Planning a trip to Japan after years of anticipation has been both exhilarating and daunting. We’ve all heard the saying, "Never meet your idol," as the reality may not match the image built up in our minds. Travel can feel similar—when you build up a destination, there's always the risk it won’t live up to the hype, even if it's still great. This idea added pressure to crafting the perfect itinerary, but, after hours - and hours - of planning, researching, and piecing together recommendations, I’m thrilled with what we’ve created.
I spent an embarrassing amount of time on Reddit, Quora, Google, and YouTube, searching prompts like “Best places to visit in Japan” and “Top spots for first-time visitors.” And while the information out there is phenomenal, I want to enter a disclaimer here and now that everyone’s experience is unique. Each person’s perspective on Japan differs based on their own background, preferences, and travel style. So, as you read through our itinerary, remember that it reflects what my husband and I are most excited about—you might build your dream trip a bit differently, and that’s the beauty of travel!
Drumroll, please…
After months of back-and-forth on destinations, logistics, and priorities, here’s our 17-day itinerary for Japan, a dream trip blending cultural experiences, natural beauty, history, technology, and adventure. Here’s a quick look at where we’ll be headed!
Day 1 - Travel to Los Angeles
Since we're flying from Florida, we’ve decided on a stopover in LA. My husband has always wanted to visit, so this feels like a mini-trip within our main trip. We hope to arrive early enough to explore a bit. You might not need a stopover, but for us, it’s a fun bonus.
Day 2 - Travel to Tokyo
After a night in LA, we’ll be headed to Tokyo. The flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Haneda Airport (HND) is about 12 hours, and we’re considering options for flight class. This long-haul flight marks our first big jump into a different time zone, and we’re both eager for it.
Day 3 - Arrive in Tokyo
We plan to take it easy on our arrival day, allowing time to adjust to Tokyo’s pace and the 14-hour time difference from Florida. Since we've never traveled across such a significant time shift, we’re preparing for potential jet lag. I typically do not make plans for arrival days because traveling can be draining. So, this day will likely include some light exploration of the area near our hotel and maybe some local bites to kick off our trip.
Day 4 and 5 - Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Growing up, you were always taught to eat your dinner first and then you can have desert. Well, there have been studies that if you eat the thing you desire most first, you are less likely to overeat and get a stomach ache. So, we are starting our trip with the sweet and enchanting world of Disney. This feels like the perfect way to begin our trip. Tokyo’s Disney parks have some unique attractions we can’t wait to try, and experiencing Disney magic in Japan will be surreal. Expect a separate post dedicated to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, as we’ll have lots to share!
Day 6, 7, & 8 - Explore Tokyo
We went back and forth on this one. My husband wanted more time in Tokyo and I wanted to see as much of Japan as possible. Obviously, you can spend a week in Tokyo and you probably will only scratch the surface of what it has to offer. That's because Tokyo offers endless things to see and do, from bustling shopping districts to serene temples and gardens. As a compromise. we’ve set aside three days to dive into the city, covering neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa. Some top spots on our list include the Senso-ji Temple, teamLab Borderless in Odaiba, and exploring some of the food streets my husband has been eyeing!
Day 9 - Day Trip to Mount Fuji and Travel to Kyoto
I will say this in every itinerary break down, if you are not hiking up at least one hill on your trip, then what are you doing. A day trip to Mount Fuji will give us a break from Tokyo’s urban landscape. Known for its stunning views and outdoor activities, the Mount Fuji area offers options like Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda, and possibly even a hot spring visit. Living in flat Florida, I’m excited for some mountainous scenery and the fresh air.
We went back and forth on whether to go to Kyoto straight from Mount Fuji with an overnight train or the next day with a bullet train. Luckily we found an option that let's us travel with bullet train as soon as we arrive back in Shinjuku from Mount Fuji. This will allow us to start the next day bright and early without travel or check-in delays.
Day 10 & 11 - Explore Kyoto
With its famous temples, traditional tea houses, and stunning gardens, Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan. We plan to visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Kyoto’s temples and shrines offer a window into Japan’s rich history, and we’re excited to see what makes Kyoto feel so special.
We plan to end day 11 with a train ride to Osaka, so we can check into our next hotel and start our experience in Osaka without any delays.
Day 12 & 13 - Explore Osaka
Known for its food culture, Osaka promises some of Japan’s best dining experiences. We plan to check out Osaka’s street food, shopping streets, and Osaka Castle, all while enjoying the city’s friendly, vibrant vibe. My husband’s TikTok feed has been flooded with recommendations, so he’s in charge of planning our food tour here.
Day 14 - Universal Studios Japan
Home to attractions like Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a must-visit. While I’m not big on roller coasters, I’m thrilled to see the anime-themed rides and areas, like those inspired by “Demon Slayer” and other popular series. We’re treating this as a fun, immersive experience for both of us.
Day 15 - Kobe Day Trip
All I have to say is KOBE BEEF! We’re heading to Kobe primarily for the world-famous Kobe beef, but we’re also excited to see what the city has to offer. Kobe is a beautiful port city, so we may check out its Harborland area or the Nunobiki Herb Garden if time permits.
Day 16 - Nara Day Trip
Deers. Deers. And did I say deers. Known for its friendly, free-roaming deer, Nara is a must-see for me! We’ll be visiting Nara Park, where we can feed and interact with the deer. Additionally, we’ll make time for Todai-ji Temple, which houses one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues, making this day both playful and historic.
Day 17 - Return to Florida
All good things come to an end, and our return journey will be long. If there is ever a tip to provide, especially if you are still in the workforce, it is to have additional time off to vacation from your vacation. We’ve planned to take a week to recover once home, giving us time to process the memories, unpack, and expeditiously start writing about our favorite parts.
Each destination in Japan has something unique to offer, from serene temples to bustling shopping streets.. We’ve bookmarked museums, parks, and local food spots, each promising a new facet of Japanese culture to explore.
We’ll share our journey as it unfolds, so whether you’re planning a Japan trip or simply love travel stories, stay tuned for more updates and tips!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you been to Japan? What was your favorite destination? Or do you dream of going to Japan? What destinations are on your must-visit list? Share your thoughts and travel tips in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to explore the world!
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