If you want to see cherry blossoms in Hirosaki, then this itinerary is for you! This Japan itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to see all Japan has to offer in two short weeks. It will give you a great insight into the magnificent country and allow you to experience as much as possible. Visiting 12 different locations in 14 days in Japan is completely doable with the Japan Rail Pass which makes traveling throughout Japan affordable and efficient. Be sure to stick around until the end of the video because we save the most epic location for the end!
Day 1: Tokyo
This itinerary starts and ends in Tokyo, so spend this time in the city getting a feel for the city and enjoying the culture. You could visit Tokyo’s Ginza, which is an upscale shopping district in the heart of the city and close to the Tsukiji fish market where you can have exceptional sushi at Sushi Zanmai! You could go to the famous Robot Restaurant, which features a show while you eat dinner. This is a surprisingly popular thing to do in Japan, so be sure to book your tickets. You could also go the an immersive digital art museum, which is one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo and perfect for Instagram photos. See the city by night from the tallest building, Tokyo Skytree. You can buy skip the line tickets or enjoy dinner in the Panorama restaurant. Or, you can opt for some classic Japanese conveyor-belt sushi!
Day 2: Kyoto
After one night in Tokyo, it’s time to move on to Kyoto. This city is considered the cultural capital of Japan. When you get off at Kyoto, get a bus or train to Saga-Arashiyama Station to go to your first stop, Tenryo-Ji. This shrine has a beautiful exterior which encloses an incredible zen garden. You can see the gorgeous Japanese wisteria, which you won’t see outside of Japan! Next up, head to the Arashiyama bamboo forest, which is conveniently located right next to Tenryu-Ji. This is a very popular experience in Kyoto, but you will easily walk through it in 15 minutes. Although small, this forest is beautiful. Finally, end your day at the Golden Pavilion. Enjoy the shiny architecture and explore the pavilion’s surrounding gardens, too! You can even enjoy some Japanese ice cream, with flavors such as green matcha and black seseme.
Day 3: Kyoto
Start early and dive into all of the amazing things Kyoto has to offer for day two, such as the Nishiki Market, where you can try some truly original Japanese treats, Gion, the famous geisha district, or Higashiyama area in east Kyoto with many of the most famous temples and the beautiful streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. After seeing all the beautiful streets in between the temples and shrines, end your day walking along the Philosopher’s Path. This path is next to a relaxing stream that is lined with cherry blossom trees in the spring.
Day 4: Nara
On day 4, you can take a day trip to Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara Deer Park by taking the train line from Kyoto to Inari. First stop, this shrine is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and may also be the busiest as well. The fantastic rows of red Torii are a sight to be seen and perfect for photos. Next, head to Nara, the very first capital of Japan, and home to thousands of docile, free-ranging deer! Exploring Nara is perfect for a day trip and also has some great walking paths. Then, head back to Kyoto to enjoy your final night before moving on to the southernmost point of the trip.
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Day 5: Hiroshima
Hiroshima offers a truly unique experience. You can view the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was the only building left standing after the events of WWII. You also should visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for a moving representation of what happened to the people and area due to the bombing. Visit the Peace Park and see the flame that will remain lit until all the earth’s nuclear weapons are destroyed. You can also take a ride on the vintage tram or experience the famous city nightlife for your night here.
Day 6: Miyajima, Himeji and Osaka
This is a crazy day that covers a lot of ground. First, hop on a ferry to the island of Miyajima, which is home to one of the top three national sights in Japan. You could also choose to base yourself here for a night, if the Hiroshima night life doesn’t interest you. Miyajima is one of the most visited places in all of Japan. Be sure to plan your visit to the shrine in high tide when the “floating Torii ”illusion takes effect. Take the ferry back and hop on the train to Himeji where you will see the awesome Himeji Castle. This may be the best-preserved castle in all of Japan and known as the “White Heron Caslte,” you can also explore the samurai quarters and learn the history before moving on. Not, it’s time for Osaka, which has alternative vibe to the other major Japanese cities. It’s considered the foodie capital of Japan, with endless options for street food. You have to check out Dotonbori, the most famous street in the city teeming with food choices all night long. If you have more than two weeks available in Japan, think about spending some more time here!
Day 7: Takayam
After a night and breakfast, it’s time to move from the busy Osaka to the calming Alps. The Japanese Alps is made up of the Akaisi, Kiso and Hida mountain ranges. This itinery takes you to the Hida region. Be sure to book a Wide View train which features large, beautiful windows for your journey through the mountains to Takayam. This may be the perfect place to experience a traditional Japanese inn called a Ryokan for a more reasonable price than in the city. Throughout your time in Japan, you should stay in a ryokan at least once. While in Takayama, be sure to explore the Edo-era merchant district and try the Hida beef, a local meat similar to Kobe beef. You can even visit one of the local restaurants for a grill-your-own experience! This town also is known for its sake production, so be sure to try some while you’re there!
Day 8: Shirakawa-go
Hop on the bus to get the tiny village of Shirakawa-go. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the residents still live in thatch-roof houses. Here, you can learn about the history of the village and see inside the thatched houses. If you watch a special and truly authentic experience away from the crowds, spend the night in this wonderful little town.
Day 9: Hirosaki
It’s time to head north to visit Hirosaki for its park filled with 2,500 cherry blossoms. It’s also a destination off the tourist track, so you won’t run into a lot of crowds like everywhere else in Japan. When you arrive in the evening, head straight to the park. Seeing the cherry blossoms illuminated at night is truly a special experience. You can grab dinner at Kadare Yokocho, a favorite food hall with the locals.
Day 10: Cherry Blossoms
Head right back to the park after breakfast to enjoy it during the day. It is filled with spectacular sights, such as Japanese bridges and even the Sakura Tunnel. The place is the perfect spot to visit in late spring, when the cherry blossoms in the south have already gone. Here, you can truly experience their beauty as they surround you. After taking in the park, hop on the train to Nikko.
Day 11: Nikko
Nikko was once the favorite retreat of the emperor. It is now home to many famous Japanese sights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It may be small, but there is a lot to see. Explore the fabulous shrines, such as Tosho-gu and Naikiryu, and natural beauty around Nikko throughout you time there. Visit Shin-kyo, the most famous bridge in Nikko, and, if you have time, you can visit the beautiful Kegon Waterfall. But be sure to visit the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a natural canyon in Nikko. While everyone is distracted by the shrines, take a walk through what could be one of the most beautiful places you see in Japan.
Days 12 & 13: Tokyo
Take you final days before leaving Japan to appreciate this incredible place and experience more of what Tokyo has to offer! This city has the most restaurants per capita in the world, so be sure to eat as much as possible! Take a walk through Yoyogi Park or visit the Tokyo National Museum to learn more about Japan’s fascinating culture and history. When your done exploring,catch the train to Kawaguchi-ko, where you can wake up to Mt. Fuji on your last morning.
Day 14: Mt. Fuji
We’ve saved the best for lase! Before flying home, take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. This view may be unlike any you have ever seen before. Get up as early as possible and see the reflection of the mountain in Lake Kawaguchi. This will be a perfect way to end your trip and leave you smiling throughout your entire flight home.
What place on the itinerary was your favorite? Would you prefer the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or calm serenity of Takayam in the Alps? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to ViewCation for the best travel tips and awesome itineraries for your next vacation!