🌸 Japan: 20-Day Itinerary with Cherry Blossoms & Top Cities

My 20-day itinerary through Japan has been in the works for a long time. After years of dreaming about this trip, I finally made it! 🥳 

The planning was a winding journey that began many years ago and faced many setbacks. I always wanted to visit during cherry blossom season, which made my travel window pretty narrow. Sometimes, I couldn’t get time off work, and other times, life threw unexpected curveballs that forced me to postpone. Then, like many other travel plans, mine was put on hold indefinitely when the pandemic brought everything to a standstill.

But I never gave up. In fact, I became so committed to making it happen that I even started learning Japanese while waiting for the right moment. That moment finally came, and the trip was everything I had hoped for and more.

Now, I’m thrilled to share my 20-day itinerary—packed with iconic highlights, hidden gems, and personal favourites from a journey that was truly worth the wait. 😍

*Includes a 9-email itinerary series to help you plan step by step

Here is the list of everything you’ll see in this article:

I usually start my posts with practical destination information, such as currency, when to go, how long to stay, how to get around, and some interesting facts, among other things. However, because of the length of this trip, I’ll start with the itinerary. You can find all the information about Japan in my post, Japan Tourist Information. 

For the same reason, I will also change something for Japan: create separate posts for each place. Otherwise, this article would be too long! This also lets you easily skip places you don’t want to visit on your trip while still keeping an overview of the entire itinerary.

I welcome your thoughts on this approach in the comments, as your feedback will help me improve 😉

A. About the Route

When planning a trip to Japan, one of the first things to figure out is which places you want to visit—and that’s no easy task!

Japan isn’t as small as it might seem. In fact, it’s about the same size as Germany, covering nearly 378,000 km² (146,000 sq mi). It also ranks as the seventh country in the world with the most islands, boasting a total of 14,125.

Then there’s the size of some of its cities. Take Tokyo, for example—it’s the largest urban area in the world, so exploring it properly takes time.

Although 20 days might sound like plenty, I quickly realised it still wasn’t enough to see everything on my list.

I had to skip a few spots I was really looking forward to—but on the bright side, I did manage to squeeze in a few relaxing days in Okinawa at the end of the trip. After so much sightseeing, it felt like the perfect reward, adding a nice sense of balance to the overall experience.

Of course, that just means I have the perfect excuse to go back for round two 😜

As always, this itinerary was designed to see the main attractions at a reasonable pace. But feel free to add extra days or skip a few stops if you’d prefer a slower, more relaxed journey.

*I share my exact planning framework + a 9-email itinerary series.

B. Japan 20-Day Itinerary: Overview MAP

Here’s the map of my 20-day route*, with numbers indicating the order of the places I visited and where I stayed at night. 

As we go through the itinerary, I’ll share more maps, all colour-coded and numbered, to show the sequence of the sites to visit.

*Please note that I haven’t included travel days for international flights.

✈️ Flights: Compare the best flight prices on Kayak.

C. Japan 20-Day Itinerary: ROUTE

As a sum up, the itinerary will go as follows: 

1. Tokyo (Days 1 – 4)
2. Kamakura (Day 5)
3. Yokohama (Day 5)
4. Odawara (Day 6)
5. Hakone (Day 6)
6. Fujiyoshida (Day 7)
7. Nagoya (Days 7)
8. Kyoto (Days 8 – 10)
9. Nara (Day 10)
10. Koyasan (Days 11 – 12)
11. Osaka (Days 12 – 14)
12. Himeji (Day 13)
13. Kobe (Day 13)
14. Okayama (Day 14)
15. Hiroshima (Day 15)
16. Miyajima (Day 16)
17. Okinawa (Days 17 – 20)

Now that you know where we are going, let’s dive in!!

1. Japan – Days 1 to 4: Tokyo

After a long journey from the UK, I finally arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, one of the world’s busiest airports. 

This trip has been a long-held dream of mine, and I couldn’t believe I was actually in Tokyo! Here, I will begin exploring the country.

