It's my first time visiting, I'll be arriving on September 15th and plan to stay for 15-18 days, since I'm a Chef I'd like to experience a lot of culinary attractions, I'm also avid for nature and hiking. I'm traveling by myself as well and I'm planning on staying in budget hotels or hostels.

Day 1-3: Tokyo

• Day 1:
  • Arrive in Tokyo, settle into your accommodation.
  • Explore Shibuya Crossing and nearby areas for a first taste of Tokyo’s bustling atmosphere.
• Day 2:
  • Visit Tsukiji Outer Market in the morning for fresh seafood breakfast.
  • Explore Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street) for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
• Day 3:
  • Take a cooking class in Tokyo to learn about Japanese cuisine hands-on.
  • Visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum for cultural insights.

Day 4-5: Hakone

• Day 4:
  • Travel to Hakone (about 1.5 to 2 hours from Tokyo).
  • Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum and enjoy views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
• Day 5:
  • Experience an onsen (hot spring bath) in Hakone.
  • Take the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of the Owakudani volcanic valley.

Day 6-8: Kyoto

• Day 6:
  • Travel to Kyoto (about 2 hours 15 minutes by Shinkansen).
  • Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and hike through the thousands of torii gates.
• Day 7:
  • Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.
  • Visit Nishiki Market for local Kyoto cuisine.
• Day 8:
  • Take a cooking class focused on Kyoto’s traditional cuisine.
  • Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Gion district for evening strolls.

Day 9-10: Osaka

• Day 9:
  • Travel to Osaka (about 15 minutes by Shinkansen from Kyoto).
  • Explore Dotonbori for street food and nightlife.
• Day 10:
  • Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
  • Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market for a variety of food stalls.

Day 11-12: Hiroshima and Miyajima (optional)

• Day 11:
  • Travel to Hiroshima (about 1.5 to 2 hours by Shinkansen from Osaka).
  • Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Day 12:
  • Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, visit Itsukushima Shrine and hike Mount Misen.

Day 13-15: Tokyo (optional extension or additional activities)

• Day 13-15:
  • Return to Tokyo for any last-minute shopping or experiences.
  • Explore areas like Akihabara (electronics and anime district) or Odaiba (entertainment and shopping hub).
  • Consider day trips to Nikko for nature and hiking, or Kamakura for temples and the Great Buddha.

Thanks!