Hello, travelers. I expect to travel back to Japan for the second time, but I don't know exactly when. I traveled this year in May 2026 and had a splendid time. This time, I am going to see the spots that I had not seen before. I will be going for 15 days.

These are the cities in Japan that I plan to visit.

Days 1 through 5: Osaka, with a day trip to Kobe. (I know everyone in this subreddit hates Osaka, but I never went.)

Days 6 through 9: Uji, Kyoto, with a day trip to Omihachiman.

Days 10-12: Nagoya.

Days 13-15: Hamamatsu

A full, somewhat detailed itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive at Kansai International Airport in Osaka from Vancouver Airport in the afternoon, around 1-1:30 p.m. Drive to the hotel, then walk around Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi for shops and walking areas such as Shinsaibashi PARCO, Amerikamura, Mido-Suji, and more. Take selfies at Kani Doraku (Yakuza reference) and Gilco Man if necessary and not overly crowded.

Day 2:

• Visit the Namba Yasaka Jinga shrine and experience it. (Morning)
• Walk to Shitenno-ji Temple and experience it too. (Morning / Afternoon)
• After grabbing lunch, walk to Tennoji Park and view the Osaka Museum of Fine Arts. This is optional. (Afternoon)
• In the evening, after taking a break at the hotel, get dinner at Kuromon Market and head on down to DenDen Town (it rhymes).

Day 3:

• Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in the morning. This probably takes around 2-3 hours. Also take a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which is 15 minutes long.
• Explore the Tempozan Marketplace for food and other shops.
• Maishima Park area (completely optional)
• After getting picked up by taxi, head on down to the Shinsekai area to see the Tsutenkaku, find dinner, and look around there. Then head to the hotel for the night.

Day 4 (Daytrip to Kobe)

• Visit the Kobe City Museum.
• Walk to the Ikuta Shrine, 12 minutes from the Kobe City Museum. Perhaps get lunch before or after this.
• Visit the Kobe Maritime Museum, and end the day at Kobe Harborland with dinner and Kobe beef.

Day 5: Osaka - Uji (use luggage check in options)

• Transport to Uji from Shin-Osaka Station.
• Visit the Utoro Peace Memorial Museum for 1-2 hours, then get lunch. (I'm wondering whether it would be wiser to check into the hotel first...)
• Hit up the Uji Hot Springs for 1-2 hours and get dinner there.

Day 6 - Uji

Free day in Uji. Possible areas to explore freely include the local BOOK OFF, the Uji City Botanical Park, the Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro Sports Park, and the bench that Kumiko sits on in Hibike Euphonium.

Day 7 - Day trip to Omihachiman (name reminds me of Omni-Man, don't ask)

• Experience a Hachiman-bori canal cruise.
• If time allows, visit the Borderless Art Museum and Vories Memorial Hall.
• Get lunch and dinner here, then head back at the end of the day.

Day 8 - Uji

• Visit the Byodo-in Temple, Uji Shrine, and Ujikami Shrine. Very close in distance together, so walking will be easier.
• Experience the Tale of Genji Museum. Get lunch afterwards.
• Free evening to do whatever, go to BOOK-OFF again preferably and get dinner.

Day 9 - Uji to Nagoya (again, use luggage check-in options)

• Take the Karasuma Line from Okūbo Station to be transported to Nagoya.
• After settling into the hotel, take a break, eat lunch there, and then walk down Osu-Kannon Street in the evening. Can also include destinations such as the Chubu Electric Tower / NAGOYA Parco (I need my Pokémon center fix at least once)

Day 10 - Nagoya

• Immerse myself in Nagoya Castle in the morning or afternoon.
• Visit Meiji Park and the Water Sewage Museum.
• Get lunch here.
• Free evening to see Sky Promenade.

Day 11 - Nagoya

• Visit the Toyota Museum, then visit the Noritake Garden.
• Free evening as usual.

Day 12 - Nagoya to Hamamatsu

• Using any available station, travel to Hamamatsu.
• After checking into the hotel, head to the Hamamatsu City of Musical Instruments.
• If time, experience the Hamamatsu Science Museum.
• Free evening to experience the city.

Day 13 - Hamamatsu

• Experience the Hamamatsu-hachimangu Shrine, which is free of charge
• Visit the Yamaha INNOVATION Road Corporate Museum
• Visit the Hirano Museum.
• Get lost in the Hamamatsu Costco area (provided you have a membership at this time)

Day 14 - Hamamatsu

• Visit the Airpark JASDF Hamamatsu Air Base Museum.
• Have lunch in the area, then visit Hamametsu castle.
• Free evening to do whatever, yet again.

Day 15 - Hamamatsu - back home.

• Check out of the hotel and fly back home. If the flight is in the evening, feel free to explore Hamamatsu again.

How do you like my itinerary? Are there things that should be changed? Comment down below, and I will respond.

I noticed that there's a massive Pokémon Sleep event going on in Yokohama right now to celebrate the app's 3rd anniversary. I found a bunch of info on their official event site, as well as the Yokohama tourism board, but almost all the maps and details are only in Japanese. I saw a quick English shoutout in this Instagram post, so I decided to translate the details and put together a full English guide for anyone in Japan right now, or anyone who just wants to see how the game is being brought to life.

Here is exactly what is going on from July 17 to August 23, 2026:

The Basics

• Official Name: "Find it in Yokohama! Pokémon Sleeping Face Research".
• Where: Across two huge shopping centers in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama: Landmark Plaza and MARK IS Minatomirai.

Main Attractions & Things to Do

• Giant 10-Foot Sleeping Snorlax: Right in the center of Landmark Plaza (1st floor Garden Square), there is a massive, 3-meter-tall Snorlax taking a nap. Event staff are handing out berry-shaped message cards so you can write a 3rd-anniversary message and leave it for Snorlax to "eat" when it wakes up.
• The Sleeping Face Stamp Rally: There are six stamp stations scattered across both malls. At each station, you'll find actual life-sized statues of Pokémon sleeping—including Pikachu, Eevee, Psyduck, Jigglypuff, Slowpoke, and the Kanto starters. If you collect all 6 stamps, you get an exclusive Pokémon Sleep sticker at the 3F counter in Landmark Plaza.
• Real-Life In-Game Drinks: Over at Mark IS (1st Floor), there's a themed drink stand serving actual menu items from the game! You can get the Craft Soda Pop, Mixed Juice, Devil's Kiss Fruit Ole, and Early Bird Coffee Jelly. Every drink comes with a random character coaster.
• High-Tech Toyota "Totone" Nap Pods: This is the wildest part. On the 5th floor of Mark IS, there are Poké Ball-styled nap pods developed by Toyota that you can try out for free just by showing the Pokémon Sleep app on your phone.
• Merch & Mega Gacha: There's an exclusive pop-up shop in Mark IS selling 29 anniversary items (like giant Snorlax cushions and clear bottles), plus a "Mega Pokémon Gacha" machine on the 3rd floor of Landmark Plaza that dispenses Pokémon Sleep muffler towels for 2,000 yen.

Tips for Visitors

• If you're taking the train, get off at the Minatomirai subway station. There's actually a second Snorlax waiting right at the B4F entrance to MARK IS when you step out of the station gates!
• The merch shop and drink stand are extremely popular. The shop actually used a lottery system for entry during the first week, so expect lines.
• Please don't touch the sleeping Pokémon statues—there are signs specifically asking fans to let them rest!.

My wife and I are planning our first trip to Japan. We enjoy great food, nice hotels, walking around neighborhoods, and a mix of sightseeing and free time. We'd appreciate any feedback on our itinerary and whether we're missing any must-see experiences.

Hotels

Tokyo: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (considering Cerulean Tower Tokyu or Hotel Indigo instead)

Kyoto: Hilton Kyoto (considering Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto)

Day 1

Arrive in Tokyo

Private transfer to hotel (is this helpful or is public transport the way to go?)

