🇯🇵 JAPAN

An extensive 16-day Japan itinerary. You’ll see quintessentially Japanese sights and come away with unforgettable memories. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget. Here’s your Japan itinerary:

Luxury
1	✈To Tokyo (Book >)	Dep: Morning		🏨 In flight!
2			Arr: Morning	🏨Shangri-La Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	There’s 3 subway companies in Tokyo. Buy a SUICA card which allows you to travel on each.
3	Stroll around the photogenic Imperial Palace and trendy Ginza. When the sun sets go to the neon wonderlands of Shinjuku and Ginza then enjoy the view from the hotel bar on the 52nd floor.			Buy a Japan Rail pass before embarking on this Japan itinerary. Book tickets in advance in a Japan Rail office in Tokyo.
4	🚄Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Okaya train 🚄Okaya to Sawando train	Dep: 15:00 Dep: 17:50	Arr: 17:29 Dep: 18:48	🏨Keiryu So Shiorie (Book >)	All hotels >
	Take a ride up to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free 360˚ views of the skyline.			Tipping in Japan is not customary. If you wish to show respect then learn a few simple Japanese words.
5	🚄Sawando to Tatsuno (Nagano) train 🚄Tatsuno to Shiojiri train 🚄Shiojiri to Nagiso train	Dep: 17:36 Dep: 18:23 Dep: 18:50	Arr: 18:19 Arr: 18:44 Arr: 20:28	🏨Hotel Fuki No Mori (Book >)	All hotels >
	Plenty of time today for a walk in the pretty Kamikochi valley.			Your JR Pass does not cover ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Mizuho’ bullet trains.
6	Take the free hotel shuttle to Tsumago then walk the Edo-era trail to Magome.			The hotel onsen will sooth your limbs after your walk.
7	🚄Nagiso to Hiroshima train	Dep: 08:01	Arr: 09:43	🏨Sheraton Grand (Book >)	All hotels >
	Head straight for the Hiroshima Peace Museum then stroll around the Peace Memorial Park.			It’s easy to walk to most of the main sights in Hiroshima.
8	Take the 30 min train in Miyajimaguchi station and the ferry to Miyajima island. Take in the serene Itsukushima Shrine then hike or Ropeway up Mt. Misen for amazing views. Don’t miss magnificent Daishō-in on the way back down.			Hiroshima is famous for delicious okonomiyaki. Perch at a bar and watch yours being made.
9	🚄Hiroshima to Kyoto train	Dep: 08:51 Dep: 09:30 Dep: 11:13	Arr: 09:10 Arr: 10:57 Arr: 13:26	🏨Aoi Hotel Kyoto (Book >)	All hotels >
	Dedicate a couple of days to exploring Kyoto’s holy spots. Highlights include; Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji and Sanjusangendo Temples as well as Nijō Castle. Sample the delicious food and pick up some souvenirs in Nishiki Market.			Kyoto train station has a great view from the roof!
10				On the subway the numbers in square boxes indicate the price of a journey.
11	Build a day into your schedule to visit Nara, 45 mins away by train. (Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is on the way back and is magical at dusk). The Gion district comes alive at night.			Temples are usally quietest on Mondays, or visit a less well-known one for total peace.
12	🚄Kyoto to Odawara train	Dep: 09:08	Arr: 12:06	🏨Hyatt Regency (Book >)	All hotels >
	Take a bus to and hike up Myojingatake – even if you don’t make it to the top the views along the way are magnificent.			Your hotel provides a free shuttle from the station (book in advance).
13	Let the funicular at nearby Kami-Gora spirit you away to the start of the Hakone Ropeway, which will carry you to the Togendai-ko port. Here you can take a pirate ship (!) across the lake for exceptional views of Mt Fuji.			Don’t miss the view across to the toria shrine on the opposite side of the lake from Hakone town.
14	🚄Odawara to Tokyo train	Dep: 12:36	Arr: 13:10	🏨Shangri-La Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Join the crowds visiting Tokyo’s Senso-Ji temple and Asakusa.			Remember to book the hotel shuttle back to Odawara.
15	Relax in the oasis that is Meiji Jingu Shrine then explore nearby Harajuku and neighbouring Shibuya.			Karaoke venues are often a good place to drink on a budget.
16	✈Tokyo to home (Book >)	Dep: Afternoon	Arr: Evening	Connect this Japan itinerary with the China itinerary
	Don’t forget to get your SUICA card deposit back.
Mid-range
1	✈To Tokyo (Book >)	Dep: Morning		🏨 In flight!
