I am so excited for my first trip to Japan! I will be going with my husband and the date is 18 May 2025 to 27 May 2025

This is kinda our final itinerary after several brainstorming, I really hope it is doable! We both are fit and used to walk for a long time!

Day 1 - 18/5 Sunday

1. Reach Narita International Airport at 8am
2. Take Keisei Skyliner -> Nippori | then take JR line to Otsuka station
3. Walk to APA Hotel Yamanote Otsukaeki Tower (3min) to store luggage at the receptionist
4. Lunch at Gyumon Ramen Ikebukuro
5. Go to Imperial Palace East National Gardens
6. Akihabara to dinner/window shopping/enjoy the lights at night
7. Check game merch at Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro before walk back to hotel

Day 2 - 19/5 Monday (Mt. Fuji Day Trip)

1. Take highway bus from Shinjuku Station
2. Go out and Shimoyoshida Bus Stop and walk to Chureito Pagoda
3. Walk to Shimoyoshida Train Station and take a 1 stop train to Kawaguchiko Station
4. Take Sightseeing Green Line Bus to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Traditional Japanese Village)
5. Back to Kawaguchiko Station
6. If have time, go sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchiko
7. Take evening/last bus back to Shinjuku Station

Day 3 - 20/5 Tuesday

1. Go early morning to Nakamise-dori Street
2. Walk along the street to the temple
3. Must try Asakusa Kagetsudō and Chacha Futatsume
4. Quick visit to Seisuke Knife - Asakusa (my husband is a chef so haha)
5. Go to teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
6. Lunch at Toyosu New Fish Market
7. Visit DiverCity Tokyo Plaza to see the Gundam
8. Go to Ginza to visit UNIQLO
9. Dinner at Tendon Itsuki Ginza

Day 4 - 21/5 Wednesday

1. Go early morning to Meiji Jingu
2. Take Hachiko Bus to Shibuya
3. Visit Hachikō Memorial Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Parco Theatre, MEGA Don Quijote, SQUARE ENIX GARDEN
4. Will meet a JP friend over a coffee or quick lunch here at Shibuya too
5. Quick visit to Akasaka Station to take photos with the Harry Potter deco
6. Go to Shinjuku to see the Godzilla Head
7. Would love to try the LUKE'S LOBSTER 新宿サザンテラス店 at the Shinjuku Station

Day 5 - 22/5 Thursday (Travel to Ine, Kyoto)

1. Wake up early and arrange luggage delivery to Osaka (will go to Kyoto with small bags)
2. Take the 7.30am Shinkansen Train to Kyoto Station
3. Take JR Train to Umahori Station
4. Walk a bit to Torokko Kameoka Sta. to ride the Sagano Romantic Train
5. Get down at Torokko Arashiyama Sta. and visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
6. Walk to Arashiyama Station and take train to Kyoto Station (must reach Kyoto Station by 3pm)
7. Take train to Amanohashidate Station and then bus to Ine

Day 6 - 23/5 Friday

1. Just chill and recharge at Ine

Day 7 - 24/5 Saturday

1. Take bus to Amanohashidate Station
2. Walk to Amanohashidate Chairlift and Monorail and explore the view from the top
3. Walk back to Amanohashidate Station and take train to Kyoto Station
4. Take bus to Gion and have lunch there
5. Back to Kyoto Station and take JR train to Osaka Station
6. Collect luggage and check in airbnb to refresh
7. Go to Dotonbori to have dinner at A5 Wagyu Yakiniku Osaka PANGA

Day 8 - 25/5 Sunday

1. Visit Osaka Castle
2. Rent kimono and stroll along Dotonbori - try their takoyaki etc
3. Shopping at MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai
4. Dinner at Zerohachi Yakiniku restaurant OCAT

Day 9 - 26/5 Monday

1. USJ

Day 10 - 27/5 Tuesday

1. Leave early to Kansai Airport (must reach before 7am)

Finalizing plans for an early April trip, and would love any tips as our itinerary comes together. We're currently planning on the basic Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Tokyo loop. I've been to Tokyo and Kyoto before (though over 20 years ago) but my partner and kids have never been to Japan. Kids are a tween and a teen, both very into manga, anime, and Japanese food (though tween is a vegetarian). They would also really like to go to Hiroshima and Miyajima, but I'm not seeing where we could feasibly add that this trip—is it worth considering this instead of Hakone? We want each day to include some time to just wander and explore neighborhoods (except for Day 4, which I know will be incredibly tight).

What would you give more or less time to here? Things to skip? Anything missing or days that look too packed?

Day 1: Afternoon arrival at Narita; explore Asakusa and Senso-Ji near hotel as jet lag permits
Day 2: Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park, Blue Lug, baseball game, Akihabara
Day 3: Kappabashi Street, Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, Asakusa Sumo Show
Day 4: Romancecar to Hakone, Hakone Loop clockwise, ending at Gora ryokan
Day 5: Hakone Open Aire Museum, Shinkansen to Kyoto, dinner in Pontocho Alley, Gion
Day 6: Kyoto TBD (Biking, Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle)
Day 7: Day trip to Osaka or Nara? Or else just more time to explore Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera?)
Day 8: Katsura-gawa cycling, Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji, GEAR Theatre in evening
Day 9: Shinkansen to Tokyo in AM, Shinjuku, Tokyo Metropolitan Building projection show
Day 10: teamLab Planets, Hamarikyu Gardens or Small Worlds?, Ginza, Kabuki-za Theater
Day 11: Shibuya, possibly sumo exhibition, other areas? To Haneda by 9 pm.

We'll try for Ghibli Museum tickets and will shuffle things to add that if we're able to get them. Undecided on whether to add Osaka or Nara; I've visited both and didn't love either, but my family hasn't been there.

Would also love to hear about any experiences with the hotels we currently have booked, since all are changeable: Moto Hotel Asakusa and Ito Ryokan in Tokyo, Tanakaya Kyoto Karasuma in Kyoto, and Lalaca in Hakone. (In Hakone we are looking for a traditional ryokan experience that can accommodate a vegetarian with private or reservable public baths, so a bit of a unicorn; Lalaca seemed to be a good fit, but I'd welcome other suggestions too.) Thank you!

Hello everyone! It will be my first time in Japan and travelling solo. After an intense research, sleepless nights and reading from fellow redditors, I finally curated my own itinerary.

1 Day in Shinjuku, Shibuya, & Surrounds:

0700 - Grab coffee at Paddler’s Coffee (5-minute walk from Hotel) Walk towards Meiji Jingu (28 minutes)

0730 - Meiji Jingu/ Yogogi Park - spend at least 1.5 hours Walk towards Shinjuku Gyeon National Garden - 1 hour sightseeing

1100 - Lunch at Harajaku

1300 - Walk towards Harajaku Cat St Marions Crepes’ Takeshita Street

1500 - Walk towards Shibuya Crossing followed by Hachiko Statue

1600 - Shibuya Sky 2 hours before sunset (Book in advance)

1900 - Dinner in Shibuya

2030 - Catch a train to Shinjuku

2100 - Shinjuku Night lights, Neon Signs, Japanese Alleys Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) Check out Traditional Eateries and Izakayas Golden Gai

Is this doable? Looking forward for your input. Thank you!

*** UPDATE: Thank you so much for your kind response. Everything you’ve said makes sense. I’m taking notes and trying to alter a bit.

This is just Day 1. I still have to think about what to do in Ueno, Asakusa, and Surrounds. Open for your suggestions. 😊

This might be a long shot, but I thought I try this subreddit out to see if I can find a place. I am going on a ski trip and discovered that friends are overlapping in Sapporo this week, and one of them is celebrating a birthday! We want to surprise him with a roast, but he is not into karaoke and might not come if we say we are going to a karaoke place.

Wondering if people here know of a bar we can buy out that has a mic on a Thursday night in Sapporo. This is probably way too specific, but thought I'd try and ask here. Thanks for looking and for any help you can provide!

I am currently travelling Thailand and will be going to Japan in a couple of weeks. There are so many authentic places around Bangkok that the locals mostly eat at that are really cheap, is that a thing to expect in Tokyo or not?

Hi everyone! Traveling to Japan sometime in early may with my brother! We are going for 14 days and doing the classic Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka - Back to Tokyo route. I am looking for some help to fill the remaining tokyo days with activities, and looking for help to organize activites spatially. All help is appreciated! (We dont drink alcohol which is why we are not staying long on Osaka, but would still like to try bars in tokyo).

Day 1: Arrival & Shinjuku Night Exploration

✈ Arrival in Tokyo – Land at 4:15 PM → Check-in at hotel

Evening:

• 7-11 run – Snacks, drinks, essentials
• Explore Shinjuku & Kabukicho:
• Golden Gai – Walk around the retro bar district (not for drinking, just for the vibe)
• Omoide Yokocho –yakitori
• Godzilla Road – Kabukicho

Day 2: Entire Day in Shibuya

Morning:

• Meiji Jingu Shrine – Peaceful forest shrine near Harajuku
• Walk Around Shibuya:
• Hachiko Statue – Famous dog statue Shibuya Parco → Miyashita Park rooftop park
• Cat Street

Evening:

• Shibuya Sky (Sunset/Night View) ★ Reservation needed
• Explore Shibuya Crossing at night
• Dinner in Shibuya – Ichiran Ramen, Gyukatsu Motomura, or other options
• Late-night Don Quijote & 7-11 run

Day 3: Traditional Tokyo (Asakusa, Ueno & Imperial Palace)

Morning:

• Toyosu Outer Market
• Imperial Palace & Nijubashi Bridge – Walk around the historic palace grounds

Afternoon:

• Nakamise Street & Sensoji Temple (Asakusa) – oldest temple
• Ueno Park (optional, can skip if needed)
• Ameya-Yokocho (Ueno) – Street market with local eats and fun shops

Evening:

• Roppongi Hills / Tokyo Midtown – Upscale area with city views and dining
• Roppongi Nightlife – late-night food, or rooftop bars
• teamLab Borderless (7:00 PM) ★

Day 4: Kamakura Day Trip (or when Sunny)

Morning:

• Hase-dera Temple – Ocean views and peaceful gardens
• Kotoku-in (Great Buddha) – Famous giant Buddha statue
• Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Trail – Scenic forest walk to Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Midday:

• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine – Grand shrine with koi ponds and a beautiful staircase
• Komachi Street – Souvenirs, snacks, and shopping in central Kamakura

Afternoon:

• Yuigahama Beach – Relax by the ocean, walk along the shore, or stop at a seaside café

Evening:

• Return to Tokyo → Explore Ginza
• ★ Wagyu Dinner (Upscale dining option)

Day 5: Akihabara, Harajuku & Omotesando

Morning:

• Akihabara:
• Anime, gaming, and tech shoppingArcades, Mandarake (if interested in collectibles)

Afternoon:

• Harajuku:
• Takeshita Street – Trendy shops, crepes, quirky fashionOmotesando – Stylish street with aesthetic cafés

Evening:

• Open night for flexibility

Day 6: Travel to Kyoto & Exploring

Morning:

• Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto → Check-in at hotel

Afternoon:

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka (Explore shops & streets)
• Yasaka Shrine

Evening:

• Gion (Walk around, see traditional Kyoto)
• Dinner in Pontocho Alley

Day 7: Kyoto Landmarks

Morning:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Tofukuji Temple (Autumn foliage spot)

Afternoon:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Ryoan-ji (Zen rock garden)

Evening:

• Nishiki Market (Street food & shopping)
• Gion/Shijo area

Day 8: Arashiyama & Optional Nara

Morning:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Tenryu-ji Temple
• Monkey Park Iwatayama (Optional)

Afternoon (Option 1 – More Kyoto):

• Ninna-ji Temple
• Philosopher’s Path

Afternoon (Option 2 – Nara Day Trip):

• Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha)
• Nara Deer Park
• Nakatanidou (Famous mochi shop)

Evening:

• Back to Kyoto → Open evening

Day 9: Travel to Osaka & Exploring

Morning:

• Travel from Kyoto to Osaka → Check-in at hotel
• Osaka Castle

Afternoon:

• Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower
• Kuromon Market

Evening:

• Dotonbori (Glico Man Sign, Neon lights)
• Dinner (Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, or Kushikatsu)

Day 10: Nara Day Trip & Osaka Nightlife

Morning:

• Todai-ji (Great Buddha Temple)
• Nara Park (Feed the deer)
• Nakatanidou (Famous mochi shop)

Afternoon:

• Kasuga Taisha (Lantern-filled shrine, optional)
• Higashimuki Shopping Street

Evening:

• Back to Osaka → More Dotonbori nightlife
• Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Day 11 Back to tokyo : Art & Tokyo Tower Area

Morning:

• Tokyo National Art Center – Modern art exhibitions
• Needs filling

Afternoon:

• Needs filling

Evening:

• Shibuya at night – Explore different streets, dinner, and late-night Donki

Day 12:

Morning:

• (Needs filling)

Afternoon:

• Needs filling

Evening:

• Flexible evening – revisit favorite areas or try new spots

Day 13: Chill & Final Exploration - Entire day needs filling

Day 14 - Fly out

Hi, I am planning to cover the "Diamond Route" with a friend by rental car in May 2025. The itinerary suggested on this website looks really good!

https://fukushima.travel/travel-trade/en/itinerary-1.html

Day 1: Ibaraki

• Kairaku-en Garden in Mito: Begin with a visit to one of Japan's top three landscape gardens, renowned for its seasonal beauty.

