Hi all! Excited to visit Kyushu this coming April to catch the cherry blossoms! Need some advice if my current itinerary is feasible and appreciate any tips / advice! Have drafted something after scouring through many posts and websites. Just worried it might too be rushed for some days! We'll be driving most of the days and are keen in mixing both nature and city where possible. We're skipping Nagasaki, Saga, Miyazaki, Kitakyushu.

Day 1: Land in Fukuoka at 8am and stay for 1 night. Catch the cherry blossoms at Maizuru Park and/or Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.

Day 2: Rent a car and drive to see cherry blossoms at Lotus Genka Garden & Nagarekawa, before continuing to Kumamoto.

Day 3: Catch cherry blossoms at Kumamoto Castle and explore the city.

Day 4: Drive to Kagoshima and visit Kotsukigawasan Ryokuchi Park, Sengan-en and Shiroyama Park for sunset views of Sakurajima.

Day 5: Visit Sakurajima and Ibusuki sand bath (half day each).

Day 6: Drive to Sogi Falls, Takachiho Gorge, Kunimigaoka Viewing Platform + Amanoiwato Shrine (if have time & energy), before ending in Aso city.

Day 7: Explore Mt Aso for the whole day before driving to Kurokawa Onsen.

Day 8: Leave for Beppu Onsen.

Day 9: Not sure if I want to spend 1 more day to rest in Beppu or go to Yufuin Onsen? Need some advice!

Day 10-12: Drive back to Fukuoka and spend the last few days in the city. Daytrip to Dazaifu if we still have energy,

Thanks in advance :)

trying to balance this between seeing new places for me and checking off the "first trip" must-do's for my partner! traveling by train, not planning to rent a car.

nov 16: land at NRT around 3 pm. we will probably just walk around and get convenience store food. it'll be our "just happy to be here" moment haha

nov 17-18: two full days in tokyo. I am letting my partner pick everything here, so it's still up in the air. we are planning to come back for two more full days at the end of our trip since its cheapest to book round trip tickets.

nov 19: travel to nagano, likely late afternoon? we are looking into booking a nicer ryokan for our two nights here. if we book one that serves food, we might just enjoy staying in this evening.

nov 20-21: we would like to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park (of course). TBD which day. I know that it will likely not be snowing at this time, but the foliage should be nice. I was interested in Shibu Onsen but it looks like the nine baths do not allow tattoos, which we both have. looking to spend more time in nature here.

nov 22: travel from Nagano to Kanazawa. at first, I was interested in the alpine route, but I think the high elevation means that the peak autumn colors will be brown by the time we visit. it's my thought that going by train would offer prettier views. open to opinions here! I think we would leave nagano on the earlier side to have more time in kanazawa, probably just to walk around and have dinner since it's a travel day.

nov 23-24: two full days in kanazawa. I read that it is known for its crafts, so we would like to spend some time shopping and maybe take a workshop once we can look into availability. I'm hoping that Kenrokuen Garden will be pretty this time of year. I would like to visit the chaya districts, we need to work out which temples/shrines/villas to see. will likely book an omakase experience here as well.

nov 25: travel to kyoto. I did visit kyoto on my first trip and loved it. I think we will leave early in the morning to try and make it to the Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market.

nov 26-29: four full days in kyoto, will likely go to osaka for a day trip on one. osaka was not my favorite on my first visit, but my partner wants to go and I'm not opposed. we will skip the aquarium, which I did not enjoy at all the first time. see more below.

for kyoto: Rurikō-in Temple is a must for me. we may see the illuminated gardens at Kōdai-ji Temple. we will also try to go to Nishiki market. I would love to take the Sagano Romantic Train with booked seats and maybe the Hozugawa river boat back (weather permitting). I do think we will visit Fushimi Inari but skip Arashiyama - it was so crowded last time. I would like to visit Saiho-ji and Gino, we will look more into temples/museums once our dates are finalized. I'd love to go back to the kaleidoscope museum and pug cafe again.

for osaka: I am letting my partner take the lead with specific plans here. he really wants to visit Dotonbori, which I did find cool - not enough for a second time, but I don't want him to miss out on it. I would love to see a performance at the National Bunraku Theater! I didn't see the schedules posted this far in advance yet.

november 30 - travel to hiroshima, probably earlyish since we'll only have one full day there. I think we may also look into booking a ryokan here, so maybe visit the peace park and then take it easy for the night. I visited the peace park last time and found it very emotional, but I do want to return.

december 1 - one full day in hiroshima. for some reason I'm just not sold on miyajima! please tell me if that's a mistake. I only had a day and a half in hiroshima last time, and I spent most of the day traveling to see bunny island (worth it). I want to eat Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. I read that Hiroshima castle and Mitaki-Dera Temple are supposed to be very beautiful in this time of year (although it may be a bit past peak - looks like Nov. 22 was peak last year).

dec 2: travel to tokyo, probably mid day. our evening plans will probably center around whatever prefecture we stay in (TBD).

dec 3-6: four full days in Tokyo. NOTE: please let me know if you think I should add one of these elsewhere! this will be six full days in tokyo at this point, not including travel days. I really want to visit the Saitama children's zoo on one of these days because the hot springs will have opened for the capybaras. I know it's a bit out of the way but I'd just love to see them. I looked into Sakai Farm in Osaka but it did not seem as well reviewed as Saitama's. if it's open by then, I would love to see a kabuki performance at the national theater. I am determined to get ghibli museum tickets this time!

dec 7: travel back, flying out of NRT at 3:00 pm.

justification for why we chose our locations based on our interests: we love food and will look into unique dining experiences. while I do love nature, my partner doesn't love just hikes, so we will look into more viewing experiences by boat/train/etc unless they have a more active component (but it'll be cold so probably not). I love animal experiences when the animals appear to be well cared for (why we don't have animal cafes booked outside of the pug cafe, which was wonderful last time). I also love cultural performances, whether it's music or plays. while I do enjoy art/history museums, I feel like there's so much art and history out on the streets and they are often the least memorable parts of trips for me. I also enjoy a group tour here or there - cooking class, workshops, etc. - to have a chance to connect with locals or other tourists.

Hi everyone, we are a couple (31yo) visiting Japan for the first time. We are pretty excited. I am mainly excited for the technology, trains, games, pokemon etc. My wife mainly has interests in temples and the culture there and has particular interest in staying in a private ryokan near mt fuji. The only common interest we both have is visiting DisneySea :p. Here's our itinerary for 13 days. Any feedback appreciated?

Day 1: 8th March (Sat)
- Land in Haneda around 2pm
- Check into a hotel near tokyo station by 5pm
- Explore around hotel and rest

Day 2: 9th March (Sun)
- Take the early morning shinkansen to Kyoto and check into hotel by 11am
- Visit Kyoto Rail Museum and Toji Temple in afternoon (from 12 to 3)
- Remaining half day itinerary based on this around philosophers path - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3950_philosophers_half.html

Day 3: 10th March (Mon)
- Visit Arashiyama Bamboo forest, Monkey Park and almost full day covering most of the places over there based on this - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3950_arashiyama_full.html
- If time permits visit Kyoto Railway museum in evening or some other day since our hotel is nearby

Day 4: 11th March (Tue)
- Day trip to Nara covering the Nara Park, Todaiji temple etc

Day 5: 12th March (Wed)
- Visit Fushima Inari Shrine early morning
- Evening I have tickets to Nintendo Museum in Uji between 4-6pm
Having the afternoon relatively empty. Any ideas on things to do in Uji?

Day 6: 13th March (Thu)
- Do a day trip to Osaka
- Visit Osaka castle, umedy sky building, Osaka Pokemon Centre etc.
- Come back to Kyoto by night

Day 7: 14th March (Fri)
- Take the morning Shinkansen back to Tokyo and check into the hotel by 12pm in UENO
- Spend the afternoon in Asakusa exploring the neighbourhood and evening in Akihabara

Day 8: 15th March (Sat)
- Spend the first half of the day in Shinjuku and evening in Shibuya covering all the main spots

Day 9: 16th March (Sun)
I don't have anything particular planned for this day yet so looking for suggestions.

Day 10: 17th March (Mon)
- Checkout from the hotel take the highway bus from Shinjuku to Mt Fuji. We have booked a private ryokan near Kawaguchiko. So spend the day there and explore around the lake.

Since we are going here just for 1 night I was thinking of storing the big luggage in coin lockers near Shinjuku station and just take a small bag with us. Any ideas on what should be preferred here, highway bus or the JR line?

Day 11: 18th March (Tue)
- Visit Hakone from Mt Fuji and back to Tokyo in evening (tentatively)

Not sure on how the transportation from Mt Fuji to Hakone. I saw there is a Fuji Hakone pass which covers buses from Fuji to Hakone via Gotemba and it also covers travel back to Shinjuku via JR line. Again any thoughts on this is appreciated

Day 12: 19th March (Wed)
- Full day trip to Disney Sea

Day 13: 20th March (Thu)
- Free for shopping and revisiting some of the places we liked the most in Tokyo

Day 14: 21st March (Fri)
- Take the flight back to Mumbai from Narita airport at 2pm

Our hotels:
Kyoto: Sakura Terrace The Gallery near Kyoto Station
Tokyo: Richmond hotel near asakusa
Mt Fuji: Villa Resort Yumefuji

Hi everyone! My partner and I will be traveling to Japan from March 4 to 17, flying from Milan. This is our first time in Japan, and we’ve put together an itinerary based on what interests us the most—culture, food, anime/manga, and exploring the heart of each city.

We’d love to get your feedback on the itinerary below! Are we missing anything crucial? Are there places that seem too rushed or unrealistic?

Osaka (March 4-7)

Day 1: Exploring Osaka • Namba: Hozen-Ji & Yasaka Jinja • Den Den Town & Shinsaibashi Park • Pokémon Center • Nipponbashi • Dotonbori (evening)

Day 2: Kobe & Osaka Skyline • Morning & lunch in Kobe • Osaka Castle • Umeda Sky Building

Day 3: Temples & Parks • Katsuo-ji Temple (Daruma Temple) • Osaka Tenmangu Shrine • Kema Sakuranomiya Park • Hirakata T-Site (?)

