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Destination Traveller

Japan itinerary

Sample

Japan in 14 days

Sample copy. A 14-day route through Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Kyoto and Osaka, paced moderate and planned so every travel day is worth it.

Red torii gate standing in the sea at Itsukushima Shrine

Overview

Sample copy. This 14-day itinerary links Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Kyoto and Osaka. It is designed for active travellers who like full days and comfortable nights, and it works as written or as a starting point for our specialists.

Map with compass and hand-drawn route notes

Day by day

The day-by-day plan below shows where you sleep, what each day holds and how long each transfer takes.

  1. Days 1-4

    Tokyo

    Neighbourhoods, the fish market at dawn and a free evening for the view from the Metropolitan Government Building.

    Stay The Ginza Lantern, Tokyo

    Travel Airport express, about 40 minutes

  2. Day 5

    Nikko

    Shrines in the cedar forest, a World Heritage site an easy day from the capital.

    Stay The Ginza Lantern, Tokyo

    Travel Limited express, about 2 hours each way

  3. Days 6-8

    Takayama

    Morning markets, sake breweries and a night in a farmhouse in Shirakawa-go.

    Stay Ryokan in Takayama

    Travel Shinkansen and limited express via Nagoya, about 4 hours

  4. Days 9-12

    Kyoto

    Four unhurried days: Arashiyama bamboo grove, Fushimi Inari at dawn and the tea houses of Gion.

    Stay Kyo no Yado, Kyoto

    Travel Limited express and shinkansen via Nagoya, about 3 hours 30 minutes

  5. Days 13-14

    Osaka

    Street food in Dotonbori and the castle before the flight home from Kansai.

    Stay Hotel in Osaka

    Travel Shinkansen, about 15 minutes

Make it longer or shorter

How to book

Sample copy. Our specialists book this itinerary complete with hotels, rail or car hire and experiences. Speak to a specialist below and we will tailor it to your dates.

Questions

Can this itinerary be tailored?

Sample answer. Yes. Every itinerary is a starting point; our specialists adjust the route, the hotels and the pace to suit you.

What is included in the budget?

Sample answer. The budget covers accommodation, ground transport and the named experiences, but not international flights.