Highlights
- Explore the famous "White Heron Castle," or Himeji Castle, near Kobe
- Visit the Peace Parks and Museums in Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Learn to handle a katana samurai sword at Kyoto's Samurai and Ninja Museum
- Walk along the beaches of the Miho Seacoast in the shadow of Mount Fuji
- Lunch with sumo wrestlers in Tokyo after trying your skills on the mat
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Osaka, Explore at Your Leisure | Osaka |
| Day 2 | Osaka City Tour & Dinner in Hozenji Yokocho | Osaka |
| Day 3 | Train to Hiroshima via Kobe & Himeji Castle | Hiroshima |
| Day 4 | Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima Island | Hiroshima |
| Day 5 | Train to Fukuoka, Tour Fukuoka Castle & Canal City, Dinner at Yatai Food Stalls | Fukuoka |
| Day 6 | Train to Kumamoto via Nagasaki, Tour Nagasaki Peace Park & Glover Garden | Kumamoto |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Yufuin Onsen via Takachiho, Explore Takachiho Gorge | Yufuincho |
| Day 8 | Train to Fukuoka, Fly to Matsuyama, Self-Guided Dogo Onsen Experience | Matsuyama |
| Day 9 | Tour Matsuyama Castle & Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Transfer to Takamatsu | Takamatsu |
| Day 10 | See Ritsurin Garden, Train to Kyoto, Tour Kinkaku-ji & Nijo Castle | Kyoto |
| Day 11 | Fushimi Inari-taisha & Tofuku-ji Temple, Tea Ceremony & Samurai Museum | Kyoto |
| Day 12 | Train to Shizuoka, Discover Kunozan Toshogu Shrine & Miho Seacoast | Shizuoka |
| Day 13 | Train to Tokyo, Tour Imperial Palace Gardens & Senso-ji | Tokyo |
| Day 14 | Sumo Experience with Chankonabe Hotpot, Nigiri Sushi Workshop | Tokyo |
| Day 15 | Depart Tokyo |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Osaka, Explore at Your Leisure
Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in the city of Osaka, the country's third-largest city and a top destination for travelers from around the globe. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred via shuttle to your hotel, where you can check in and relax. If you feel up for exploring, head to the neighborhood of Dotonburi for a river cruise to help you get the lay of the land.
In the evening, you might like to join a food tour with a friendly guide through Namba, Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Ichiba Market, and Dotonburi. Experience authentic izakayas (hidden backstreet bars) and sample Japanese pub favorites such as yakitori (skewered chicken) and takoyaki (savory doughnut balls) while hanging out with the locals.
Day 2: Osaka City Tour & Dinner in Hozenji Yokocho
Rise and shine for a full-day city tour, meeting with your guide and starting with a visit to the iconic Osaka Castle. Here, you'll find a wealth of information on Japan's rich history, including dioramas depicting various battles, uniforms, helmets, and a large observation deck offering excellent city views. Then, it's off to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, dedicated to the city's urban growth and housing history. See re-creations of the city's buildings and streets during different time periods, including a replica of an Edo period townscape.
Next is the incredible Sumiyoshi Taisha, the head shrine of all Sumiyoshi Shrines in Japan. Initially founded in the third century, this history-rich site features classic sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture, with straight roofs and forked finials perfectly depicting that era. Get an insight into the shrine's history and religious significance, and capture beautiful shots of the Sorihashi Bridge arching across the water as your guide explains more about the shrine's history.
End in Hozenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley tucked away in a quiet corner of the buzzy Dotonburi and Namba area. It's the go-to place for Edo-period atmosphere and local food. Stroll by traditional shops, stop at its namesake temple of Hozen-ji to wish for luck, and duck into the restaurants for a delectable meal of okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) or meoto zenzai (red bean soup with rice cakes).
Day 3: Train to Hiroshima via Kobe & Himeji Castle
Make the journey from Osaka to Hiroshima today, beginning with a 15-minute train ride to the ancient town of Kobe, known for its saké and Wagyu beef. Your guide will take you through the Nada district, where you'll visit the Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum, an old saké-brewhouse turned into a museum. Afterward, stroll around the waterfront area of Kobe Harborland, featuring shopping malls, restaurants, cafés, and more.