Kyoto (March 7-12)

Day 1: First Impressions • Higashi Hongan-ji & Nishi Hongan-ji (both near our hotel) • Nishiki Market • Lunch at Kyoto Tower Sando • Nijo Castle • Kyoto Imperial Palace • Evening walk in Pontocho & Gion

Day 2: Kyoto’s Traditions • Early morning at Fushimi Inari Taisha • Kiyomizu-dera • Sanneizaka & Ninenzaka • Gion & Hanamikoji-dori • Philosopher’s Path

Day 3: Day Trip to Nara • Todai-ji • Nara Park • Kasuga Taisha • Kofuku-ji • Return to Kyoto in the evening

Day 4: Kyoto Highlights • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) • Ryoan-ji (Zen rock garden) • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest • Tenryu-ji • Togetsukyo Bridge

Day 5: Last Kyoto Moments • Kyoto Tower for a final city view • Last-minute shopping at Kyoto Station before leaving

Extras we might add: • Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple • Kuramadera • Iwatayama Monkey Park

Tokyo (March 11-17)

March 11 – Asakusa & Sensō-ji • Sumida River Walk (view of Tokyo Skytree) • Akihabara (Mandarake, Yodobashi Camera, Super Potato) • Dinner in Akihabara

March 12 – Tokyo DisneySea • Full day at Tokyo DisneySea

March 13 – Temples, History & Shibuya • Gotokuji (Lucky Cat Temple) • Nezu Shrine • Yanaka Ginza (old Tokyo atmosphere) • Harajuku (Takeshita Street & Omotesando) • Meiji Jingu Shrine • Shibuya (Hachikō, Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky) • Dinner in Shibuya

March 14 – Culture & Shopping • Imperial Palace (East Gardens) • Tsukiji Outer Market (street food & seafood) • Ginza (Kabuki-za Theater, shopping) • Akihabara (more time for anime/manga shops)

March 15 – Kamakura Day Trip • Great Buddha & Hasedera • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu • Komachi Street • Return to Tokyo for dinner

March 16 – Exploring Old Tokyo Morning: • Shibamata (Taishakuten Temple, Edogawa River walk) • Transfer to Nezu (~35 min)

Nezu & Yanaka: • Nezu Shrine • Yanaka Ginza (street food & historic shops) • Lunch in Yanaka

Afternoon – Kagurazaka (Tokyo’s ‘Little Kyoto’) • Strolling through Kagurazaka • Zenkoku-ji Temple

March 17 – Flight Back to Italy

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Let us know if any days feel too packed or if we should swap things around. Also, if there are any must-visit spots we’re overlooking, we’d love to hear about them!

Thanks in advance!

We'll be travelling to Tokyo Mid Feb with our 11 month old. We've been to Tokyo/Japan before but this will be our first with a little one. This sub along with japantraveltips have been helpful in providing advice/tips.

We'll be flying into Haneda and staying in the Shirokane area first few days and then near Asakusa the remaining days.

All our itinerary are flexible as is the expectation of travelling with a baby. We know how lucky we are to be able to travel to a different country and be completely ok with just 1-2 big attractions a day with little to no high end dining (we did all that before baby ha)

Day 1:

Settle into accommodation, check out Isetan supermarket nearby to pick up groceries,baby food

Day 2:

Keeping it light as baby will prob be jetlag. Hit up Shinpachi Shokudo (would love recs for other food spots open early as I imagine well have early days and aim to be back home after an early dinner).

Shibuya Parco, Uogashi Shibuya for lunch, walk around crossing and maybe Tonkatsu Mai-Sen if time permits

Day 3:

Tsukiji Market, Maguroya Kurogin for late morning sushi fix, Muji and Uniqlo flagship. Rest a bit then maybe our fav pizza spot for early dinner PST Roppongi

Day 4:

Tanbo Yoyogi before Meiji Shrine, Takashimaya Shinjuku for baby shopping, get our tempura fix at Tempura Shinjuku before we do our shopping at Isetan/Public Tokyo. Standing sushi inside Shinjuku Station and then pick up some bentos for dinner if LO is tired

Day 5:

Tokyo Toy Musuem, then make our way to Akihabara and Nippon Dept Store

Day 6:

Staying near Asakusa now. Ueno Park, Inshotei for kaiseki, and then Ueno Ameyoko Street

Day 7:

Senso-Ji, hit up our fav duck ramen spot nearby, Nishimatsuya Rox 3G, maybe some utensil shopping at Kappabashi

Day 8,

Tokyo Skytree entire day. Let little one play at Chikyu-no-niwa (indoor playground), Sumida Acquarium, and food court food (Im eyeing some Rokurinsha Tsukemen)

Day 9:

Daytrip to Yokohama

Day 10:

Free Days for now

Would love opinions on itinerary, and if there are any food recs as well as baby-toddler (made in JP) clothing that's not your typical name brands.

Hey everyone!

We're planning a trip to Tokyo (2 adults, 1 child) in the first week of April 2024. Our main goals are to visit Disney and see the cherry blossoms. Would love some advice on how this itinerary looks—especially any tips to make it more child-friendly or any must-add experiences!

Itinerary:
🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

🌸 Day 2: Cherry Blossom Exploration

• Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (famous for cherry blossoms)
• Afternoon: Ueno Park (another great cherry blossom spot)
• Evening: Shibuya Crossing + Hachiko Statue

🎢 Day 3: Tokyo Disneyland (Full day at the park)

🗻 Day 4: Mount Fuji Day Trip

• Morning: Early train/bus to the Mount Fuji area
• Afternoon: Visit Chureito Pagoda or Lake Kawaguchi (maybe a guided tour?)
• Evening: Return to Tokyo

⛩️ Day 5: Cultural Exploration & Departure

• Morning: Explore Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street)
• Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree (if time allows before our flight)
• Evening: Fly home

Would love feedback—does this look realistic with a kid? Any fun stops or tweaks we should consider? Thanks! 😊

Hello!! Below is a very rough draft itinerary that we have put together for out trip. We are very open to suggestions such as food, places to stop, places to eat, etc. This is our first time in Japan! We do not like to have everything planned by the hour and prefer to have a rough idea of what we plan to do that day. We only plan on booking ahead our hotels and a few other small attractions like the Pokemon cafe and things like that. Also open to your favorite omakase experiences!

DAY 1 - Monday

Land at Haneda Airport around 4 pm

Head to hotel in Akihabara

Check in, get some food, walk around rest

Day 2 - Tuesday

Explore Asakura Area

• Senso-ji Temple
• Ueno Park
• Akihabara

Maybe head to Tokyo station area towards end of day

Day 3 - Wednesday

Explore Ginza/ Tokyo Tower area

• Shopping district

• East Garden

• Tsukiji Market

• Tokyo Tower area Shopping

Day 4 - Thursday

Shinjuku/Shuibuya

• Meiji Shrine

• Shinjuku Gyoen

• Daiba-Ichi shopping

• End day in Shinjuku Kabukicho

Day 5 - Friday

• get ready to head to Fuji/Yamanashi

• Head to station and be ready to check in by 3pm

• Relax and enjoy private villa

Day 6- Saturday

• explore mt Fuji

• Pokémon shop

• Relax at villa

Day 7 - Sunday

Prepare to head to Kyoto

Arrive in Kyoto mid morning

• arashiyama (explore)

Day 8 - Monday

Kyoto all day

• Fushimi Inari

• Pokémon Center

• Shopping

Day 9 - Tuesday 

Head to Osaka early-ish 10-11

• Osaka Bay Area explore

• Aquarium

• Kira district

Day 10 - Wednesday

Osaka all day

• Minami area

• Dotombori

Day 11 - Thursday

Head back to Tokyo around 11 

• explore around hotel (TBD)

Day 12 - Friday

Fly out of Heneda around 6 pm 

• rest and pack
• Get lunch and get to airport early

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Group of 3

Would like to know if we are packing too much/too little in some days.

• For the second day in Beppu, is it better to take a day trip to Yufuin instead? It's around a one hour and a half bus ride from our hotel and we're not sure how long we need in Yufuin.
• For Fukuoka, is it feasible to do the Marine Park and Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in one day since they both close at 5:00PM? Also, is Teamlabs forest worth going to or is there something else we should do?
• For the traveling days, should we leave earlier so that we arrive earlier at the destination and get more time for the day's plans? Some of the museums/parks close at 5PM and I'm not sure how long each will take.
• Finally, we are planning on taking a carry one and a suitcase for each of us so we will need to reserve seats on the Shinkansen. How long in advance should we book those?

3/05 (Tokyo)

• Arrive in Tokyo at around 12:00PM
• Get to hotel(in Ueno) around 1:00PM and drop off luggage.
• Lunch
• Ueno park
• Tokyo national museum
• Explore/Dinner

3/06 (Tokyo)

• Lunch
• Shinjuku gyoen national garden
• Meiji jingu
• Shibuya sky
• Dinner

3/07 (Tokyo)

• Disneysea

3/08 (Tokyo)

• Ghibli museum
• Lunch
• Explore Akihabara
• Dinner/Shopping at Tokyo station

3/09 (Nagoya)

• Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya and arrive at hotel around 11:00AM
• Lunch
• Nagoya castle
• Tokugawa park
• Tokugawa museum
• Dinner

3/10 (Nagoya)

• Nagoya science museum
• Ossu kannon
• Walk around Oasis 21/Mirai tower

3/11 (Nagoya)

• Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
• Atsuta shrine
• Shirotori garden
• Shopping/Dinnerr around Nagoya station

3/12 (Hiroshima)

• Shinkansen from Nagoya to Hiroshima and arrive at hotel around 12:00PM
• Lunch
• Atomic bomb dome
• Peace memorial park
• Peace memorial museum
• Explore area around hotel

3/13 (Hiroshima)

• Ferry to Miyajima
• Itsukushima shrine
• Daishoin temple
• Lunch
• Ropeway up Mount Misen
• Omotesando shopping street
• Ferry back to hiroshima
• Dinner

3/14 (Beppu)

• Shinkansen/railway to Beppu in the morning and arrive at Beppu around 12:00PM
• Not sure what to do yet, going to see the hells and maybe just relax at hot springs

3/15 (Beppu?)

• Shidaka lake and walking around there but should we take a day trip to Yufuin instead? It's around a one hour and a half bus ride from our hotel and we're not sure how long we need in Yufuin.