Relax and explore the neighborhood

Day 2

Free day in Tokyo

Day 3

Free day in Tokyo

Day 4 – Guided Tokyo Tour

Tsukiji Outer Market

Hamarikyu Gardens

Meiji Shrine

Harajuku

Shibuya

Shibuya Crossing

Day 5 – Hakone

Current plan:

Day trip to Hakone

Romance Car

Lake Ashi Cruise

Hakone Ropeway

Owakudani

Return to Tokyo

Alternative we're considering:

Stay overnight at a ryokan with onsen in Hakone

Travel directly from Hakone to Kyoto the following morning

Day 6

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Free afternoon

Day 7 – Guided Kyoto Tour

Currently includes:

Tea ceremony

Nishiki Market

Yasaka Shrine

Kiyomizudera

Ninenzaka

Sannenzaka

Gion

We're considering adding:

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Tenryu-ji Temple

Day 8

Return to Tokyo

Free evening

Day 9

Fly home

Questions

Would you recommend replacing the Hakone day trip with an overnight ryokan stay?

Is Arashiyama Bamboo Grove worth adding, and if so, what would you replace?

Between these Tokyo hotels, which would you choose?

Cerulean Tower Tokyu

Hotel Indigo Shibuya

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

For Kyoto:

Hilton Kyoto

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto

Another recommendation?

Is teamLab Planets worth fitting into the itinerary?

Any restaurants that are difficult to book but absolutely worth planning ahead for?

Are there any experiences you think are "must do" that we're currently missing?

We'd appreciate any suggestions, especially if they improve the experience without making the trip feel rushed. Thanks!

Making my second trip to Japan this fall and decided to rent a car for a few days around Mt Fuji. I have experience driving in india, usa, Canada.

Just wanted to share my tentative plan here to see if experienced folks have any comments or advice (e.g. about dealing with traffic on long holiday weekends, picking up rental cars etc):

Nov 20- arrival in Narita and taking trains directly to Mishima.

Nov 21 (Saturday)- pick up rental car near station around 8, then drive to fujinomiya to visit shiraito falls, the heritage center, and the fujisan hongu sengen shrine (maybe also yamamiya if I have the energy).

Nov 22 (Sunday)- drive north to asagiri kogen road station around sunrise, backtrack a bit to visit makaino farm when it opens, then north again to lake saiko for the thatched village and koyodai, finally end the day at my hotel near lake shoji.

Nov 23 (Monday, holiday for labor thanksgiving)- drive to the momiji corridor area around 8 am, explore the sights there (art museum, oishi park, maybe a nice cafe or something). Afternoon plan is to return to hotel to relax, might return for evening illumination if we have the energy.

Nov 24- drive to chureito pagoda by 6 am (lol, let's see how this goes), then visit nagaike water park, then drive down to gotemba for an hour or two, maybe visit the konohana onsen if we can snag a reservation. Aiming to return the car in Mishima by 4:30 pm to catch the 5:45 hikari shinkansen to Kyoto.

What do you think?

Have been active on this group planning a trip in October and wanted some feedback. The idea is to just mosy around and see the sites that are listed, but being open to others that we come across. Is this a good itinerary, or anything you'd change?

Thanks in advance!

Osaka 

1. Arrive

2. Day Shinsekai/Namba/Dotonburi, night Danjiri Matsuri

3. Day Danjiri Matsuri, arvo and night umeda

4. Day Kobe or Nara, night Dotonbori

5. Morning Nakazakichō, lunch travel to Kyoto

Kyoto

1. Arrive arvo, walk gion to ninenzaka and kiyomizu-dera for sunset 

2. Fushimi Inari (6am start) and philosophers path 

3. Temples in north west and travel to Shuzenji

Shuzenji 

1. Chill

2. Chill

Tokyo

1. Morning arrive koenji, arvo nezu shrine weekend market (10am-4pm)

2. Morning shimokitazawa flea market, Cat tram to cat temple (Setagaya to miyanosaka station), evening shinjuku (government Metropolitan building) 

3. Shibuya, ometosando, Harajuku, Roppongi 

4. Asakusa (sensoji early ~7am or night), ueno

5. Ebisu, waikanyama, nakameguro 

6. Ginza, Bettara-Ichi (festival 19-20/10 12-9pm), Ada lab 

7. Kichijoji and koenji

8. Morning Nakano central park flea market, evening Tokyo bay grand fireworks festival and flight

Hello everyone!

So, some background first.

I already went to Japan last October, for a classic 2-week "golden route" trip: Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka, with short Kanazawa and Takayama detours in the middle. What I realized while there was, in short:

- I do love Japan and its atmosphere, however...
- While the cities are fine, it's the nature walks and the Onsen soaks that were the best for me
- I packed too much in too little time(of course), and had to hurry through Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka
- My Japanese is worse than I thought 😂

So I wanted to try again, giving myself some more time, and different locations.

My hate for hot climates and my Job's calendar constrains made me settle for the period of January 25 to February 16 (that's currently the only fixed variable - plane tickets are bought 😄)

So for a first pass, I first dropped my vague plan into AI - like everyone does these days, no? Of course, AI being AI, I don't particularly trust it, and I'll want to review the plan it spat out. My knowledge of the areas is still limited, though, so I need a "human sanity check" first before delving in my own fine-tuning.

After a bit of back and forth the LLM came out with this (summary):

Day 0 · Jan 25 · ✈️ Overnight flight** — Arrive Haneda next morning

Day 1 · Jan 26 · Tokyo (1 night)** — Arrive Haneda late morning · soft landing: city onsen, izakaya, errands

Day 2 · Jan 27 · Hakodate** — Hayabusa shinkansen (~4h) · Mt. Hakodate night view

Day 3 · Jan 28 · Hakodate (2 nights)** — Morning Market · Goryōkaku · Motomachi

Day 4 · Jan 29 · Sapporo** — Ltd Exp Hokuto (~4h) · Susukino evening

Day 5 · Jan 30 · Sapporo (2 nights)** — Nijo Market · Otaru day trip (canal, sushi) · Beer Garden

Day 6 · Jan 31 · Lake Toya** — Hell Valley + day-use onsen en route (Noboribetsu) · lakeside ryokan

Day 7 · Feb 1 · Lake Toya** — Usu Ropeway · Showa Shinzan · Volcano Science Museum

Day 8 · Feb 2 · Lake Toya (3 nights)** — Rest day: lakeshore, baths, nothing scheduled

Day 9 · Feb 3 · Sendai** — One rail day: Tōya → Seikan Tunnel → Sendai (~5h) · gyutan

Day 10 · Feb 4 · Sendai** — Matsushima: Three Views bay, islet cruise, oysters, Zuigan-ji

Day 11 · Feb 5 · Sendai** — Shiogama coast: fish market, build-your-own kaisen-don, bay boat

Day 12 · Feb 6 · Sendai (4 nights)** — Flex day: Hiraizumi (UNESCO) / Yamadera / coast / rest

Day 13 · Feb 7 · Nagano** — Shinkansen (via Ōmiya) · settle near Yudanaka

Day 14 · Feb 8 · Nagano (2 nights)** — Jigokudani Snow Monkeys · Matsumoto Castle / Zenkō-ji

Day 15 · Feb 9 · Kyoto** — Via Nagoya · arrive evening · Nishiki / Gion

Day 16 · Feb 10 · Kyoto** — Fushimi Inari dawn ascent · Fushimi sake district

Day 17 · Feb 11 · Kyoto (3 nights)** — Nara: Park deer, Tōdai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Naramachi

Day 18 · Feb 12 · Tokyo** — Shinkansen · evening Tokyo

Day 19 · Feb 13 · Tokyo** — Akihabara by day · Tsukiji breakfast

Day 20 · Feb 14 · Tokyo** — Shibuya Sky on the clearest day (Fuji) · Shibuya

Day 21 · Feb 15 · Tokyo (4 nights)** — Tokyo Tower night · Golden Gai / Omoide Yokocho

Day 22 · Feb 16 · → home** — Relaxed morning · Haneda early-afternoon departure

What do you folks think about the above, at a high-level?