While you're there, treat yourself to some of the best Japanese Wagyu beef in the country. This exceptional and rare meat comes from the strictly raised, locally bred Tajima-gyu breed of Japanese black cattle. Ask your guide to recommend one of the best steakhouses in town, where you can enjoy a classically prepared steak grilled on a teppanyaki (iron plate) for lunch.
See more of Osaka's countryside as your tour continues to the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, 30 minutes away by train, a spectacular example of Japanese castle architecture with a network of 83 buildings and advanced defensive systems. You'll have time to explore this beautiful white castle (nicknamed the White Heron Castle) and its grounds before a one-hour train journey to the beautiful and historic Hiroshima, where you'll check into your hotel for two nights.
Day 4: Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Today, with your guide, explore the beautiful city of Hiroshima. While perhaps most known for the tragedy of the atomic bomb that destroyed the city in World War II, Hiroshima is a major urban hub with some incredible cultural sights. Learn more about this resilient city today, starting with a visit to Peace Memorial Park, which features the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the only buildings left standing after the devastating blast. Visit other meaningful sites in the park, including the Peace Museum.
In the afternoon, board a 45-minute ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima. This small island in Hiroshima Bay, known as the "Island of the Gods," is covered in thick forests and ancient temples. Tour the island and visit elegant Shinto shrines that can only be reached by boat, including the UNESCO-listed 12th-century Itsukushima Shrine, with its red-orange torii gate, partially submerged during high tide. Before returning to the mainland, explore the island and sample local goodies like maple leaf-shaped cakes or hiroshimayaki (local Japanese pancakes).
Day 5: Train to Fukuoka, Tour Fukuoka Castle & Canal City, Dinner at Yatai Food Stalls
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Take a one-hour train to Fukuoka, the capital of the beautiful island of Kyushu. Kyushu is the southwesternmost of Japan's main islands known for its gorgeous beaches, hot springs, and rich culture. Check into your hotel, and then stretch your legs with a walk through Ohori Park, a lovely green space centered around a large pond. Ohori translates to "moat" in Japanese, and the pond here was once part of the moat system of Fukuoka Castle. Visit the ruins of the castle nearby, and if you happen to be here in spring, spot the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Visit the Nanzo-in temple to see the colossal reclining Buddha ensconced there, then continue to Uminonakamichi Park, known for its miles of blooming fields. Admire wooden architecture at the ancient Kushida Shrine, then head to Canal City, where you'll find over 250 shops, cafés, and restaurants. There's a canal running through the complex (hence the name), and you can walk around the area and get ahead on your souvenir shopping.
By now, you've probably worked up an appetite, so make your way to one of the many Yatai Food Stalls set up nightly in the city's Nakasu, Tenjin, and Nagahama districts. Hop between stalls like the locals do, sampling the many specialties on offer. A must-try is the local favorite, Hakata tonkotsu ramen (pork bone ramen), a rich noodle soup that makes for a hearty and satisfying end to the day.
Day 6: Train to Kumamoto via Nagasaki, Tour Nagasaki Peace Park & Glover Garden
After hotel check out this morning, you'll board a two-hour bullet train to historic Nagasaki, located on Kyushu's northwest coast. The town sits on a natural harbor, with terraced hills surrounding it. While it's most known for the nuclear attack that took place here during World War II, Nagasaki has a rich history and culture. Once you arrive, meet your guide to see some of the city's most notable sights.
Begin with a visit to Peace Park to learn about the tragic event that took place in the city during World War II, with stops at the nearby Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Hall. Then, explore the charming Glover Garden, which features 19th-century homes belonging to European merchants, and enjoy a cup of tea on one of the patios. End your exploration of the city at the iconic 17th-century Meganebashi, an elegant stone bridge resembling a pair of eyeglasses reflected in the water below. Return to the station for your train to Kumamoto, around two hours away, where you'll spend the night.
Day 7: Transfer to Yufuin Onsen via Takachiho, Explore Takachiho Gorge
Today, you'll explore the area of Takachiho, an hour away by car. When you arrive, make your way through lush forested trails down to the famous Takachiho Gorge, where you'll rent a row boat to get a closer look at the gorgeous Manai Waterfall, which cascades 55 feet (17 m) into the Gokase River. Admire the steep volcanic rock walls of the gorge, carved over thousands of years by the winding river, and marvel at the crystal-clear water.