3/16 (Fukuoka)

• Shinkansen/railway to Fukuoka in the morning and arrive at Fukuoka around 12:00PM
• Lunch
• Ohori park/Maizuru park
• Fukuoka tower
• Tenjin underground shopping
• Dinner

3/17 (Fukuoka)

• Marine World
• Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
• Teamlabs forest
• Shopping/Dinner around Hakata station

3/18 (Fukuoka)

• Kyushu National Museum
• Lunch
• LaLaPort Fukuoka
• Kushida Shrine
• Kawabata shopping street
• Dinner

3/19 (Fukuoka)

• Leave for airport for morning flight

Hello!

Just want to ask your opinion about our driving itinerary for end of February from Nagoya to Gifu:

Day 1: Nagoya - Magome-juku - Takayama Stay the night in Takayama.

• I only scheduled one stop because we want to arrive early in Takayama to explore the town and visit the Showa Museum

Day 2: Takayama-Ainokura (Gokayama)- Shirakawago. Stay the night in Shirakawago

• I’ve been to Shirakawago once but that was a decade ago, will be my first time in Ainokura. Any recommendations?

Day 3: Shirakawago - Gujo Hachiman - Seki Sword Museum - Nagoya. Return the car. Any recommendations?

I’ve driven many times in Japan (mostly in Hokkaido) but first time driving in this area. Any tips?

Hello, is it true that the Harry Potter Studios Tour takes 4-5 hours to complete? We’re planning to get the 3:30 pm slot, and wanted to know if we can still fit in Shinjuku and Harajuku in the morning of the same day.

This is our drafted itinerary so far:

Day 1: Arrival in Narita (AM), Shibuya (PM)

Day 2: Mt Fuji Day Tour

Day 3: Shinjuku, Harajuku including Godzilla Head, Kabuchiko, Meiji Jingu and Takeshita Street (AM), HP Studios (PM)

Day 4: Tsukiji Fish Market, Asakusa, Akihabara

Day 5: teamLab Planets, Imperial Palace, Ginza

Day 6: Flight to Manila

Is our itinerary doable in general? We’re staying in Toshima area. Any suggestions are well appreciated. 🙏 Thank you.

Looking for feedback on itinerary. Me and buddy of mine first time going to Japan. March 26-April5. We will be staying in Tokyo the whole time (one exception) and planned day trips throughout. Want to be clear on what I’m looking for feedback on. I am not asking for specifics/for you to plan my itinerary. That is already done. I am wondering simply if the idea of my itinerary makes sense. That being said, I’ll still include specifics. Also, all the days labeled Tokyo I am not looking for feedback on, so these will be intentionally vague!! Plan is to buy 7-day jr pass as the value should be there after checking calculators (although please correct me if you disagree). With that, will be omitting directions as that is also figured out. Again, the emphasis is on if this all makes sense.

Day 1: arrive around 2pm and just explore Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo again

Day 3: first day trip: Yamagata. Wanted to go somewhere north. Take shinkansen over in morning, explore Kajo Park and bus over to yamadera temple and climb to the top. Potentially see ginsan onsen in the afternoon, but unsure about this after reading more into it. Return to Tokyo by night

Day 4: Tokyo

Day 5: second day trip: Osaka. Umeda sky building in the morning, shitenno-ji temple and tsutenkaku tower in afternoon. Stay overnight in Osaka (this is the one exception)

Day 6: third day trip: Kyoto. Since it’s close to Osaka we choose to stay overnight there and come in the morning for less travel time. Fushimi inari shrine in morning, one or two of kiyomizu-dera temple, higashiyama ward and arishiyama bamboo forest in the afternoon. Return to Tokyo from Kyoto.

Day 7: fourth day trip: mt Fuji. Self explanatory

Day 8: fifth day trip: nagano. Zenko-ji temple in morning and either togakushi shrine or matsushiro castle town in afternoon. Return to Tokyo at night

Day 9: sixth and final day trip: kamakura. To shogun shrine, hase-dera temple and great Buddha. Really just walking around and exploring here.

Day 10: Tokyo

Day 11: leave. Not really a day just hitting airport.

So, to reiterate my main point of feedback is does this make sense/is it not too much. Each day trip tries to hit a different part of Japan. Also, I know Tokyo has a ton to do, but i definitely want to follow this day trip idea, would consider dropping at most one for another Tokyo day. I am also curious on what other northern cities would be worthwhile over Yamagata. Not looking for specifics I will plan myself, but since I’m unsure about it I will gauge other ideas. I’ve just read a lot of 50/50 about Yamagata. I am sold on the other cities I picked. Anything is appreciated. Thanks!

We are a family of 4 (kids aged 9 and 4) traveling to Japan for the first time from 15th to 28th April. This is just an initial draft; could you share your thoughts on this itinerary and suggest any additions or removals?

Wednesday 16 April 2025 (Osaka)

- Osaka Castle

- Dotonbori

- Shinsaibashi

- Tempozan Ferris Wheel

- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Thursday 17 April 2025 (Osaka)

- Day trip to Nara

Friday 18 April 2025 (Kyota)

- Travel to Kyota

- Fushimi Inari Shrine

- Kyoto Railway Museum

- Umekoji Park

Saturday 19 April 2025 (Kyota)

- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

- Togetsukyo Bridge and Iwatayama Monkey Park

- Kyoto Imperial Palace

- Nishiki Market

Monday 21 April 2025 (Hakone)

- Travel to Hakone

- Drop luggage at the hotel

- Hakone Open-Air Museum

- Gora Park

Tuesday 22 April 2025 (Hakone)

- Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley

- Lake Ashi Cruise

- Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Sekisho Museum

- Hakone Shrine

- Owakudani

- Hakone Yuryo - Hot Spring

Wednesday 23 April 2025 (Tokyo)

- Travel to Tokyo and drop luggage at Hotel

- Odaiba Seaside Park

- TeamLab Planets

- Palette Town Ferris Wheel

Thursday 24 April 2025 (Tokyo)

- Disney Sea

Friday 25 April 2025 (Tokyo)

- Disney Land

Saturday 26 April 2025 (Tokyo)

- Tokyo Tower

- Zojoji Temple

- Ginza

- Art Aquarium Museum

- Toyosu Market

Sunday 27 April 2025 (Tokyo)

- KidZania Tokyo

- Shibuya and Shibuya Crossing

- Explore Harajuku

Hi everyone - took a bad fall and injured myself quite badly while skiing. I got checked out by the onsite emergency clinic but it was small and not well equipped - they suspect ligament damage in the knee.

The doctor at the clinic suggested I get an MRI done but did not include a referral in the medical report. I have returned to Tokyo early and I was wondering if anyone has any leads on i) English speaking doctors who can do referrals for MRI (if required) and ii) where I could actually get an MRI done. Would the reports etc all be in Japanese or are there any places I could get these in English? Appreciate there have been a few posts in the past about seeing a doctor but just wondered if there was any fresh wisdom. I have travel insurance but it only covers procedures actually done overseas so I was hoping to get it done here…

We are 2 people. I will get the JR Pass for 14 days.

I’d love to hear any feedback and recommendations.

Arrival on 28/02 morning. Tokyo sights can be switched around, depending on how we manage/where we end up staying.

28/02. Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku (Kabukicho)

Meiji-Jingu 8 AM for prayer

Takeshita-dōri

01/03. Ueno and Asakusa

Senso-Ji Good for Sunsets

Tokyo National Museum

Nezu-jinja

02/03. Ginza and Marunouchi

Imperial Palace 100 or 13.30 https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/register/month/1001?locale=en

Tsukiji Market

Akihabara

Zojoji temple

03/03. Nikko Day Trip  

Buy Nikko World Heritage Pass Tobu Top Tours -Tokyo & Nikko tour and Hotel reservation-

Around 3h Earliest 8am froom Asakusa (30min away from Shinjuku)

Return 19.10 from Tobu-Nikko

Tosho-gu

Taiyuin-byo

Rinno-ji

Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss

04/03  Activate JR Pass

Tokyo to Hakone  1.5h (Leave luggage at Odawara station) Buy Hakone Free pass there. 

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5210.html

https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/english/spa/hotspring/#hanare

Train to Kyoto 3h

05/03

Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Tofuku-ji

Kiyomizu-dera

Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka Area

Ryozen cemetery

Shoren-in

Chion-in

Nanzen-ji

Ginkakuji

Yasaka shrine

Higashi Hongan

Gion (Hanami-kohi for restaurants, Shimbashi, Shirakawa canal, Ponto-cho)

06/03

Kinkauji

Heian Jingu Temple

Kyoto Imperial Palace 10 and 14.00 Tours in English, Last admission 15.50

Daitoku-ji

Nijo Castle

Nishiki Market

Kennin-j

07/03

Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tenryu-ji

Hozu-gawa river trip 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm https://ars-hozugawa.triplabo.jp/activity/en/LINKTIVITY-9SUUZ

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

08/03

Day trip to Nara 2h return

Toda-Ji 

Nandai-mon

Nigatsu-do

Nara-koen

Kasuga Taisha

PAgoda

Kofuku-ji

naramachi

09/03

Go to Osaka  30min

Osaka castle

Umeda sky building

Minami district

Shinsekai

Dotonbori

Kuromon market

Tenma

Mozu tombs

Day Trip Koyasan 4h return

10/03

Trip to Himeji 1h and Hiroshima 1.5h

Peace Memorial Park

11/03

Day trip to Miyajima 2h Return

Floating Torii GateMisen and daisho-in

shukkei-en

to Kanazawa 4h, last train 18.33

12/03

Kanazawa

Higashiyama

Higashi caya

Omicho market

Ninja temple

Go to takayama 2h

13/03

Takayama

Go to Nagano 3h

14/03

Leave luggage at nagano station east exit

Go to jigokudani yaen koen. At 8.45.  1.5h 1800 Yen Closing time 16.00

Go back to Nagano 1.5h

to shiroishizao 2.5h

15/03

Trip to fox village, 10.15 am, return 12.10 or 15.00

Train to Yamagata at 15.58  2h

16/03

Go to Yamadera temple 30 min 9.08 or 10.12

Train to Hakodate

17/03

Hakodate morning market

Back to tokyo 5h

18/03 Tokyo and flight back

Hi! My mom and I are travelling to Japan from March 3rd to March 11th. This is our second trip after 7 years ago, we were exploring Kanto Region. Now we want to explore Kansai and surrounding regions.