Tokyo is Japan’s largest city and the world’s most populous metropolitan area. But, despite its size, it’s also known as one of the safest cities in the world—a place where you can explore with peace of mind.

Tokyo is a city of striking contrasts, where centuries-old traditions sit side by side with futuristic innovation. I’ll be spending the first four days of my trip here, soaking in everything this vibrant metropolis has to offer.

My hotel, APA Hotel PRIDE Akasaka Kokkaigijidomae, was in Chiyoda just a short walk from the Imperial Palace. It turned out to be a great spot—super central and easy to get around from, which saved me a lot of time.

2. Japan – Day 5: Kamakura and Yokohama

On the fifth day, while still based in Tokyo, I took the opportunity to explore two neighbouring cities just outside the capital. I chose to combine Kamakura and Yokohama—an ideal pairing that offers a blend of nature, rich history, coastal charm, and vibrant modern culture.

Read my post, Kamakura and Yokohama Day Trip from Tokyo, to discover what might be the best day trip from the city! 

With the Japan Rail Pass in hand, I zipped back to Tokyo in only 23 minutes—an effortless end to an unforgettable day.

3. Japan – Days 6 & 7: Odawara, Hakone, Fujiyoshida and Nagoya

On day six, I left bustling Tokyo and headed southwest to start the next leg of my journey. 

After a quick stop in Odawara to explore its historic castle, I made my way to Hakone for a relaxing soak at Hotel Green Plaza Hakone—an onsen (Japanese spa) hotel with stunning views of Mount Fuji that I totally recommend.

The next day, I continued to Fujiyoshida to snap one of Japan’s most iconic photos from the Chureito Pagoda, then wrapped up the day in Nagoya with a visit to its impressive castle.

👉 Read the full post here: Odawara, Hakone, Fujiyoshida, & Nagoya: Castles, Fuji, Onsen.

To conclude day seven, I took the Tokaido Shinkansen (included with the JR Pass) from Nagoya Station to Kyoto Station. I checked in for the night, ready to start exploring Kyoto the next day.

4. Japan – Days 8 to 10: Kyoto and Nara

During days 8 to 10, I explored Kyoto — renowned as Japan’s cultural heart — and made a quick visit to Nara, the country’s first permanent capital, famous for its gentle wild deer that stroll gracefully among the temples and gardens.

Just as I did for Tokyo, I’ve put together two separate posts dedicated to Kyoto:

1. The Best of Kyoto in 3 days. A curated itinerary covering Kyoto’s top attractions and cultural highlights, plus a short visit to Nara and an easy-to-follow map to help guide your trip.
2. Kyoto Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go. Everything you need to plan your visit, including the best time to go, how to get around, cultural etiquette, money tips, and more.

For accommodation, I stayed near Kyoto Station, which made getting around very convenient. I’d recommend staying in the same area. The hotel I booked was perfectly adequate, but not one I’d personally suggest as the best option. For that reason, I’m not adding a hotel recommendation here.

5. Japan – Days 11 & 12: Koyasan

On day 11 (and the morning of day 12) of my Japan adventure, I left the bustling city life behind and set off on a spiritual journey to the sacred mountain town of Koyasan. 

Tucked deep within the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya is far from a typical tourist destination. It’s a place where ancient rituals, tranquil forests, and sacred sites come together to create an atmosphere of calm and introspection.

What made this stop even more memorable was the chance to stay overnight in a Buddhist temple—a rare and unforgettable experience that offered a unique glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions.

After arriving in the small town, I spent the day wandering through its famous temples and atmospheric cemeteries before settling into my temple lodging for an evening of meditation, reflection, and quiet contemplation. You can find all the details of this remarkable experience in my post: Koyasan: My Stay at a Buddhist Temple in Japan.

6. Japan – Days 12 to 14: Osaka (+ Himeji, Kobe & Okayama)

On the morning of day 12, I arrived in Osaka, transitioning from the peaceful retreat of Koyasan to the vibrant energy of one of Japan’s largest cities. It was quite the change, moving from the calm of the mountains to the buzz of modern city life.

