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Japan itinerary

Sample

Japan in 28 days

Sample copy. A 28-day route through Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Kyushu and Osaka, paced relaxed and planned so every travel day is worth it.

Temple buildings among trees in Japan

Overview

Sample copy. This 28-day itinerary links Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Kyushu 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

    The capital in depth, with a day trip to Nikko.

    Stay The Ginza Lantern, Tokyo

    Travel Airport express, about 40 minutes

  2. Days 5-6

    Hakone

    Onsen, open-air museum and the lake beneath Fuji.

    Stay Ryokan in Hakone

    Travel Romancecar, about 90 minutes

  3. Days 7-9

    Takayama

    The alpine old town and a farmhouse night in Shirakawa-go.

    Stay Ryokan in Takayama

    Travel Train via Nagoya, about 4 hours

  4. Days 10-11

    Kanazawa

    Kenrokuen garden and the samurai and geisha districts.

    Stay Machiya townhouse, Kanazawa

    Travel Bus, about 1 hour 15 minutes

  5. Days 12-16

    Kyoto

    Five days for temples, gardens and the craft districts.

    Stay Kyo no Yado, Kyoto

    Travel Limited express, about 2 hours 15 minutes

  6. Day 17

    Nara

    The great Buddha and the deer park, an easy day from Kyoto.

    Stay Kyo no Yado, Kyoto

    Travel Local train, about 45 minutes each way

  7. Days 18-20

    Hiroshima and Miyajima

    The Peace Memorial, then two nights on the island of the floating torii.

    Stay Ryokan on Miyajima

    Travel Shinkansen, about 1 hour 40 minutes

  8. Days 21-22

    Fukuoka

    Yatai food stalls and the temples of the old port.

    Stay Hotel in Fukuoka

    Travel Shinkansen, about 1 hour

  9. Days 23-24

    Nagasaki

    The peace park, Glover Garden and the harbour at dusk.

    Stay Hotel in Nagasaki

    Travel Limited express, about 2 hours

  10. Days 25-26

    Yakushima

    Ancient cedar forest walking on the island that inspired Princess Mononoke.

    Stay Minshuku on Yakushima

    Travel Ferry from Kagoshima, about 2 hours 30 minutes

  11. Days 27-28

    Osaka

    Fly back to the mainland for a final night and the flight home.

    Stay Hotel in Osaka

    Travel Domestic flight, about 1 hour 10 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.

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