Afterward, stop for lunch and sample the local specialty, nagashi soumen noodles, before embarking on a short hike along the cedar-lined Kyushu Nature Trail to the ancient shrine Takachiho Jinja. Your guide will share some of the many legends surrounding the shrine and forest as you continue walking to the Kunimigaoka Viewing Platform for panoramic views. Then, rejoin your driver for a 1.5-hour transfer to the charming resort town of Yufuin Onsen (Yufuincho), where you can spend the night relaxing in one of the many hot springs.
Day 8: Train to Fukuoka, Fly to Matsuyama, Self-Guided Dogo Onsen Experience
This morning, take the two-hour train back to Fukuoka, where you'll catch a flight to Matsuyama on Shikoku Island, about an hour away. Shikoku is renowned for its healing hot springs (onsen), and later today, you can refresh from your long journey with a visit to Dogo Onsen, one of the island's most popular resorts. Check into a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) for the night and then choose from Dogo Onsen's many bathhouses (or indeed your ryokan) for a relaxing soak and rejuvenating hot springs experience.
The bathhouse that attracts the most attention is Dogo Onsen Honkan. This historic three-story wooden bathhouse dates back to the 1800s and is said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki's popular animated film, "Spirited Away." After your soak, head out for a stroll around the area surrounding the onsen, which is home to shops selling local souvenirs and snacks, making your day even more fun and memorable.
Day 9: Tour Matsuyama Castle & Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Transfer to Takamatsu
Continue your tour of Matsuyama today with a short walk up to the iconic Matsuyama Castle, which overlooks the city. Admire the regal white building dating back to 1603 CE and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of this impressive stronghold. Once home to the powerful Matsudaira clan during Japan's feudal era, the architecture here is a prime example of that time, with a central keep, secondary keep, and turrets throughout. Then, wander the grounds to see the 200 cherry trees growing around the castle that make for beautiful cherry blossom viewing in spring.
After, meet your driver for a 3.5-hour transfer to the remote Iya Valley, one of the most beautiful spots on Shikoku Island. Enjoy nature as you explore its deep rocky gorges, towering peaks, and pristine rivers. Part of the valley's off-the-beaten-track allure is its distinctive old vine bridges, made from vines intentionally grown in extraordinary lengths and woven together to provide river crossings. As you walk across, each bridge will sway, making for a thrilling experience. Rest assured, the vines are renewed and strengthened every few years with side rails and steel cables.
Enjoy a hike along the forest trails and then cross the river Iya on the Oku Iya Niju-Kazurabashi (Husband and Wife Bridges), 329 feet (100 m) apart and within dense virgin forest. Wade into the river near the Husband Bridge beside a pretty waterfall, or pull yourself across the river on the Yaen, a wooden cart that slides across on wires. Afterward, meet your driver for the 1.5-hour trip to the port city of Takamatsu, where you'll spend the night.
Day 10: See Ritsurin Garden, Train to Kyoto, Tour Kinkaku-ji & Nijo Castle
After breakfast, check out of your hotel, meet your guide, and take a tour of Ritsurin Garden, a nearly 200-acre (75 ha) expanse of meticulously manicured greenery that's considered the highlight of the city. Walk along quiet paths past beautifully landscaped hills and vegetation, lovely ponds, and elegant pavilions. The garden is divided into a Japanese-style garden in the south and a Western-style planting in the north. Take a break at one of the rest houses and appreciate the tranquility, or board a traditional wasen boat to admire the garden from another angle.
Later, your driver will take you to the train station, where you'll catch the 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto. Japan's cultural capital is alive with history and is home to numerous shrines, temples, palaces, and gardens. Once you've arrived and checked into your hotel or ryokan, spend the rest of the day on a guided tour exploring some of these sites, starting at the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion. Stroll through the gardens and marvel at the gold-leaf-covered structure reflected in the surrounding ponds.