Day 2: Fukushima

• Goshikinuma Ponds in Urabandai: Explore the mystical five-colored ponds, a result of Mount Bandai's 1888 eruption, offering a picturesque hiking experience.
• Lake Hibara: Enjoy panoramic views of this expansive lake, the largest in the Urabandai region.
• Tsuruga-jo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu: Visit Japan's only red-tiled castle, steeped in local history and the tale of the Byakkotai.
• Iimoriyama and Sazaedo Temple: Discover the site of the young Byakkotai soldiers' tragic story and the unique double-helix Sazaedo Temple.

Day 3: Fukushima & Tochigi

• Ouchi-juku in Shimogo: Step back in time in this former post town, featuring restored thatched-roof buildings housing shops and eateries.
• Toshogu Shrine in Nikko: Visit the ornate mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Nikko's most majestic attraction.

Day 4: Tochigi

• Futarasan-jinja Shrine: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, believed to be the dwelling of the god of marriage.
• Tamozawa Imperial Villa: Tour the former Nikko residence of the Imperial Family, showcasing Meiji-era architecture.
• Irohazaka Winding Road and Kegon Falls: Experience the scenic drive of Irohazaka and the breathtaking 97-meter drop of Kegon Falls.

Can I get a sanity check on this as there doesn't seem to be much info online on this trip plan as a whole

The plan is for 4-5 nights depending on activities!

Gmaps link for a quick glace: https://shorturl.at/p1XBl

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently in the planning stages of organizing my 3 week itinerary. I'm generally interested in gaming, anime, manga, food, sightseeing (samurai related, castles etc). I've mapped out the below as a rough guideline to work upon. If you have any advice/recommendations, please comment, it would really help :)

Week 1: Tokyo (Modern & Otaku Culture)

Day 1-3: Akihabara & Ikebukuro (Gaming & Anime)

Akihabara: Explore Electric Town, visit Mandarake for rare manga, Super Potato for retro games, and arcades like Taito Station.
Pokémon Center Tokyo DX (Nihonbashi) & Pokémon Café.
Animate Ikebukuro & Sunshine City (JUMP Store, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo).
Gundam Base Tokyo (Diver City, Odaiba) + life-sized Unicorn Gundam.
Maid Café experience (e.g., @Home Café).

Day 4-5: Shibuya, Shinjuku & Harajuku

Tokyo Skytree.
Sumida Aquarium (inside Skytree Town).
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Nintendo Tokyo store, and Tower Records.
Shinjuku: Kabukicho, Godzilla Head, Capcom & Square Enix Cafés.
Samurai Museum (Kabukicho, samurai culture & history).
Harajuku Takeshita Street (quirky fashion & otaku stores).

Day 6-7: Studio Ghibli, TeamLab, & Mount Takao

Ghibli Museum.
TeamLab Planets Tokyo (immersive digital art).
Mount Takao (for nature & scenic views of Tokyo).

Week 2: Yokohama & Osaka (Gaming & Food)

Day 8-9: Yokohama

Cup Noodles Museum.
Pokémon Center Yokohama (beautiful harbor views).
Gundam Factory Yokohama (life-sized moving Gundam).

Day 10-12: Osaka

Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi for Osaka street food (takoyaki, okonomiyaki).
Den Den Town (Osaka’s Akihabara for anime & games).
Osaka Castle (samurai history & scenic views).
Super Nintendo World & Universal Studios Japan.
Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku.

Week 3: Kyoto & Nara (Samurai, Castles & Scenery)

Day 13-15: Kyoto (Temples & Samurai History)

Fushimi Inari Shrine (iconic torii gates).
Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama (traditional Kyoto streets).
Nijo Castle (shogun residence).
Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto (interactive samurai experience).

Day 16: Nara

Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha).
Nara Deer Park.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine (beautiful lantern-lit pathways).

Day 17-18: Himeji Castle & Kobe

Himeji Castle (Japan’s best-preserved samurai castle).
Kobe (try Kobe beef & visit Meriken Park).

Day 19-21: Back to Tokyo & Final Days

Free day for shopping (Nakano Broadway, Ikebukuro, or Akihabara).
Ginza & Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple for souvenirs).
Final Pokémon/Gaming stops before heading home.

Are there certain staple must haves like Pocket wi-fi, etc? Also, I have a fair few tattoos (full arm and leg sleeves) will I need to cover up for most areas? As I would like to experience an onsen.

Thanks in advance for the info :)

Hi All,

I've been lurking for a while. The last time I visited Japan was over 10 years ago with my (now) wife. Google Maps was in its infancy and I remember using offmaps. I also visited before that on a quick solo trip (2 days in Tokyo and overnight hike to the top of Fuji) as well as a backpacking trip (2009?) with friends using a JR Pass from Fukuoka to Tokyo and several days in Tokyo. All trips were amazing and great memories all around!

We now have 3 children who we expect will have a great time and learn about being considerate, Japan, and its people! They are 3 boys - age 8, 6, and 16 months. We have aimed to try and balance the trip with kid things, cultural and natural exploration, and uniquely Japanese experiences. We don't plan to make specific restaurant reservations (unless it's a casual spot). We're planning to travel pretty light (for 5 people): 1 check-in, 1 carry-on, 1 50L backpack, 1 30L backpack, 2 x kids backpack, 1 x travel crib, 1 x travel stroller

Feel free to provide feedback or suggestions! (or tell me the days are too packed!)

5 nights Tokyo (staying in Kuramae - worth using Metro/Toei 72-hour subway pass for day 2-4?)

• Day 1: Narita - Keisei Narita Skyaccess train to Asakusa; dinner in the neighbourhood (?)
• Day 2: Tsukiji Outer Market (is Toyosu worth visiting?) - sushi dai (new location worth the lineup still?), uni bowls, unagi/anago bowls?, offal stand?; shop/explore/eat in Ginza for the rest of the day
• Day 3: Explore/eat/shop in Shibuya for the morning/lunch; explore Ueno (park/zoo/gardens/Ameyoko) in the afternoon/dinner
• Day 4: Teamlabs Borderless; shop/explore/eat in Azabudai Hills the rest of the day (worth going to Roppongi Hills to eat/explore as well?); we would actually prefer Teamlabs Planets (with the new exhibits), but booked Borderless tickets before they opened the new exhibits
• Day 5: Explore Kuramae, Kappabashi, Asakusa (alternatively: explore/shop/eat in Shibuya/Shinjuku or Odaiba?)
• Day 6: Explore Kuramae for the morning and lunch

2 Nights Disney

• Day 6: Train to Maihama Station, use Disney luggage transfer to The Ambassador Hotel, explore Ikspiari; dinner at Ikspiari or Empire Grill at the Ambassador Hotel (?)
• Day 7: Quick hotel breakfast; Happy Entry at DisneySea to park close - leave luggage to be transferred to Hotel MiraCosta or Celebration Hotel
• Day 8: Slow/relaxing hotel breakfast; pick-up rental van in Urayasu (Toyota)

2 Nights Machida (stay with friend)

• Day 8: Meet up with a friend - Gotemba outlets/Grandberry Park; thrifting, farmer/flea markets; costco(?); Daikoku at night
• Day 9: Explore Kamakura/Enoshima for the day
• Day 10: Quick breakfast and drive to Hakone

1 Night Hakone

• Day 10: Owakudani in the morning; Hakone Komagatake Ropeway & Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine; check-in at ryokan in the afternoon + dinner
• Day 11: breakfast at ryokan; Kowakien Yunnessen for the day (lunch buffet) - is it pretty much the same it was 10 years ago?; early dinner in the area before driving to Izu

3 Nights Izu (is it good weather to visit this area mid-March?)

• Day 11: Check-in and sleep in hotel
• Day 12: Shimoda (Hagachizaki Beach?); Ito (zoo + town)
• Day 13: 7 Waterfalls and Onsen; Kawazu Sakura (?); Chaki Chaki for tea

3 Nights Kyoto

• Day 14: Easy morning and return rental car (Mishima - anything to see/do here?); shinkansen to Kyoto; Nishiki Market or Miyagawa-Cho/Kiyamachi-dori
• Day 15: temples; Gion/Pontoco; itsukichaya (need reservations?)
• Day 16: arashiyama; imperial palace/fushimi inari/philosopher's path; yudofu (need reservations?)
• Day 17: forward luggage to Osaka; Uji; Nara

3 Nights Osaka

• Day 17: train to Osaka; dinner & check-in at Hotel
• Day 18: Aquarium & ferris wheel; Namba Yasaka Jinja; Solaniwa Onsen/Spa World (?); Dotonburi/Shinesekai (night)
• Day 19: Universal Studios Japan - 7am line-up to park close; express pass recommended?
• Day 20: open morning/lunch; departing ITM-NRT in the afternoon with a 3-hour layover in Narita (any suggestions in Terminal 1?)

Thanks for any and all feedback!!!

I'm planning to go to Japan for two weeks and I'm building out an itinerary, please let me know what you think. I generally like food/cooking, laid back jazz bars, cars, and historical things. Please feel free to comment on the number of days in each city i.e., if I should spend more days in Kyoto than in Tokyo.

Here's the rough plan so far.

Tokyo - 4.5 days - stay in Akasaka

Day 0.5

• Arrive in Tokyo around 3pm, I'll take some time to settle in and relax. Wander near my hotel, get food/drinks

Day 1

• Explore Shinjuku and Shibuya (would love some tips here)
• Meiji Jingu
• Gotokuji Temple
• I've found a few jazz clubs in the area that I would like to visit
• Takeshita st.
• Harajuku
• Shibuya
• Shinjuku

Day 2

• Tokyo Skytree
• Sensoji
• Matsuchiya Shoden
• Tokyo National museum
• Kappabashi
• Asakusa
• Akihabara

Day 3

• Tokyo Tower
• teamlab borderless
• Ginza
• Tsukiji
• Imperial palace

Day 4

• Ryogoku Kokugikan
• Nissan Crossing
• (Would appreciate some car-related suggestions here)

Hakone - 2 Days

Day 5

• Get to Hakone early.
• I'm planning to book a sportscar driving tour that should take the second half of the day

Day 6

• Owakudani, ride the pirate boat, hike around a bit.
• Onsen
• Go to kyoto, eat and drink.