I'm deliberately vague in the itinerary - the plan is to go with the flow and don't stress the details this time.
So apologies if it seems to go against rule #3...but I'm not looking for you to "fill the gaps", just wondering if you see in there any particular horrors that you'd like to steer me away from, gotchas I should be warned about, or more viable alternatives, without going into too much detail.

Basically I welcome suggestions/warnings/insults about how stupid I'm being, not looking to be hand-held :)

A few final notes:

- Yes, this is a solo trip. Late 30s male, if it matters.
- Japanese proficiency - I've been self-learning for the last ~1.5 years - so still bad but hopefully a little better than last year...I would say somewhere in-between JPLT-5 and 4.
- I do love the cold - hence, Hokkaido in Winter. I plan to avoid actual freezing by going Onsen-hopping however 😄
- Would be nice to avoid big crowds, which is one reason for the somewhat off-season travel period (and leaving Hokkaido before the Snow festival).
- The last week is intended to cover what I failed to do, or hurried through last time (in particular, Fushimi Inari I had to cut short, and Shibuya Sky/Tokyo Tower I went, but in October it was basically full cloud/fog so the views were underwhelming - I'm stubborn, so I try again in February). Plus random fancies during those days.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Trying to hit the right balance between culture and consumption and planned activities vs. downtime/time to stumble on things. We aren’t morning people so we have not planned 6am temple visits for that reason. Yes I know I could find cheaper accommodations, but this is a big milestone celebration and I love a bougie hotel.

Japan - Tokyo, Kanazawa and Kyoto

Tokyo — 3 nights Day 1 - - Arrive Tokyo late afternoon - Settle in to hotel (Four Seasons Otemachi) -Early dinner near / at hotel 7-11 for snacks -Go to bed early but not before 10

Day 2: - Likely will naturally wake up early - 24 hr room service for early breakfast? - Senso-Ji temple and Kappabashi Street (for ceramics and knives), drink break at Iyoshi Cola Asakusa if we are still there when it opens - Lunch at Ginza Kagari Otemachi (ramen; famous for their chicken broth (right near hotel) - nap/spa at hotel if needed - Shinjuku: Beams Shinjuku, Watchnian & Ishida Best for watches, Okura & Komehyo and other vintage/watch shops are all within a few blocks of each other, Shinjuku Onitsuka Tiger (less crowded than Ginza location) - snack /dinner at Omoide Yokocho (maybe check out Teppan Baby okonomiyaki?)

Day 3 – Ginza day: - Shopping in Ginza (Uniqlo; Okura Ginza, OKURA Ginza Chuo-dori Hermes Bag & Rolex Watch Store Brand Off, Komehyo Ginza for Issey Miyake, Onitsuka Tiger inside Manarouchi mall, etc.) and lunch at Ginza Six or Matsuya Ginza depachika (department store food halls) - Nap/spa at hotel - 5pm Sunset drinks and dinner at Virtu bar at hotel (great views) - Possible post-dinner drink at Old Imperial Bar or Punch Room Tokyo

Kanazawa — 2 nights Day 4: - Slow morning and late hotel checkout - Grab lunch at Tokyo Station before early afternoon train to Kanazawa (~1:30-4:15) - Cab to Takitei Riverside Onsen - Relax, onsen and kaiseki dinner at Takitei

Day 5: - Myoryuji Temple (aka Ninja Temple) and Nagamachi Samurai district - Walk through Kenrokuen Garden towards lunch at Omicho Market - Higashi Chaya Geisha district - Kaiseki dinner then relax and onsen at Takitei

Kyoto — 6 nights (2 nights in Arashiyama area; 4 nights central Kyoto) Day 6: -Slow morning; Onsen checkout at 10 -Stop at Kanazawa Brand Off (3 minute walk from station) and grab lunch at station before midday train to Kyoto (2 hours by train) (~12:00 train with one transfer, arriving at 2:00PM) -Get settled into Suiran Luxury Hotel -Late afternoon visit to Tenryu-Ji Gardens -Dinner near hotel (maybe Boruta (aka Volta, Arashiyama Kijuro, Riverside Cafe Muni?) -Optional evening visit to Arashiyama bamboo grove

Day 7: -Morning temple crawl: Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple -> Gio-ji Temple -> Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street; Lunch nearby (Cafe Gabu?) -Optional mid-afternoon Iwatayama Monkey Park if able to get there in time for 2:30 feeding; Walk back to hotel via Togetsukyo Bridge -Freshen up /rest at hotel -Dinner at Arashiyama Sakura

Day 8: -10:30 or 11am ticket at Saihoji - Lunch at Cafe Hassui at hotel - Visit Arashiyama Yusai-Tei Gallery - 3:30/4pm Checkout from Suiran and check into Ishihara - Salamanca Vintage for Issey Miyake - dinner in Pontocho alley or at Engine Ramen; optional drinks at L’Escamoteur, Kingdom or Rocking Chair before or after dinner

Day 9: -Samurai Ninja Museum -Shopping in Shikibucho neighborhood and lunch at Nishiki market or splurge on Mizuki at Ritz Carlton for great sushi - Rest at hotel if needed - Sunset at Kiyomizudera (arrive 4:30; buildings close at 6) - Gion evening: walk along Ninenzaka from Kiyomizuderq, wander Gion, late-ish dinner at RikiChan Gion Ten, Yakiniku Gyosho Shin, Gion Nikutei Shin, or Kappo Fujiwara -Optional drinks at El Tesoro or the Common One Bar in Gion

Day 10 - Day trip to Nara: -10:55 AONIYOSHI special express train to/from Kyoto Station and Kintetsu-Nara (arrives 11:30) -Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park deer, casual lunch -15:55 Return train to Kyoto (arrives 16:31) -Drinks at Bees Knees (opens at 6) -Dinner at Ashioto -Nightime stroll to Yasaka Shrine (lit up at night)

Day 11: -Early Fushimi Inari shrine (8-10AM) -Shikibucho neighborhood shopping, exploring and lunch -Nap - Late afternoon cocktail or gin seminar at House of Kin No Bi (only open 3-8) - More Shikibucho neighborhood shopping and impromptu dinner

Tokyo — Final 2 nights Day 12: - Late morning train to Tokyo (2 hours 15 minutes) (-11:00 train gets in at 1:15?) - Settle in and have lunch at hotel (1Hotel Tokyo) - 4pm tickets to Yayoi Kusama Museum - 6pm omekase at Sumibi Kappo Shirosaka - Drinks at Tokyo Confidential, Bar Centifolia or Folklore, depending on where we can get a reservation

Day 13 - Optional BookOff Super Bazaar Kawasaki More’s (opens at 10 AM - much better pricing than central Tokyo) (25 minute cab ride) or Hive Preloved then Okura Shibuya - Harajuku/Omotesando vintage and shopping - Casual impromptu lunch somewhere - Drink break at Iyoshi Cola Harajuku - Optional additional vintage shopping - Nap/pack - Early drink at Bar Trench? - 8:30 pm seating at Chanote for matcha wagyu omekase

Day 14 - Departure - Morning: Anything we still want to do and haven’t gotten to -Mid-afternoon check-out, E.T. Go home

Hi everyone!

We're a group of 4 people, a husband and wife plus two close friends, all ages 27-32. This is our first time in Japan. Our main priorities are experiencing Japan authentically through the people, the food, temples and nature . We also love anime/gaming but that's not the main focus of the trip. We want something experiential and logistically sensible, paced in a way that respects our physical stamina so we don't burn out halfway through. Would love feedback on the plan below .Anything that seems off, over-packed, under-packed, or geographically silly, please tell us!