2			Arr: Morning	🏨Richmond Hotel Premier (Book >)	All hotels >
	There’s 3 subway companies in Tokyo. Buy a SUICA card which allows you to travel on each.
3	Stroll around the photogenic Imperial Palace and trendy Ginza. When the sun sets go to the neon wonderlands of Shinjuku and Ginza then enjoy the view from the hotel bar on the 52nd floor.			Buy a Japan Rail pass before embarking on this Japan itinerary. Book tickets in advance in a Japan Rail office in Tokyo.
4	🚄Tokyo to Nagano train 🚄Nagano to Matsumoto train	Dep: 14:08 Dep: 16:05	Arr: 15:58 Dep: 17:20	🏨Hotel Dormy Inn Matsumoto  (Book >)	All hotels >
	Take a ride up to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free 360˚ views of the skyline. In the evening walk around the outside of Matsumoto castle.			Tipping in Japan is not customary. If you wish to show respect then learn a few simple Japanese words.
5	🚄Matsumoto to Nagiso train	Dep: 16:53	Arr: 17:55	🏨Hotel Fuki No Mori (Book >)	All hotels >
	Plenty of time today for a walk in the pretty Kamikochi valley.			Take the train/bus combo to Kamikochi.
6	Take the free hotel shuttle to Tsumago then walk the Edo-era trail to Magome.			These train times avoid ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Mizuho’ trains, which aren’t available on a JR pass – for these train times see the Luxury itinerary.
7	🚄Nagiso to Nakatsugawa train 🚄Nakatsugawa to Nagoya train 🚄Nagoya to Shin-Osaka train 🚄Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima train	Dep: 09:54 Dep: 10:20 Dep: 11:48 Dep: 13:59	Arr: 10:14 Arr: 11:35 Arr: 13:00 Arr: 15:25	🏨Washington Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	You should arrive in time to walk to the Hiroshima Peace Museum and have plenty of time to visit before it closes.			It’s easy to walk to most of the main sights in Hiroshima.
8	Take the 30 min train in Miyajimaguchi station and the ferry to Miyajima island. Take in the serene Itsukushima Shrine then hike or Ropeway up Mt. Misen for amazing views. Don’t miss magnificent Daishō-in on the way back down.			Hiroshima is famous for delicious okonomiyaki. Perch at a bar and watch yours being made.
9	🚄Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka train 🚄Shin-Osaka to Kyoto train	Dep: 08:06 Dep: 09:52	Arr: 09:42 Arr: 10:17	🏨Royal Park Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Dedicate a couple of days to exploring Kyoto’s holy spots. Highlights include; Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji and Sanjusangendo Temples as well as Nijō Castle. Sample the delicious food and pick up some souvenirs in Nishiki Market.			Kyoto train station has a great view from the roof!
10				On the subway the numbers in square boxes indicate the price of a journey.
11	Build a day into your schedule to visit Nara, 45 mins away by train. (Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is on the way back and is magical at dusk). The Gion district comes alive at night.			Temples are usally quietest on Mondays, or visit a less well-known one for total peace.
12	🚄Kyoto to Odawra train 🚄Odawara to Hakone Yumoto train 🚄Hakone Yumoto to Gora train	Dep: 10:32 Dep: 12:46 Dep: 13:12	Arr: 12:35 Arr: 13:02 Arr: 13:49	🏨Mount View Hakone (Book >)	All hotels >
	Take a bus to and hike up Myojingatake – even if you don’t make it to the top the views along the way are magnificent.			Gora is famous for its hot springs.
13	Let the funicular at nearby Kami-Gora spirit you away to the start of the Hakone Ropeway, which will carry you to the Togendai-ko port. Here you can take a pirate ship (!) across the lake for exceptional views of Mt Fuji.			Don’t miss the view across to the toria shrine on the opposite side of the lake from Hakone town.
14	🚄Hakone to Odawara train 🚄Odawara to Tokyo train	Dep: 11:30 Dep: 12:37	Arr: 12:10 Arr: 13:10	🏨Richmond Hotel Premier (Book >)	All hotels >
	Join the crowds visiting Tokyo’s Senso-Ji temple and Asakusa.			Remember to book the hotel shuttle back to Odawara.
15	Relax in the oasis that is Meiji Jingu Shrine then explore nearby Harajuku and neighbouring Shibuya.			Karaoke venues are often a good place to drink on a budget.
16	✈Tokyo to home (Book >)	Dep: Afternoon	Arr: Evening	Connect this Japan itinerary with the China itinerary
	Don’t forget to get your SUICA card deposit back.
Budget
1	✈To Tokyo (Book >)	Dep: Morning		🏨 In flight!
