Days 1-3: Tokyo
Three days exploring Japan's electric capital. Day 1: Asakusa and Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara. Day 2: Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast, Imperial Palace East Gardens (free), Ginza, teamLab Borderless (¥3,800). Day 3: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, Shimokitazawa vintage shops, Shinjuku nightlife. Tokyo provides the high-energy introduction to Japan — neon, technology, incredible food at every price point. Stay in Shinjuku or Asakusa for the best transport connections. Budget ¥12,000-¥15,000/day.
Tip: Use your first three days before the JR Pass starts — save the pass activation for Day 4 when you begin using Shinkansen.
Days 4-5: Hakone and Mt. Fuji Area
Day 4: Activate JR Pass. Shinkansen to Odawara (35 min), Hakone loop — ropeway, Owakudani, pirate ship, onsen. Overnight at a ryokan (from ¥15,000/person with meals). Day 5: Morning soak and checkout, then bus or train to Kawaguchiko (90 minutes). Spend the afternoon at Lake Kawaguchi — cycle the north shore for iconic Fuji reflections, visit Chureito Pagoda (398 steps) for the famous pagoda-and-Fuji shot, explore the Iyashi no Sato reconstructed village (¥500). Evening bus to Mishima Station, then Shinkansen onward. Day budget: ¥15,000-¥20,000 (ryokan night is the splurge).
Tip: November to February offers the clearest Fuji views. In summer, clouds typically cover the summit by midday — go early morning for your best chance.
Days 6-7: Takayama and Shirakawa-go
Day 6: Shinkansen to Nagoya (100 min from Mishima), then JR Wide View Hida limited express through dramatic mountain scenery to Takayama (2.5 hours, JR Pass). Explore the beautifully preserved Sanmachi Suji old town with sake breweries, morning markets, and Hida beef sushi (¥800 for 2 pieces). Day 7: Bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go UNESCO village (50 min, ¥2,600 return). Explore the thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, visit Wada House interior (¥400), and climb to the Shiroyama viewpoint for the classic village panorama. Return to Takayama for the evening.
Tip: Shirakawa-go is magical in winter snow or autumn colors. In peak season, arrive on the first bus (7:50 AM) to photograph the village before day-trippers flood in from 10 AM.
Days 8-9: Kanazawa
Day 8: JR bus from Takayama to Kanazawa (¥3,600). Explore Kenroku-en garden (¥320), Kanazawa Castle Park (free), and the stunning 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (¥450). Evening: Omicho Market for the freshest sushi in Japan — try nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch, ¥3,000). Day 9: Higashi Chaya geisha district (morning is quietest), gold leaf workshop (¥1,200), Nagamachi samurai district, and D.T. Suzuki Museum (¥310). Afternoon: Thunderbird limited express to Kyoto (2 hours 10 min, JR Pass).
Tip: Kanazawa escaped wartime bombing entirely, preserving original Edo-period districts. The geisha and samurai quarters are authentic, not reconstructions.
Days 10-12: Kyoto
Three days for Japan's cultural heart. Day 10: Eastern Kyoto — Fushimi Inari (free, start early), Kiyomizu-dera (¥400), Gion evening walk. Day 11: Northern Kyoto — Kinkaku-ji (¥500), Ryoan-ji (¥500), Daitoku-ji temple complex (sub-temples ¥400-¥500 each), Nishijin textile area. Day 12: Western Kyoto — Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji (¥500), Iwatayama monkey park (¥550), Sagano Romantic Train if running (¥880). Alternatively: tea ceremony experience (¥3,000-¥5,000) or cooking class (¥8,000-¥12,000). Daily budget: ¥8,000-¥15,000.
Tip: Rent a kimono on Day 10 for the eastern temple walk — professional dressing takes 30 minutes and you will feel immersed in the historic streetscape.
Days 13-14: Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Osaka
Day 13: Shinkansen to Hiroshima (80 min from Kyoto). Peace Memorial Museum (¥200), A-Bomb Dome, and ferry to Miyajima (JR ferry, free with pass). Floating torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine (¥300), local oysters and anago (conger eel). Return to mainland and Shinkansen to Osaka (90 min). Day 14: Morning at Osaka Castle (¥600), Kuromon Market grazing (¥3,000), Dotonbori street food crawl (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu), last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi. Depart from Kansai Airport. Total 14-day budget excluding flights/hotels: ¥150,000-¥200,000.