Kyoto - 3 Days

Day 7 - 9

• I'll start off with a free walking tour and then modify the Kyoto itinerary linked in the comments.

Osaka - 3 days

Day 10 - 12

• I'd like to follow the itinerary linked in the comments with the exception of Universal Studios

• I have heard Osaka is a big food city, so I'd appreciate some hidden gem restaurants. I like whiskey, so I'd love to visit some whiskey bars.

Day 13

• Return home

Thanks in advance

🛬 Day 1 (Sept 2) - Arrive in Osaka

Land at Kansai Airport (KIX)

Explore Dotonbori & Shinsekai

Stay in Osaka

🦌 Day 2 (Sept 3) - Nara & Kyoto

Morning: Train to Nara (~45 min)

Visit Nara Park (feed the deer) & Todai-ji Temple

Afternoon: Train to Kyoto (~45 min)

Relax in Gion or visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Stay in Kyoto

⛩️ Day 3 (Sept 4) - Kyoto (Relaxed Exploration)

Early Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (before 10 AM)

Late Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Afternoon: Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Evening: Explore Pontocho Alley or enjoy some downtime

Stay in Kyoto

🎮 Day 4 (Sept 5) - Kyoto (More Exploration)

Morning: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (before 3 PM)

Late Afternoon: Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and explore the Arashiyama area

Evening: Relax at an onsen

Stay in Kyoto

🎮 Day 5 (Sept 6) - Kyoto → Mount Fuji Area

Morning: Travel to Lake Kawaguchi (~2.5 hrs)

Explore Chureito Pagoda & Lake Kawaguchi

Stay near Mount Fuji

🥾 Day 6 (Sept 7) - Climb Mount Fuji

Morning: Start climbing Mount Fuji (~5-6 hrs up)

Evening: Stay overnight at a mountain hut

🌅 Day 7 (Sept 8) - Summit & Tokyo

Early Morning: Reach Fuji summit for sunrise (~4-5 AM)

Morning: Descend (~3-4 hrs)

Afternoon: Train to Tokyo (~2.5 hrs)

Evening: Relax & explore Tokyo

Stay in Tokyo

🏙️ Day 8 (Sept 9) - Tokyo (Shibuya & Harajuku)

Morning: Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue

Afternoon: Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine)

Evening: Kabukicho nightlife

Stay in Tokyo

🎮 Day 9 (Sept 10) - Tokyo (Akihabara & Shopping)

Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market or Senso-ji Temple

Late Morning to Afternoon: Akihabara (gaming, anime, arcades)

Evening: Onsen & bars

Stay in Tokyo

🛍️ Day 10 (Sept 11) - Tokyo (Random Exploring)

Morning: Explore Odaiba or visit the Imperial Palace

Afternoon: Random exploration in Shinjuku or Ginza

Evening: Nightlife in Roppongi or Golden Gai

Stay in Tokyo

🛁 Day 11 (Sept 12) - Relax & Final Night

Morning: Onsen or spa day

Evening: Prepare for departure

Stay near Narita

✈️ Day 12 (Sept 13) - Fly Home from Tokyo

Partner and our 4 kids (teenagers) have just bought tickets to Japan! We're trying to get an idea of what we can fit into our days so we can book lodgings and the big ticket items in advance. I've been an avid reader of this sub for a few months and really love the collective wisdom and attention paid to people's plans.

1. Will our plan work?
2. I am worried about the Matsumoto->Ainokura section. Is there a better way to organize this? (We go past Nagano to Matsumoto then back to Matsumoto.)
3. Are we going to be able to rent a mini-van?
4. Is the trip to Kakunodate to same-samey as Kanazawa?
5. I can't figure out how to incorporate Bunraku.

We are only going the once, so want to really suck the marrow out!

June 10, Tue – Arrive Tokyo

• Arrive Tokyo NRT 3pm
• Sleep in Tokyo

June 11, Wed – Tokyo Shibuya & Harajuku

• Shibuya Scramble Crossing – HUGE street intersection
• Shibuya – Harajuku district – center of youth fashion, also where people dress up like Anime characters, known as the “center of kawaii”
• Shibuya – Harajuku district – Tokyu Plaza – eyecatching entrance portal, kaledisocope of mirrors, 6th floor garden
• Shibuya – Harajuku neighborhood - Totti candy factory
• Shibuya – Miyashita Park –has arches overhead
• Shimatozawa – thrift clothes district, shops open at noon
• Sleep in Tokyo

June 12, Thur – Tokyo Shinjuku & Akihabara

• Akihabara – “electric town” Arcade
• Akihabara – get TakoYaki snack here
• Akihabara - Akiba Fukurou – owl café, need reservations, reddit warns of animal cruelty – investigate further
• Akihabara – Radio Center – old components sales
• Shinjuku station east exit – 3d cat billboard, Godzilla
• Shinjuku Gyoen – garden 500 yen admission
• Shinjuku Golden-Gai – cramped small streets with bars jammed in, interesting to walk around
• Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho – 1940s Japan, stalls selling grilled meats, sit at counter with back to street, very crowded in the evening (come during the day?)
• Shinjuku Kabukicho – red light district, visit after dark (adults only)

June 13, Fri – Tokyo Kabuki & TeamLab Planets

• Inoue Hamono – woodworking handtool shop
• Imado Shrine – lucky cats, NE Tokyo not near other stuff
• Kappabashi kitchen street market – NE Tokyo, place to buy ramen bowls
• Asakusa cultural tourist information center – can see neighborhood from the top, good view of Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
• Nakamise Shopping Street – open 10am-5pm
• Nishisandou shopping arcade – get melon bread with ice cream inside from shop Kagetsudou
• Monta Cat Café – cats actually happy?
• Kabukiza in Ginza – Kabuki theatre. Buy a one act ticket in the standing section on the day. (SE Tokyo)
• TeamLab Planets – SE Tokyo, allow 2 hours
• Sleep in Tokyo

June 14, Sat – Yamadera

• Train to Yamadera (depart 10am, arrive 3pm)
• Yamadera Temple (on way to Kakunodate from Tokyo)
• Train from Yamadera to Kukunodate (Depart 5pm, arrive 9:30pm)
• Sleep in Kakunodate

June 15, Sun – Kakunodate

• Rent a bike, visit various samurai houses, hold a sword and a naganita (inside a box) and try on a helmet
• Train from Kakunodate to Matsumoto (Depart 1:47pm, arrive 7:30pm)
• Sleep in Matsumoto

June 16, Mon – Matsumoto

• Matusumoto Jo Castle – 31 miles outside, should walk through inner grounds, climb narrow stairs to the top to see windows used by archers
• Matusumoto - Nawate Street & Nakamachi Street
• Matusumoto - Ishii Miso Brewery, get three year old miso for lunch
• Matusumoto - Coffee Bigaku Abe for the parfaits
• Rent a minivan drive to Nagano ~2 hours
• Sleep in Nagano

June 17, Tue – Monkey Hot Springs

• Drive to Happo One resort in Hakuba (90 min), leave at 8am
• Hakuba – Happo Pond (Happo-Ike) – 1 hour wait for chair lifts when it’s nice, lift hours are 8am-4:30pm, climb the steeper course (50 min) and decend by flatter course (70 min)
• Drive to Yaen-Koen from Happo One (1:45 drive), arrive 2:45
• Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Monkey Hot Springs – 16 miles from Nagano City, can see babies in summer,
• get apple ice cream and Apple Kit-Kats at Enzo Café, monkeys appear in the park from 9am-4pm in August (not sure about June), one redditor suggests they don’t show until 11:30am, 2 hours to see monkeys, leave by 5pm
• Drive back to Nagano (1 hour)
• Return the minivan
• Sleep in Nagano

June 18, Wed – Alpine Route

• Alpine route Nagano – Toyama ~ 7 hours
• Bus from Nagano to Ogisawa leave 8am, arrive 10am, buy tickets day-of, line up early for bus, no reservations
• Should arrive in Toyama at 3pm
• Depart Toyama at 3:52pm arrive at Ainokura at 6:17pm (Ainokaze Toyama Railway line to Toyaoka station then Johana Line (JR) to Johana Station then Nanto Municipal bus
• Sleep in Ainokura at a minshuku (gassho-zukuri farmhouse)

June 19, Thur - Ainokura

• Ainokura - Only need an hour or two to see everything in Ainokura.
• 3 hours by bus+train+train to Kanazawa, leave Ainokura at 10:30am, arrive Kanazawa 2pm
• Tsuzumi Gate – giant structure at Kanazawa train station, may have live street performances underneath
• Naga-machi District - samurai houses, (have to hop on a city bus?)
• Ninja weapon museum – throwing star activity, between Nagamachi District and Nishi Chaya Geisha district
• Myouryuji - ninja temple full of trap doors and hidden rooms, near ninja weapon museum
• Higashi Chaya District (Kanazawa) – where the geisha entertain, explore the alleyways, smell of cedar and tea, lanterns turn on after 9pm and streets clear out
• Sleep in Kanazawa, should choose a sleeping place near Kenroku-en to facilitate early morning

June 20, Fri – Kanazawa

• Kanazawa Castle Park - Kenroku-en Garden – protective ropes tied in a cone-shape around a tree, inside there is a tea house (Shigurei-Tei), hit it early (early admission is free, beautiful, and before the crowds)
• Seison-kaku – villa for the wife of one of the lords, full of intricate details and striking gardens, near (or inside?) Kenroku-en garden
• Kanazawa Castle Park - Gyokusen Inmaru Garden - mostly overlooked by tourists
• Omicho market – food market just outside Kanazawa Castle Park
• Look for lacquerware here (best is in Wajima which is 2 hours north)
• Train to Makuni Beach (leave 2pm, arrive Makuni Beach 3:21pm)
• Hang at the beach
• Sleep at Makuni Beach

June 21, Sat – Makuni Beach

• Train to Echizen Daibutsu, leave 9am, arrive noon
• Echizen Daibutsu, Fukui: quote from Redditor, “It houses the largest inside statue of Buddha in Japan, and it took my breath away. The temple grounds are beautiful and you can get a bird’s eye view of Fukui from the pagoda.”
• Train to Kyoto, leave 2:30pm, arrive 6pm
• Tetsugaku – philosopher’s path, fireflies appear as dusk falls, (30 minute walk, shrines and shops along)
• Sleep in Kyoto

June 22, Sun – Kyoto

• Tenryu-ji – temple with beautiful lake and gardens, katsura river boat ride, take a walk to senko-ji temple
• Ryoan-ji temple – zen amazing
• Arashiyama + Bamboo Forest (brother says bamboo forest was fun, but other people say there are less crowded ones, might be less crowded early in the morning)
• Arashiyama Monkey Park - 30 minute hike from grove (2000 steps uphill)
• Nishiki Market – street food lunch
• Afternoon: Kurama onsen 30 minute train ride from Kyoto, surrounded by forested mountains
• Pontocho – small alley, very expensive restaurants
• Sleep in Kyoto

June 23, Mon – Kyoto/Uij

• City of Uij-30 minute train ride from Kyoto
• Byodo-in – building on the back of the 10 yen coin
• Statue of Murasaki Shikibu – world’s first novelist, tales of the genji? (set in Uij)
• Omotesando Street – center of green tea production in Uij
• Evening back in Kyoto:
• Fushimi Inari – shrine with thousands of gates, good at night, takes 2 hours to walk up
• Sleep in Kyoto

June 24, Tue – Kyoto: Classes

• Kiyomizu-dera – waterfall temple (expression “take the plunge”), will be crowded, opens at 6am so should try to go early (could skip)
• Woodworking class 9am-5pm (for dad)
• Rest of family: Geisha Tea Ceremony + Ramen cooking class
• Dinner with a Japanese family via Nagomi Visit
• Late evening: Gion - walk the streets Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka and Hanami-koji (tea houses) street, Ishibei-koji Lane (1 minute long)
• Sleep in Kyoto