2			Arr: Morning	🏨Khaosan Tokyo Origami  (Book >)	All hostels >
	There’s 3 subway companies in Tokyo. Buy a SUICA card which allows you to travel on each.
3	Stroll around the photogenic Imperial Palace and trendy Ginza. When the sun sets go to the neon wonderlands of Shinjuku and Ginza then enjoy the view from the hotel bar on the 52nd floor.			Buy a Japan Rail pass before embarking on this Japan itinerary. Book tickets in advance in a Japan Rail office in Tokyo.
4	🚄Tokyo to Nagano train 🚄Nagano to Matsumoto train	Dep: 14:08 Dep: 16:05	Arr: 15:58 Dep: 17:20	🏨Couch Potato Hostel (Book >)	All hostels >
	Take a ride up to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free 360˚ views of the skyline. In the evening walk around the outside of Matsumoto castle.			Tipping in Japan is not customary. If you wish to show respect then learn a few simple Japanese words.
5	🚄Matsumoto to Nagiso train	Dep: 16:53	Arr: 17:55	🏨Hostel & Cafe Yui-an (Book >)	All hotels >
	Plenty of time today for a walk in the pretty Kamikochi valley.			Take the train/bus combo to Kamikochi.
6	Take the free hotel shuttle to Tsumago then walk the Edo-era trail to Magome.			These train times avoid ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Mizuho’ trains, which aren’t available on a JR pass – for these train times see the Luxury itinerary.
7	🚄Nagiso to Nakatsugawa train 🚄Nakatsugawa to Nagoya train 🚄Nagoya to Shin-Osaka train 🚄Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima train	Dep: 09:54 Dep: 10:20 Dep: 11:48 Dep: 13:59	Arr: 10:14 Arr: 11:35 Arr: 13:00 Arr: 15:25	🏨Hostel Kawate-Ya (Book >)	All hostels >
	You should arrive in time to walk to the Hiroshima Peace Museum and have plenty of time to visit before it closes.			It’s easy to walk to most of the main sights in Hiroshima.
8	Take the 30 min train in Miyajimaguchi station and the ferry to Miyajima island. Take in the serene Itsukushima Shrine then hike or Ropeway up Mt. Misen for amazing views. Don’t miss magnificent Daishō-in on the way back down.			Hiroshima is famous for delicious okonomiyaki. Perch at a bar and watch yours being made.
9	🚄Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka train 🚄Shin-Osaka to Kyoto train	Dep: 08:06 Dep: 09:52	Arr: 09:42 Arr: 10:17	🏨Piece Hostel Sanjo (Book >)	All hostels >
	Dedicate a couple of days to exploring Kyoto’s holy spots. Highlights include; Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji and Sanjusangendo Temples as well as Nijō Castle. Sample the delicious food and pick up some souvenirs in Nishiki Market.			Kyoto train station has a great view from the roof!
10				On the subway the numbers in square boxes indicate the price of a journey.
11	Build a day into your schedule to visit Nara, 45 mins away by train. (Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is on the way back and is magical at dusk). The Gion district comes alive at night.			Temples are usally quietest on Mondays, or visit a less well-known one for total peace.
12	🚄Kyoto to Odawara train 🚄Odawara to Hakone Yumoto train	Dep: 10:32 Dep: 12:46	Arr: 12:35 Arr: 13:02	🏨Emblem Flow (Book >)	All hostels >
	Take a bus to and hike up Myojingatake – even if you don’t make it to the top the views along the way are magnificent.			Your guest house has a natural hot spring.
13	Let the funicular at nearby Kami-Gora spirit you away to the start of the Hakone Ropeway, which will carry you to the Togendai-ko port. Here you can take a pirate ship (!) across the lake for exceptional views of Mt Fuji.			Don’t miss the view across to the toria shrine on the opposite side of the lake from Hakone town.
14	🚄Hakone to Odawara train 🚄Odawara to Tokyo train	Dep: 11:30 Dep: 12:37	Arr: 12:10 Arr: 13:10	🏨Hotel CEN (Book >)	All hostels >
	Join the crowds visiting Tokyo’s Senso-Ji temple and Asakusa.			Remember to book the hotel shuttle back to Odawara.
15	Relax in the oasis that is Meiji Jingu Shrine then explore nearby Harajuku and neighbouring Shibuya.			Karaoke venues are often a good place to drink on a budget.
16	✈Tokyo to home (Book >)	Dep: Afternoon	Arr: Evening	Connect this Japan itinerary with the China itinerary
	Don’t forget to get your SUICA card deposit back.