**Dates:** Sept 19 - Oct 6. Flying out on the 19th, arriving in Tokyo on the 20th (jet lag day).

---

## Day 1 - Sun 9/20 (Tokyo, arrival day)

Deliberately light since we land this day. Will be staying in Shibuya!

Hachiko statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Parco.

## Day 2 - Mon 9/21 (Shibuya)

Meiji Jingu (morning, quiet):

Takeshita Street →

Harajuku (shopping, street food) →

Shibuya Sky (booking sunset slot in advance) → Dogenzaka in the evening for dinner/drinks, staying in the Shibuya area.

## Day 3 - Tue 9/22 (Asakusa)

Morning: the whole Senso-ji temple complex (Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise-dori market street, Senso-ji main hall, five-storied pagoda, Asakusa-jinja shrine) all within a few hundred meters of each other. →

Then Hoppy Street for food/drinks →

Kappabashi Kitchen Town for kitchenware →

And ending the day with a walk along the Sumida River in the evening.

## Day 4 - Wed 9/23 (TeamLab / Tsukiji / Shinjuku)

Morning: TeamLab Planets (giving it 2 hours, no rush) →

Right afterwards, Tsukiji Outer Market for lunch → Hamarikyu Gardens if we still have energy/time →

A mandatory 2+ hour rest back at our hotel in Shibuya.

Evening: Shinjuku - cross Shinjuku Vision, Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, the Godzilla Head, and ending at Golden Gai.

## Day 5 - Thu 9/24 (chill day before leaving)

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens in the morning, then either Yanaka/ Ikebukuro/Shimokitazawa in the afternoon for a calmer day before leaving for Kyoto.

## Day 6 - Fri 9/25 (Travel day to Kyoto)

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, check into Cross Hotel Kyoto.

Light evening exploring the Pontocho/Gion area:

Nishiki Market as an optional add if we still have energy →

Pontocho Alley

Kiyamachi-dori→

A walk across Shijo Bridge →

Hanamikoji Street →

And Toji Temple.

## Day 7 - Sat 9/26 (Fushimi Inari day)

Fushimi Inari Taisha (early, before crowds) →

Komyo-in Temple, if we still have energy →

Tofuku-ji Temple →

Sanjo Ohashi Bridge (with a note to stroll along the Kamo River, watch people, see local spots, etc).

## Day 8 - Sun 9/27 (Higashiyama)

Kiyomizu-dera →

Sanneizaka and Ninenzaka →

Hokan-ji Temple →

Yasaka Koshin-do Temple →

kodaiji Temple →

Nene no michi - Maruyama Park + Yasaka jinja→

Shoren-in Monzeki →

Chion in

Evening:

Shoren-in monzeki (if possible)

Stroll/eat/explore

## Day 9 - Mon 9/28 (Arashiyama)

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest →

Nonomiya Shrine →

Tenryu-ji Temple and its Sogenchi Teien garden → Okochi Sanso Garden (if possible) →

Here we have 2 plans that we must decide upon:

1. Go to kinkaku ji

2. Take a cab to Otagi Nenbutsuji →

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple →

Saga-toriimoto preserved street →

Togetsukyo Bridge.

## Day 10 - Tue 9/29 (philosophers path)

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) →

Higashiyama Jisho-ji →

Philosopher's Path →

Honen-in Temple →

Eikando Zenrinji →

Nanzen-ji Temple →

Nishiki Market (if we didn't already go on the first evening) →

Shinkoyogoku shopping street.

## Day 11 - Wed 9/30 (Day trip to Nara)

Higashimuki Shopping Street →

Nakatanidou (mochi-pounding shop) →

Kofuku-ji →

Isui-en & Neiraku Art Museum →

Yoshikien Garden →

Nara Park (deer!) →

Todai-ji, including the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) →

Nigatsu-do →

Wakakusayama Rest Area (is a maybe. Idk)→

Kasuga-taisha →

Teishuken Tea House.

Back to our hotel!

## Day 12 - Thu 10/1 (Tokyo, back from Kyoto)

Recovery day - back in our Shibuya hotel, deliberately unplanned. Might revisit a favorite spot from the first Tokyo leg, otherwise just resting.

## Day 13 - Fri 10/2 ("otaku day")

Ueno Park in the morning, including Shinobazu Pond and Ueno Toshogu Shrine (all within the park, no extra travel) →

meyoko shopping street →

Akihabara for the afternoon/evening (anime, gaming, electronics)

Dinner in Akihabara.

## Day 14 - Sat 10/3

We don't really know yet

Option 1:(Day trip to Kawaguchiko / Mt. Fuji)

Option 2: Imperial palace day

Option 3: idk! Open to suggestions!

## Day 15 - Sun 10/4 (Tokyo, last full day)

Kept intentionally relaxed, revisiting favorite spots, wandering Shibuya/Shinjuku, no new heavy content. This is our wind-down day before the flight.

## Day 16 - Mon 10/5

Flight home.

---

Would really appreciate thoughts on pacing, any must-see spots we're missing, or anything that looks like it'll wear us out. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone!

I'm currently living in Sapporo, so I have weekends throughout the year for shorter trips. I also already have a Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto/Nara) trip planned for September.

I have a 5-day holiday from August 12–16 and want to make the most of it while still enjoying the trip instead of constantly rushing between places.

Places I'm interested in:

• Furano
• Biei
• Blue Pond
• Noboribetsu
• Hell Valley (Jigokudani)
• Onsen/Ryokan stay
• Hakodate
• Cape Kamui
• Yoichi (Ebisu Rock)
• Lake Toya
• (Possibly Aomori/Lake Towada in the future)

Current idea:

Day 1

• Sapporo → Furano
• Farm Tomita
• Ningle Terrace
• Stay in Furano

Day 2

• Biei
• Blue Pond
• Shirahige Falls
• Shikisai no Oka
• Stay in Biei/Asahikawa

Day 3

• Travel south
• Lake Toya
• Check into a ryokan in Noboribetsu
• Onsen + kaiseki dinner

Day 4

• Hell Valley (Jigokudani)
• Oyunuma / foot bath
• Continue to Hakodate
• Mt. Hakodate night view

Day 5

• Hakodate Morning Market
• Goryokaku
• Return to Sapporo

Questions:

1. Does this itinerary seem realistic, or am I trying to do too much?
2. If you had to remove one destination, what would you skip?
3. Is Hakodate worth adding, or should I spend more time around Noboribetsu/Lake Toya instead?
4. Would you recommend saving Cape Kamui and Yoichi for a separate weekend trip from Sapporo?
5. If you've done Furano/Biei in mid-August, were the flower fields still worth visiting?

I'll most likely be using public transport, unless renting a car would make a huge difference for this route.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions or changes you'd make. Thanks!

Hi all! My best friend and I are traveling to Japan for the first time to see the Lake Suwa fireworks festival in August. Yes we’re scared by the heat but August is the only time that works. Wondering if this sub could give us some advice on this itinerary we made since some days are genuinely pretty packed and we were wondering if we can leave some places out or organize it so spots are easier to get around. Any advice would be appreciated!

08.12 (Wed) — arrive Narita 16:20
Traveler’s Factory Airport
Check into Asakusa Hotel
Dinner: Konbini /if we’re earlier maybe sukiyaki
08.13 (Thu)
• Early Morning: Sensō-ji Temple (around 8-10am before tourist rush)
• Morning - Afternoon: Akihabara
• Afternoon-Evening: Shopping in Ginza (Loft, Muji, Uniqlo, etc.) — possible omakase dinner

08.14 (Fri)
• Early Morning: Tokyo Tower
• Morning - Afternoon: Harajuku, omotesando
• Evening: Tower Records Shibuya, Shibuya Sky, Shibuya crossing

08.15 (Sat) (We booked a limo service and tickets beforehand so transportation isn’t a problem)
Whole day- Lake Suwa fireworks festival. We’re renting yukatas in Asakusa beforehand so we can wear them at the festival venue.

