Are you planning a trip to Japan? Look no further! We’ve put together a 5 day itinerary that will allow you to fully experience the beauty and culture of this amazing country. From visiting iconic landmarks to trying traditional Japanese cuisine, this itinerary has it all.
ITINERARY:
Day 1:
- 9:00am-11:00am: Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel. This will give you a chance to rest and freshen up after your travels.
- 11:00am-1:00pm: Explore the bustling streets of Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood and grab lunch at a local restaurant. Shibuya is known for its vibrant atmosphere and shopping, and you’ll find a variety of restaurants to choose from.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Visit the famous Meiji Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine is surrounded by a peaceful forest, making it a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Take a stroll through the tranquil gardens of the Imperial Palace. The palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, and the gardens are a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
- 5:00pm-7:00pm: Try some traditional Japanese cuisine for dinner, such as sushi or tempura. Japanese food is known for its fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, and there are countless restaurants to choose from in Tokyo.
Day 2:
- 9:00am-10:00am: Take the train to Mount Fuji and begin your ascent to the summit. Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and is an iconic symbol of the country. The hike to the summit takes about 5 hours round trip, so it’s important to be prepared with water, snacks, and proper footwear.
- 10:00am-12:00pm: Hike to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. From the summit, you’ll have a panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the surrounding lakes and mountains.
- 12:00pm-1:00pm: Take a break and have a bento box lunch at the summit. Bento boxes are a popular type of Japanese lunch box, often containing a variety of small dishes such as rice, fish, and vegetables.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Descend the mountain and visit the beautiful Lake Ashi, a popular spot for boating and picnicking. Lake Ashi is a crater lake located at the base of Mount Fuji, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Return to Tokyo and visit the Senso-ji Temple, a colorful and ornate Buddhist temple. The temple is the oldest and most popular in Tokyo, and it’s a great place to learn about Buddhist culture and history.
- 5:00pm-7:00pm: Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at a local tea house. Japanese tea ceremonies are an ancient tradition that involve the preparation and presentation of green tea in a formal setting. It’s a great opportunity to experience a unique aspect of Japanese culture.
Day 3:
- 9:00am-11:00am: Take a day trip to the city of Kamakura, known for its beautiful beaches and iconic Great Buddha statue. Kamakura is a beautiful city located about an hour south of Tokyo, and it’s a great place to escape the crowds and experience a more laid-back atmosphere.
- 11:00am-1:00pm: Visit the Great Buddha, a massive bronze statue located in the Kotoku-in Temple. The Great Buddha is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kamakura, and it’s a great place to learn about Buddhist culture and history.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Take a stroll along the beach and try some fresh seafood for lunch. Kamakura is known for its beautiful beaches, and you’ll find a variety of seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Visit the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine with a long history. The shrine is located in the center of Kamakura and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
- 5:00pm-7:00pm: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a traditional Japanese hot spring bath (onsen) at your hotel. Onsen are natural hot spring baths that are a popular tourist attraction in Japan. They are believed to have health benefits and are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Day 4:
- 9:00am-11:00am: Take a day trip to the city of Kyoto and visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a beautiful shrine with thousands of orange torii gates. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto, and it’s a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture and spirituality.
- 11:00am-1:00pm: Try some traditional Kyoto cuisine for lunch, such as tofu or kaiseki. Kyoto is known for its culinary traditions, and you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving a range of traditional dishes.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Visit the Kinkakuji Temple, a stunning gold-leaf covered temple set in a beautiful garden. The Kinkakuji Temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kyoto, and it’s a great place to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of Japanese temple architecture.
- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Take a stroll through the Gion District, a traditional geisha neighborhood with narrow streets and traditional tea houses. The Gion District is a great place to experience the traditional culture and atmosphere of Kyoto, and you might even spot a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking through the streets.
- 5:00pm-7:00pm: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a night out in the vibrant Roppongi neighborhood. Roppongi is known for its nightlife, and you’ll find a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.
Day 5:
- 9:00am-11:00am: Take a tour of the Tokyo National Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in Japan. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, including art, archaeology, and natural history, and it’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of Japan.
- 11:00am-1:00pm: Visit the Tokyo Skytree, a massive tower with observation decks offering panoramic views of the city. The Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and is a great place to get a bird’s eye view of the city.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. There are countless restaurants to choose from in Tokyo, ranging from traditional Japanese to international cuisine.
- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, a skyscraper with observation decks offering panoramic views of the city. The observation decks are located on the 45th floor and offer a great alternative to the Skytree if you want to experience a different perspective of the city.
- 5:00pm-7:00pm: End your trip with a farewell dinner at a restaurant with a view of the city. Tokyo has many restaurants with stunning views, ranging from rooftop bars to fine dining establishments. It’s a great way to end your trip on a high note and reflect on all the amazing experiences you had in Japan.
Overall, this 5 day itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of Japan, allowing you to visit iconic landmarks, experience traditional culture, and enjoy the natural beauty of the country. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to relax and unwind, there’s something for everyone in Japan.
