dome
- Peace memorial park
Things to Do in Miyajima
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Sunset at Floating Torri Gate
- Hike Mont Misen
Day 12 Tokyo/Depart
That wraps up a hopefully incredible trip. While no amount of time in Japan, truly feels like it’s enough, this itinerary will hopefully allow you to experience a diverse array of what Japan has to offer.