In Osaka, I explored its most famous landmarks, watched a sumo wrestling spectacle, and ventured out to nearby cities: Himeji, Kobe, and Okayama.

In Himeji, I visited the iconic Himeji Castle, strolled through its beautiful gardens, and explored the serene Engyoji Temple tucked away in the countryside. Then, in Kobe— Japan’s third-largest port city, famous for its Kobe beef — I treated myself to some of the city’s culinary delights. And finally, I visited Okayama, known for its lush gardens, juicy peaches, and a famous legend.

Don’t miss the full itinerary here 👉 Sumo in Osaka, Tastes of Kobe & Highlights from Himeji & Kobe.

For more guidance, I also recommend checking out my Osaka Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go. It covers essential tips, cultural insights, and practical advice to help you make the most of your first visit.

💡Tip: I stayed at Smile Hotel Shin-Osaka. Being near Shin-Osaka Station—where the Shinkansen (bullet train) departs—makes exploring nearby cities incredibly easy and time-efficient. It was the perfect base for this part of the trip, saving both time and effort as I hopped between destinations!

💺Travel smart with a JR Pass or Regional Pass. Book through my link and explore Japan with ease—while saving money along the way!

7. Japan – Days 15 & 16: Hiroshima and Miyajima

After a fast-paced few days in Osaka and its surroundings, I headed west to Hiroshima—a city known for its tragic past but also celebrated for its resilience, beauty, and warmth. On day 15, I visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, took time to reflect at the A-Bomb Dome, and explored the rebuilt city centre, which is full of life today. Walking through Hiroshima, you can feel the weight of history alongside the city’s spirit of renewal — it’s a deeply moving experience.

The following day, I took a short ferry ride to Miyajima (officially Itsukushima), an island famous for the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its “floating” torii gate. It was a peaceful contrast to the previous day, with forested trails, wild deer, and sea views that made it feel like a retreat from the mainland.

👉 Don’t miss the full post: Hiroshima & Miyajima: Top Attractions.

💡Tip: I stayed at the Hiroshima Washington Hotel, which proved to be a great base. It’s centrally located in the Hondori shopping district—within walking distance to the Peace Memorial Park, restaurants, and shops. While it’s not right next to the station, getting around was still easy thanks to the city’s tram system, and I enjoyed being right in the heart of the action.

8. Japan – Days 17 to 20: Okinawa

For the final stretch of my Japan adventure, I flew down to Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture—a place known for its subtropical beaches, laid-back pace, and unique Ryukyu culture. It felt like a completely different side of the country, and I was looking forward to unwinding after two packed weeks on the mainland.

I based myself in Onna, a beachside area north of Naha, and spent a few days exploring the island’s highlights—including a visit to Shuri Castle, a stroll down Kokusai Dori, and sampling Okinawan staples like taco rice and rafute. 

Okinawa was the perfect way to end the trip—a place to slow down, reflect, and enjoy a completely different side of Japan before flying home.

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t fully cooperate; even though April marks the start of beach season in Okinawa, I had a few overcast and rainy days that limited what I could do. Still, it was a welcome change of pace, and the tropical vibe made for a relaxing finale to the journey.

👉 Read the full post here: Okinawa: What to See & Do.

💡Tip: If you’re flying in from Hiroshima or elsewhere on the mainland, Okinawa is just a short domestic flight away. Once you’re there, try to visit at least one of the nearby islands—like Tokashiki—for a proper beach escape. 

But, if you’re visiting in early spring, be aware that beach weather can be hit-or-miss—especially in April—so plan with flexibility and have a few indoor options in mind.

✈️ Flights: Compare the best flight prices on Kayak.

D. Final Thoughts

I was genuinely sad to leave 😢

This fantastic country left a deep mark on me, and I know I barely scratched the surface.  that left such a deep and lasting impression on me. 