We'll be based in Osaka, and my hotel is literally just beside Shin-Imamiya Station. I also ask some questions below.

Day 1:

• Land in KIX around 2 PM.
• Take Haruka to Tennoji with one-way Haruka ticket and transfer 1 station to Shin-Imamiya. Can I transit directly and exit at Shin-Imamiya? Or should I end the Haruka journey by exit through the fare gate and come back in using ICOCA at Tennoji? Also consider taking Kansai Airport Rapid.
• Dinner around Dotonbori or nearby Donki.
• Sleep.

Day 2:
Full day USJ, it's Tuesday so I wish for a lower crowd.

We won't buy express pass because it's too overpriced to our currency. So we'll do the early morning NSW rush trick. Also interested to visit HP area, waterworld, watch Doraemon 4D, and watch some show/parade if possible. I'll try to book NSW timed entry for night/afternoon after doing early morning rush too.

Day 3:
Shirakawago - Kenrokuen - Omicho Market
Planning to activate JR West Pass in this day.
Is there still snow in Ogimachi on early March?
We hope to see some snow, but if there isn't any, is it still worth it? If it's not, then maybe I'll drop this and change to Hiroshima/Kyoto.

• Wake up early, go to Kanazawa -> Bus to Shirakawago (9:10 AM bus)
• Explore Ogimachi, go to observatory, lunch or light snack.
• Back to Kanazawa (1:40 PM bus, arrived around 3 PM).
• Explore Kenrokuen a bit and Omicho Market.
• Back to Osaka around 6-7 PM.
• Arrived in hotel around 9-10 PM.
• Sleep.

Day 4:
Will be a slow day, after 2 days in a row waking up early.

• Explore Himeji by taking Hello Kitty shinkansen.
• After 2 PM, take a stop in Maiko to take a stroll around the park below the bridge. (Is the Promenade/Exibition Center worth it?)
• Afternoon to evening: Go explore Kobe Chinatown. Any recommendations besides Kobe beef? (I think we couldn't afford Kobe wagyu A5 beef, cheapo recommendations?)
• Back to hotel and sleep.

Day 5:
Kyoto.

• Morning to lunch: Kiyomizudera -> Ni and San-nenzaka -> Gion -> Pontocho -> Lunch in Nishiki Market. Any recommendations?
• After lunch to afternoon: Fushimi Inari, explore as far as Yotsuji.
• Afternoon to evening: Explore Uji. Just want to buy some matcha. Any recommendations?
• Back to hotel and sleep.

Day 6:
Miyajima and Hiroshima

• Start early morning: Shinkansen and train to Miyajimaguchi, and then ferry to Miyajima. It's weekend so plenty of ferry's timetable.
• Explore the Omotesando, maybe as far as Momijidani park. No planning to hike Mt. Misen.
• Lunch in Miyajima. Any recommendations for anago bento? Can we eat lunch on the promenade facing the Torii? I'm imagining sitting down and relaxing there.
• After lunch: Back to Hiroshima city by ferry and train.
• Hiroshima Castle (just for the photo)
• Peace Memorial Museum. About 2 hours, is it enough?
• Stroll around the park (atomic bomb dome, etc)
• Dinner in Hondori street/Hatchobori.. Okonomimura has many vendors, any recommendations?
• Back to Osaka around 8 PM.
• Arrived in hotel around 10 PM and sleep.

Day 7:
Tentative day.

It's either go to Nara half-day and explore Uji and go to Kyoto again if we didn't make it on 5th day (But I heard Kyoto is much worse in weekend);
or go to Nara half-day and start to explore Osaka City.

I also consider to explore Amanohashidate.

Day 8:

Now it's time to explore Osaka city itself.
Should I get the Osaka pass? (have fun or amazing pass or e-pass).
Two days pass option is cheaper, but I need to start on 7th day.

• Umeda Sky
• Osaka Castle
• Tempozan Wheel or HEP Five
• Osaka Castle
• Evening Tombori Cruise
• Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Day 9:

• Check out from hotel and do little more shopping.
• Return flight from KIX around 3PM.

Thanks for all advice or recommendations!

Day 1 Saturday (445 am arrival actual sunday morn)

Apr 12, 2025 Arrival in Tokyo, Welcome to Japan! Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station

Day 2 Sunday Apr 13, 2025 Free Day in Tokyo Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station Tokyo International Airport (HND) to Tokyo

Day 3 Monday Apr 14, 2025 Tokyo to Hiroshima, Half Day Exploring Hiroshima Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima Tokyo to Hiroshima

Day 4 Tuesday Apr 15, 2025 One Day Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Mount Misen Tour Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima Hiroshima

Day 5 Wednesday Apr 16, 2025 Hiroshima to Kyoto, Samurai Sword Experience for Adults in Kyoto, Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show in Kyoto Gion Kiyomizu Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA Hiroshima to Kyoto

Day 6 Thursday Apr 17, 2025 Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA Kyoto

Day 7 Friday Apr 18, 2025 Half Day Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour For Families, Pokémon Center Kyoto Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA Kyoto

Day 8 Saturday Apr 19, 2025 Full Day Nara City Tour: Nara Park, Todai-Ji Temple and More Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA Kyoto

Day 9 Sunday Apr 20, 2025 Kyoto to Osaka, Full Day Osaka Discovery For Families with Cup Noodles Museum, Transfer to Kyoto Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA Kyoto

Day 10 Monday Apr 21, 2025 Kyoto to Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Scramble Crossing Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station Kyoto to Tokyo

Day 11 Tuesday Apr 22, 2025 Tokyo City Tour: Imperial Palace East Gardens, Senso-ji & Tsukiji Outer Market Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station Tokyo

Day 12 Wednesday Apr 23, 2025 Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station Tokyo

Day 13 Thursday Apr 24, 2025 Pokémon Center TOKYO DX ＆ Pokémon Cafe, Nintendo store Tokyo Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station Tokyo

Day 14 Friday Apr 25, 2025 Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Hot Springs in Tokyo, City Tour with Tokyo Tower and taste some street food Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station Tokyo

Day 15 Saturday Apr 26, 2025 Akihabara Manga & Anime Exploration, Departure Tokyo to Tokyo International Airport (HND)

Hey all,

We are a couple (early 30) planning our trip to Japan for 21 days in March. Here is what we have decided so far.

Wanted to get your feedback before finalizing things. Please give us your thoughts if we have done repetitive things, or could visit something else. Are we missing any important must visit places?

PS: We are vegetarians (no meat/fish/egg), would love you to get some recommendations for food.

We are thinking to get - Osaka Amazing Pass, Tokyo Subway Pass, any others we should be getting to save some $$$?

📍 Osaka

Day 1: Osaka Check-in & Exploration

• ✅ Check-in & Lunch → Osaka Hotel
• ✅ Flex time to explore nearby areas
• ✅ Relax after the flight

Day 2: Osaka Aquarium & Dotonbori

• 🐠 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• 🎌 Explore Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku, street food)
• ⛩ Visit Namba Shrine
• 🎮 Evening in Nipponbashi Den-Den Town (electronics & anime shopping)
• 🌃 Nightlife in Dotonbori (Glico Man, food stalls)

Day 3: Osaka Local Pass (Day 1)

• 🏙 Umeda Sky Building - Floating Garden Observatory
• 🎡 HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
• 🍱 Lunch in Umeda Area
• ⛵ Nakanoshima River Cruise
• 🏛 Entrepreneurial Museum
• 🚤 Tombori River Cruise in Dotonbori
• 🌆 Hozenji Yokocho Historic Alley (Night Walk)

Day 4: Osaka Local Pass (Day 2)

• 🏯 Osaka Castle Grounds & Garden
• 🚢 Osaka Suijyo Aqua-Liner (Boat Cruise)
• 🍣 Lunch near Osaka Castle
• 🗼 Tsutenkaku Tower Observation Deck
• 🎡 Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
• 🚤 Wonder Cruise (Nighttime Dotonbori Cruise)
• 🎭 Explore Shinsekai (Retro Area & Street Food)

Day 5: Kyoto Day Trip

• ⛩ Morning Hike at Fushimi Inari Taisha (Red Torii Gates)
• 🍵 Lunch Break near the Shrine
• 🏮 Explore Gion & Higashiyama (Geisha District)
• 🍣 Dinner in Pontocho Alley (Scenic Dining by the River)
• 🌆 Kyoto Tower for Night Views
• 🚅 Return to Osaka

Day 6: Nara Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Nara
• 🌿 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto stop on the way)
• 🦌 Visit Nara Deer Park
• 🏯 Explore Kōfuku-ji Temple
• 🍱 Lunch near Nara Park
• 🌸 Visit Isuien Garden (Traditional Japanese Garden)
• 🗿 Explore Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall)
• 🏮 Visit Kasuga-Taisha (Lantern Shrine)
• 🚅 Return to Osaka

Day 7: Flex Day

• Explore additional attractions or relax
• Optional Day Trip to Kobe or Himeji Castle
• Evening Shopping in Osaka (Shinsaibashi, Namba, or Grand Front Osaka)

Day 8: Hiroshima Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Hiroshima
• 🏛 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• ⛩ Visit Atomic Bomb Dome
• 🏙 Explore Orizuru Tower (Great City Views)
• 🍣 Lunch Break in Hiroshima
• 🏮 Visit Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
• 🚅 Return to Osaka

📍 Tokyo

Day 9: Osaka → Tokyo Travel

• 🚅 Shinkansen to Tokyo (~2.5 hours)
• 🏨 Check-in at Tokyo Hotel
• 🌆 Flex Evening (Explore nearby areas)

Day 10: Harajuku & Shibuya Highlights

• ⛩ Meiji Shrine
• 🎀 Takeshita Street
• 🎭 Purikura Photo Booths
• 🍱 Lunch in Harajuku
• 🚶 Explore Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue)
• 🌆 Shibuya Sky (Observation Deck)
• 🌃 Dinner & Shopping in Shibuya Centre Gai

Day 11: Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara

• 🏯 Senso-ji Temple
• 🎌 Explore Nakamise Street (Souvenirs & Snacks)
• 🌿 Relax in Ueno Park
• 🍣 Lunch & Shopping at Ueno Ameyoko
• 🔪 Kappabashi Street (Japanese Knives & Kitchenware)
• 🎮 Akihabara (Game Stores, Anime, Maid Cafés)

