16 Days in Japan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Osaka

Ideal for travelers interested in a balance of culture, nature, history, and cuisine, this Japan highlights trip encompasses both busy cities and serene mountain villages. You'll sample sushi and Wagyu beef in Tokyo, observe sumo wrestlers in Ryogoku, relax in Hakone's hot springs, see the thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go, create your own keepsake in a handicrafts workshop in Kanazawa, and cruise through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on a rickshaw. After a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, pay your respects at Hiroshima's memorials and nibble street eats in Osaka. 

Get your first taste of Japanese cuisine—including Wagyu beef—on a food tour in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. In the morning, witness Shinto ceremonies at Meiji Jingu Shrine and sample sushi at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Next, you'll observe sumo training in Ryogoku before heading to Lake Kawaguchi for a boat tour with views of Mount Fuji. Unwind in Hakone's hot springs, then board a train to Takayama for an artisan market tour before transferring to Shirakawa-go to see thatched-roof houses. Your next stop is Kanazawa for a walk in Kenrokuen Garden, followed by a handicrafts workshop.

Catch a train to Kyoto, where you'll don a kimono and experience a tea ceremony, then pass under thousands of red gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha to see the mountaintop view. Cruise through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on a rickshaw before visiting the macaques of Iwatayama Monkey Park. Then, take the bullet train to Osaka and sample takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and other local specialties. On a day trip to Hiroshima, you'll learn about the devastating impacts of World War II. Spend your final day as you wish, perhaps cruising the Okawa River by boat or snacking at the Kuromon Ichiba Market. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Culinary Discovery of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Osaka

Taste your way through Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka, on this flavorful culinary journey. Perfect for foodies and culture enthusiasts, this itinerary features fresh sashimi at Toyosu Fish Market, a tour of Tokyo's landmarks and historic shrines, whisky tasting near Mount Fuji, and a tea ceremony and food tour in Kyoto. After a visit to the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, you'll learn how to whip up the perfect ramen and gyoza in a cooking workshop and master the nuances of saké tasting in Osaka. 

Kick off your culinary adventure with a food tour in Tokyo that includes a personalized tasting menu at a sushi restaurant in Shinjuku. Then, take a day trip to Yokohama, where you'll sample Peking duck in Chinatown and learn some culinary history at the Cup Noodles Museum. Another day trip follows; this time to the Fuji Five Lakes region for views of Mount Fuji on a ride up the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and some whisky tasting at Fuji Gotemba Distillery. Spend your last morning in Tokyo at the Toyosu Fish Market, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and watch tuna auctions.

Board a train to Kyoto for a visit to the gold-leaf-covered Kinkaku-ji temple and a food tour that includes oden (fish cake stew) and saké in Gion. Next, you're off to Uji, where you'll enjoy quiet time in the gardens at Byodo-in temple then sample matcha soba noodles and sweets along Byodo-in Omotesando. Before departing to Hiroshima, try yuba (tofu skin) and other local specialties at Nishiki Market. Browse the artifacts and testimonials at Peace Memorial Museum, then take a train to Osaka, where you'll cap off your trip with a ramen and gyoza-making class and a street food tour of Dotonbori. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Japan Cultural Discovery Tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Koya & Osaka

Experience a more traditional side of Japan on this illuminating heritage tour that's perfect for travelers keen on culture and spirituality who enjoy a slower pace. With a perfect balance of guided tours and free time, you'll visit the oldest temple in Tokyo, learn the art of bonsai in Saitama, participate in a handicrafts workshop in Kanazawa, and attend a geisha performance in Kyoto. Overnight at a shukubo (temple lodging) in Mount Koya, walk the Koyasan Choishi Michi Pilgrimage Trail flanked by ancient temples, sample saké at a brewery museum in Osaka, and more.

On arrival in Tokyo, embark on a walking tour of the Yanaka district, where you'll visit the koi ponds of Nezu Shrine, paint a ceramic "lucky cat," and snack on a mochi rice dessert. The following day, you'll see some of Tokyo's landmarks, including Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city. Then, you'll learn about the art of bonsai on a day trip to Saitama. Continue to Takayama and take a step back in time with a stroll along the Higashiyama Walking Course, a cobblestone path lined with historic temples and traditional merchant houses. En route to Kanazawa, you'll also see traditional thatched-roof houses.

In Kanazawa, you'll learn about Japan's feudal history at Kanazawa Castle, then try your hand at traditional handicrafts in an artisan-led workshop. Board a train to Kyoto, where you'll join a walking tour of Gion and attend a geisha performance, before visiting Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple built in 1450. Then, take the bullet train to Mount Koya for a walk on the Koyasan Choishi Michi Pilgrimage Trail, a forested route flanked by ancient temples. Your final stop is Osaka, where you'll have free time to explore on your own and toast your journey with a saké tasting at Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Adventure in Japan: Hiking Trails, Hot Springs & Iconic Landmarks

Travelers eager to venture into Japan's natural landscapes will appreciate the outdoor excursions on this well-rounded active adventure. You'll enjoy views of Mount Fuji on a hike in Arakurayama Sengen Park, soak in natural hot springs in Hakone and Hongu, pass through ancient cedar forests on a trek up Mount Ashigara, cycle the countryside near Kyoto, spend time with monks on a hike in Koya, and trek a section of the Kumano Kodo Trail. In between more rugged endeavors, you'll encounter ancient temples, feast on Japanese cuisine, tour historic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, and fit in some souvenir shopping. 

Your active adventure starts with sushi and Wagyu beef in Shinjuku, followed by a Tokyo highlights tour that includes a stop at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Then, you'll head to the Fuji Five Lakes region for a hike in Arakurayama Sengen Park with views of Mount Fuji before sampling Japanese whisky at Fuji Gotemba Distillery. Continue to Hakone for a soak in the hot springs, then pass through ancient cedar forests and bamboo groves on your trek up Mount Ashigara. Catch a bullet train to Kyoto next, where you'll hike the torii-lined route up Mount Inari to Tofuku-ji, a Zen temple. 

Next, a cycling tour takes you through Kyoto's countryside to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Afterward, refuel with Kyoto-style sushi at Nishiki Market. In the morning, you're off to Osaka where you'll have free time to explore, perhaps checking out the view from Osaka Castle. Then, take the train to Koya for a hike on the Koyasan Choishi Michi Pilgrimage Trail and a meal with local monks. Relax your tired muscles at Kawayu Onsen before tackling a section of the Kumano Kodo Trail. End on a high note with a hike to Seiganto-ji, a temple overlooking the tallest single-tiered waterfall in Japan. Learn more

More Great 16-Day Japan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other 16-day Japan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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