There’s so much more to see, so I definitely want to come back. In fact, I’ve even continued with my Japanese lessons, hoping that next time I’ll be able to communicate a little better in their language.

But what really blew me away? The people. I live in the UK, known for its politeness, but Japan takes kindness to a whole new level. Their respect and care are something the world desperately needs to learn from.

Travel isn’t just about checking places off a list—it’s about growing, learning, and carrying a piece of each place with you. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Japan is a place worth returning to.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own adventure and inspires you to start your own journey, wherever that may take you.

If you’ve been to Japan, share your favourite memories below. And if you’re planning your first visit, ask away—I’m here to help! 😉

Goodbye and thanks, Japan.

*Plus a 9-email itinerary series to help you plan your trip with confidence

E. Ready to Book your Trip?

To help you organise your adventure, I’ve gathered the best tools I use and recommend for booking flights, hotels, local transport and more. These links support this site at no extra cost to you.

Safe travels! 🌏✈️

F. More About Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? Here are some of my top posts to help you make the most of your journey – from detailed itineraries and cultural insights to city guides and unique experiences across the country.

*And get my 9-email Japan itinerary series.

⭐ Itineraries & City Guides

🗼 Tokyo 4-Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See. Explore Tokyo’s must-visit attractions, neighbourhoods, street food, and cultural highlights in just four unforgettable days.

🚉 Kamakura & Yokohama: Day Trip from Tokyo. A perfect day trip from Tokyo to explore Kamakura’s temples and Yokohama’s scenic bayside – history, food, and coastal charm.

🏯 Odawara, Hakone, Fujiyoshida & Nagoya: Castles, Fuji, and Onsen. Visit historic castles, soak in hot springs, and admire iconic views of Mount Fuji on this scenic multi-stop adventure.

⛩️ The Best of Kyoto in 3 Days. Discover Kyoto’s top temples, gardens, and cultural sites in just three days – includes a downloadable map to guide you.

🍜 Sumo in Osaka, Tastes of Kobe & Highlights from Himeji & Okayama. Catch a sumo match, try Kobe beef, and explore some of Japan’s best castles in this fast-paced guide to western Japan.

📍 Hiroshima & Miyajima: Top Attractions. A must-read for first-timers – explore Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the stunning Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.

🏝️ Okinawa: What to See & Do. Planning a beach escape? Discover what to see, do, and know before visiting Okinawa, Japan’s tropical paradise.

⭐ Culture, Religion & Traditions

🧘 Koyasan: My Stay at a Buddhist Temple. Experience the peaceful world of Japanese Buddhism with a temple stay in Koyasan – meditation, monks, and morning prayers.

🙏 Temple Etiquette in Japan: What to Know Before You Visit. Visiting temples and shrines? Learn the dos and don’ts of temple etiquette to show respect during your spiritual visits.

☸️ Japanese Buddhism Made Simple. New to Buddhism? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down key beliefs and traditions in Japanese Buddhist culture.

🍀 Guide to Japanese Lucky Charms & Amulets. Curious about omamori, daruma, or maneki neko? Learn the meanings and traditions behind Japan’s most iconic charms.

⭐ Travel Tips & Cultural Insights

📌 Japan Tourist Information: What You Need to Know. Practical info every traveller should know – transport, money, customs, etiquette, and more to prepare you for your trip.

🚇 Practical Tokyo Guide for First-Time Visitors. Navigate Tokyo like a pro with this beginner-friendly guide to public transport, safety tips, and local etiquette.

📖 Kyoto Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go. Everything you need for a smooth trip to Kyoto – from the best seasons to visit, how to get around, and local customs.

🌆 Osaka Travel Guide: Essentials for First-Time Visitors. When to go, how to get around, what to eat, and more – your go-to guide for Japan’s most vibrant foodie city.

Additional Information

You can also check my itineraries in Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.

Remember to check Cook up Your Trip. There, you will find everything you need to organise your trip from start to finish.

If you require any clarification, please feel free to leave a comment or complete the contact form. I will be happy to help you. 😊

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