June 25, Wed – Kyoto/Ghibli

• Ghibli Park – 2 hour train ride one-way – day trip, shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya is fast, metro from Nagoya station to Ai-Chikyuhaku-Kinen-Koen Station needs to have lots of time budgeted for, need to leave Kyoto as early as possible, timed entry is for warehouse, gohei mochi making experience in Mononoke area, need full day for this
• Sleep in Kyoto

June 26, Thur – Kyoto/Nara

• Early arrival in Nara is better to avoid crowds, misty morning is magical
• Nara day trip from Kyoto 45 minutes from Kyoto (trains every 30 minutes), recommend Kintetsu Train (rather than JR) since their station is closer to Nara park
• First park, then Todai Ji, then Kasugataisha shrine, then Nakatanidou
• Nara deer park – bowing deer, at foot of Mount Wakakusa
• Todai Ji – temple with big bronze statue and Buddha’s nostril
• Kasugataisha Shrine – 3,000 bronze lanterns
• Nakatanidou – mochi pounding shop
• Nara needs a full day (leave 5-7pm)
• Sleep in Kyoto

June 27, Fri – Himeji

• Himeji Castle – 2hour train ride one-way from Kyoto, also do the gardens next door, maybe not worth going inside but there are exhibits in outlying buildings. 2 hours for train to, 2 hours for castle + garden, need to arrive by 9am to avoid crowds
• Train to Koyasan 4 hours from Himeji
• Okunoin cemetery – main thing to visit in Koyasan, big trees, 1 hour to explore, cool stone lanterns at night, could do night tour organized by Okuno-in (don’t have to stay at Okuno-in)
• Sleep in Koyasan at temple lodging

June 28, Sat – Koyasan

• Danjo garan – central temple complex (Konpon Daito Pagoda, Kondo Hall)
• Daimon gate – entrance to Koyasan
• Kongobuji Temple – largest rock garden, represents pair of dragons emerging from sea of clouds
• Train to Tokyo leave noon, arrive 6pm
• Sleep in Tokyo

June 29, Sun – Tokyo

• Leave for airport at 2pm
• 1 hour train to airport, arrive at 3pm, 2:45 before departure
• Plane leaves 5:45pm from HND

Hi, all! My husband and I are visiting Japan in the end of May. He has been before, but it will be my first time, so we are trying to accommodate our preferences, visiting both traditional and not so well known places. Here is what we came up so far and my main questions are:

1 - is 2 nights in Hiroshima too much? I could subtract one night in Hiroshima to add 1 night in Tokyo, but feel like that would make the beginning of the trip too rushed.

2 - Is Himeji Castle a good option on our way from Hiroshima to Kinosaki Onsen?

3 - Would the 7 day JR pass work well for this itinerary? I dont want to force an itinerary because of the JR pass but want to save money with so many travel days...

Day 01 - Arrival at Haneda at 5am - transfer to Osaka, spend day in Osaka, visit the Castle and Dotonbori. We will have just arrived so I plan this day to be just a buffer (my husband knows Osaka well, so we are kinda skipping it for the benefit of the other places). Sleep in Osaka

Day 02 - Transfer to Hiroshima. Visit Hiroshima Castle and the War Peace Memorial Park. Sleep in Hiroshima

Day 03 - Visit Miyajima Island and climb the Ropeway. We really want to visit it in the low and high tides so I am planning a whole day here. Sleep in Hiroshima

Day 04 - Transfer to Kinosaki Onsen. Maybe stop at Himeji Castle along the way? Kinosaki is the highlight of the trip for me. I choose this place because I have lots of tattoos. I know it is a bit off the path, but seems worth it. Enjoy the onsens. Sleep in a ryokan at Kinosaki

Day 05 - Transfer to Kyoto. Explore the Higashiyama Temple Area. Sleep in Kyoto

Day 06 - Kyoto. Golden Pavillion and Bamboo Forest. Sleep in Kyoto

Day 07 - Kyoto. Focus on Downtown Kyoto area plus Fushimi Inari Shrine and Geisha District. Sleep in Kyoto

Day 08 - Day 12: Transfer to Tokyo on day 8 and have 5 days in Tokyo (couting the day we arrive from Kyoto) to explore the city.

Day 13 - leave Haneda back home in the morning

Would appreciate any comments and suggestions.

Thank you!

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.

Hello, planning my first trip to Japan beginning of April. Started out stupid overwhelmed (I usually vacation where there are hardly any people. This is my first city trip). Way less overwhelmed now that I have an itinerary started and confirmed that I can indeed pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on and put that sucker on my back if need be. I understand it's the Golden Route and potentially Sakura so i am not disillusioned that I will be wandering wistfully alone with random cats and birdsong. That being said, I tried to move things around so there is some quieter times in between the big city times.

Focus of the trip: Visit with family, food, find a Japanese punk show, watch some baseball, soak in a tub, see the cool things, breathe in some nature. I tried to leave a lot of space and time for free wandering and going where the wind blows as we are out exploring.

Any recommendations for live music venues or where to find event calendars would be great. Or things I'm missing that are truly not to be missed. Thanks in advance.

Day 1-2 (Travel to Osaka)

·       Fly to Kansei International Airport (lose a day in travel)

*   Turn on eSIM, SUICA card

·       Train or family transportation to hotel

·       Abeno Harukas to see the night sky

Day 3 (Osaka)

·       Hang out with family

·       Bear Paw café?

·       Find punk/alt live music

Day 4 (Osaka)

·       Day trip to Yoshino via the Blue Symphony Sightseeing Limited Express train

Day 5 (Osaka)

·       Hang out with family

Day 6 (Osaka to Miyajima)

·       Train station by 5am for 3.5 hour journey to Miyajima

·       Mount Misen

·       Itsukushima Shrine

·       Torii gate at sunset/high tide

·       Kaiseki Dinner at hotel

Day 7 (Miyajima to Kyoto)

·       Finish exploring Miyajima

·       Arrive to Kyoto in the evening

·       To-ji temple for Sakura illumination

·       Explore Gion area at night

Day 8 (Kyoto)

·       Early morning hike at Fushimi Inari Shrine

·       Sunset at Kiyomizu-Dera Temple?

·       Explore around Ponto-Cho

Day 9 (Kyoto)

·       Early morning Arashiyama exploration

·       Hanshin Tigers game at Hanshin Koshien Stadium

Day 10 (Kyoto to Nara)

·       Check-out hotel by 11am, arrive Nara by 12:30pm

·       Lunch, ride bikes around, explore, relax

Day 11 (Nara)

·       Rent bikes and explore: Kofukuji, Naramashi street

·       Nighttime exploring

Day 12 (Nara to Tokyo)

·       Check-out hotel ay 10am

·       Arrive Tokyo at 3pm

·       Wander around

Day 13 (Tokyo)

·       Setagaya City wandering: Carrot observatory, Gotuji-ki temple, Setagaya Hachimango shirine

·       End the night Nonbei Yokocho for izakayas and drinks

Day 14 (Tokyo)

·       Asakusa wandering: Culture center observation deck, Sensno-Ji temple, find knives in Kappabashi Dori

·       Shinjuku wandering: Kabukicho at night to find some karaoke, find Godzilla, Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai for the “Hair of the Dogs” bar

Day 15 (Tokyo to home)

·       Leave for train station by 11am to head to NRT

Hello everyone!

I´m planning a trip (mostly by train) from Sapporo to Okinawa and was hoping for some feedback and tips for my itinerary.

The trip is probably going to be in september.

I have already been to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Yokohama.

Thank you in advance!

Sapporo:

Day 1

[  ] Odori Park

[  ] TV Tower

[  ] Nijo market

[  ] Ganso Ramen Yokocho

Day 2

[  ] Hokkaido University Botanical Garden

[  ] Sapporo Beer Museum + Beer Garden

[  ] Shiroi Koibito Park

Day 3

[  ] Otaru

Day 4

[  ] Historic Village

[  ] Moerenuma Park

[  ] Mount Moiwa Observation Desk (evening)

Day 5

Hokuto Express Hakodate

Hakodate:

[  ] Cape Tachimachi

[  ] Motomachi District

[  ] Mountain (Night) View

Day 6

[  ] Morning Market

[  ] Goryukaku Park

[  ] Goryukaku Tower

Day 7

Hokkaido Shinkansen             

Aomori (only transfer) 

Tohoku Shinkansen

Sendai:

[  ] Aoba Castle Ruins

[  ] Ichibancho Shopping Arcade

Day 8

[  ] Matsushima Fish Market

[  ] Entsuin Temple & Garden

[  ] Zuiganji Cave Ruins

[  ] Godaido Temple

[  ] Boat trip Matsushima Bay

Day 9

Tohoku Shinkansen

Omiya (only transfer) 

Joetsu Shinkansen

Takasaki (only transfer)

Hokuriko Shinkansen

Nagano:

[  ] Zenkoji Temple

[  ] Zenkoji Nakamise Street

Day 10

[  ] Jigokudani Yaen Koen

Day 11

Hokuriko Shinkansen

Chubu Sangaku National Park:

[  ] Kamikochi

[  ] Kappabashi Bridge

[  ] Taisho Pond

Hokuriko Shinkansen

Kanazawa:

[  ] Tsuzumi Gate

Day 12

[  ] Omicho Market

[  ] Higashi Chaya District

[  ] Kenrokuen Garden

[  ] Kanazawa Castle

[  ] Oyama Shrine

[  ] Nagamachi Samurai District

Day13

Hokuriko Shinkansen

Tsuruga:

[  ] Suishohama Beach

Day 14

JR Thunderbird

Kyoto (only transfer)

JR Hashidate

Amanohashidate:

[  ] Amanohashidate Viewland

[  ] Sandbank

[  ] Kasamatsu Park

Day 15

Local Lines

Ine:

[  ] Boat trip

Local Lines + JR Hashidate

Kyoto (only transfer)

Tokaido Shinkansen 

Hiroshima:

Day 16

[  ] Shukkeien Garden

[  ] Hiroshima Castle

[  ] Orizuru Tower

[  ] Atomic Dome

[  ] Peace Memorial Park

Day 17

San-yo Line 

Miyajima:

[  ] Itsukushima Shrine

[  ] Mount Misen (Daishoin Hiking Trail)

San-yo Line

Day 18

Sanyo Shinkansen

Fukuoka (only transfer):

Kyushu Shinkansen

Kagoshima:

[  ] Shiroyama Park

[  ] Tsurumaru Castle

[  ] Sengan-en Garden

Day 19

Fairy Ride (25 h)            

Okinawa

Day 20

[  ] Kokusai Dori

Day 21

[  ] Fukushuen Garden

[  ] Naminoue Shrine

[  ] Naha Beach

[  ] Senaga Island

[  ] Umikaji Terrace

Day 22

[  ] Okinawa World

[  ] Peace Memorial

Day 23

[  ] Tamaudun Mausoleum

[  ] Shuri Castle

[  ] Cape Zanpa / Zanpa Beach

Day 24

[  ] Kerama National Park

First an introduction…I am an architect travelling with my wife on a leisure trip to Japan during the cherry blossom season (end March, beginning of April). I have been to Japan over a decade ago, and have spend almost a month in Japan visiting Tokyo, Yokohama, Kanazawa, Toyama, smaller Unesco protected villages in the countryside, Japan’s highest waterfall etc. Only passed through Osaka at the time. My wife has never been, so its basically like we are both first timers, and I will have to act that way 😊. At the time a relative lived in Japan and talked Japanese, so it was a local and easy experience, with many of his local friends. This is not an option this time so I am aware that local transport and communication would not be so seamless as my last trip, everything would take some more time.