Day 12: Central Tokyo & Nightlife

• 🏯 Tokyo Imperial Palace
• 🛍 Visit unique stores in Ginza
• ⛩ Zojo-ji Temple (Near Tokyo Tower)
• 🗼 Tokyo Tower (Daytime or Night View)
• 🍣 Lunch in Roppongi
• 🏛 Mori Art Museum (Modern Art + Skyline Views)
• 🤖 Visit Gundam Base in Odaiba
• 🌃 Dinner & Nightlife in Shinjuku (Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho)
• 🎤 Karaoke in Roppongi (Night Fun)

Day 13: Mount Fuji Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Kawaguchiko (Lake Area)
• 🚲 Rent a Bike & Cycle Along the North Shore
• 🏞 Explore Chureito Pagoda (Iconic Fuji View)
• 🍱 Lunch by the Lake
• 🏬 Shopping & Relaxation in Kawaguchiko
• 🚅 Return to Tokyo

Day 14: Flex Day

• Free time for additional activities

Day 15: Hakone Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Hakone-Yumoto
• 🚍 Bus to Lake Ashi
• ⛩ Visit Hakone Shrine
• 🚢 Lake Ashi Cruise (Pirate Ship Experience)
• 🚠 Take the Ropeway to Owakudani (Boiling Valley)
• 🍱 Lunch & Relaxation in Hakone
• 🚆 Return to Tokyo

Day 16: Tokyo Shopping & Views

• 🏢 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Free Viewing Deck)
• 🛍 Shibuya & Ikebukuro Shopping
• Don Quijote, Shibuya 109, Bic Camera, Loft, and Pokémon Mega Store
• 🎌 Explore Tokyo’s Anime & Gaming Culture (Optional Return to Akihabara)

Day 17: DisneySea (Full Day)

• 🎢 Enjoy the unique rides & attractions at Tokyo DisneySea

Day 18-20: Final Flex Days

• Relaxation
• 🛍 Final Shopping & Packing

💬 What do you think? Would you add or remove anything? Happy to hear your thoughts🚀

Hi everyone! I’m (44/M) traveling to Japan for ~10 days in October for my 45th birthday. Currently live in NYC, so comfortable with navigating public transportation or walking around the city. Have never been to Japan (and super excited to visit!!!), and only the second time traveling to Asia (first time was probably almost a decade ago to Cambodia).

Welcome any feedback on my proposed itinerary below, see what you guys think. My travel partner and I are very much into exploring and open to suggestions on fun, unique experiences (eg, kintsugi workshop).

With regards to food, we’ve decided that this trip will be more about variety and experiencing good quality food. Not necessarily looking for Michelin-starred experiences, but more so really good examples of different Japanese cuisine. Any recommendations on Lunch/Dinner options for each day would be appreciated!

Accommodations

October 6-9: Four Seasons Otemachi (check out Oct 10)
October 10: Tarawaya Ryokan (check out Oct 11)
October 11-13: Four Seasons Kyoto (check out Oct 14)
October 14: Hoshinoya Tokyo (check out Oct 15)

October 6 (Tokyo)

PM: Arrival at HND, check-in and freshen up
Visit Jins to get fitted for glasses
Explore Ginza (Ginza shopping streets, Mitsukoshi Ginza rooftop garden, Artizon Museum)
Dinner in Asakusa
Explore Asakusa (Taito Station Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Dori, Sumida Park)

Dinner  Options: Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza Ten, Masaru

October 7 (Tokyo)

AM:Explore Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Takeshita Dori, Tōgō Shrine)

PM: Lunch in Shibuya
Explore Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Crossing, Keio Inokashira Shibuya Terrace, Tokyu Hands)
Explore Shinjuku (Taito Station Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building)
Dinner in Shinjuku
Explore Golden Gai

Lunch Options: Narutomi, Uoriki, 
Dinner  Options: Tonkatsu Narikura, Kakiden, Torishige, Konjiki Hototogisu

October 8 (Tokyo)

AM:TeamLab Planets

PM: Lunch in Ginza
Explore Ginza and Roppongi (Mori Art Museum, Tokyo City View)

Lunch Options: Ginza Kyubey, Tempura Kondo, or Shin-Shin
Dinner  Options:Denkushiflori, Ippoh, Butagumi

October 9 (Tokyo)

AM: Kintsugi workshop (Utsuwa Omusubi HANARE)

PM: Lunch in Akihabara
Explore Yodobashi Akiba and Super Potato Retro Shop
Pre-booked meal at Pokémon Café

Lunch Options: Udon Maruka, Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San, or Aoshima Shokudo
Dinner  Options:???

October 10 (Tokyo → Kyoto)

AM: Shinkansen to Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

PM: Lunch in Gion
Explore Nishiki Market, Tofuku-ji Temple

Lunch Options: ???
Dinner  Options:Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan

October 11 (Arashiyama)

AM:Breakfast at the ryokan, check-in to the Four Seasons Kyoto
Visit Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji Temple

PM: Travel to Arashiyama
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park, Togetsukyo Bridge

Lunch Options: Omen Kyoto Arashiyama
Dinner  Options:Arashiyama Yoshimura, Gion Karyo

October 12  (Nara)

AM:Travel to Nara
Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Deer Park

PM: Lunch at Wa Yamamura
Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Naramachi Historic District
Return to Kyoto

Lunch Options: Wa Yamamura
Dinner  Options:Izuju

October 13  (Osaka)

AM:Travel to Osaka
Visit Osaka Castle
Head to Dotonbori

PM: Lunch at Okonomiyaki Fukutaro
Visit Dotonbori Street, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Shinsaibashi-suji 
Return to Kyoto

Lunch Options: Okonomiyaki Fukutaro
Dinner  Options:Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama

October 14 (Kyoto → Tokyo)

AM:Explore Gion District, visit Yasaka Shrine
Shinkansen back to Tokyo

PM: Lunch near Ueno Park
Visit Ueno Park

Lunch Options: ???
Dinner  Options:???

October 15 (Departure)

AM: Light shopping in Shibuya or Ginza.

PM: Depart for HND

Hi guys, solo traveller going to Sapporo for the first time and would like your help/recommendations for an itinerary. Will be based in Sapporo for the duration of stay (maybe overnight in Noboribetsu) and will spend a morning on Sunday for Church there.

Used Grok 2 to help tailor the itinerary.

Accommodation:

• Hostel - Will be based in Sapporo for the duration of stay and will spend an afternoon on Sunday for Church there.

Day 1 (Feb, Monday) - Arrival in Sapporo:*

• Afternoon: Arrive at 3:30 PM. Check into your budget hotel in Sapporo
• Evening: Have an early dinner in Susukino, try some street food like yakitori or Ghengis Khan.
• Night: Head to Odori Park for the Winter Festival. Enjoy the illuminated snow and ice sculptures.

Day 2 (Feb, Tuesday) - Sapporo:*

• Morning: Visit Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views.
• Afternoon: Explore Moerenuma Park, which is beautiful even in winter.
• Late Afternoon to Evening: From 3:30 PM, go to Mt. Moiwa for night views.
• Evening: After enjoying the views, head to Ramen Alley for Miso Ramen or Curry Ramen.

Day 3 (Feb, Wednesday) - Otaru Day Trip:*

• Morning: Take a train to Otaru. Walk along Otaru Canal and visit the Otaru Music Box Museum.
• Afternoon: Enjoy local seafood or street food for lunch.
• Evening: Return to Sapporo; explore Tanukikoji Shopping Street for dinner or snacks.

Day 4 (Feb, Thursday) - Noboribetsu Day Trip:*

• Morning: Travel to Noboribetsu. Visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley) for its dramatic landscapes.
• Afternoon: Relax at Daiichi Takimotokan Onsen.
• Evening: Enjoy a meat-focused meal, perhaps more Ghengis Khan or local specialties. Check into accommodation in Noboribetsu for the night (optional).

Day 5 (Feb, Friday) - Noboribetsu (Overnight):*

• Morning: Visit Noboribetsu Bear Park early.
• Afternoon: More time at the onsen or explore Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura if open for cultural shows.
• Evening: Dinner in Noboribetsu, enjoying the local cuisine before returning to Sapporo or spending another night if preferred.

Day 6 (Feb, Saturday) - Sapporo:*

• Morning: Visit Sapporo Beer Museum for a cultural and educational experience.
• Afternoon: Enjoy Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park for a serene experience.
• Evening: More street food exploration in Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

Day 7 (Feb, Sunday) - Sapporo:*

• Morning: Attend the 12:30 PM mass at a Catholic Church (e.g., Sapporo Catholic Church).
• Afternoon: Visit Shiroi Koibito Park for chocolate making and tasting.
• Evening: Check for any cultural shows around 3 PM at Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara or local venues if available.

Day 8 (Feb, Monday) - Sapporo:*

• Morning: Participate in beginner skiing at Bankei Ski Area in Sapporo.
• Afternoon: Continue with skiing or relax.
• Evening: Enjoy some local ramen for dinner.

Day 9 (Feb, Tuesday) - Departure:*

• Morning: Use this time for last-minute shopping, revisiting a favorite spot, or simply relaxing before your departure.

Considerations:

1. Day trip to Biei
2. Day trip to Lake Toya
3. Day trip to Jozankei (for open-air public onsen)

Hey everyone!! I’m 18/M from the UK, travelling to Japan for 2 weeks in March on my own - feeling super overwhelmed but can’t wait, it’s the trip of my dreams.