Since you can't enter the temple, continue with your guide to another UNESCO-listed site, Nijo Castle, home to the Edo period's first shogun (military leader). As you explore the castle grounds, your guide will provide insights into the architectural grandeur and lavish decor of the Ninomaru Palace. Inside, see the walls adorned with intricate nature and Japanese folklore paintings. At the end of the day, you'll return to your Kyoto ryokan and rest up for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 11: Fushimi Inari-taisha & Tofuku-ji Temple, Tea Ceremony & Samurai Museum
After breakfast, put on comfortable shoes and join a four-hour guided tour. The tour starts with an enchanting morning hike at the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Walk through the 10,000 red torii gates and follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain for panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest. Walk back through the forest, discovering smaller shrines, moss-covered animal statues, and ancient stone tablets before reaching the historic Tofuku-ji Temple, where you can admire the oldest Zen gate in Japan.
Return to your hotel to refresh before immersing yourself in Japanese culture at this afternoon's tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, a historic townhouse in the Gion district. When you arrive, change into a traditional kimono and learn about the Zen aspects of the ceremony, called sado or chanoyu. Sit down on a tatami mat, try some traditional Japanese sweets, and join in the ritual of matcha led by a knowledgeable tea master.
Following the tea ceremony, walk with your guide to the Samurai & Ninja Museum to learn about these legendary warriors of feudal Japan. Dress in full samurai armor and learn how to handle a katana (Japanese samurai sword) as you pose with a replica sword for photos. Then, browse the collection of authentic samurai artifacts to gain insight into the lives of the samurai and ninjas before returning to your hotel for your last night in Kyoto.
Day 12: Train to Shizuoka, Discover Kunozan Toshogu Shrine & Miho Seacoast
Check out of your hotel and take the train to Shizuoka, around two hours from Kyoto. The city and surrounding area in the volcanic foothills of Mount Fuji are best known for their hot springs and green tea production, with over half of Japan's green tea grown here. Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and meet your guide for a half-day tour of this scenic area.
First up, you'll explore the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, with its gongen-zukuri architectural style, where the main hall and worship hall are connected by a low-set building. Visit the nearby Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Museum to see artifacts from the renowned Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, to whom the temple is dedicated. Then, stroll along the picturesque, pine-lined Miho Seacoast with its epic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding bay, a landscape made famous in iconic Japanese woodblock prints.
Day 13: Train to Tokyo, Tour Imperial Palace Gardens & Senso-ji
This morning, it's off to the train station to depart for Tokyo, Japan's capital, about 1.5 hours away. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with neon-lit skyscrapers alongside historic temples and lush gardens. At your hotel, you'll be met by your guide for a half-day tour of Tokyo's incredible Imperial Palace gardens and Senso-ji temple. Start at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only part of the palace open to the public. The garden features seasonal flowers, green lawns, fountains, and teahouses. You can also catch views of the impressive double-arched Nijubashi Bridge.
Afterward, visit Senso-ji, which dates back to the seventh century and is considered one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples. Pass the giant lanterns on the outer gates, then walk the lively Nakamise-dori, a street lined with shops and food stands. Make your way to the temple's main hall, and if you like, you can pray to the goddess Kannon enshrined there just like the locals do or pick up an omikuji (fortunes written on paper strips). Return to your hotel for your first night in Tokyo.
Day 14: Sumo Experience with Chankonabe Hotpot, Nigiri Sushi Workshop
Start today with a glimpse into Tokyo's captivating sumo wrestling culture, led by a knowledgeable guide. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily lives of these revered athletes, learn some of the history, and test out your skills on the mat with retired wrestlers. For lunch, savor some chankonabe (sumo wrestler's hot pot), a sumo specialty made of rich broth full of protein and vegetables, to complete your immersion in this fascinating subculture of Japan. Later in the day, dive into another treasured Japanese tradition—sushi!
Discover the secrets of this iconic dish in a nigiri sushi workshop, made by molding rice into a bite-size shape and topping it with thin slices of fish. The expert instructor will guide you through the process, providing pro tips and sushi history from an insider's perspective. During the class, you'll also sample other types of sushi, such as inari, sushi rice stuffed into deep-fried tofu pockets, or maki, where the classic ingredients are rolled in seaweed. Finally, make the most of your last night in Japan by having a street food dinner at one of the lively markets or tasting saké at a local bar.
Day 15: Depart Tokyo
Enjoy your last day in Japan, starting early in the morning to spot the sunrise over Tokyo before checking out of your hotel and heading to the airport. Have a safe journey home or to your next destination!
More Great Japan Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other Japan itineraries, explore different ways to spend 15 days in Japan, or discover the best time to visit Japan.
A note on diacritical markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.
Map