We have decided to concentrate our visit to Tokyo and Kyoto. I seem to have a big desire to see Tokyo again and for longer, and have not been to Kyoto last time I was I Japan. Osaka is great and with great modern architecture (for me to see what I missed last time when I just passed thru for a day), but I feel it would not be so worth it as Kyoto, since it was an either type of a choice given the time we had for our holiday.

Tokyo

 1st day:

GINZA (all day)

·        Arrival Narita 8.40 AM

·        Arrival hotel in Ginza 12.00 AM

·        Sightseeing Ginza + Lunch (sightseeing interesting modern retail architecture, not so much shopping)

·        Tskuji Outer Market

·        Ginza High Street

·        Ginza Six

·        Imperial Palace grounds / Edo Castle ruins / Yasakuni shrine (choose one of them to visit)

·        Daimaru Tokyo & Character Street

Note: figured we will be jet lagged, and since we are staying in Ginza, might as well use this day a least interesting part of our journey and to acclimate. See a few buildings – maybe something architecturaly significant 😉, walk, have a nice dinner (open to suggestions).

2^(nd) day:

ASAKUSA (morning)

·        Kanimarion Gate

·        Nakamise-Dori Street

·        Senso-ji Temple

·        Asakusa Shrine

·        Kappabashi (buy a kitchen knife)

AKIHABARA (afternoon)

·        Animate

·        Tokyo Leisure Land

·        Yodobashi Camera

·        Mandarake

SUMIDA CITY (early evening)

·        Pokemon Center

·        Tokyo Sky Tree viewpoint

·        Dinner

3^(rd) day:

HARAJUKU (morning)

·        Takeshita street

·        Haute caffe

·        Ninja café

·        Yoyogi Park (flower blossom – or should we change this to another Park on some other day?)

·        And / or Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

SHINJIKU (afternoon & evening)

·        Tokyo metropolitan Government Building

·        Japan National Stadium

·        Godzilla street

·        Izekaja / Golden Gai food

·        Cocktail or dance bar (open for suggestions, maybe not a full on clubbing vibe, but a place for 35+ yo)

4^(th) day:

SHIBUYA

·        Hachiko statue

·        Shibuya Crossing

·        Shibuya Sky

·        Mega Don Quijote

·        Shibuya Parco

·        Shibuya 109

·        Tokitarazu Diner

·        Lunch (open for suggestions)

·        Yoyogi Park

·        Shopping

·        dinner in Shibuya

5^(th) day:

GHIBLI MUSEUM (morning)

·        Ghibli Museum -  we would pre book tickets for this

UENO / TAITO CITY (afternoon)

·        Ueno park

·        Museums ( some of the following: Tokyo National Museum, Museum of Nature and Science, Shitamachi Museum, Ueno Royal Museum)

·        Tokyo dome (I know it may be not so interesting but I loved it last time I was there)

·        Asahi Brewery Corporate Office

ROPPONGI & SHIBA-KOEN (early evening)

·        zozoji temple

·        Tokyo Tower

·        dinner in Roppongi or Shibuya

6^(th) day:

This day I have no specific plans for, so I am open to suggestions, on what we have missed or what might be a stretch on other days.

·        Option 1: Mt. Fuji – this is a full day trip

·        Option 2: some more architecture for me 😉, I’ll prepare of list if thing I want to see from Ando, Kengo Kuma, Kenzo Tange, etc. This would be a half day, best what I can get out of the missus

·        Option 3: Boat river ride. Last time it was a cool experience, seeing the Asahi building, Tokyo bridges, Fuji Broadcasting building, etc.

·        Option 4: chill out at a park, have a fine dining experience, go to Shinjiku and have a big night out….

·        Option 5: I will try to add Toyosu new fish MArket as suggested

7^(th) day:

TOKYO to KYOTO (morning)

·        Shinkansen to Kyoto – book seats on the right side of the train + extra space for the luggage

·        Arrival in Kyoto hotel

KYOTO (afternoon)

·        Inari Taisha 

·        Kyoto Station Area

8^(th) day:

WEST KYOTO (morning)

·        Leave early for Arashiyama Station, to take the love train to Kaeoka at 9Am,

·        get back by boat on the Hoguzawa river boat at 11AM.

WEST KYOTO (afternoon & evening)

·        Visit the Monkey Park at Arashiyama

·        Tenryu-Ji temple

·        Bamboo groove near it to finish the afternoon

·        Nishiki market to eat there

9^(th) day:

EAST KYOYO (whole day)

·        Kiyomizu-Dera)

·        Kodai-Ji

·        Maruyama Park. After that we tend to classic touristic path to

·        Nanzen-Ji and Eikan-Do

·        Philosopher path to Ginkaku temple

·        DaimonJiyama if it is possible

10^(th) day

NORTH & NEW CENTER (morning)

·        Kinjaku-ji

·        Ryoan-Ji

·        Do a tea Ceremony near this place (Camélia Garden have nice reviews).

NORTH & NEW CENTER (afternoon)

·        Nino Castle in the afternoon

·        ShinPuhKan

·        Rokkaku-Do

11^(th) day

KYOTO to TOKYO  (morning)

·        Shinkansen to Tokyo – book seats on the left side of the train + extra space for the luggage

TOKYO (afternoon)

·        Maybe do some souvenir shopping and rest for our flight since we need to be at the airport early

12^(th) day

·        3AM need to be at Narita for the early flight back

This is the general plan, so do you think this is plauseble, should we switch something in the days, etc.

Thank you in advance.

EDIT: I have edited some of the locations per suggestion, and also deleted some things. My memmory is not what it used to be apparently ;).

Day 1: September 2 - Arrival in Osaka → Kyoto

Land at Kansai Airport → Train to Kyoto (1 hour)

Evening: Walk around Gion & Pontocho (geisha district), try kaiseki dinner

Day 2: September 3 - Kyoto

Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine (famous torii gates)

Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Evening: Relax at an onsen (Kurama onsen)

Day 3: September 4 - Kyoto to Osaka

Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Afternoon: Train to Osaka (30 min) & check-in

Evening:

Explore Dotonbori (neon lights, food, shopping)

Try takoyaki & okonomiyaki

Day 4: September 5 - Osaka & Nara

Morning: Visit Osaka Castle

Afternoon: Day trip to Nara (see Todai-ji Temple & deer park)

Evening: Back to Osaka, explore Shinsekai (old-school nightlife & food)

Day 5: September 6 - Day Trip to Hiroshima (No Overnight Stay)

Morning: Shinkansen to Hiroshima (2 hours)

Afternoon:

Visit Peace Memorial Park & Atomic Bomb Dome

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Evening: Shinkansen back to Osaka (2 hours)

Day 6: September 7 - Osaka to Tokyo

Morning: Shinkansen to Tokyo (3 hours)

Afternoon: Check-in at hotel in Shinjuku

Evening: Explore Kabukicho (bars, adult entertainment, host clubs, themed cafes)

Day 7: September 8 - Tokyo (Nightlife & Onsen Day)

Morning: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing & Takeshita Street (Harajuku)

Evening:

Relax at Thermae-Yu Onsen (Shinjuku)

Explore Shinjuku Golden Gai (bar-hopping)

Day 8: September 9 - Tokyo (Gaming, Shopping, More Adult Fun)

Morning: Akihabara (Anime, gaming, maid cafes)

Afternoon: Explore Ginza or Shibuya

Evening:

Adult entertainment (Roppongi or Kabukicho)

Soapland experience (if interested, Yoshiwara area)

Day 9: September 10 - Tokyo to Mount Fuji (Start Climb)

Morning: Train to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (~2.5 hours)

Afternoon: Start climbing Mount Fuji (~5-6 hours up)

Evening: Stay overnight at a mountain hut (~3,500 meters altitude)

Day 10: September 11 - Mount Fuji Summit & Tokyo Return

Early Morning: Reach the summit before sunrise (~4-5 AM)

Morning: Descend Mount Fuji (~3-4 hours down)

Afternoon: Return to Tokyo & rest

Evening: Optional relaxation in an onsen (LaQua Spa or Oedo Onsen)

Day 11: September 12 - Final Tokyo Exploration

Morning: Explore Odaiba (Gundam Statue, digital art museum, shopping)

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping (Shinjuku, Akihabara, or Ginza)

Evening: Final Tokyo nightlife experience (Roppongi, Shinjuku, or bars in Shibuya)

Day 12: September 13 - Departure from Narita Airport

Morning: Train to Narita Airport → Flight home

Going to Japan (+Okinawa which I have no itinerary for as I'm staying in a resort and Hong Kong)

Day 0 - Arrive in Tokyo 530, arrive to the hotel (shibuya) probably around 7. Dinner at a casual eatery, wander around Shibuya.

Day 1 - explore Shibuya, visit Meiji Jingu, walk around Harajuku, visit the Nakameguro cherry blossom promenade, visit Happo-en

Day 2 - teamlab planets at 10 (ramen restaurant included), Imperial palace (just a question - is it ok to go without a tour? Because afternoon tours start at 1 and I feel I could be rushed for time, also the booking system is really weird), XEX atago for dinner

Day 3 - Shinjuku national gardens in the afternoon, dinner in Shinjuku (any recs appreciated), wander around Shinjuku at night. Will think of stuff to do in the morning, perhaps a kimono art workshop at studio biku

Day 4 - Tokyo skytree, Senso-ji, Kappabashi street, Ueno park (any asakusa lunch recs also be amazing)

Day 5 - DisneySea

Day 6 - Shopping in ginza - Uniqlo flagship, Muji flagship, Itoya stationery (Also is ginza hachigou ramen any good?)

Day 7 - Travel to takayama, Wander/bike around takayama, Dinner at Kyoya

Day 8 - Miyagawa morning markets, hida no sato museum, lunch at menya shirakawa (afternoon still being planned)

Day 9 - Travel to Osaka (staying on Shinsaibashi) , Neu cat cafe, Dotonbori

Day 10 - Universal studios theme park

Day 11 - Osaka aquarium kaiyukan, Travel to kyoto (staying in Gion), explore Gion, visit Kiyomizu-Dera

Day 12 - Kyoto national gardens, Walk along part of the philosopher's path, eat at either mo-an or omen udon and have a drink at flower green days

Day 13 - Daytrip to nunobiki herb gardens and himeji castle via train (is this worth it? was recommended by a friend but it takes up a lot of the itinerary so I'm unsure)

Day 14 - Arashiyama monkey park, okochi sanso garden (lunch recommendations around arashiyama would be great), ryoan-ji, kinkaku-ji (are these two temples worth it/too finicky to get to?)

Day 15 - Half day in Nara

Day 16 - Travel to Okinawa

Any restaurant recommendations in Shibuya/Takayama/Gion/Shinsaibashi and surrounds or dotonbori would be very helpful!

Hello please review my itinerary. I'm feeling like it's too packed but don't know about sure.

We are 3 men in our 30s.

There's a lot of time till October but I just want to be ready lol.