I’m planning to do so much during my time in Japan, leaving me roughly 3/4 days in Tokyo, I just wanted to leave my itinerary here and see what you guys think, any feedback appreciated because i’m honestly quite lost🙈

ARRIVING: Monday 24th March at 11:30pm, aiming to be at my hotel right next to Haneda airport at 2am and just going immediately to sleep

TUESDAY: •Check out of hotel at 11am (the rules) •Travel up to Gotokuji temple •Travel into Shibuya to check into my hotel for 3pm(ish) •Spend a few hours in Shibuya (see Hachikō statue, visit a few shops, Shibuya sky) •Tuesday evening travel to have food in Shinjuku and explore a little •Early(ish) night - plan to be asleep for 10:30/11pm

WEDNESDAY: •Wake up early, breakfast at the hotel, and check out •Travel to Harajuku (Takeshita street, meiji jingu) and stay there until 2/3ish •Travel down to teamlab planets for 4pm? •Get dinner after teamlab in Minato City, see tokyo tower, imperial palace •Travel to Akihabara for my hotel, wander around the area

THURSDAY: •Explore Akihabara a little more •Visit Ueno Park •Visit Yasukuni-jinja Shrine •Travel up to Asakusa (see sensoji temple) •Empty window to revisit anything that I didn’t have time to do (e.g. I want to properly explore Don Quijote, maybe revisit some shops that I didn’t see properly, may book the pokemon cafe, may visit the tokyo museum) all dependent on timing •End the night in hotel in Asakusa

FRIDAY: •Get up early and make sure that everything I want to do is done (anything I couldn’t fit in the free window on thursday) •Travel down to somewhere near mt.fuji and spend the day there •End the night in Osaka

Hi all,

me and 3 friends of mine will be visiting Japan in march and I'd like some more ideas for our itinerary. We have never been there and I'd like to get some sanity checks for our plans.

Bonus points for some insider tips or restaurant reccommendations we could also visit close to the places we visit anyways.

Since we already booked our hotels, we will not be able to change that anymore.

We planned 4 days of Tokyo in the beginning and 3 in the end, to dodge some of the crowds in Kusatsu and Kyoto, by being there during the week (But seeing as I just found out that there are school holidays in march, that might have been a fail).

Day 1 (Tokyo):

• Arrive in Tokyo
• Hunt for some food
• Find the hotel without getting lost in the subways

Day 2 (Tokyo):

• Science and technology museum
• Emperors palace
• Akihabara

Day 3 (Tokyo):

• National museum
• Ueno Park
• Do some barhopping in the evening

Day 4 (Tokyo):

• teamLabPlanets
• relax at the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo club
• maybe some more barhopping in the evening

Day 5 (Kyoto):

• Travel to kyoto and check into the hotel
• Grab some food from the nearby Nishiki fish market
• Zen garden at Saihoji
• Check out Toei Kyoto Studio Park on the way back to the hotel (This day might be a bit too packed)

Day 6 (Kyoto):

• Get up early and see Inari Taisha at sunrise
• Daigoji
• Gion district

Day 7 (Kyoto/Osaka):

• maybe check out Nijo Castle or Gyoen national garden
• travel to Osaka and check into the capsul hotel

Day 7/8/9/10/11 (Osaka):

• Check out the sumo turnament if we can get cards
• Daytrip to Koyasan
• Daytrip to Nara
• Daytrip to Himeji
• Osaka Castle
• Namba Yasaka-Schrein
• Food tour in Dotonbori
• Barhopping

Day 12/13 (Kusatsu):

• Travel to Kusatsu and check into the ryokan
• Eat good food and soak in baths until enlightenment ensues

Day 14 (Tokyo):

• Travel to tokyo
• teamLab Borderless
• RED° TOKYO TOWER
• Maybe Hamarikyū-Park

Day 15 (Tokyo):

• Shopping at nakano broadway and ginza
• shinjuku
• Maybe a nice restaurant

Day 16 (Tokyo)

• Ghibli museum if we can get cards
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck

Day 17 (Tokyo)

• Flying home again

Thanks for any feedback!

https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/CM/Info/news_en/pdf/pass_revised_202501_en.pdf

These passes will also now be purchasable by all non-Japanese passport holders (i.e. including foreign residents), not only those on a tourist visa.

Beginning April 1, 2025.

Hey all, would appreciate any thoughts of the rough itinerary I'm currently planning.

Background info - I'm 29M, bringing my parents 69 & 61 years old to Kyushu from end March to early April. I'm currently living in Tokyo (if that matters), both my parents and I have been here multiple times but it's me and my mum's 1st time to Kyushu so looking to make the best of it.

One thing to note is that since my parents aren't young, they also have difficulty walking long distances, such as you'd do more in Tokyo and Osaka, for example (or at least, in our experiences). Climbing mountains or doing long treks aren't ideal, so no to places like Mt Aso or Takachiho (sadly, for me this time).

The forecasted Sakura season is a nice-to-have, but I was here in Tokyo last sakura season and it was all whack, so I'm aware it's not wise to plan around it specifically.

Thanks to anyone for reading the whole preface! Here's the rough itinerary:

Day 1 Fukuoka

• Reach Fukuoka by flight in the afternoon.
• Check-in, explore free-n-easy around the area - probably Hakata, would appreciate any suggestions that are convenient.
• Canal City in Hakata.

Day 2 Saga

• Travel to Saga (Arita)
• Yoshinogari Historical Park - not sure if this is worth visiting, will probably skip
• Arita Porcelain Park and porcelain making workshop - main highlight for Saga for us
• Mifuneyama Rakuen
• Stay in Takeo Onsen

Day 3 Nagasaki

• Travel to Nagasaki
• Glover Garden - might skip
• Atomic Bomb Museum
• Mt Inasa
• Chinatown
• Stay in Nagasaki

Day 4 Kumamoto

• Travel to Kumamoto
• Kumamoto Castle
• Sakura-no-baba Josaien
• Kumamon Square
• Suizenji Jojuen Garden
• Stay in Kumamoto

Day 5 Kagoshima

• Travel to Kagoshima
• Sakurajima
• Stay in Kagoshima

Day 6 Miyazaki

• Travel to Miyazaki
• Udo Jingu
• Aoshima
• Stay at Miyazaki

Day 7 Oita

• Travel to Oita (Beppu)
• Beppu Hells
• Mt Tsurumi (by ropeway)
• Stay in Beppu

Day 8 - 10

• Nothing concrete, we have a few days to spare.
• The last leg will be in Fukuoka since we're flying out from there.

Biggest question I have - is it recommended to drive the whole trip? Or just certain parts, like Arita in Saga or Miyazaki, for example? Taking into account 3 people.

I hope I've spaced out the itinerary enough to not be rushed (do correct me if otherwise), and to let my parents rest as and when they need to.

Again, big thanks to any insights, comments, feedback anyone can provide! Cheers.

Me and my wife are travelling to Japan from May 1st to May 11th. This is our first time in Japan and we want to cover as many of the key locations as possible. Since it is also wisteria season, i want to include that into the itinerary. This is what we came up with so far:

• May 1: Arrive in Tokyo, check into a ryokan or a quiet hotel, and rest.
• May 2: Visit Kameido Tenjin Shrine for wisteria viewing, then explore Shinjuku Gyoen, Nezu Shrine, and Odaiba for a relaxed start.
• May 3: Explore Asakusa, TeamLab Planets, and Sumida River Cruise.
• May 4: Travel from Tokyo to Ashikaga Flower Park for wisteria viewing in the morning. In the afternoon, continue traveling to Nikko and check into a ryokan or hotel. If time permits, visit Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge in the evening.
• May 5: Visit Kegon Falls and Chuzenji Lake in the morning. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Tokyo in the afternoon or evening.
• May 6-7: Travel to Kyoto – visit Kiyomizu-dera, walk along Philosopher’s Path, enjoy a private tea ceremony, and explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
• May 8: Day trip to Osaka – explore Dotonbori, try street food, visit Osaka Castle, and return to Kyoto in the evening.
• May 9: Free day in Kyoto or optional additional sightseeing in Nara or Uji.
• May 10: Back to Tokyo for last-minute shopping and visiting quieter neighborhoods like Daikanyama or Kichijoji.
• May 11: Depart from Narita.

Does this seem realistic or is it too hectic? Should i reduce time in Tokyo to focus on some other places instead?

hello! I posted this earlier and got a lot of feedback on trying to group activities that are close to each other, so here is my second try at a Japan itinerary. Let me know what days feel too rushed and things I should cut out, and if I messed up in grouping the activities and should reorder. I am solo-traveling, and 21 years old, for context. I also got a really good recommendation to fly to Kyoto and go back up, but I think going down and then back up is unfortunately better for my timeline just because of when I can meet up with friends in some of these places.

February 13th

• Breakfast ~7am at Hotel
• Ueno Park -> Senso-Ji Temple
• Akihabara (just pass through, not super interested in anime/manga but just want to see the street, maybe have lunch in this area)
• Imperial Palace
• Ginza (Uniqlo, Camera Stores, have dinner in this area)

February 14th

• Meiji Shrine -> Yogogi Park
• Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
• Walk through Omotoseando & Minami Aoyama
• Shibuya Crossing + Shibuya Sky, dinner in Shibuya

February 15th

• 7:20am train to Hakone (should I prebook this?)
• Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Hakone-jinja Shrine & Peace Shrine Gate
• Hakone Ropeway
• Pirate Ship (ferry across Lake Ashi)
• Hotel -> Onsen

February 16th

• 7:35 train from Hakone to Kyoto
• Gion and Hanamikoji Street
• Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Ryoan-ji Temple
• Kinkaku-ji Temple before sunrise, dinner nearby?

February 17th

• Day trip to Uji (Byodo-in Temple, Uji River, Matcha)

February 18th

• Fushimi Inari Taisha (early morning hike)
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Monkey Park Iwatayama
• Nintendo Kyoto

February 19th

• Hozugawa River Boat Ride
• Nishiki Market & Pontocho Alley & Ippodo Matcha
• Teramachi Street (shopping)
• Masuyacho Custom Ring (if time)

February 20th

• Day trip to Nara (Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park Deer, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Yoshikien Garden)

February 21st

• 7:20 train to Hiroshima
• Miyajima Island (Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Ropeway to Mt. Misen, Lunch)
• Peace Memorial Park + Museum + Atomic Bomb Dome (should I move this to the 22nd and leave for Tokyo later in the night or is it possible to do both of these in one day and go back from Island->Hiroshima?)

February 22nd (another option here is to not spend the night in Hiroshima, leave Hiroshima at night on the 21st for Tokyo, and then do one of the Mt. Fuji/Lake day trips on this day. I think it might be too much traveling and not enough time to appreciate Hiroshima? but any feedback on this would be nice)

• Shukkeien Garden
• Hiroshima Art Museum
• 2:00 Shinkansen to Tokyo

February 23rd

• Soga Plum Blossom Festival
• TeamLabs
• other things I didn't get to earlier
• Tokyo Skytree in evening

February 24th

• Wake up -> Airport, flying to Seoul

Hey all,

We are a couple planning our trip to Japan for 21 days in March. Here is what we have decided so far.

