Flexible First‑Time Japan Itinerary

This fully customisable route blends iconic cities, peaceful countryside, and cultural treasures. As it’s a circular route, you can start in Osaka, Tokyo, or anywhere else, but this itinerary begins in Osaka.

The general route of this itinerary lasts 14 days, but create your own route by adding or taking away days at various stops. This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your interests.

Day 1 – Osaka & Explore Dotonbori

Welcome to Osaka, Japan, a city full of energy, food, culture, and neon lights and a lively nightlife.

Best things to do:

• Wander Dotonbori and its glowing billboards
• Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other Osaka classics
• Capture photos by the Glico Running Man — perfect for keepsakes
• Visit Osaka Castle & Osaka Castle Park
• Visit an observatory for panoramic skyline views
• Enjoy world-class attractions like Osaka’s Aquarium & Universal Studios
• Day trips to Nara, Kobe and other nearby cities

Day 2 — Day Trip to Nara

Stay in Osaka and take a train to Nara. A peaceful escape filled with temples, deer, and history. Since Nara has been the capital city, it has much more to offer than just a deer park.

Best things to do:

• Visit Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha
• Feed the friendly deer in Nara Park
• Stroll through gardens and traditional streets
• Kasuga Taisha temple
• Naramachi old district

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  Personalised Japan Holiday Map Hoodie | Custom Keepsake

  £78.00 – £88.00Price range: £78.00 through £88.00
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  Sensō-ji Temple Tokyo Pagoda at Night Print

  £16.00 – £48.00Price range: £16.00 through £48.00
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Day 3 – Takayama

A charming mountain town with preserved streets and delicious food like Heda beef and open air museums with traditional Japaneese homes.

Best things to do:

• Explore the historic old town
• Try Hida beef and local sake
• Visit old merchant houses and museums

What to Remember:

• Book your train tickets from Osaka or Kanazawa in advance.
  There is only 1 direct train to Takayama from Osaka and only has around 3 carriages so if you don’t book early you will have to go via another city.
• Book your bus tickets early if you want to go via Shirakawa

Day 4 – Shirakawago & Kanazawa

Spend 2-3 hours in Shirakawago the postcard‑perfect village with thatched farmhouses.

Best things to do:

• Walk through the UNESCO‑listed village
• Visit a traditional gassho‑zukuri houses

Take the bus to Kanazawa and spend the evening exploring parts of Kanazawa in the evening. 

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  Japanese Shrine Fall Foliage Autumn Fine Art Print

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  Travel addict pullover hoodie wanderlust travel gift

  £35.00
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  Personalised Red Typography T-Shirt | Custom Year & Text

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Day 5 – Kanazawa

Kanazawa blends centuries of old traditions with calm, modern charm, offering a peaceful alternative to Japan’s more crowded destinations.

Best things to do:

• Visit Kanazawa Castle
• Wander Higashi Chaya District
• Explore Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest
• Samurai district
• Tea experience
• Visit Art Museums

Days 6–10 — Tokyo Base & Day Trips

The city you’ve all been waiting for – Tokyo. Tokyo is your playground for food, culture, shopping, and day trips.

Best things to do in Tokyo:

• Visit Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Harajuku
• Shop for unique keepsakes in Akihabara or Ginza
• Enjoy world‑class sushi, ramen, and themed cafés

Day trip options:

• Nikko (overnight recommended)
• Kamakura
• Fujikawaguchiko (overnight recommended)
• Yokohama
• Hitachinaka
• Hakone

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  Mount Fuji Viewpoint Japan Landscape Art Print

  £16.00 – £48.00Price range: £16.00 through £48.00
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  Japan Torii Gate Geometric Wall Art Travel Poster Print

  £9.00 – £30.00Price range: £9.00 through £30.00
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  Tokyo Tower Reflection Night Cityscape Travel Print

  £16.00 – £48.00Price range: £16.00 through £48.00
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Days 11–13 — Kyoto

The cultural heart of Japan, full of temples, gardens, and traditions. Kyoto is the best place to experience the essence of classical Japan. It cannot be missed on any classic itinerary.

Best things to do in Tokyo:

• Walk around iconinc temples & shrines like Fushimi Inari and its torii gates, the Golden Pavillion, Silver Pavillion
• Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Visit Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji, and Gion
• Have a traditional tea ceremony
• Walk on the philosophers path
• Nanzen‑ji Aqueduct inside a temple complex

Day 14 – Return Back to Starting Point

Head back to Osaka or Tokyo for your flight home.

This flexible first‑time Japan itinerary gives you structure without limiting your freedom. Whether you’re a holiday lover seeking relaxation, a travel lover chasing adventure, or someone who treasures keepsakes and memories, this route offers the perfect balance.