14-Day Japan Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Hidden Gems
Arrival/Departure: Tokyo (both arrival and departure)
Destinations: Tokyo, Takayama (via Nagoya), Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Naoshima, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Fukuoka, Yakushima (with return to Tokyo)
Accommodation Mix: Boutique city hotels, traditional ryokan inns (with onsen baths), a quirky capsule hotel, and one luxury art hotel
Transport: 14-day JR Pass for Shinkansen and JR trains (activate on Day 4), plus local metros, buses, ferry to Naoshima, and ferry/flight for Yakushima
Seasonal Highlights: Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, colorful summer festivals, and winter illuminations – noted per location where relevant
Arrive at Tokyo’s Narita Airport and exchange your JR Pass voucher (if you have one) for use later in the trip. The easiest way into the city is the Narita Express train, which whisks you to central Tokyo in about an hour. Check into a boutique hotel in a lively area like Shinjuku or Shibuya for convenience. After some rest, dive into Tokyo’s energy: head to Shibuya Crossing and visit the Shibuya Sky observatory or the Tokyo Metropolitan Govt. Building for panoramic views. In the evening, wander through the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku – explore entertainment alleys like Omoide Yokocho for yakitori and Golden Gai for tiny bars.
- Food: Try a bowl of tonkotsu ramen or curry. Consider joining an izakaya food tour for yakitori and sake.
- Insider Tip: If you’re up for it, catch the futuristic Robot Restaurant show in Shinjuku or enjoy karaoke.
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Start the day in Asakusa to visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and stroll down Nakamise shopping street. Then head to Akihabara to explore anime, manga, and electronics—including a quirky maid café experience. In the afternoon, visit Harajuku for youth culture and fashion along Takeshita Street and relax at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Consider an interactive art experience at TeamLab Borderless/Planets (book tickets in advance).
- Food: Enjoy sushi at a conveyor belt restaurant near Tsukiji Outer Market for lunch and dine in an izakaya or ramen shop in Shibuya for dinner.
- Insider Tip: Visit the Ghibli Museum (tickets must be booked ahead) if you’re a fan.
- Accommodation: Stay in the same Tokyo hotel.
Begin your morning at Ueno Park for its museums and cherry blossoms (if in season). Then visit Kichijoji and its Inokashira Park, home to the Ghibli Museum. In the afternoon, check out Nakano Broadway or return to Akihabara for more shopping. Alternatively, explore the hidden trail in Todoroki Valley in Setagaya. Finish the day with a relaxing soak in a traditional sento such as Teikoku-Yu.
- Food: Explore street food at Sunamachi Ginza or enjoy grilled skewers in Shinjuku’s Memory Lane.
- Insider Tip: For nightlife, try a river cruise on the Sumida River or visit Tokyo’s winter illuminations.
- Accommodation: Same Tokyo hotel.
Take the morning Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya and transfer on the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama. Arrive by early afternoon and check into a traditional ryokan with onsen baths. Wander through the historic Sanmachi Suji old town and sample local sake and Hida beef snacks.
- Activity: Consider the Higashiyama Walking Course through Takayama’s temples and shrines or visit the Takayama Showa-kan Museum.
- Food: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal dishes and local Hida beef.
- Accommodation: Ryokan in Takayama.
Visit Takayama’s morning markets such as Miyagawa Market and Jinya-mae Market. Explore traditional crafts at the Hida Folk Village and the Takayama Yatai Kaikan. In the afternoon, take a bus to the picturesque UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go to admire its thatched A-frame houses. Return to Takayama by evening.
- Food: Try Hida beef in various forms and local specialties like Takayama ramen.
- Insider Tip: Join a local food or sake tour if time permits, or rent a bike to explore nearby Hida Furukawa.
- Accommodation: Ryokan in Takayama.
Depart Takayama in the morning and travel to Kyoto (via Nagoya or Kanazawa with the Thunderbird Limited Express). Arrive by early/mid-afternoon. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of torii gates. In the evening, explore the historic Gion district and Pontocho Alley.
- Food: Dine on Kyoto’s famed kaiseki cuisine or casual izakaya fare. Try local specialties like yudofu and green tea desserts.
- Insider Tip: Consider an evening tea ceremony in Gion for a unique cultural experience.
- Accommodation: Kyoto (choose between a traditional ryokan, machiya inn, or a modern hotel).
Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) early, then Ryoan-ji Temple for its Zen rock garden. Head to Arashiyama to wander the Sagano Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryu-ji Temple. After lunch, explore the Higashiyama district, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, and the Yasaka Pagoda. End the day with a cultural show at Gion Corner or dine in modern Downtown Kyoto.
- Food: Savor obanzai or kaiseki meals, and try local sweets like yatsuhashi.
- Insider Tip: Renting a bicycle is a fun way to navigate Kyoto’s temple-lined streets.
- Accommodation: Kyoto (second night).
Take the JR Nara Line to Nara in the morning. Visit Nara Park to feed the free-roaming deer, see the colossal Daibutsu at Todaiji Temple, and stroll through Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In the early afternoon, travel to Osaka by train. Check into a hotel or try a capsule hotel for the unique experience. In the evening, explore Dotonbori for its neon lights and street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Food: Dive into Osaka’s local specialties and enjoy kushikatsu if you venture to Shinsekai.
- Insider Tip: Learn a bit of the local dialect (“ookini”) and chat with friendly locals.
- Accommodation: Osaka (1 night).
In the morning, consider a quick visit to Osaka Castle. Then depart Osaka for Naoshima (via Shin-Osaka to Okayama, train to Uno Station, then ferry). Arrive on the art-infused island early afternoon. Check into Benesse House (or another guesthouse) and explore art installations like the Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama and the Chichu Art Museum. Wander through Honmura to discover the Art House Projects.
- Food: Dine at the terrace restaurant in Benesse House or enjoy local meals in Honmura.
- Insider Tip: Visit the quirky public bathhouse “I ❤️ Yu” for a creative soaking experience.
- Accommodation: Naoshima (preferably at Benesse House).
After a morning of art exploration on Naoshima, take the ferry back to Uno Port and then the train to Okayama, followed by a Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum. Later, explore Downtown Hiroshima and have dinner at Okonomimura to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
- Food: Enjoy okonomiyaki, local oysters (in season), and tsukemen.
- Insider Tip: Use the streetcars to get around and consider a brief visit to Hiroshima Castle.
- Accommodation: Hiroshima city hotel (1 night).
In the morning, take the train and ferry to Miyajima. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and marvel at the floating torii gate.
Optionally, ride the ropeway up Mount Misen for sweeping views. Enjoy local street food such as grilled oysters and momiji-manju. In the early afternoon, return to the mainland and take the Shinkansen to Fukuoka. Check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring Fukuoka’s famous yatai (street food stalls) in Nakasu or Tenjin.
- Food: Savor authentic Hakata ramen and try other local specialties.
- Insider Tip: Carry cash for the yatai and engage with the friendly vendors.
- Accommodation: Fukuoka (Hakata area).
Travel by Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Kagoshima and then catch a high-speed ferry (Jetfoil) to Yakushima. Upon arrival, check into a local minshuku or ryokan and rent a car (if available) or use local transport. In the afternoon, enjoy a short hike in Shiratani Unsuikyo gorge through ancient cedar forests that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke.
- Food: Try local flying fish, Kagoshima pork, and fresh island vegetables.
- Insider Tip: Weather can change rapidly—always have a rain jacket and wear good hiking shoes.
- Accommodation: Yakushima inn (stay 1 night).
Spend the morning on a moderate hike (such as along the Yakusugi Land trails or a shorter route to view ancient cedars). After lunch, pack up and catch an afternoon ferry or flight from Yakushima (via Kagoshima) back to Tokyo. Arrive in Tokyo by late evening and check into a luxury hotel for your final night.
- Food: Enjoy a bento on the journey or dine in Tokyo once you return.
- Insider Tip: Consider a relaxing spa or sento in Tokyo to ease tired muscles before departure.
- Accommodation: Tokyo luxury hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Tokyo with a final stroll through areas like Asakusa’s Nakamise street or a visit to Meiji Jingu. Pick up last-minute souvenirs and then head to the airport via the Narita Express or a limousine bus.
- Insider Tip: Reflect on your journey as you watch the city fade beneath you—Japan has offered you an unforgettable blend of modern excitement and traditional charm.
Final Note:
You’ve experienced modern metropolises, ancient traditions, serene natural beauty, and culinary delights. This itinerary is designed to surprise and delight, showcasing Japan’s diverse culture from bustling Tokyo to the mystical forests of Yakushima.
Safe travels and sayonara!