Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure to Tokyo
Your adventure starts with a night flight heading east across the Pacific toward Japan. As you travel, you'll catch something special, watching the horizon turn red as you approach the country, which mirrors the colors of the Japanese flag in a way that makes the arrival feel symbolic.
- Day 2
Arrival in Tokyo
You land in Tokyo as the sun rises. After exchanging your voucher for the Japan Rail Pass at the airport, you'll take the train to your hotel on your own. Your first day is about getting oriented to the city's blend of modern skyscrapers, neon signs, wooden houses, hidden temples, and the constant energy everywhere.
Included Activities
- Exchange voucher for Japan Rail Pass at airport
- Train transfer to hotel
Optional Activities
- Explore Tokyo's neighborhoods and landmarks independently
- Day 3
Tokyo: Shibuya, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku
Start at Shibuya Crossing, where you'll cross with up to 3,000 people at once. From there, head to Harajuku for colorful pop culture and fashion, then find peace in Yoyogi Park and the serene Meiji Shrine. Later, explore Shinjuku's neon-lit streets and try yakitori and sake at traditional izakayas.
Included Activities
- Visit Shibuya Crossing
- Explore Harajuku
- Visit Yoyogi Park
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Explore Shinjuku
Optional Activities
- Dining at izakayas in Shinjuku
Landmarks Shibuya Crossing Harajuku Yoyogi Park Meiji Shrine Shinjuku - Day 4
Tokyo: Tsukiji Market, Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree
Begin at Tsukiji Market where you can have sushi for breakfast from one of over 400 restaurants in the old market halls. Later, walk through the peaceful Imperial Palace grounds to take a break from the city. Then head to Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple, and finish by heading up Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views (ticket available on-site).
Included Activities
- Visit Tsukiji Market
- Walk at Imperial Palace
- Visit Senso-ji Temple (Kannon Temple) in Asakusa
Optional Activities
- Tokyo Skytree viewing platform ticket (available on-site)
Landmarks Tsukiji Market Imperial Palace Senso-ji Temple Tokyo Skytree Asakusa Ginza Nihonbashi - Day 5
Tokyo: Akihabara
Spend your day in Akihabara, Tokyo's Electric Town, navigating through flashing screens, cosplay cafés, manga stores, and game halls. Grab a meal at one of the many restaurants offering tempura, ramen, yakitori, or udon, or pick up quick snacks from one of Tokyo's over 7,000 convenience stores.
Included Activities
- Explore Akihabara
Optional Activities
- Visit cosplay cafés
- Browse manga stores
- Play in game halls
- Dine at restaurants in Akihabara
- Shop at electronics stores
Landmarks Akihabara - Day 6
Tokyo: Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Kawaii Monster Café, Karaoke
Return to Harajuku to walk through Takeshita Street with its fashion shops and massive cotton candy creations. Stop by the Kawaii Monster Café (optional, payable on-site) if the wild pink interior appeals to you. End your evening with a Tokyo classic, karaoke night, where you'll sing with your new friends.
Included Activities
- Explore Harajuku
- Walk Takeshita Street
- Karaoke night
Optional Activities
- Kawaii Monster Café visit and snacks (payable on-site)
- Selfies with Monster Girls
Landmarks Harajuku Takeshita Street Kawaii Monster Café - Day 7
Tokyo to Kyoto
Board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. After checking in, head to Nishiki Market, a must-see for food lovers with endless street food stalls and souvenirs. Take a leisurely walk through the historic imperial city to soak up Kyoto's atmosphere. Later, venture to Pontocho alley along the Kamo River for cozy bars and restaurants in old wooden buildings.
Included Activities
- Shinkansen train ride to Kyoto
- Visit Nishiki Market
- Walk through Kyoto's old streets
Optional Activities
- Explore Pontocho alley
Landmarks Nishiki Market Pontocho Kamo River 
- Day 8
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple, Higashiyama, Gion
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless rows of bright red torii gates. Hike up Inari Mountain to the Yotsutsuji viewing platform for panoramic views of Kyoto. Then head down to Kiyomizudera Temple with its pagodas and wooden halls. As dusk falls, stroll through the atmospheric alleyways of Higashiyama and Gion where you might spot a geisha.
Included Activities
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Hike to Yotsutsuji viewing platform
- Visit Kiyomizudera Temple
- Stroll through Higashiyama and Gion alleyways
Landmarks Fushimi Inari Shrine Inari Mountain Yotsutsuji Viewing Platform Kiyomizudera Temple Higashiyama Gion 
- Day 9
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji
Rise early to walk through Arashiyama's bamboo forest where towering stalks create a surreal landscape. Visit Tenryu-ji Temple with its Zen garden and mountain views (optional, admission on-site). See Kinkaku-ji, the famous golden pavilion gleaming in the sunlight. For a quieter experience, explore Ginkaku-ji, the silver pavilion, tucked away from crowds.