Trip to Japan (Oct 10 – Oct 26, 2025)

Friday, October 10 – Arrival in Tokyo`

Narita International Airport → Shibuya → Ueno

Settle in & explore surroundings

Saturday, October 11 – Shibuya & Ueno

Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya 109, Hachikō Memorial Statue, Dogenzaka

Night: Shibuya Sky (rooftop cocktail)

Sunday, October 12 – Ueno & Asakusa

Senso-ji Temple, Susanoo Shrine, Tokyo Skytree

Monday, October 13 – Akihabara & Shinjuku

teamLab Planets Tokyo

Akihabara: Maid Café, Don Quijote

Shinjuku: Godzilla Head, Ninja Trick House, Kabukicho nightlife

Night: Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai

Tuesday, October 14 – Harajuku & Tokyo Tower

Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Takeshita Street, Omotesando Hills

Tokyo Tower, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo (Bar), Big Echo Ginza (Karaoke)

Wednesday, October 15 – Imperial Tokyo

Imperial Palace, Yasukuni Shrine, Hibiya Park, Tokyo Station

**Thursday, October 16 – Hakone **

Hakone-Yumoto Station, Hakone Gora Park, Open-Air Museum, Hakone Ropeway

Hakone Pirate Ship, Heiwa no Torii

Friday, October 17 – Kyoto (East Side)

Keage Incline, Nanzen-ji Temple, Philosopher’s Path, Okazaki Shrine

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Saturday, October 18 – Kyoto (Central)

Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park

Evening: Pontocho (dining & nightlife)

Sunday, October 19 – Arashiyama & Sagano

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Early morning), Sagano Scenic Railway

Hozugawa River Boat Ride, Arashiyama Monkey Park

Monday, October 20 – Kyoto (South & Uji)

Fushimi Inari Taisha (7 AM for fewer crowds!)

Higashi Hongan-ji, Uji, Byodoin Temple

Tuesday, October 21 – Osaka (Castle & Shrines)

Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Shitennoji Temple

Abeno Harukas (Observation Deck & Shopping)

Wednesday, October 22 – Osaka (Dotonbori & Nightlife)

Namba Yasaka Jinja, Nipponbashi, Dotonbori

PC & Retro Bar Space Station (Gaming bar)

Thursday, October 23 – Nara & Kobe

Nara Park (deer feeding), Todaiji Temple

Kobe (Harborland, Kobe beef dinner option)

Friday, October 24 – Universal Studios Japan

Spend full day at USJ

Saturday, October 25 – Final Day in Tokyo? (Unplanned)

Sunday, October 26 – Departure from Japan

Bye Japan!

I've put my work in progress itinerary below. As you'll see, I've got some time left to fill, but I'd also welcome any thoughts/advice on the current plans. I'll be in Japan in early March.

I'm specifically looking for things to do in/near Tokyo to fill this time. Preferably nothing that's related to shrines/temples unless they stand out for some reason as I've already got quite a few of those in the plan.

While I'm open to general tourism, I'm particularly interested in anime and gaming, so any interesting places related to those would be welcome. That said, I'm not too interested in Ghibli and I'd see the Gundam statue if I was nearby but I'm not interested enough to go out of my way for it.

Anything related to historical Japan would be of interest too, particularly the Meiji Restoration or Taisho era.

I'd be interested in checking out an underground idol show too, but it seems like these don't often announce far in advance?

I'm not interested in drinking, so no bars/nightlife please.

DAY 1

7PM: Arrive at Narita Airport

9PM - 9:30PM: Arrive at Hotel in Arakawa and check in

9:30PM: If time/energy, head to nearby supermarket to pick up supplies

DAY 2

8:30AM: Leave Hotel

9:30AM: Arrive at Meiji Jingu Shrine (perhaps briefly look around Harajuku on the way)

11AM: Arrive at Shibuya Scramble Crossing, have a look around, walk over to Shibuya Parco

2PM: Arrive at Nakano Broadway (maybe grab food at recommended katsu restaurant)

6PM: Arrive at Kabukicho (Take a look around just to experience the atmosphere, apparently better at night)

DAY 3

8:30AM: Leave Hotel

9:30AM - Arrive at Imperial Palace (10AM start)

11AM: Head to Akibahara and explore shops/local shrine, possibly book collab cafe.

5PM: Attend Event in Akibahara

DAY 4

Day Trip to Kamakura

• Hokokuji Temple and Bamboo Forest
• Sugimoto Temple
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
• Hasedera Temple
• Zeniarai Benzaiten
• The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kōtoku-in Temple

DAY 5

8:30AM - Leave Hotel

9AM - Arrive at Nezu Shrine

10AM - Arrive at Ueno Park

• Kiyomizu Kannon-do
• Hanazono Inari Shrine
• Gojo-ten Shrine
• Benten Hall
• Toshogu Shrine

(Optional) - Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Free entry, some exhibits may cost)

12PM - Ueno Zoo (600 Yen entry)

3PM - Tokyo National Museum (1000 Yen Entry)

5PM - STILL NEED TO PLAN

DAY 6

STILL NEED TO PLAN

DAY 7 [Tentative]

AM: Leave luggage at the hotel. Look around Akihabara again Alternative: Other nearby items that didn’t have time for

1:30PM - Return to pick up luggage by 2PM.

2:30PM - Go to Airport

Thanks to this sub, everyone who has contributed their itineraries and trip reports, and countless YouTube videos, I'm feeling confident about our first trip to Japan in late March. I would appreciate any feedback folks may have on our itinerary, and I have several specific questions noted at the end of the post.

For context, my husband and I generally take trips for outdoor destinations, so having more of a city focused trip is still something we're learning to adjust to. I'm trying to strike a balance each day between having several options planned, while not being overwhelmed in case we need a day to relax or if a spontaneous desire arises. I took a lot of inspiration from this trip report, with the goal of creating a low-stress trip where we have the opportunity to observe, learn and appreciate much of what such a different country and culture has to offer.

Day 1-2 (Travel to Osaka)

• Fly to Tokyo Narita Airport (leave Thursday March 20, lose a day and land the evening of Friday March 21 around 5:30pm local time)
• Get SUICA card, JR pass
• Debating whether to take the train from Tokyo to Osaka or take a domestic Peach Aviation flight
• Stay: Hotel Hankayu International in the Umeda area

Day 3 (Osaka)

• Rest / walk around Nakazakicho
• If we're feeling recovered enough from jet lag, check out the National Bunraku Puppet Theater or take a Tombori River Cruise
• Dinner in Dotonbori - find the fugu!

Day 4 (Osaka)

• Nara day trip (via JR or Kintetsu train)
• Tickets to the Grand Sumo Tournament at Edion that evening

Day 5 (Osaka to Kyoto)

• 1 hr minute train ride (Hankyu-Kyoto line seems to be the best option from hotel to hotel)
• Visit the Daigo Ji Temple
• Walk around Gion District (have heard specifically the west end near Kawabata-dori is the best space to see cherry blossoms if they're blooming)
• Tempura Lunch @ Yoshikawa
• Visit the Ginkakuji Temple
• Walk the Philosopher's Path in the evening
• Stay: Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo

Day 6 (Kyoto)

• Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
• Visit the Kinkaku-Ji temple or Saihōji (Kokedera) Temple
• Shinkyogoku Street for shopping
• Dinner in Pontocho Alley

Day 7 (Kyoto to Hakone)

• Train from Kyoto to Hakone (3 hrs via Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station, then transfer to transfer to the Hakone Tozen to Gora Station)
• From Gora Station, take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani
• Take Hakone Tozen back to Tonosawa Station, walk to hotel
• Stay: Yamanochaya Ryokan

Day 8 (Hakone)

• Fun2Drive, my husband likes fast cars so we booked the Nissan GT-R Nismo for a 5-hour drive around the Hakone area (10am-3pm)
• Walk/Bike around Lake Ashi or just relax at ryokan

Day 9 (Hakone to Tokyo)

• Train from Hakone Yumoto to Tokyo (take the Romancecar)
• Walk around Yoyogi Park
• Lunch and strolling in the Shimokitazawa Neighborhood
• Shibuya Sky at sunset, then just observe the madness that is Shibuya Crossing
• Kabukicho Nightlife if we're feeling brave
• Stay: JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku

Day 10 (Tokyo)

• Morning walk to Meiji Jingu
• Walk around the fish market (Tsukiji Outer Market)
• Check out Teamlab Planets
• If we have the energy, check out the Imperial Palace or at least the gardens
• Spend the evening at the Bridge listening bar (hi-fi audio hangout)

Day 11 (Tokyo to Denver)

• Walk by the Sumida River and through Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gyoena Park to see the cherry blossoms
• Visit the Senso Ji Temple
• Nakamise-Dori shopping or walking around Kuramae neighborhood until we need to head to the airport
• Flight out of Narita at 6:00pm

Ok, so on to the barrage of questions that I've been itching to ask this group:

• Train vs. Domestic Flight: For Day 1/2, we have the option of either taking the train from Narita to Osaka, or taking a domestic Peach Aviation flight from Narita to Kansai. Both options would seemingly get us to Osaka around the same time - 10pm - but I'm leaning more towards the train since my understanding is that the Kansai airport is still 40+ minutes from Osaka proper, so we'd still end up having to take a taxi or train/bus once we land. On the flip side, with it being the first time we're in the country and trying to navigate the trains, I could also see us getting on the wrong train by accident and getting to Osaka late that way as well. Any advice would be appreciated.

• Shipping Luggage: I've seen all of the posts recommending that we use luggage shipping services. Does this sub feel like the advice stands if we each have a carry-on size roller bag and a backpack? Would you ship two roller bags between hotels or is that manageable enough to bring on the trains? I worry a bit about shipping luggage and it taking over a day to get to our next location, and based on other posts it seems like laundry is prevalent enough at hotels that we can get by with packing lighter.

• Meal Reservations: We don't have any specific meals planned out save for one or two - I generally prescribe to the idea of saving lots of spots in my phone and then just eating wherever is closest to us or if something looks good nearby. However, I've heard that reservations in Kyoto are a must. Is that the case? If so, are there specific spots in Kyoto anyone would recommend based on our itinerary? We are pescatarian, so down for all of the fish but aren't necessarily looking for beef curry spots.

• Veggie Ramen: On the note of food, we're really excited to eat ramen but I'm curious if there is much veggie ramen to be found. Is that a normal offering at ramen shops or would we need to seek out specific vegetarian ramen locations?

• Shopping Advice: We're not huge on souvenirs but there are a few things I'd be interested in bringing back. Specifically, I'd love to find a nice kimono, some pottery, good tea, perhaps a couple of nice pairs of chopsticks. Any great spots people would recommend to find those items beyond those I've noted?

• Music: We love a good listening bar with hi-fi audio equipment, along with jazz bars. Any recommendations for those types of spots to wind down in the evening in any city would be appreciated!

• Taiko: Has anyone ever done a taiko event in any of these cities? I tried to find something we could go attend but didn't have much luck.

If you read this far, thank you. I appreciate the time that everyone takes on this sub to provide such thoughtful advice! I look forward to being able to post a trip report when we return so others can hopefully benefit in the future.

Hello I am traveling to Tokyo early April with my partner and our 6-year old. Looking for feedback on my itinerary (first draft). we're flying from Seattle and might be at the end or middle of cherry blossom season. Looking at mostly kid stuff (no disney for us) and museum-ish activities.

Day 0: reach Tokyo around 4pm. Check into hotel metropolitan edmont.

Day 1: Morning: Kid Zania Afternoon/Evening: Imperial garden area (see cherry blossom)

Day 2: Morning: Ghibli Museum Afternoon/Evening: Shibuya/Shinjuku area

Day 3: Morning: Tokyo Dome, Sensoji Afternoon/Evening: Akibhara

Day4: Morning: team labs planets and borderless Afternoon: Symphony Cruise

Day 5: Morning: Tokyo Sky tree Evening: Leave for Kyoto

Hi everyone! We’re traveling to Japan for the first time in November and would love some feedback on our itinerary. We’re especially looking for advice on transportation—how to get around the cities, the best way to travel between them, and whether the Japan Rail Pass would be worth it.

Our Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo & First Exploration • Arrival at Narita Airport (NRT). • Immigration, baggage claim, and transfer to Tokyo (Narita Express or Limousine Bus). • Dinner in Shibuya (Gyukatsu Motomura or Ichiran Ramen). • Evening stroll around Shibuya: Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Sky, Center Gai & Love Hotel Hill.

We know that staying one night in Tokyo may seem stupid, but we are flying from the Canary Islands and we will be exhausted when we arrive. We don’t want to take more trains than necessary on the first day.