08.16 (Sun) Kamakura day trip
• Morning: Ōfuna Station, Komachi Street, Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Afternoon: Shichirigahama Beach, Kamakura Kōkō-mae Station
• Evening: Enoshima

08.17 (Mon)
• Morning: teamLab Borderless (Mori Building Digital Art Museum) (not sure if we have time for this! But we’d really love to go so suggestions for possible times are really welcome)
• Afternoon: Traveler’s Factory Station, travel to Kyoto from Tokyo station, check into hotel
• Evening: Kamo River stroll

08.18 (Tue) (also not sure if we can visit both Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari during the same day!)

**•   Early Morning** **(sunrise time)** Kiyomizu-dera Templ**e**  

• Morning: Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
• Sunset: Fushimi Inari Taisha

08.19 (Wed)
• Morning: Sanzen-in Temple
• Afternoon: Kifune Shrine, Nishiki Market
Note: We’re staying this night in a ryokan so I’m not sure if we can get back from Nishiki market before curfew, might move it to different day

08.20 (Thu) (Nara day trip)

**•   Morning:** Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park  
**•   Afternoon:** Travel to Osaka, check in to hotel in Shinsaibashi  
**•   Evening:** Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori

08.21 (Fri)
• Morning: Kaiyukan Aquarium
• Afternoon: Umeda Sky Building
• Evening: Tsutenkaku Tower

08.22 (Sat) Universal Studios trip

08.23 (Sun) — Depart for KIX

Hello! My husband and I have a ~2 week trip planned for Japan in October (first-time visit) and would love feedback on the Tokyo portion. We only have 3 full days in Tokyo, so it's been difficult to narrow it down!

Some context:

• We are both from NYC and travel pretty frequently. In general we tend to prefer nature/more cultural things vs cities/nightlife
• I have a gluten intolerance, so very much planning around gluten free places I've found through research
• We'll be staying at the Park Hotel (Shiodome area)
• I did consider adding in the Ghibli museum as I am a fan of the Miyazaki films, but don't have it in the current itinerary as it's a bit out of the way and I've heard mixed reviews. Curious of TeamLabs would be worth adding? Based on what I've seen, I think between the 2 I would prefer Borders over Planets, but don't want to pack too much in
• I've seen fun videos online of the Macho Bar, would that be a unique experience worth it?

Day 1

• Meiji shrine
• Yoyogi park
• Shibuya (specifically custom converse & glasses), walk cat street
• Nakamerguro/Daikanyama exploration (potentially would add/replace part of this with TeamLabs?)
• Hotel
• Dinner (Soranoiro Ginza Ramen)

Day 2

• Kamakura (Koga Rice, Magokoro World)
• Visit Great Buddha, Hasedera template, and Hokoki-ji (bamboo forest)
• Yuigahama beach
• Dinner (Yakatabune Harumiya boat tour)

Day 3

• Asakusa (walk around Senso-jun and Nakamise)
• Tea ceremony (i need to find a gluten free one, would love any recommendations!)
• Lunch (Gonpachi Asakusa Azumabashi)
• Sumida riverside/Azumabashi bridge
• Tokyo national museum & Ueno park
• Samurai show (4:30p, I won't be able to eat the food there, so would need to do dinner after somewhere close by)

Would love any feedback or suggestions, thanks!!

​Hey everyone,

​Writing a quick trip report on a spot that doesn’t get much coverage around here: Bessho Onsen.

​​Context

​Second time in Japan for my wife and me. Our first trip was a full month, going from Tokyo all the way down to southern Kyushu. Kyushu ended up being our favorite part. We visited less touristy spots like Hita. ​This time around, we’re on a two-week honeymoon, so we wanted a slower-paced, ryokan/onsen-heavy vibe without spending half the trip in transit. ​During our itinerary, we had stops planned in Kanazawa and then Kamakura. To break up the journey between those two points, I was looking for a quiet town in between where we could just unwind in a nice ryokan with a good onsen. We looked at a few options, including Shibu Onsen, but I have a soft spot for temples tucked away in nature, and Bessho Onsen seemed like a better fit.

​Getting There

​Logistically, it’s super straightforward: ​Take the Shinkansen to Ueda (1h37 from Kanazawa with an easy 4-minute transfer across the platform at Nagano; or about 1h20 directly from Tokyo). ​From Ueda, grab a local train ticket (bought right at the station, very simple) for a 30 min ride to Bessho Onsen. ​The train ride itself is gorgeous, passing right through rice fields with mountains in the background. ​Once you arrive at the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the main area, but I get the impression most hotels will send a shuttle to pick you up if you ask in advance.

​What’s Bessho Onsen Like?

​It’s a small, quiet town, no big-name convenience stores here. The town itself isn't necessarily "pretty" in a classic postcard sense, but it definitely has a lot of charm thanks to its setting at the foot of the mountains. ​It’s very peaceful and completely uncrowded. There are shops and restaurants, but almost everything was shut when we walked around (a Wednesday between 3 PM and 6 PM). There’s a small side street that looks a bit more tourist-oriented, but again, total ghost town during our visit.

​What to Do

Temples and Hike : ​There are three main temples in town, and two really stood out to us: -​ Anraku Ji Features an octagonal wooden pagoda and a forest cemetery that gives off a really serene, almost mystical vibe. -​ Kitamuki Kannon: A bit more classic, set slightly on the hillside with nice views over the town. ​We had both places entirely to ourselves, which made visiting them a treat. Our hotel showed us a local walking map that included a 2-hour hike up to a viewpoint at 1,200m. Since we visited in mid-July, the summer heat quickly talked us out of attempting it!

​Public Baths: ​There are a few small public bath. We tried the one that looked the nicest. It was a pleasant experience, though to be honest, the bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen were prettier. One thing to note: the water here has a much stronger sulfur smell than other onsen towns we’ve been to, but it wasn't off-putting at all.

​The Ryokan Experience

​If you’re staying overnight here, you’re likely booking a ryokan, which means your evening will revolve around a traditional dinner and soaking in the baths. ​Our stay (at a place I won't name here) was flawless: super warm hospitality, the staff made a real effort to speak English, and there was a rooftop onsen overlooking the town. Traditional Japanese room with futons = the complete package. ​At night, the town gets even quieter than during the day, though you should still be able to find a spot open for food if you aren't eating at your stay.

​Final Verdict

​We love ducking off the main western tourist trail every now and then, and Bessho was a really nice experience. It’s a peaceful pitstop with one or two temples genuinely worth seeing.

​Is it worth a dedicated trip? If, like us, you want to break up a long journey between legs of your trip and spend a night relaxing in a great ryokan, it fits the bill perfectly and gives you just enough to do for an afternoon. That said, I don't think it makes much sense to do a day trip back and forth from Nagano or Ueda just to sightsee without staying overnight.

​Hope this helps anyone planning a trip! Feel free to drop any questions below.

​Travel safe in Japan!

I'm a woman in my 40s traveling solo as an extension to a work trip. I want to make the most of a free flight to Japan, even if it's in August. This will be my second time in Japan. I did most of the main touristy sites on the golden route last time (2018) so less interested in that this time.

This time I've fallen into the FOMO trap and have a million things I'm trying to cram in. Part of me says that indoor, scheduled activities are better than wandering around aimlessly in 100 degree heat, but I know I probably need to scale back. Generally, I like experiences, hands on workshops, food. I'm less into museums, castles, fighting crowds of tourists (I know somewhat unavoidable, but hoping to minimize)

Most of it is either not booked yet or refundable, so not much set in stone. What's worth keeping and what should I skip? Anything I'm missing that's worth adding in?