Included Activities
- Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Optional Activities
- Tenryu-ji Temple (admission on-site)
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Landmarks Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Tenryu-ji Temple Kinkaku-ji Ginkaku-ji - Day 10
Kyoto to Himeji to Hiroshima
Take the Shinkansen to Himeji to see Himeji Castle, the 'white heron' rising over six floors with elegant curved roofs. Explore the castle's interior and enjoy views from the top. Optionally visit the Japanese gardens or dine locally before heading back to the Shinkansen toward Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Park, museum, and Atomic Bomb Dome, then stroll around Hiroshima Castle in the evening.
Included Activities
- Visit Himeji Castle
- Shinkansen ride to Hiroshima
Optional Activities
- Visit Japanese garden at Himeji
- Dine at Menme restaurant
- Visit Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome museum
- Visit Hiroshima Castle
Landmarks Himeji Castle Peace Park Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima Castle - Day 11
Hiroshima to Miyajima
Take an early ferry to Miyajima to see the iconic bright red torii of Itsukushima Shrine appearing to float in the water. The gate transforms with the tides, surrounded by sea at high tide and accessible on foot at low tide. Take the cable car (optional, payable locally) or hike Mount Misen. Grab Momiji Manju sweets on Omotesando Street and watch the sunset bathe the torii in golden light.
Included Activities
- Ferry to Miyajima
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate
Optional Activities
- Cable car to Shishiiwa viewpoint (payable locally)
- Hike Mount Misen (approximately 30 minutes)
- Dine on Omotesando Street
- Try Momiji Manju sweet specialty
Landmarks Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine Shishiiwa Viewpoint Mount Misen Omotesando Street - Day 12
Hiroshima to Osaka
Board the Shinkansen for Osaka. Shop for souvenirs at Shinsaibashi, then head up to Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views (optional, ticket costs extra). Later, experience Dotonbori's wild energy with its massive neon signs and flashing displays. Snap a selfie with the Spiderman on the scallop shell, or explore the colorful stores and vintage scene of Amerika-mura.
Included Activities
- Shinkansen ride to Osaka
- Explore Shinsaibashi shopping district
Optional Activities
- Umeda Sky Building Floating Gardens (optional ticket)
- Explore Dotonbori
- Photo with Spiderman on scallop shell
- Explore Amerika-mura
Landmarks Shinsaibashi Umeda Sky Building Dotonbori Amerika-mura - Day 13
Osaka and Nara Day Trip
Explore Osaka's traditional side at Sumiyoshi Shrine, the original of over 2,000 same-named shrines throughout Japan. Cross the bright red taiko bridge. Visit Nishinomaru Garden with Osaka Castle and over 600 cherry trees (optional, payable on-site). Use your Rail Pass to travel to Nara Park (about 1 hour) to see Kasuga Shrine, the massive Daibutsu in Todai-ji Temple (both cost extra), and around 1,200 free-roaming sika deer.
Included Activities
- Visit Sumiyoshi Shrine
- Cross taiko bridge
Optional Activities
- Nishinomaru Garden and Osaka Castle (payable on-site)
- Day trip to Nara Park (approximately 1 hour by train)
- Visit Kasuga Shrine in Nara (costs extra)
- Visit Daibutsu in Todai-ji Temple, Nara (costs extra)
- See free-roaming sika deer in Nara Park
Landmarks Sumiyoshi Shrine Taiko Bridge Nishinomaru Garden Osaka Castle Nara Park Kasuga Shrine Todai-ji Temple 
- Day 14
Osaka to Tokyo (Capsule Hotel)
Do final souvenir shopping for Kit-Kat varieties, over 300 flavors from matcha to sake and wasabi. Snap a last photo with the Glico Running Man at Ebisubashi Bridge. Board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo for an overnight stay in a uniquely Japanese capsule hotel (or upgrade to a regular room if preferred). After checking in, head to an izakaya to toast your adventure with sushi, ramen, or whatever you choose.
Included Activities
- Shinkansen ride back to Tokyo
- Check into capsule hotel or accommodation
Optional Activities
- Kit-Kat souvenir shopping
- Photo with Glico Running Man
- Izakaya dinner celebration
- Upgrade to regular hotel room instead of capsule hotel
Landmarks Ebisubashi Bridge - Day 15
Departure from Tokyo
It's time to say goodbye to Japan. Stop by a convenience store to pack onigiri and your favorite snacks for the journey home. Head to the airport and board your flight back, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories from the past two weeks as you depart.
Included Activities
- Visit konbini convenience store
- Day 16
Arrival at Home
You've arrived home with a suitcase full of souvenirs and a head full of unforgettable memories. Now it's time to share your adventure, tell your loved ones about the craziest moments, show them your best photos, and let them experience your journey through your wildest stories.