Day 2 – Takayama & Kanazawa • Shinkansen to Toyama, then limited express train to Takayama. • Explore Takayama: Sanmachi Suji old town, morning markets, Takayama Jinya. • Lunch (Hida Beef or Takayama Ramen). • Afternoon train to Kanazawa. • Explore Kanazawa: Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Nagamachi Samurai District. • Dinner (Omicho Market).

Day 3 – Kanazawa & Kyoto • Morning visit to Higashi Chaya (Geisha district). • Shinkansen to Kyoto. • Explore Gion: Hanamikoji Street, Shirakawa. • Dinner (kaiseki or yuba). • Optional: Gion night tour & maiko spotting.

Day 4 – Kyoto (Traditional Side) • Kiyomizu-dera Temple. • Walk through Higashiyama, Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka. • Lunch in the area. • Visit Kodaiji Temple & Yasaka Shrine (sunset). • Dinner in Pontocho.

Day 5 – Kyoto (Guided Tour & Key Landmarks) • Free walking tour in Kyoto • Nishiki Market (food tour & lunch). • Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). • Sunset at Ryoan-ji Temple.

Day 6 – Nara & Osaka • Train to Nara. • Visit Nara Deer Park, Todai-ji Temple & Great Buddha. • Lunch in Nara or Osaka. • Explore Osaka: Osaka Castle (exterior), Dotonbori (street food), Umeda Sky Building (night skyline).

Day 7 – Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) • Full day at Universal Studios Japan.

Day 8 – Himeji & Return to Tokyo • Shinkansen to Himeji. • Visit Himeji Castle. • Optional: Stop in Kobe for Wagyu beef lunch. • Afternoon shinkansen to Tokyo. • Night exploration in Shinjuku.

Day 9 – Tokyo (Pop Culture & Tradition) • Akihabara (tech & anime district). • Lunch & visit to Asakusa + Senso-ji Temple. • Free walking tour in Asakusa. • Dinner & rest.

Day 10 – Tokyo Panoramic Views • Tokyo Skytree observation deck. • Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum. • Odaiba & Tokyo Bay sunset.

Day 11 – Hakone & Mount Fuji Day Trip • Train to Hakone. • Explore: Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Ropeway (black eggs at Owakudani), onsen experience. • Return to Tokyo & farewell dinner in Shinjuku.

Questions:

1. What’s the best way to get from the airport to the city, move within each city, and travel between them? Any must-have IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.)?
2. Would the JR Pass be worth it for this itinerary, or should we buy individual tickets?

We’d love any advice on how to optimize this itinerary, avoid common mistakes, or any recommendations on must-try food or hidden gems. Thanks in advance! <3

Hello! Boyfriend and I are planning to travel to Japan 4/17-4/25. This is our first time in Japan and we’re planning on visiting Tokyo and Kyoto. I wrote a temporary itinerary and was wondering if anyone had any changes or recommendations? Any must sees? Any food places we need to visit? We’re planning on shipping checked luggage from Haneda to our last hotel in Gotanda in Tokyo, is this plausible? Hotels/ryokans already booked. We’re flying in from another Asian country so won’t have any jet-lag!

4/17: 6PM arrive in Haneda

• Ship checked luggage to Gotanda hotel (4/21 check-in)
• Overnight at Tokyo, near Tokyo station

4/18: take early morning Shinkansen to Kyoto

• Spend time in Uji (buy matcha, cafes, snacks)
• 2:30PM Nintendo Museum
• Yasaka temple at night (?)
• Overnight at Ryokan in Gion

4/19:

• Morning: Fushimi Inari and eat in the area
• Afternoon: Kimono rental + kiyomizu-dera, sannenzaka, ninenzaka
• Evening: Nishiki Market for dinner and strolling
• Overnight at Ryokan in Gion

4/20:

• Morning: Arashiyama bamboo path + jojakkoji temple + okochi sanso garden
• Afternoon: Philosophers path (? No set plans yet)
• Overnight at Ryokan in Gion

4/21: Check-out from Ryokan and head back to Tokyo by Shinkansen early morning

• Check-in Tokyo Hotel in Gotanda
• No set plans yet
• Overnight at Gotanda hotel

4/22:

• Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen garden and Harajuku
• Will try to get Ghibli tickets but optional.
• Afternoon: Shibuya shopping
• Dinner and Evening: Shinjuku + Omoide Yokocho
• Overnight at Gotanda hotel

4/23:

• Morning: Asakusa sensoji + Ueno (Ameyoko market for lunch)
• Afternoon: Akihabara
• Evening: dinner back in Asakusa
• Overnight at Gotanda hotel

4/24:

• Morning: Toyosu fish market (or Tsukiji?)
• Will try to book Teamlab Planets tickets for this date!
• Odaiba if there’s time (optional)
• Not too many plans for this date. If we can’t get Teamlab Planet tickets, then will just wander and take it easy.
• Overnight at Gotanda hotel

4/25: checkout and morning flight back home!

Hey everyone,

WARNING LONG POST

I will be traveling to Japan in late March for about 13 days (11 full travel days) for the first time, and i’d like feedback on my itinerary and budget, which i’ll paste below. I also have a few questions to go along with my budget / itinerary as well.

Tentative Japan Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 → Early flight to Tokyo (from USA)

Day 2 → Arrive in Tokyo around 2:35 PM local time. Convert around $200 to Yen at the airport. From Haneda Airport, take a train / metro system (buy a pass here and get used to the public transport) to a hotel / hostel in the Shinjuku / Shibuya area. Get early sleep and get acclimated to the wildly different time zone.

Day 3 → Wake up and check out the Shibuya Crossing / explore the surrounding area. From there, go to the Kyu Asakura House. From there, explore the Nakameguro neighborhood (cherry blossoms) and end the day there.

Day 4 → Wake up and explore the Shimokitazawa Neighborhood. From there, go to Yoyogi Park and see the cherry blossoms. From there, go to the Nezu Museum. To end off the day, check out the Tsukiji Outer Market and get some food nearby from a vendor.

Day 5 → Wake up and go to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. From there, go and explore the Monzen Nakacho neighborhood. While in the neighborhood, check out the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple. End off the day in the Akihabara Electric Town to see the lights and signs at night.

Day 6 → Wake up and explore Ueno Park + Tokyo National Museum. From there, go to the Senso-ji Temple. End off the day at the Tokyo Skytree.

Day 7 → Wake up and check out of the hotel. Take a Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Get to Kyoto in the afternoon and check into a hotel / hostel. Walk the Philosopher’s Path during the afternoon to see the cherry blossoms. From there, check out the Gion District to end off the day (get food in the area and see the geishas).

Day 8 → Wake up early and get to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. From there, check out the Saiho-ji Buddhist Temple. From there, check out Nijo Castle. End off the day at Nishiki Market and get some good food.

Day 9 → Wake up early and explore the Kinkaku-ji Temple (golden pavilion). From there, explore the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Use the rest of the day to do anything I wasn’t able to do on the other days.

Day 10 → Wake up and check out of the hotel / hostel and take the train to Nara. Get there in the morning / afternoon and store luggage in the hotel before check-in. Use this day to check out Horyuji temple complex. Horyuji Temple is a MUST SEE. Explore both the Saiin Garan (West Complex )and Toin Garan (East Complex).

Day 11 → Use this day to explore the sites around Nara Park. Start at Nara Park in the morning to see the deer. From there, check out the Todai-ji shrine and then Kasugataisha Shrine. From the shrines, head over to the Nara National Museum. Time permitting, check out the Kofuku-ji Temple.

Day 12 → Wake up and check out of the hotel (use luggage storage if needed). Do any sightseeing you weren’t able to do during the other days (namely Kofuku-ji Temple). Take a train to Kyoto and then onwards to Tokyo. Find a hotel to stay in around Haneda Airport.

Day 13 → Wake up and check out of the hotel. Take a taxi to the airport. Fly home and end the trip!

Tentative Japan Trip Budget:

$2000 budget for 13 days (11 full travel days) split up as (flight not included in budget): $500-700 for lodging (around $45-$65 per night budget) – Flexible. $750 for daily expenses like food + activities (around $60 per day). $200 for transportation (metro + trains between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara). $200 for miscellaneous stuff (new suitcase, toiletries for trip, SIM card, etc.) $150 for shopping (while in Japan – take advantage of USD/Yen exchange rate)

Questions:

• Is there anything in my itinerary that I MUST book in advance? I know it’ll be peak tourist season so I’m assuming lots of sites will be packed / sell out. I’m also assuming i’ll have to pre book some activities.

— Is $60-$70 a night good enough for a private room + bathroom in a hotel in Shibuya / Shinjuku in Tokyo or a central location in Kyoto / Nara. I can spend more if needed, however, i’d like to keep the lodging pretty basic because I won’t be spending much time in my room.

— Any general feedback on my budget or itinerary? Am I hitting the right spots? Traveling too fast or slow? Is my budget comfortable enough?

Hey everyone! I'm heading out for my first solo trip in Japan for most of May. I've been collecting some things I've wanted to do, this sub has helped me with putting together this itenerary. I would love some feedback on if I might be overpacking my first few days, I'm a little concerned with the travel time to kyoto and osaka (im unsure if Ill be able to get everything done in Tokyo while getting a good idea of kyoto and osaka).

Tokyo (4 nights)

Day 0:

• Head to airport to go to tokyo

Day 1:

• Arrive at Tokyo Haneda (3ish)

• Head to Shinjuku to check into hotel

• Explore the area understand surroundings

Day 2:

Shibuya/Harajuku/maybe Shinjuku some more

• Shibuya Crossing

• Shopping

• Takeshita Street for vintage shopping

Day 3:

Ginza?

• Tsukiji Outer Market

• Imperial Palace

• TeamLab Planets

• Ginza Six

Day 4:

Ueno/Asakusa/Akibara

• Sensoji

• Nakamise-Dori Street

• Samurai Museum

• Skytree

• Akihabara area

Day 5:

• Checkout of Hotel

• maybe spend time in tokyo? or take the train early to Kyoto

• Check into Kyoto Hotel and Explore Area

• if you have any suggestions for Kyoto Accomodation please let me know too!

Kyoto (4 nights)

Day 6:

• Eastern Kyoto
• Higashiyama District
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Gion
• Pontocho Alley

Day 7:

• Northern Kyoto

• Hozugawa River boat Ride

• Bamboo Forest

Day 8:

• Day trip to Nara

• Todaiki Temple

• Giant Buddha

• Teramachi Shopping St

• Naramachi District

Day 9:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Uji

• Philosopher's Walk

• Glanta

• Fushimi Sake District

Osaka (2 nights)

Day 10:

• Checkout of Kyoto Hotel, head to Osaka

• Osaka Hotel recc are appreicated!

• Osaka Castle

• Dotonbori

• Kuromon

Day 11:

• Optional: Universal Studios

Day 12:

• Checkout and head back to Tokyo to get ready for the next day/ if I have time i guess do what i couldnt

• Find a hotel for the night

Hokkaido (2 nights)

Day 13:

Hakodate

• Checkout of tokyo earliest possible, head to Hakodate by train

• plan to reach around 12-1

• Explore that area

• Suggestions helpful!

Day 14:

Lake Toya

• Toyakoosen (3 hr drive)

• Lake Toya View

• Checkout mt around and surrounding area

• Suggestions helpful!

Day 15:

• Birthday! head back to Tokyo or maybe do Sapporro?

• depends on if I have enough time to do major tokyo and extra for revisiting

• Suggestions for Birthday plans would be helpful! if theres anything special you suggest I do for the day, I would love to take it into account

Tokyo (5 nights)

Day 16:

• Any Major wards I missed/ couldnt go to

• Roppongi

• Minato City?