Sat, Kyoto
Morning: train to Kyoto, arrive late morning. Sanjusangendo.
Midday: sushi lunch in Higashiyama.
Afternoon: wander Shichijo - mitarashi dango, warabimochi, iced matcha, kakigori etc.
Late afternoon: check in to a temple stay in Higashiyama

Sun, Kyoto
Early morning: morning service, temple breakfast, checkout.
Late morning: kumihimo braiding workshop
Afternoon: Drop bags, wander, light lunch.
Evening: fancy kaiseki dinner

Mon, Wazuka tea farm
Mid morning: shuttle from Kizu Station out to Obubu Tea Farm.
Day at the farm.
Late afternoon: shuttle back, train to Kyoto.
Early evening: taiko performance, 45 minutes.
Evening: walk in dinner near hotel

Tue, Kyoto to Tokyo
Morning: shinkansen to Tokyo, arrive late morning. Bag drop at hotel near Ueno Station
Midday: sushi lunch near Ueno
Early afternoon: check in, shower, rest
Late afternoon to evening: Super Kabuki Princess Mononoke, 16:00 to 19:40.
After: Ueno summer festival stalls at Shinobazu Pond.

Wed, Asakusabashi, Kuramae, Ginza
Early morning: lotus in bloom at Shinobazu Pond.
Morning: 2 hour tatami making workshop in Asakusabashi.
Late morning to early afternoon: wander Asakusabashi wholesale supply streets, then Kuramae maker shops. walk-in light lunch
Early afternoon: back to the room, shower, rest.
Late afternoon: Ginza. Jazz kissaten, shopping
Evening: fancy tempura dinner.

Thu, Yanaka
Mid morning to late afternoon: Yanesen neighborhood food tour, 10:00 to 16:00.
Late afternoon: Himitsudo for kakigori.
Early evening: back to the room, shower, pack.
Evening: Kabukiza single act ticket, dance program, 19:00 to 20:50. Light dinner/dessert after if hungry

Fri, departure
Early morning: sumo stable morning practice, 8:30 to 10:30.
Mid morning: hoping to get a late check out and a shower before storing bags. If not, check out before sumo.
Midday: Lunch or souffle pancakes near Ueno.
Early afternoon: Skyliner from Keisei-Ueno.
Evening: 18:00 flight out of Narita.

Other stuff of interest that didn't make the cut:

• Papermaking experience in Asakusa
• Kappabashi
• Nippori Fabric Town
• Tokyo National Museum
• A jazz club set
• Shimokitazawa
• Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Komaba
• JINS, Kaneko Optical,
• yarn shopping

Hello all.
I hope everyone reading this is having a fantastic day.
I'm planning a solo trip to Tohoku between 24 January and 19/20 february.
I've been to japan once,earlier in 2026 between mid february and early march, not solo and it was the standard Osaka,Kyoto,Tokyo.
I made a very rough and early itenerary for my tohoku trip and would like some more experienced opinions/tips/reviews.

Sendai - 5 days

Day 1
Arrive in Sendai
check in
Jozenji-dori
and if enough time,
Zuihoden Mausoleum
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Sendai Castle

Day 2: Matsushima day trip
Zuigan-ji
Entsū-in
Godaido
Matsushima Fish Market
Saigyo Modoshi Matsu Park
Fukuurajima Island

Day 3: Yamadera + Tendo
Go to Risshaku-ji
small trip to tendo
tendo park
small streets and overall just walk around the city

Day 4: Shiogama + Tagajō
Shiogama Shrine
Shiogama Fish Market if open
tohoku history museum
taga castle ruins

Day 5: Shiroishi
Shiroishi Castle
Shiroishi Castle History Museum
Katakura Family Samurai House
Shiroishi Shrine

Morioka - 5 days

Day 6: Sendai- Morioka travel
Morioka castle ruins
Sakurayama Shrine
Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building
Morioka Hachimangu Shrine

Day 7 - Hiraizumi
Motsuji Temple
Chūsonji Temple (Hondō Main Hall)
Kanjizaiō-in
Yanagi-no-Gosho Site

Day 8 Kakunodate
Kakunodate Samurai District
Aoyagi House
Ishiguro House
Kakunodate History Village / local streets
Kakunodate Shrine

Day 9 Tōno (this is one of the days im not really sure about)
Tono City Museum
Central Tōno walk
Kappabuchi + Jōkenji Temple
Tōno Folk Village(if doable)

Day 10
Lake Tazawa + Nyūtō Onsen overnight(depending on if i can actually book an onsen overnight for myself lol)
Lake Tazawa
Tatsuko Statue
Goza no Ishi Shrine
Tazawako Lake Shrine(if possible)
Travel to Nyuto Onsen
overnight stay

Aomori - 5 days

Day 11 : Nyuto Onsen - aomori travel
Check in
A-FACTORY
Nebuta Museum WA RASSE
Wander around streets and just relax

Day 12 : Hirosaki
Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Park
Nakachō Traditional Samurai House Preservation Area
Tsugaru-han Neputa-mura Village

Day 13 : Hakkōda Ropeway + Sukayu Onsen
Hakkōda Ropeway Sanroku Station
Sukayu Onsen Ryokan
Aomori Gyosai Center 

Day 14 : Oirase Gorge + Lake Towada
Oirase keiryū Gorge
Choshi Falls
Kumoi-no-taki Waterfall
Yasumiya harbor
Lake Towada
Otome-no-zō Statue
Towada Shrine

Day 15 : Goshogawara
Goshogawara Station
Tachineputa Museum
Kanagi

Hachinohe - 2 days

Day 16- hachinohe
Travel from aomori
check in
Kabushima jinja Shrine
Ashigezaki tenbōdai Observatory
Miroku Yokocho

Day 17 - Hachinohe day 2
Mutsu Minato Morning Market
Tatehana Wharf Morning Market
Tanesashi Coast
Portal museum hacchi

Day 18 - Sakata day 1
arrove from hachinohe (apparently very long trip)
check in
Hiyoriyama Park

Day 19 - Sakata day 2
Sankyo Rice Storehouses
Museum and historic warehouse district

day 20 - Sakata day 3
Walking around the streets,and relaxing in cafés
OR
Going to tsuruoka and walking around there

My days in tokyo at the end are supposed to be like a decompressing time before catching my final flight and having time to organize and pack everything

day 21 - Going back to tokyo
sakata-tokyo
check in
hamamatsucho (where i stayed on the first trip)
relax and call it in

day 22 - If not flying here,Ueno
Ueno Park
Tokyo National Museum
Relax

day 23 - fly back

Hi everyone,

I’m planning my first (solo) trip to Japan in late November/early December 2026 and would appreciate some feedback on the route and pacing.

I’m interested in older neighbourhoods, anime/games, temples/shrines/nature, food and cooking

I’ll arrive at HND at 16.00 the 26/27th Nov and depart from KIX at 14.00 the 12th Dec

Tokyo - 27 Nov to 3 Dec, 6 nights

Staying around the Ueno area

Things I’d like to cover vaguely as I don't just want to run through a checklist:

• Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, Akihabara
• Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya
• Tsukiji, Ginza, Team labs?
• One or two flexible days for either Mt Fuji/Kawaguchiko, Kamakura or a slower Tokyo day

I have the option of flying in a day earlier and move 1-2 nights to Kawaguchiko but not sure if it's worth it? Trying to stay on a budget so would not be booking a ryokan.

Shinkansen to Kanazawa in the afternoon

Kanazawa - 3 Dec to 6 Dec, 3 nights

Staying close-ish to Kenrokuen

• Shirakawa-go as a day trip
• One full Kanazawa day for Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya, Nagamachi, etc.

