14-Day JR Pass Itinerary: Central and Western Japan Highlights

This itinerary is 17-day long since you would activate your pass on the 4th day when you depart Tokyo, for maximum usage of the pass. Want to learn more about the JR Pass? Visit jrpass.com for detailed information!

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Explore nearby neighborhoods (e.g., Asakusa or Shinjuku).

• Optional: Visit Tokyo Skytree or Sensoji Temple.

• Stay in Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

• Visit the Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya.

• Explore Akihabara for anime, manga, and electronics.

• Stay in Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo Day Trip

• Options:

  • Nikko (Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls).

  • Kamakura (Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple).

• Stay in Tokyo.

Day 4: Tokyo → Karuizawa (Activate JR Pass)

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa (about 1 hour).

• Explore:

  • Karuizawa Ginza Street and Kumoba Pond.

  • Shiraito Falls (short bus ride).

• Stay in Karuizawa.

Day 5: Karuizawa → Nagano

• Morning: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano (about 30 min).

• Visit:

  • Zenkoji Temple.

  • Optional: Jigokudani Monkey Park (snow monkeys).

• Stay in Nagano.

Day 6: Nagano → Kanazawa

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (about 2 hours).

• Explore:

  • Kenrokuen Garden.

  • Kanazawa Castle.

  • Higashi Chaya District (tea houses).

• Stay in Kanazawa.

Day 7: Kanazawa → Kyoto

• Take the Thunderbird Limited Express to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours).

• Afternoon: Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine or Nishiki Market.

• Stay in Kyoto.

Day 8: Kyoto Highlights

• Visit:

  • Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge.

• Optional: Philosopher's Path.

• Stay in Kyoto.

Day 9: Kyoto → Nara (Day Trip)

• Take the JR Nara Line (about 1 hour).

• Visit:

  • Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha).

  • Nara Park (deer).

  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

• Return to Kyoto and stay.

Day 10: Kyoto → Osaka

• Take the JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka (about 30 min).

• Explore:

  • Osaka Castle.

  • Dotonbori and Namba for food and nightlife.

• Stay in Osaka.

Day 11: Osaka → Kobe

• Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Kobe (about 15 minutes).

• Explore:

  • Mount Rokko: Take the Rokko Cable Car for panoramic views.

  • Kobe Harborland: Walk along the waterfront and visit the Kobe Maritime Museum.

  • Dinner: Try Kobe beef at a local restaurant.

• Stay overnight in Kobe.

Day 12: Kobe → Himeji → Okayama

• Morning: Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji (about 15 minutes).

• Visit:

  • Himeji Castle: Japan’s most famous and well-preserved castle.

  • Kokoen Garden: A beautiful Edo-period-style garden next to the castle.

• Afternoon: Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama (about 30 minutes).

• Stay overnight in Okayama.

Day 13: Okayama

• Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama (about 1 hour).

• Visit:

  • Korakuen Garden.

  • Okayama Castle.

  • Kurashiki preserved canal area

• Stay in Okayama.

Day 14: Okayama → Hiroshima

• Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 40 min).

• Visit:

  • Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

  • Atomic Bomb Dome.

• Stay in Hiroshima.

Day 15: Hiroshima → Miyajima (Day Trip)

• Take the JR Sanyo Line and ferry (covered by JR Pass) to Miyajima.

• Visit:

  • Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate.

  • Mount Misen (via ropeway or hike).

• Return to Hiroshima and stay.

Day 16: Hiroshima → Nagoya

• Take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Nagoya (about 3-4 hours).

• Explore Nagoya:

  • Nagoya Castle: A beautiful castle with a rich history.

  • Osu Shopping District: A vibrant area with shopping, food, and street markets.

  • Atsuta Shrine: A major Shinto shrine with a peaceful atmosphere.

  • Enjoy famous Unagi (eel)Hitsumabushi or Miso Katsu for lunch or dinner

• Stay overnight in Nagoya.

Day 17: Nagoya → Tokyo

• Visit Ghibli Park (about 30 minutes from Nagoya Station).

  • Explore the magical world of Studio Ghibli with exhibits like Mononoke Village, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Catbus.

• Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Nagoya to Tokyo (about 1.5 hours).

• Depart from Tokyo next day.

Want to learn more about the JR Pass? Visit jrpass.com for detailed information!