Spring in Japan

14 Apr 2025 – 29 Apr 2025 · by stipplitinerariesasia

Destinations

Tokyo, Japan

✅ Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo - Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport - Transportation to Central Tokyo: From Narita: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station (around 1 hour, ¥3,200). From Haneda: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (20 minutes, ¥500). Settle into your accommodation and explore the local area. ✅ Sustainable Accommodation in Tokyo: The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku Price: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per night. Highlights: This hotel emphasizes sustainability with eco-friendly practices and collaborations with local artisans. They also support local farmers by sourcing ingredients from nearby regions. Location: In the vibrant Shinjuku district, close to transportation hubs. - Day 2-5: Explore Tokyo ✅ Day 2: Tokyo Highlights Morning: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) – Walk through Nakamise-dori for souvenirs. Afternoon: Ueno Park – Enjoy cherry blossoms and visit the Tokyo National Museum. Evening: Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Shrine – Experience the bustling city and serene shrine. ✅ Day 3: Harajuku & Roppongi Morning: Harajuku – Explore trendy Takeshita Street and Omotesando for shopping. Afternoon: Nezu Museum – Enjoy a beautiful art collection and garden in Roppongi. Evening: Tokyo Tower – Visit Tokyo's iconic landmark for a view of the city at night. ✅ Day 4: Odaiba & Toyosu Market Morning: Toyosu Market – Visit the replacement for the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Afternoon: Odaiba – Check out the futuristic shopping and entertainment complex, including teamLab Borderless (a digital art museum). ✅ Day 5: Day Trip to Hakone Transportation: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥2,330 one-way). Visit Lake Ashi with a cruise and the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji. Return to Tokyo in the evening. ✅ Transportation for Hakone Day Trip: Odakyu Romancecar round-trip: ¥4,660. Hakone Free Pass (if visiting multiple attractions): ¥5,000 for unlimited travel within the area.
- Tokyo: Shinjuku Local Bar and Izakaya Guided Walking Tour
Hakone Onsen, Japan

✅ Day 5: Day Trip to Hakone - Transportation: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥2,330 one-way). - Visit Lake Ashi with a cruise and the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji. - Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Kyoto, Japan

✅ Day 6: Travel to Kyoto - Transportation: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto (approx. 2.5 hours, ¥14,500 with a JR Pass). Activate the JR Pass for 7 days from this point for long-distance travel. JR Pass Cost: ¥29,650 (7-day pass). ✅ Sustainable Accommodation in Kyoto: RAKURO Kyoto by THE SHARE HOTELS Price: ¥9,000–¥13,000 per night. Highlights: This eco-friendly hotel uses renewable energy, promotes local culture with traditional crafts, and collaborates with nearby businesses. Location: Central Kyoto, close to public transport and main attractions. - Day 6-8: Explore Kyoto ✅ Day 6: Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama Morning: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Visit the iconic temple. Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Stroll through the bamboo grove and visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama for great views of Kyoto. ✅ Day 7: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Gion Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine – Hike through the thousands of red torii gates. Afternoon: Gion District – Explore the historic streets and spot geishas in the evening. ✅ Day 8: Day Trip to Nara Transportation: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara (approx. 45 minutes, covered by JR Pass). Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Deer Park, and Kasuga Taisha. Return to Kyoto in the evening.
- Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
- Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House
Nara, Japan

✅ Day 8: Day Trip to Nara - Transportation: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara (approx. 45 minutes, covered by JR Pass). - Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Deer Park, and Kasuga Taisha. Return to Kyoto in the evening
Osaka, Japan

✅ Day 9: Travel to Osaka - Transportation: Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka (approx. 15 minutes, covered by JR Pass). ✅ Sustainable Accommodation in Osaka: The Blend Inn - Price: ¥7,000–¥10,000 per night. - Highlights: This hotel incorporates sustainable practices such as recycling and energy conservation. It also hosts local art and supports Osaka’s creative scene. Location: In the Noda district, close to public transportation and the city center. -Day 9-11: Explore Osaka ✅ Day 9: Osaka Highlights Morning: Osaka Castle – Explore the historical castle. Afternoon: Dotonbori District – Dive into the street food culture. Evening: Umeda Sky Building – Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views. ✅ Day 10: Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Aquarium Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan or visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. ✅ Day 11: Day Trip to Kobe Transportation: Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Kobe (approx. 30 minutes, covered by JR Pass). Visit Meriken Park, Kobe Harborland, and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Return to Osaka in the evening.
Kobe, Japan

✅ Day 11: Day Trip to Kobe Transportation: Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Kobe (approx. 30 minutes, covered by JR Pass). Visit Meriken Park, Kobe Harborland, and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Return to Osaka in the evening.
Wakayama, Japan

✅ Day 12: Travel to Wakayama - Transportation: Take the JR Limited Express Kuroshio from Osaka to Wakayama (approx. 1 hour, covered by JR Pass). ✅ Sustainable Accommodation in Wakayama: Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu - Price: ¥6,000–¥8,000 per night for a traditional Japanese room. - Highlights: A cozy guesthouse that blends traditional and modern design. It promotes sustainable tourism and cultural immersion by supporting the local Koyasan community. Location: Near Mount Koya, the spiritual heart of Wakayama. - Day 12-14: Explore Wakayama ✅ Day 12: Koyasan (Mount Koya) Explore the sacred Mount Koya – Visit Okunoin Cemetery and Kongobu-ji Temple, experiencing the spiritual and serene atmosphere of this important religious site. ✅ Day 13: Wakayama Castle and Nature Morning: Wakayama Castle – Visit the beautifully restored castle. Afternoon: Wakaura Bay – Take a scenic walk along the coastline and explore Wakanoura Park. ✅ Day 14: Day Trip to Shirahama Transportation: Take the JR Kuroshio Line to Shirahama (approx. 1 hour, covered by JR Pass). Visit Shirahama Beach and the famous Engetsu Island. Enjoy Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Shirahama, Japan

✅ Day 14: Day Trip to Shirahama Transportation: Take the JR Kuroshio Line to Shirahama (approx. 1 hour, covered by JR Pass). Visit Shirahama Beach and the famous Engetsu Island. Enjoy Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Tokyo, Japan

✅ Day 15: Travel Back to Tokyo - Transportation: Take the Shinkansen from Wakayama to Tokyo (approx. 4 hours, covered by JR Pass). Your JR Pass will still be valid for this return trip. ✅ Accommodation: The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku Price: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per night. Evening in Tokyo: Explore Shinjuku or do some last-minute shopping in Akihabara or Shibuya.