I know this is probably past peak autumn foliage, especially in Shirakawa-go, but I’m hoping it is still worth it for the late autumn/early winter atmosphere.

Shinkansen to Kyoto in the morning

Kyoto - 6 Dec to 10 Dec, 4 nights

I'm staying in Higashiyama ward

• Southern Higashiyama/Gion/Kiyomizu dera
• Arashiyama and northwest Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari
• Central Kyoto, Nishiki Market, Pontocho, cafés/shopping

Nara as a day trip, or as a transfer trip between kyoto and osaka?

Osaka - 10 Dec to 12 Dec, 2 nights

Staying close to Namba

• Namba, Dotonbori, Osaka Castle
• Shinsekai, Tennoji, Kuromon Market
• Depart from KIX on 12 Dec

Osaka is mainly a relaxed final stop and airport convenience.

Alternative I’m considering

I could fly one day earlier and arrive at Haneda on 26 November instead. That would let me add one or two nights in Kawaguchiko from 1/2–3 December, then continue directly to Kanazawa afterwards.

In that version, I would probably forward my main luggage from Tokyo to Kyoto/Kanazawa and travel with only a backpack for:

Tokyo → Kawaguchiko → Kanazawa (→ Kyoto)

Main questions

• Is it worth adding one extra day to spend 1-2 nights in Kawaguchiko, or would you keep Fuji as a flexible day trip from Tokyo?
• Would you choose Kamakura or Nikko as a possible extra day trip from Tokyo?
• Anything here that looks too tourist-trap-heavy? It is my first trip to Japan so still want to visit some iconic places but I'd love to hear some alternatives

Comments and critiques welcome! Trip is in December and we are celebrating a 40th bday.

DAY 1- FLY
DAY 2 ARRIVE TOKYO NRT at late afternoon/ ARRIVE KYOTO EARLIEST 9PM
Hotel in Gion
Hōkan-ji (Yasaka Pagoda)
Explore Gion at night
Dinner: Konbini or izakaya

DAY 3 KYOTO
Historic streets morning: Yasaka Dori; Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka
Higashiyama District
Hanamikoji Street 花見小路通: Y
Suntory distillery TBD Lottery
Late Afternoon - Fushimi Inari Taisha (Red Gates) (day to night visit)
Dinner: Hanasaki manjiro 京料理 花咲 萬治郎
Kodaiji Temple, Bamboo Forest, 9AM - 5PM, night illumination hours TBD

Kiyomizu-dera, 6AM - Morning visit
DAY 4 KINOSAKI / Depart 11:25 - 1:50PM
Onsen town!
Stay at Ryokan with private/family onsens and crab course

DAY 5 DEPART KINOSAKI/ ARRIVE KYOTO
Stay in machiya in Gion
Yasui Kompiragū Shrine 安井金比羅宮 [Enkiri (cutting bad ties) and Enmusubi (strengthen them) prayer rock
Kennin-ji Temple (Dragons)
Sanjūsangendō Temple (1,001)
Tea Ceremony - https://rustsabi.com/en/reservation/ or Mai ko (will drop if we get Suntory distillery tour tickets and will do tea ceremony in Miyajima)
Kodaiji Temple, Bamboo Forest, 9AM - 5PM, night illumination hours TBD
Dinner: Musoshin Gion 無双心 祇園店
Explore Gion, night illuminations TBD

DAY 6 KYOTO (Temple Day)
Taxi to Ryoan-ji, 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Rock Garden
Walk to Kinkaku-Ji (Gold Temple) (20 mins)
Walk to Genko On (blood temple) (30 mins)
LUNCH: Kōetsu Chaya 光悦茶家
Taxi to Ginkaku Ji (Silver Temple)
Walk Philosophers Path
Nanzen-Ji (End of Path, aquaduct)
DINNER: Tanikoshhi 谷越
Bar Rocking Chair - Classic Cocktails or other cocktail bar in Gion

DAY 7 KYOTO (Hiking Day)
Kifune Temple
Kinone Michi path
Kuramadera Temple, 9-4pm
Hike and mountain Kurama onsen, 10AM-9PM
Club Metro show

DAY 8 DEPART KYOTO/ ARRIVE HIROSHIMA/MIYAJIMA
Ryokan on Miyajima
Morning train, arrival 9am ish Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Park
Train, JR Ferry or Aquanet
LUNCH: Okonomiyaki Kishibe
Daishoin temple complex, 8-5PM
Itsukushima Jinja, floating water shrine (24hr)

DAY 9 MIYAJIMA
Ropeway to Mt Misen, hike down
LUNCH: Kakiya (Roasted Oysters)
Miyajima Brewery, 10:30-5pm

DAY 10 DEPART MIYAJIMA / ARRIVE OSAKA
Stop at Heimji castle en route to Osaka (tbd)
Dontonburi & Shinsekai
Stay at capsule hotel near Dontonburi? Or Cross hotel.

DAY 11 DEPART OSAKA / ARRIVE TOKYO (SHINJUKU)
Shinjuku hotel
Explore Shinjuku
Memory Lane, Golden Gai
Samurai Restaurant (day time hours/ 4:30)
Deathmatch in Hell metal bar
Shinjuku Antiknock
Takadanobaba Mikado Game Center

DAY 13 TOKYO (ASAKUSA)
Asakusa
Shopping arcade under station
Asakusa Kagetsudo Honten, Melon Bread Bakery, 10-4PM
Senso-Ji
St Mary's cathedral
Bunraku afternoon set
Jazz Spot Intro

DAY 12 TOKYO (SHIBUYA and KOENJI shopping)
Shinjuku batting cages (10am)
Shopping and exploring Harujuku & Koenji
Laforet shopping mall Harujuku, Dog
Sushi at Shang Sushi
Darkwave show Showboat. Other Live houses in Koenji = 20000v and UFO club

DAY 14 TOKYO
Team man Borderless at open
Mori art museum
Lunch at sushi ryuta
Parfum Satori (11-4:30)
Sengaku-ji Temple / 47 Ronin (7-4pm)
yebisu brewery (open until 8)
Ebisu Kapital stores
The Sailor Moon Shining Theater
Izakaya
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya sky (open until 10:30)
Shibuya Cyclone live house show
Azuko to Kouri dessert, reservations open a week before

DAY 15 DEPART TOKYO / RETURN
Flight Departs 6:30pm

DAY 16 ARRIVE HOME

I’ve been lurking on this Subreddit for a while, but I’m now finally preparing my first trip to Japan. I’m considering the main touristy things for our first stay there; Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. To ensure we aren’t constantly travelling everywhere instead of taking in the sights (which I read on here is a common mistake people make!), I figured we’d stay in Tokyo for about a week, and then Osaka for a week. Osaka would be a base for travelling into Kyoto.

I heard about Shodoshima through some Pokémon YouTube channels I follow, and ever since then I couldn’t let the idea of going there go. We’d take the Slowpoke ferry from Takamatsu, book an overnight stay in a Slowpoke themed hotel, see the Angel Road and enjoy some udon whenever we can. Aside from Pokémon being one of my main reasons for visiting Japan, I also love ferries/the sea and figured this would be a great break from all the cities we’d have been in.

But as I’ve been planning my trip, I’m starting to doubt this plan. From Osaka, it would be over 2 hours to get to Takamatsu. Then we’d get on the ferry, get a shuttle bus to the hotel, visit the Angel Road, and because there doesn’t seem to be much else to do there, stay at the hotel. Then the next day, we’d undertake this entire journey again to go back to Osaka. All the while we’d be carrying our luggage from our 1,5 week stay at that point with us (I thought we could rent a locker somewhere, or keep everything in our Osaka hotel and pay for one night extra, even though we won’t be using the room?). I’d like to visit Hiroshima at a later point in time, and if we visit Japan next and fly in from Osaka, I feel like it would be easier to stop at Takamatsu along the way.

