Suggested itinerary: Japan in 12 days for independent travellers

Day 1: Arrival in Japan. Transfer to Kyoto

Arrival at Tokyo international airport and trip to Kyoto by bullet train. Night in Kyoto. 

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Day 2: Kyoto

Visit to Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. A walk through the Gion geisha district. Dinner and night in Kyoto. 

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Day 3: Nara

Journey by train to the city of Nara. Visit to the temples of Kofukuji, Todaiji and Kasuga. On the way back, visit the spectacular Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its multiple red torii doors. Dinner and night in Kyoto. 

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Day 4: Kyoto and trip to Hiroshima

Visit to the temples of Sanjusangendo and Kiyomizudera. Visit to Kisiki fish market. Visit to the temple of Ginkakuji. Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. Night in Hiroshima. 

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Day 5: Hiroshima

Visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb). Journey by ferry to Miyajima Island and trip up Mount Misen. Dinner and night in Hiroshima. 

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Day 6: Hakone

Trip by train to Hakone. Day and night at a Ryokan with hot springs (onsen) for an experience of authentic Samurai life. 

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Day 7: Hakone

Circular trip around Hakone with views of the lakes and of Mount Fuji. Trip to Tokyo. Dinner and night in Tokyo. 

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Day 8: Tokyo: Ginza

Visit to the Imperial Palace and its gardens. Visit to the Ginza shopping district (luxury shops). Visit to the Caretta Shiodome centre and its Advertising Museum. Trip to Odaiba Island (for great views of the city). Night in Tokyo. 

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Day 9: Tokyo: Asakusa and Shibuya

Visit to Tsukiji fish market. Visit to the old district of Asakusa. Visit to Takeshita Dori Street, where teenagers dress as dolls. Visit to Omotesando Street and to the Shibuya shopping district. Night in Tokyo. 

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Day 10: Tokyo: Shinjuku

Visit to Yoyogi Park. Visit to the Shinjuku district (Lost in Translation). Visit to the Roppongi Hills viewpoint for spectacular views of the city. Dinner at the Gonpachi, best-known for the famous fight scene in Kill Bill. Night in Tokyo. 

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Day 11: Tokyo

Extra day in Tokyo in order to enjoying the city in a more relax way, repeat your favourite areas, go shopping... night in Tokyo. 

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Day 12: Back home

Flight back home.

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