Wanted to get your feedback before finalizing things. Please give us your thoughts if we have done repetitive things, or could visit something else. Are we missing any important must visit places?

PS: We are vegetarians (no meat/fish/egg), would love you to get some recommendations for food.

We are thinking to get - Osaka Amazing Pass, Tokyo Subway Pass, any others we should be getting to save some $$$?

📍 Osaka

Day 1: Osaka Check-in & Exploration

• ✅ Check-in & Lunch → Osaka Hotel
• ✅ Flex time to explore nearby areas
• ✅ Relax after the flight

Day 2: Osaka Aquarium & Dotonbori

• 🐠 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• 🎌 Explore Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku, street food)
• ⛩ Visit Namba Shrine
• 🎮 Evening in Nipponbashi Den-Den Town (electronics & anime shopping)
• 🌃 Nightlife in Dotonbori (Glico Man, food stalls)

Day 3: Osaka Local Pass

• 🏙 Umeda Sky Building - Floating Garden Observatory
• 🎡 HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
• 🍱 Lunch in Umeda Area
• ⛵ Nakanoshima River Cruise
• 🏛 Entrepreneurial Museum
• 🚤 Tombori River Cruise in Dotonbori
• 🌆 Hozenji Yokocho Historic Alley (Night Walk)

Day 4: Osaka Local Pass

• 🏯 Osaka Castle Grounds & Garden
• 🚢 Osaka Suijyo Aqua-Liner (Boat Cruise)
• 🍣 Lunch near Osaka Castle
• 🗼 Tsutenkaku Tower Observation Deck
• 🎡 Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
• 🚤 Wonder Cruise (Nighttime Dotonbori Cruise)
• 🎭 Explore Shinsekai (Retro Area & Street Food)

Day 5: Kyoto Day Trip

• ⛩ Morning Hike at Fushimi Inari Taisha (Red Torii Gates)
• 🍵 Lunch Break near the Shrine
• 🏮 Explore Gion & Higashiyama (Geisha District)
• 🍣 Dinner in Pontocho Alley (Scenic Dining by the River)
• 🌆 Kyoto Tower for Night Views
• 🚅 Return to Osaka

Day 6: Nara Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Nara
• 🌿 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto stop on the way)
• 🦌 Visit Nara Deer Park
• 🏯 Explore Kōfuku-ji Temple
• 🍱 Lunch near Nara Park
• 🌸 Visit Isuien Garden (Traditional Japanese Garden)
• 🗿 Explore Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall)
• 🏮 Visit Kasuga-Taisha (Lantern Shrine)
• 🚅 Return to Osaka

Day 7: Flex Day

• Explore additional attractions or relax
• Optional Day Trip to Kobe or Himeji Castle
• Evening Shopping in Osaka (Shinsaibashi, Namba, or Grand Front Osaka)

Day 8: Hiroshima Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Hiroshima
• 🏛 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• ⛩ Visit Atomic Bomb Dome
• 🏙 Explore Orizuru Tower (Great City Views)
• 🍣 Lunch Break in Hiroshima
• 🏮 Visit Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
• 🚅 Return to Osaka

📍 Tokyo

Day 9: Osaka → Tokyo Travel

• 🚅 Shinkansen to Tokyo (~2.5 hours)
• 🏨 Check-in at Tokyo Hotel
• 🌆 Flex Evening (Explore nearby areas)

Day 10: Harajuku & Shibuya Highlights

• ⛩ Meiji Shrine
• 🎀 Takeshita Street
• 🎭 Purikura Photo Booths
• 🍱 Lunch in Harajuku
• 🚶 Explore Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue)
• 🌆 Shibuya Sky (Observation Deck)
• 🌃 Dinner & Shopping in Shibuya Centre Gai

Day 11: Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara

• 🏯 Senso-ji Temple
• 🎌 Explore Nakamise Street (Souvenirs & Snacks)
• 🌿 Relax in Ueno Park
• 🍣 Lunch & Shopping at Ueno Ameyoko
• 🔪 Kappabashi Street (Japanese Knives & Kitchenware)
• 🎮 Akihabara (Game Stores, Anime, Maid Cafés)

Day 12: Central Tokyo & Nightlife

• 🏯 Tokyo Imperial Palace
• 🛍 Visit unique stores in Ginza
• ⛩ Zojo-ji Temple (Near Tokyo Tower)
• 🗼 Tokyo Tower (Daytime or Night View)
• 🍣 Lunch in Roppongi
• 🏛 Mori Art Museum (Modern Art + Skyline Views)
• 🤖 Visit Gundam Base in Odaiba
• 🌃 Dinner & Nightlife in Shinjuku (Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho)
• 🎤 Karaoke in Roppongi (Night Fun)

Day 13: Mount Fuji Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Kawaguchiko (Lake Area)
• 🚲 Rent a Bike & Cycle Along the North Shore
• 🏞 Explore Chureito Pagoda (Iconic Fuji View)
• 🍱 Lunch by the Lake
• 🏬 Shopping & Relaxation in Kawaguchiko
• 🚅 Return to Tokyo

Day 14: Flex Day

• Free time for additional activities

Day 15: Hakone Day Trip

• 🚅 Train to Hakone-Yumoto
• 🚍 Bus to Lake Ashi
• ⛩ Visit Hakone Shrine
• 🚢 Lake Ashi Cruise (Pirate Ship Experience)
• 🚠 Take the Ropeway to Owakudani (Boiling Valley)
• 🍱 Lunch & Relaxation in Hakone
• 🚆 Return to Tokyo

Day 16: Tokyo Shopping & Views

• 🏢 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Free Viewing Deck)
• 🛍 Shibuya & Ikebukuro Shopping (Don Quijote, Shibuya 109, Bic Camera, Loft, and Pokémon Mega Store)
• 🎌 Explore Tokyo’s Anime & Gaming Culture (Optional Return to Akihabara)

Day 17: DisneySea (Full Day)

• 🎢 Enjoy the unique rides & attractions at Tokyo DisneySea

Day 18-20: Final Flex Days

• Relaxation
• 🛍 Final Shopping & Packing

💬 What do you think? Would you add or remove anything? Happy to hear your thoughts🚀

*Posting here because I can't post in r/JapanTravelTips :)*

I've been lurking in this subreddit for the last year and have found so much information that has helped me design my itinerary for a November trip - so, many thanks to everyone here. I have a few questions about some accommodations and activities. I'm also hoping that if I have any major holes in my itinerary someone could point those out. I haven't done a ton of planning for Tokyo yet, I will work on that more but wanted to get feedback on what I have before I keep going down the wrong road.

I really want this trip to be about food and just absorbing the beautiful sights and culture of Japan. Anywhere I have a question or am seeking a recommendation I'll use bold font to highlight it. Without further adieu, my non-ChatGPT generated itinerary:

KYOTO BLOCK

Day 1

• Land in NRT around 4:45 PM
• Make our way towards Tokyo to board the Shinkansen to Kyoto which will be where we begin our trip
• I haven't booked accommodation for Kyoto yet, but looking at the Park Hyatt - all the reviews I've ready are glowing. Anything I need to know about staying here? The location is amazing!

Day 2

• Fushimi Inari Taisha (early, 6-7 am)
• Toji Temple
• Head back toward Park Hyatt and explore Kiyomizu-dera
• Maybe get dinner by the Kamo River?

Day 3

• Another early day, Arashiyama (6-7 am)
• Ride the Romantic Sagano Railway (I don't think these start up until 9?)
• Get public transit back to Arashiyama area and head to Watayama monkey park
• Finish the day with Kinkaku-ji

Day 4 (I'm open to moving this day to day 2 if we think Jet lag will be an issue)

• Nishiki market in the am
• Nintendo Museum
• Head to Uji and explore (any recommendations welcome!)

OSAKA BLOCK

Day 5

• Take the Kyo-Train Garaku from Kyoto to Kawaramachi station (we'll be heading to Osaka on a Sunday)
• Drop our luggage at our hotel which in Dotonbori
• Kaiuyak Osaka Aquarium for the remainder of the day
• Explore Dotonbori in the evening - any good food recs other than the obvious?

Day 6

• Osaka Castle and surrounding park
• Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
• Pokemon Center
• Namba Yasaka Shrine
• This day seems light, so if there are any other recs please fire away!

Day 7 - Day trip to Nara

• I don't have much planned this day other than checking out the park and feeding some deer
• Gold leaf icecream
• Nara Castle
• Open to suggestions, but was going to keep it open to feel more free in our decision making

Day 8 - Day trip to Hiroshima (This is the compact day, let me know if it seems feasible![I already got feedback to check out Miyajima first then ferry back and do the rest before heading to Osaka])

• Catch the 1st shinkansen to Hiroshima
• Remains of Hiroshima Dome
• Orizuru Tower
• Eat Okonomiyaki
• Ferry to Miyajima Island, check out Itsukushima Jinja, Daisho-In
• Explore/Eat dinner
• Catch the ferry back and return to Osaka

MT. FUJI BLOCK

Day 9

• Sleep in a bit, maybe get breakfast in Osaka before heading to Mt. Fuji area
• Drop our bags at Ryokan (we're planning to stay at Ubuya, I pray we get the reservation we want)
• Nothing else planned, any recommendations welcome
• Return for Kaiseki dinner, soak in onsen/private bath

Day 10

• Fuji Q Highland
• Return to Ubuya and relax, walk around Kawaguchiko

TOKYO BLOCK (I've kept things loose here to account for mistakes or itinerary changes)

Day 11

• Sleep in, one final onsen/private bath soak
• Head to Tokyo, staying at the Hyatt Regency in Shinjuku
• Nothing else planned except to walk around and get food

Day 12

• Tokyo Skytree
• Solamachi
• Pokemon Center Skytree
• Senso-Ji
• Shopping?

