Japan is a unique country stretched across thousands of islands. There is so much to see in this amazing country. This itinerary covers some of the main historical cities on the main island of Honshu.
Day 1: Arrival in Japan
Most flights get in during the evening hours. Spend the remainder of your night getting acclimated to the new time zone.
Hotel option: Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel
*Teacher Tip: Base yourself in Osaka and get a JR West rail pass. This is a cheaper option than getting a Japan rail pass, yet still provides the flexibility of seeing many different places. Osaka also has less expensive accommodations than Kyoto.
Day 2: Osaka
Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan. It has great nightlife and places to explore. Be sure to visit the Umeda Sky Building, Osaka-jo Castle, Senn Expo Park, Shitenno-ji, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Tenno-ji Koen, Isshinji Temple, Japan Mint, Asahi Beer Factory, Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, and the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum.
Day 3: Osaka
Theme park fan? Spend today at Universal Osaka. If not, opt to spend another day exploring Osaka. Osaka has many great streets for shopping and dining!
Day 4: Day trip to Kyoto
Kyoto is the historical center of Japan. It was once the imperial capital for over a thousand years and still boasts many sites from that era. Kyoto has so many sites to see such as the Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, Founder’s Hall, Chinese Gate (Karamon), Hiunkaku Pavilion, Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, To-ji Temple, Main Palace, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Heian-jingu Shrine, Kodai-ji Temple, and the Ginkaku-ji Temple.
*Today would be the first day to use your JR West rail pass.
Day 5: Day trip to Nara
Nara was the capital of Japan prior to Kyoto. Present-day, it contains multiple historical monuments that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many gorgeous gardens to check out. Make sure to grab a picture or two with the infamous Nara Deer!
Day 6: Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima
The aftermath of World War II is prevalent in Hiroshima. Spend a day exploring the various memorials of the war. Then, make the trek out to Miyajima and view the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. I recommend getting the hop on hop off bus pass to get you around the city!
Day 7: Day trip to Himeji Castle and Kobe
This hilltop castle is one of the most pristine castles in Japan and dates back to 1333. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring the castle, visit the city of Kobe to feast on Kobe beef and see how sake is made.
Day 8: Day trip to Kyoto
Kyoto is such an intriguing city, spending the second day here is recommended. Get to Kyoto early to beat the crowds to the Fushimi Inari Taisha and take some marvelous pictures.
*Today would be the last day use of the JR West rail pass.
Day 9: Osaka to Tokyo
Depart in the morning to take a flight or a train to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Although the train is more relaxing, it is much cheaper to fly. This evening, spend some time wandering the streets of Tokyo to get used to your new surroundings.
Hotel: APA Hotel Ginza-Kyobashi OR Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kyobashi
Day 10: Tokyo
Tokyo is the present capital of Japan and the largest city. There are many areas you can spend days exploring. Do not forget to visit the Kyokyo (Imperial Palace), Tokyo Dome, Tokyo Tower, Song Building, Asakusa-Jihja, Senso-ji, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices, and Shinjuku-Gyoen.
Day 11: Tokyo
If you love Disney, Tokyo Disneyland is a must. In order to fully experience the parks, you need two full days at the resort. Make sure to try a variety of the delicious popcorn flavors they have in the park as well as the other unique snacks. You can also spend this day continuing to explore Tokyo.
Day 12: Tokyo
Spend your second day at Tokyo Disney Sea. Tokyo Disney Sea is my favorite Disney Park and also the most unique. You could also use this day to take a trip to the seaside town of Kamakura, the port city of Yokohama, or the towering Mount Fuji.
Day 13: Tokyo
Tokyo has many areas to explore, so a second day is needed. You could also use this day to take a trip to the seaside town of Kamakura, the port city of Yokohama, or the towering Mount Fuji. Kamakura was once a seaside military resort. Now it offers gorgeous views of the sea and tons of fun snacks. Yokohama is another port city with great shopping and a cup noodles museum that is worth the visit. Mount Fuji is the tallest volcano in Japan and is only visible on clear days.
Day 14: Depart Japan
Many flights do not depart until the afternoon, so enjoy your last morning wandering through your newfound favorite places in Tokyo. Take a walk along the water and see the beer building or check out the views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (it is free)!
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