14-Day JR Pass Itinerary: Discover Japan from North to South

This itinerary is 15-day long since you would activate your pass on the 2nd day when you depart Sapporo, for maximum usage of the pass. Want to learn more about the JR Pass? Visit jrpass.com for detailed information!

Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo (Hokkaido)

• Arrive in Sapporo and explore the city at your leisure. Visit Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, and Susukino district.

• Try local specialties like miso ramen and fresh seafood.

Day 2: Sapporo and Otaru (JR Pass Activation)

• Activate your JR Pass and take a day trip to Otaru (approx. 30 minutes).

• Stroll along the Otaru Canal, visit glassware shops, and indulge in fresh sushi.

• Return to Sapporo in the evening.

Day 3: Hakodate (Hokkaido)

• Take the JR Limited Express from Sapporo to Hakodate (approx. 3.5 hours).

• Visit Goryokaku Fort, Hakodate Morning Market, and enjoy the panoramic night view from Mt. Hakodate.

Day 4-5: Sendai (Tohoku)

• Day 4: Travel on the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sendai (approx. 3 hours). Explore the city by visiting Zuihoden Mausoleum, Sendai Castle ruins, and local markets.

• Day 5: Take a day trip to Matsushima Bay, famous for its scenic islands and cultural landmarks like Zuigan-ji Temple.

Day 6-7: Tokyo (Kanto)

• Day 6: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Tokyo (about 1.5 hours). Explore Asakusa, the Tokyo Skytree, and Akihabara.

• Day 7: Visit vibrant neighborhoods like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza. Optionally, take a day trip to Kamakura or Yokohama.

Day 8: Hikone Castle (Chubu)

• Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Maibara (approx. 2.5 hours), then a local train to Hikone.

• Explore Hikone Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved original castles, and stroll along the charming castle town streets.

• Continue on to Kyoto in the evening (approx. 30 minutes).

Day 9-10: Kyoto (Kansai)

• Day 9: Spend the day visiting iconic sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

• Day 10: Explore the Philosopher’s Path, Gion district, and Nijo Castle. Enjoy Kyoto’s traditional tea houses and kaiseki cuisine.

Day 11: Nara (Kansai)

• Take a short train ride from Kyoto to Nara (approx. 1 hour).

• Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park (with its friendly deer), and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

• Return to Kyoto for the night.

Day 12: Osaka (Kansai)

• Travel to Osaka (approx. 15 minutes by train). Visit Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Kuromon Ichiba Market.

• Optional: Explore Universal Studios Japan or the Umeda Sky Building.

Day 13: Himeji (Chugoku)

• Travel to Himeji (approx. 30 minutes by Shinkansen).

• Explore Himeji Castle, Japan’s most iconic and well-preserved castle, and the nearby Koko-en Garden.

• Continue to Fukuoka in the evening (approx. 2.5 hours by Shinkansen).

Day 14: Hiroshima and Miyajima (Chugoku)

• Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima (approx. 1 hour).

• Visit the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle.

• Take a ferry to Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

Day 15: Fukuoka (Kyushu)

• Spend your final day exploring Fukuoka. Visit Canal City Hakata, Ohori Park, and Fukuoka Tower.

• Enjoy Hakata ramen at a local yatai (street food stall).

This 15-day itinerary maximizes the value of your JR Pass while covering Japan’s highlights from north to south, concluding in vibrant Fukuoka.

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