Perfect Japan Tour Plan: Taste of Japan in 15 Days

Looking for a great traverse of Japan? Searching a classic itinerary to see and explore the best of Japan? Let’s have a look at our ready-made tour plan of 15 days: Taste of Japan that takes you to amazing places in Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and even more!

Day 1: First taste of Tokyo

A relaxing start of your 15 days in Japan would be a welcome dinner at a Japanese-style restaurant in your accommodation’s area.

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Warm-up your real adventure with a visit to a Sumo Stable where you can see sumo morning practice and learn more about sumo culture.

Then embark on a city tour to the most popular areas, including Asakusa and Harajuku. If Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple - Tokyo's oldest temple and Nakamise shopping street where you can find typical Japanese souvenir and various traditional snacks, Harajuku is the most diverse neighbourhood of Tokyo where you see young people in amazing fashions.

Finish the day at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers for a panoramic view of the city.

Day 3: Explore further from Tokyo

A free day for your own way exploring more of the metropolitan. You can enjoy fresh seafood in Tsukiji Fish Market, visit the unique island of gaming and multimedia Odaiba or make a day trip to nearby Nikko to visit the renowned Toshogu Shrine.

Day 4: Hakone day trip

Probably the most famous attraction in Hakone is taking a cruise on Lake Ashi that offers great views of Mount Fuji in the distance on a clear day. Then you can take a ropeway ride to see active sulfuric hot springs and many other scenic landscapes before enjoying a comfortable stay in a local ryokan.

Day 5: Takayama old town

Takayama is a beautifully preserved old town in Gifu Prefecture, where traditional touch is preserved and you can see many houses and buildings dating back to the Edo period. You will also have a chance to experience Okuhida Onsen with its large outdoor hot spring baths in a beautiful natural surrounding.

Day 6: Shirakawago day trip

After seeing an array of exotic and flamboyant floats in Yatai Kaikan (Floats Museum) in Takayama, you will head to Shirakawago to admire its UNESCO world heritage site. The village is famed for traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Don’t forget to visit the old town and the sake brewery to taste the freshest sake.

Day 7 – 8: Tranquil Kanazawa

Kanazawa was home to the second most powerful clan, Maeda Clan, during the Edo Period, and its great cultural achievements are often compared to Tokyo and Kyoto. The main highlights of the city are the nations most celebrated garden Kenrokuen and the nearby slowly restored Kanazawa Castle.

Afterwards, travel to one of three regional well-preserved chaya districts - Higashi Chaya where you can see geishas perform song and dance to entertain patrons, followed by a visit to Hakuza Gold Leaf Shop to learn about Japan’s gold leaf handicrafts.

Finally, you will visit Nagamachi, the former living district of samurai, where you can enjoy a historic atmosphere with remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals

Day 9: The history of Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum is an interesting place to learn about the Atomic Bombing aftermath and how the country’s splendid culture has regrown itself from the ashes. Be sure you visit the A-Bomb Dome, Prefectural Museum of Art, Shukkei-En Gardens, and Baseball Stadium.

Day 10: Miyajima day trip

Located just a ferry ride away from the coast of Hiroshima, Miyajima or Shrine Island is a picturesque spot with stunning nature. The most famous attraction on the island is Itsukushima Shrine with its floating red torii gate, an iconic image of Japanese tourism. You can also take a hike to Mount Misen for spectacular views and visit Momijidani Park where you can meet friendly deer wandering around.

Day 11 – 13: Wonderful Kyoto

Kyoto is the famous cultural capital of Japan with numerous historical and imperial structures, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Let’s spend the next three day exploring around the city’s most highlights and nearby old towns.

Start your journey with a visit to Gion district - the traditional world of the Japanese geishas in colourful kimonos. Stop by the wooden Tatsumi Bridge or an upscale Japanese restaurant on Hanamikoji Street to get a chance of meeting and enjoying tea with them.

Then discovering Kyoto’s landmarks, including Kennin-Ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Tofokuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, and Ryoanji Temple. Do not miss to take a gentle walk through Sagano lush bamboo forests that lead to Tenryuji temple.

After, embark on a traditional rowboat trip along the canal of Omihachiman Canal District and enjoy feeling as though you slipped through time. End up with a visit to Ukimidou temple that is located by Lake Biwa since the Heian era.

Day 14: Relaxing Kyoto

Have a free day to relax or explore more of Kyoto at your own preference.  

Day 15: Departure

Enjoy the final day in Kyoto before you head off to Kansai Airport. Sayounara!

The above itinerary is perfect for every traveller to Japan, from solo to family, luxury to honeymoon. If you want to travel to other destinations like Nikko, Kamakura, or Mount Fuji, or you consider spending more time at some places, please check our list of Japan Private Tours or contact our Asia Tours expert team for further information.