Day 17:

• Hakone/Mt Fuji Day Trip

Day 18:

• Revisit Major Wards

Day 19:

• Kamakura Day Trip

Day 20:

• Depart!

Is there anything you suggest I look into for Booking in advance?

I want to ensure I have enough time for tokyo as well so if I can compact Osaka/Kyoto a bit more that would help

favourite restaurants you suggest I try out

I kind of want to ball out for my birthday so any help with that would be appreciated

Since I am going in may, would I be able to see any Sakura/Cherry Blossoms, I know they bloom in April/March but on the offf chance haha.

Any tips and advice on how to update this, thanks

20/12/2025 - Auckland > NRT Tokyo

• Arrival in Tokyo: Check in to your AirBnB.
• Dinner: Try some ramen at Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya.
• Explore: Take a stroll around Shibuya.

21/12/2025 - Tokyo

• Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café.
• Activities:
  Visit Meiji Shrine (30 min from Shibuya by train).
  Explore Harajuku (15 min walk from Meiji Shrine).
  Check out Tokyo Tower (20 min by train from Harajuku).
• Lunch: Grab sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market (30 min by train).
• Dinner: Experience izakaya dining in Shinjuku (20 min by train from Tsukiji).
• Accommodation: Stay at your AirBnB.

22/12/2025 - Tokyo > Ebisu (Fukushima)

• Morning: Wake up early and take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Ebisu in Fukushima (approx. 2 hours).
• Activities:
  Check out the Ebisu Circuit (drift track).
  Visit Yebisu Garden Place (15 min walk).
• Lunch: Try a local café in Ebisu.
• Accommodation: AirBnB / food at a nearby restaurant.

23/12/2025 - Ebisu > Niseko

• Morning: Take the Shinkansen from Ebisu to Hakodate (approx. 4 hours), then a local train to Niseko (approx. 3 hours).
• Check-in: Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Rent snowboarding gear and explore the slopes.
• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at a local izakaya.

24/12/2025 - Niseko

• All Day: Snowboard at Niseko United.
• Lunch: On the mountain at one of the ski resort restaurants.
• Dinner: Try Hokkaido-style ramen in the village.

25/12/2025 - Niseko

• All Day: Another day of snowboarding or chill at the hot springs (onsen).
• Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch on the slopes or eat at a local café.
• Dinner: Celebrate Christmas with a special dinner at a local restaurant.

26/12/2025 - Niseko > Sapporo

• Morning: Take a bus to Sapporo (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Check-in: Hotel in Sapporo.
• Activities:
  Visit Sapporo Beer Museum (30 min by public transport).
  Explore Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower (15 min walk).
• Dinner: Try Sapporo's famous miso ramen.

27/12/2025 - Sapporo > Osaka

• Morning: Fly from New Chitose Airport to Osaka (approx. 1.5 hours, plus travel to the airport).
• Check-in: Hotel in Osaka.
• Activities: Explore Dotonbori for its vibrant nightlife and street food.
• Dinner: Enjoy takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

28/12/2025 - Osaka

• Activities:
  Visit Osaka Castle (30 min by public transport).
  Explore Universal Studios Japan (approx. 30 min by train).
• Lunch: Have a meal at the park or a nearby restaurant.
• Dinner: Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in Shinsekai.

29/12/2025 - Osaka > Kyoto

• Morning: Take the JR train from Osaka to Kyoto (approx. 15 min).
• Activities:
  Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (40 min by bus).
  Explore Gion district (30 min by bus from Kinkaku-ji).
• Lunch: Traditional kaiseki meal.
• Dinner: Enjoy yudofu (tofu hot pot) in the Gion area.

30/12/2025 - Kyoto

• Activities:
  Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha (approx. 20 min by train).
  Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (approx. 30 min by train).
• Lunch: Try a local soba noodle shop.
• Dinner: Enjoy Kyoto-style sushi.

31/12/2025 - Kyoto > Mount Fuji

• Morning: Travel to Mount Fuji area via the JR train to Otsuki (approx. 1 hour), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway (approx. 1 hour).
• Activities: Explore the Fuji Five Lakes area.
• Dinner: Enjoy a meal with views of Mount Fuji.

1/1/2026 - Mount Fuji > Tokyo

• Morning: Take the train back to Tokyo (Fujikyu to Otsuki approx. 1 hour, then JR to Tokyo approx. 1.5 hours).
• Activities: Visit Asakusa and the Senso-ji Temple (30 min from Tokyo Station).
• Lunch: Try tempura in Asakusa.
• Dinner: New Year’s celebration dinner at a local restaurant.

2/1/2026 - Tokyo

• Activities:
  Explore Akihabara (approx. 20 min by train).
  Visit Ueno Park and its museums (approx. 10 min by train).
• Lunch: Eat at a themed café in Akihabara.
• Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant.

3/1/2026 - Tokyo

• Activities:
  Visit Odaiba (approx. 30 min by train).
  Explore the teamLab Borderless museum (if open).
• Lunch: Eat at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
• Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant.

4/1/2026 - Tokyo > Auckland

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in the city or visiting a café.
• Departure: Head to Narita Airport for your flight back to Auckland (approx. 1 hour by train from Tokyo central)

This is our second trip (myself and partner), first being 2023. This time we have a friend who's not been before in town so we are are kind of his tour guides

First things first anyone who's been at roughly this time of year it would be great to have your advice on the weather and what to wear as a female.

Day 1: land in Haneda @ 11am, ship luggage to hotel in Kyoto. Go into Tokyo and grab shinkansen (I understand we could fly to Kyoto but my partner suffers whilst flying and I don't want to prolong it more). Staying at Omo3 Kyoto Toji (roughly 20 mins from main station).

Day 2: chill day (I don't get jetlag however my partner was quite poorly last time so this will be a kind of low key day to recover). Hopefully luggage should arrive. Visit Higashi honganji temple and Nishi Honganji temple, as well as nearby costume museum.

Day 3: Deer time Baybeee Head to Nara, go straight to Todaiji temple (we have seen this on last trip but think our friend will be impressed). Nara national museum and grab dinner at half time cafe. Ukimido pavilion Naramachi karakuri toy museum Harushika sake brewery store. Head back to Kyoto to grab tea somewhere.

Day 4: Hiroshima We were planning to get the slightly faster shinkansen going to Hiroshima. Hiroshima castle A bomb dome, peace park and memorial museum. Hiroshima orizuru tower. Good okonomiyaki spot for lunch and probs a bento for the shinkansen heading back to Kyoto.

Day 5: Osaka (big Yakuza fans so visiting Dotonbori) Osaka castle and grounds. Nipponbashi den den town Americamura Dotonbori- want kushikatsu for tea.

Day 6: last day in Kyoto (I get we haven't planned to spend much time in Kyoto, we did lots of things on last trip). Fushimi inari- get there early or perhaps just skip. Kinkakuji- also considering if it's worth it? Kyomizudera- loved this temple last time, went around sunset and it was so pretty. Also will visit surrounding shops. Stop buying somewhere in Gion for tea.

Day 7: moving to Kanazawa- not sure if it's worth shipping luggage as we are only staying four days so will probs book the luggage spots on shinkansens. Head to Kanazawa Staying at MUU Kanazawa.

Day 8: exploration day Ninja weapon museum, very close to hotel. Visit the Chaya districts grab sweets and tea. Kanazawa castle park.

Day 9: crafty day We booked a workshop via get your guide which is jam-packed with plenty of sightseeing plus the opportunity to craft a metal cup which we can bring home.

Day 10: moving to Tokyo Probs ship luggage at Kanazawa station to final hotel in Tokyo. Want to get to Tokyo fairly early this day. Nakamise dori street and sensoji temple. Visit the mokuhankan shop run in Asakusa. Team labs borderless in the evening. Staying at Asakusa Tavinos.

Day 11: Tsukiji and Akihabara We've booked a tour of Tsukiji market (we were supposed to do this as a honeymoon present last time but partner was too poorly, so I went alone). Also it was really nice, I get some people think Tsukiji is touristy and overrated but I enjoyed just spending time with the guide. Akihabara in the afternoon, anime figure stores, yodobashi camera, batting cages etc. Ikebukuro in the evening?

Day 12: Kawagoe daytrip (wanted to this lasttime but didn't cause of illness) Visit lots of cute spots, Kawagoe Kumano shrine, dagashiyas, kashiya yokocho. Perhaps go to Kabukicho in the evening, bar lost and golden gai.

Day 13: Kamakura and Yokohama Kotoku-in and Hokoku-ji Komachi street Head to Yokohama Red brick warehouses, Chinatown and minatomirai.

Day 14: chill day Takizme tea ceremony Kirby cafe afternoon Tokyo skytree and shibuya parco

Day 15: Meiji jingu, yoyogi park, yoyogi hachimangu shrine. Harajuku- just to wander round. Then go to Odaiba. The national museum of emerging science and innovation OR small worlds miniature museum. Diver city Tokyo and the gundam statue.

Day 16: return home Go to Asakusa don quijote, full up on tat and then head to airport to fly home.

I've missed off small things like karaoke cause we will just fit them in as and when.

Hello! We're planning another trip to Japan at the end of this year and want people's thoughts on our two week itinerary!

Day 1: Land in Tokyo at 10am, travel to Magome via train and bus, stay there overnight. Plan to send heavy luggage to Kanazawa, and just take a backpack.

Day 2: Nakasendo trail to Tsumago, stay in Tsumago. Really like the look of Nakasendo and regret not doing it before, plan to spend the day exploring Magome, slowly walking to Tsumago through potentially snowy forest, and then explore Tsumago and stay in a Ryokan.

Day 3-5: Kanazawa (2 nights) General exploration of Kanazawa. Plan to see the main tourist spots, Higashi Chaya, Kenrokuen garden, Omicho Market. Visited Takayama and Shirakawago before, so no need for day trips.

Day 5: Train or plane (probably plane?) to Fukuoka.

Day 5-8: Fukuoka (3 nights) First full day: Nanzoin and Daizafu temples, plan to do both in around half a day? Feasible? Second full day: Ainoshima cat island - my partner wants to see cats, and this cat island looks accessible and cute. The rest of the time plan to see Yatai stands, canal city, Ramen shops, maybe Teamlab, Pokémon centre.

Day 8-10: Kurokawa onsen (2 nights) Splash out and book a Ryokan with a private onsen, explore the town and maybe go for a small hike if there are any - but we may just end up chilling.

Day 10-12: Kagoshima (2 nights) General exploration and Sakurajima, Sengan-en Garden, Museum of Meiji restoration. Is Kagoshima worth 2 nights, or would be better moving a night or two elsewhere?

Fly or boat to Yakushima, tempted by flying as I can get a little seasick.

Day 12-14: Yakushima (2 nights) Hikes - probably Shiratani Unsui gorge, Jomon Sugi if we're feeling energetic. Will we NEED a car? We'd prefer to do it via buses, but can drive if it would be significantly easier?

Day 14: Travel back to Tokyo (fly), stay in Tokyo Been here before of course, might go for a cooking class/tour.

Day 15: Flight is at 10pm, so a day in Tokyo beforehand.

So the questions are: 1: Firstly and most importantly, is the itinerary too packed? We don't want to be toooo rushed.

2: If the itinerary is too rushed, the best place to remove is probably Kagoshima? How worth a visit is Kagoshima in general - we could fly from Fukuoka to Yakushima and skip Kagoshima as an alternative.

3: Any thoughts on flying or getting the train to Fukuoka from Kanazawa? I love getting the train as I get to collect eki stamps, but the plane will probably be a lot quicker and maybe cheaper.

4: Anyone know what Yakushima is like in the winter? From what I can see it should still be beautiful and hike-able, we're both young and able bodied. Is a car necessary?

5: Any must sees that I haven't mentioned? Our main interests are temples, historic/cute towns, food, and nature.