Day 13

• Odaiba shopping
• TeamLab Planets
• Head to Ginza afterward

Day 14

• Pokemon Center Shibuya
• Shibuya Scramble
• Yoyogi Park
• Head to Harajuku area

Day 15 (This day I have not planned much)

• Not sure if I want to do a day trip to Nikko or if there are any other cool areas to check out in Tokyo? Mostly want to load up on Christmas gifts for all my family members at this point if I haven't already

Day 16

• Head home :(
• Flying out at 1 pm from HND

Context:

2 brothers from France in their early 30s staying 17 days in Japan, very used to traveling, some say this list might be too much and I kinda agree… on the other hand we’re really used to a fast pace of travel and like to change places often. (Years ago, we had a trip to the US that was crazily packed and undoable by some people’s standards and it was our best trip ever…. but this might be a different context and I’m looking for various opinions)

We don’t care about popular attractions like Universal Studio / Disney / Aquariums, etc
We‘re not super fans of Mangas/animes culture (well we used to play Pokemon a lot when little and watch DBZ, but that’s about it)

The first part of the trip is pretty “chill” and outdoorsy, I figured this would be the best way for us to make the most out of our jet-lagged days, and keep the big busy cities for later. 

For the first part of the trip we want to buy the Hiroshima - Kansai JR pass and get the most out of it (Hiroshima / Onomichi / Himeji / Osaka)

Our hotel nights would be as follows:

• March 03 - 05: Osaka (2 nights)
• March 05 - 06: Miyajima (1 night)
• March 06 - 07: Onomichi (1 night)
• March 07 - 11: Osaka (4 nights)
• March 11 - 13: Kanazawa (2 nights)
• March 13 - 14: Takayama: (1 night)
• March 14 - 15: Kawaguchi-ko (1 night)
• March 15 - 19: Tokyo (5 nights)
• March 19 in the morning -> train to Osaka Kansai Airport (flight is at 17:00)

A more detailed itinerary:

March 03: Arrival Kansai Airport - 11:00 AM, get to Osaka, check in hotel and chill visit the city (the goal here is to stay awake until the early evening - we’ll be arriving from Europe so it’s 2 AM for us at this time), sleep early
March 04: Nara day trip from Osaka, sleep in Osaka

March 05: Early train to Hiroshima (since we’ll probably wake up super early from the jet lag), visit the city in the morning (peace museum + parc) and early afternoon then take the ferry to Miyajima, sleep in Miyajima

March 06: Explore Miyajima (Itsukushima, Daisho-In, etc..) and maybe what we missed from Hiroshima, late train to Onomichi, sleep in Onomichi

March 07: Onomichi - Shimanami Kaido, we plan on renting e-bikes and taking it pretty chill, the goal for us is mainly sightseeing, not necessarily completing the trail in its entirety, late at night take the train to Osaka, sleeping in Osaka

March 8 - 9 - 10 - 11: Stay in Osaka, we want to be flexible with this part of the trip, some of the things we have in mind:

• Day trip to Himeji’s castle for our last east JR pass day then maybe Fukuyama? (Is it worth it?)
• PARTY IN OSAKA !!! This will be a weekend and we want to experience the legendary Osaka nightlife, and I will have my birthday to celebrate! Any recommendation? Pub crawl maybe?
• Visit Kyoto from Osaka as our base, I saw a few times in this sub that it’s easily doable, hotels cost less in Osaka and there’s a non-zero chance that we get overwhelmed by the crowds in Kyoto and decide to skip it entirely, some of the things we have in mind when thinking about KyotoPhilosopher’s path (get there very early and do it the reverse way?)Fushimi-Inari: wanna experience going there at night or late day to avoid the crowdArashiyama Bamboo forest and monkey park
• Then all the classics of Osaka (Amerika mura, Denden town, Dotonburi, etc)

March 11: - Train to Kanazawa, sleep in Kanazawa

March 12: Visit the main attractions of Kanazawa (castle, Keroku-en, Nagamachi district… etc), sleep in Kanazawa

March 13: Get up early and go see Shirakawa-go, then from there go to Takayama, visit afternoon + sleep in Takayama

March 14: This is where this might get a bit much, but here’s what we have in mind for now: rent a car from Takayama, drive to Magome and hike till Tsumago (then bus back to Magome), then for the evening, take the car to Kawaguchi-go, arrive at night, sleep in Kawaguchi-go

March: 15: hope to catch Fuji-san in the morning, walk around the area, then train to Tokyo, afternoon/night in Tokyo, sleep in Tokyo

March 16-18: 3 full days in Tokyo, we plan on doing one neighborhood a day, along with a few attractions, for example

- Neighbourhoods: Visit Asakusa / Shinjuku / Shimokitazawa

- Teamlabs Borderless

- A small cruise on the river

March 19: Our plane departs at 17:30 from Osaka airport, so this will probably just be a day of traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, probably catching a very early train in Tokyo to be sure 

Additional info:

On March 7 we could sleep in Himeji and return to Osaka the next day instead of doing Osaka -> Himeji as a day trip, but this was to maximize the number of nights in Osaka (4 instead of 3) to be flexible with our plans when we are in Osaka and also not to change our hotels too much

For luggage, we thought about transferring our luggage from Osaka -> Kanazawa -> Tokyo and just use a smaller backpack in between those destinations (places where we would stay just one night)

The plan to get from Takayama to Kawaguchi-go is something we would love to do because we would looooove to go on the Magome hike, but we also have to be realistic and keep this part as an “optional” point in our journey, in case we are already too tired from the previous 10 days of traveling. But we already have done way crazier days/distances in previous travels, so not necessarily worried…

This might sound like an unconventional itinerary, as we have only 5 nights in Tokyo, with realistically only 3,5 - 4 days of exploring, and a lot of time spent in Osaka and moving around smaller towns. From what I read online, Osaka’s vibe would be a better fit for us than Tokyo in general, but we don’t wanna skip Tokyo entirely either.. This might be our only trip to Japan ever

Are we really missing something by doing such a short stay in Tokyo? 

Is there something I could remove from this itinerary because it’s “similar” to other places? Say Takayama & Kanazawa

Anybody has done a similarly intense itinerary in only 17 days and can attest if it is doable/enjoyable, or not (for seasoned travelers)?

Hiya - please offer your feedback on my itinerary. I’ve been researching and planning for months but now I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. This is a dream trip for my family (of 5 - 2 adults, 3 teenagers: 19/16/13). I would apprecaite a critique and any suggestions for activites, order of destinations, tips, etc. We are looking for a balance of culture, nature and cities. We don't love museums but we do love history so would be interested in museums that told the story of the time/people.

Trip begins June 3, 2025 (yea, heat, humidity, rain…) and we are flying open jaw - in to Osaka, out of Toyko.

D1 - Arrive Osaka, 7:30am

• Shipping luggage to Kyoto
• Booked at Ostay Vermillion Namba
• Explore a bit, fight jetlag - Namba Yasaka Jinja, Shinsekai, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Hozenji Yokocho, Dotonbori, Tenjinbashi-suji, Osaka Castle

*not suggesting we do ALL of these things but these are some ideas for our quick stop in Osaka

D2 - Travel to Kyoto

• Booked at 3 different places, wanting to stay in Gion area - any preferences? OMO5 Kyoto Gion, KABIN Minamiza, Rinn Gion Shirakawa
• Walking tour, Fushimi Inari Taisha in early evening

D3 – Eastern Kyoto: Ginkakuji, Philosopher's Path/Okazaki-jinja Shrine/Nanzen-ji Temple/Heian/Yasaka, Kodaiji, Higashiyama Ward

D4 - Arashiyama: Kimono Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu + their small bamboo grove, Jojakkoji, Giō-ji Temple, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, Daikaku-ji Temple

D5 - DT to Nara: Kōfuku-ji Chukondo, Todai-ji/Great Buddah/Hilltop hall, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha, Nakatanidou, Pontocho Alley at night

D6 - Kinkakuji, Yasaka Koshindo, Daigo-ji Temple, Sanjō Ōhashi Bridge, Nishiki Market, Samurai Ninja Museum??, Maruyama Park, Kenninji, Gion Corner

D7 - Travel to Takayama

• Booked at townhouse w/ bikes
• Hida Folk Village (on bikes), Hida Kokubunji, Nakabashi Park, Retro Museum

D8 - DT to Kamikochi - Haven't researched hikes yet. Any recs? Maybe onsen on the way back (if transporation is easy enough)

D9 - Takayama: Miyagawa Morning Markets, Takayama Jinya, Sanmachi Suji, Kusakabe Traditional House??, Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Higashiyama walking course

D10 - Takayama: Utsue Forty-Eight Waterfalls, Gero Onsen?

Not sure if we should cut 1 night from Takayama. While we are excited to visit this area, not sure we need 4 nights. We don't want to give up the DT to Kamikochi, but not sure there is enough for us to do to warrant the extra night.

D11, 12, 13 - Travel to Kanazawa

• Shipping luggage to Tokyo
• Booked at 2 places. Any preference? - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa or Hotel Pacific Kanazawa
• Tsuzumi-mon Gate, Kenroku-en, Myouryuji, Kanazawa Castle Park, Higashi Chaya District/Nagamachi District, Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence, Omicho Market

D14 - Travel to Hakone

• Long journey, but looks like the best route though please advise if a different order works better
• Booked airbnb for 1st night, booked 3 different options for 2nd night, all ryoken with private onsen. we plan on taking dinner and breakfast at the hotels so food quality would effect final choice. Any prefs? nol hakone myojindai, Gora Hanaougi OR Hakone Suishoen
• Hakone Open Air Museum

D15 - Hakone ropeway, Avenue of Cedars, ryokan/onsen

D16 - Travel to Tokyo

• Booked at 2 different hotels - any recs? Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International OR MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa Station
• teamLabs exhibition late afternoon

D17 - Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market in AM, walking tour

D18 - Tokyo: Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku (is this too much for one day?)

D19 - Tokyo: Asakusa/Sensoji temple, Ueno Park, Akihabara

D20 - Tokyo: Shinjuku here instead of D18? or maybe DisneySea

D21 - DT to Nikko/Lake Chzenji

D22 - Tokyo: morning to do stuff we didn't do, shop, eat, evening flight Haneda

Should we overnight in Nikko? maybe take one of the nights from Takayama?
Is DisneySea worth it? We live near Disney World in USA/FL and have been multiple times. But keep reading how unique DisneySea is.

Looking forward to your thoughtful feedback! Thank you!