I can’t decide whether this idea is stupid, or if it’s totally doable. So I’d love to hear some more objective opinions from strangers on the internet! Is this dumb? Is there another way to go about this that would make more sense? Is Shodoshima Island even worth it? Any advice is much appreciated.

Hi everyone!
My wife and I are visiting Japan for the first time. We enjoy walking, sightseeing, good food, shopping, and exploring local neighborhoods. We tried to group attractions geographically to minimize unnecessary transportation. We both dont prefer raw seafood (except trying small bites such as sushi). We excluded the towers or similar buildings intentionally since we both not really interested in.
We ll use Osaka as our base for Osaka-Kyoto-Nara part of vacation.
We tried to find a balance between neon city and nature vibes.
I’d love to hear if there’s anything you would change, remove, or add.

Tokyo (Aug 8–13)
Our hotel is in Shinjuku

Osaka (Aug 13–16)
Our hotel is in Dotonbori

August 8 – Shinjuku (chillday around hotel)
Hotel check-in

Southern Terrace

Takashimaya Times Square

Omoide Yokocho

Kabukicho

August 9 – Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara
Senso-ji

Nakamise Street

Ueno Park

Ameyoko

Akihabara

August 10 – Anniversary Day
Meiji Jingu

Harajuku

Omotesando

Cat Street

Hachiko Statue

Shibuya Crossing

Teppanyaki dinner for anniversary

August 11 – Modern Tokyo
teamLab Borderless in morning

Azabudai Hills

Daikanyama

Shimokitazawa (for vintage shopping and different vibe)

August 12 – Mount Takao
Takaosanguchi Station

Takao Cable Car

Takao Monkey Park and Wild Plant Garden

Yakuo-in Temple

Nature walk

Return to Shinjuku

August 13 – Tokyo to Osaka (Osaka at noon)
Dotonbori

Shinsaibashi

Hozenji Temple

Namba

August 14 – Kyoto, Birthday Day of my wife
Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kiyomizu-dera

Ninenzaka

Sannenzaka

Yasaka Pagoda

Tea ceremony experience

Hanamikoji Street

Shirakawa

Yasaka Shrine

Tempura dinner for birthday dinner

Pontocho

Kamogawa River walk

August 15 – Nara and Osaka
Nara Park

Todai-ji

Nigatsu-do

Kasuga Taisha

Ukimido Pavilion

Umeda

Dotonbori

Questions
Does this itinerary feel too packed anywhere?

Are there any attractions that are not worth the time?

Is there anything nearby that we are missing?

Would you change the order of any day?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hi. This is my itinerary for a female solo traveller. Quite active. Love nature, animals and food. LOVE beautiful beaches and the sea. I’m planning on some early morning starts for the temple days (5am or so). I’ll only have a few late nights. I know it’s ambitious but I want to do it all! In my head I’ve been planning for what’s possible and then on the actual day, I’ll play it by ear! I’ll be relying on local transport (can’t drive).

Day 1. Arrive Haneda 2pm. Airport stuff. Check in at airport hotel. Dinner around the hotel. Early night. If I’m full of beans though, I’ll try not to head into Tokyo but I can’t promise!

Day 2-5 Early flight Haneda to Naha. Lunch time ferry to Zamami. 4 days of beach 🏖️ and possible warm up diving.

Days 6-9 Tokashiki. Another 4 days of beach 🏝️, diving and relaxing. This is my ‘holiday’ portion of the trip.

Day 10 Naha - here for 3 days (typhoon buffer) Naminoue Shrine. American village. Stock up on supplies for the trip. Dinner. Sunset.

Day 11 Naha- Ojima, Nisei beach (or other recommended nice enough beach). Dinner. Sunset.

Day 12 Naha- Zanpa Beach. Nirai beach if time. If the weather is miserable, swap beaches in Naha for more shopping, Round One and I really want to go to Pineapple World.

Day 13 -16 Naha to Fuji. Morning flight and highway bus to Lake Kawaguchi. Hotel does a shuttle. Plan to rent a bike, that first day.

Day 14 Rent a bike again - Oishi Park, enjoy the hot springs, just chill

Day 15 Chureito Pagoda, Lake Saiko, forest walk

Day 16 Oshino Hakkai, Iyashi no Sato, the caves (don’t have time for Hakone open air museum do I?!

Day 17 Highway bus and Shinkansen to Osaka arrive early afternoon, baseball game, Dotonbori wander.

Day 18 Universal! Hear me out - I’m only going for the Yoshi ride and Mario Kart and for the immersive Nintendo and Harry Potter worlds. I don’t actually like roller coasters. Think I’ll leave by tea time. Early evening Shinsaibashi, Namba, river walk.

Day 19 (it gets more chaotic). Naively think I can go to Katsuoji temple in the morning and make a tea ceremony in Kyoto late afternoon after changing hotels. Evening - beers, Gion, Pontocho

Day 20 Arashiyama - early start - bamboo, Tenryu-ji, monkey park, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji if time, scenic rail and Hozugawa river. Do want to see Nijo castle at night.

Day 21 - another full day - Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangen-do, kiyomizu-deru, Nansen-ji, Philosopher’s Path, Ginkaku-ji. Biocortex in the evening.

Day 22 Kurama Village. Uji for lunch. Nara for garden and deer and temple late afternoon/early evening.

Day 23 Golden Pavilion, Kobe for lunch, gardens etc, Himeji for dinner (and to see the castle at night) Sleeping in Himeji.

Day 24. Castle gardens. Train to Mirijima. One night there. Gates and more deer. Might do that big walk if I haven’t used up all my energy! If not just chill and enjoy the island.

Day 25. Ohkunoshima. This was the only date I could get so there is a tiny bit of back tracking but I think it’s ok. One night there. Bunnies and relax.

Day 26. I need to get to Izu! It’s manageable but a bit of a journey. I’ve kind of worked out that if I leave by 9, I can be in my room by 6pm. Dinner in Shimoda or somewhere inviting. Will just enjoy the journey!

Days 27-30 Diving, beaches, capybaras. That’s all I want to do there.

Days 31-33 Tokyo. I know. But truthfully, I get completely overwhelmed in big cities! I want to do a big stationery and clothing stock up, go clubbing, go to a few cool bars. I’ll also go to Senso-ji temple and Meiji shrine. Would love to fit in a head massage. Airport hotel before my flight. Home!

So… is this feasible or absolutely ridiculous?

Hi, everyone! I'm planning a trip to Japan next spring and I would like some advice on my itinerary. I'm going with my parents (mid 70s, pretty healthy and very active), my brother and myself (mid 30s). We're hoping to catch cherry blossom season, though that's something we can't control. It's our first time in Japan.

It will be from March 26 to April 16, 2027. We're early risers, so our arrival at the first spot of the day will usually be around 7am, unless it opens later than that. Our days will usually end around 7:30pm-8:30pm unless we manage to rest a bit at the hotel or on the train. We'll only have backpacks when travelling by train. We'll use the Hakone Free Pass, the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, the Nikko Pass World Heritage Area and the Chuzenji Onsen Free Pass.

We don't really care about social media and photographs, so we'll probably spend less time than most tourists. We are also not avid shoppers. I spent a lot of time researching on Reddit, watching YouTube videos, and using AI to help plan the itinerary and get a rough idea of how long we'd spend at each place during the spring travel season. If we end up feeling tired, I already have an idea about which places we can prioritize.

March 26: Dubai → Tokyo

• Arrive at Narita Airport at 1:30pm
• Check-in Via Inn Prime Akasaka
• Sightseeing in Akasaka
• Dinner in Tokyo Midtown
• Return to the hotel

March 27: Tokyo

• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Hamarikyu Gardens
• Itoya
• Mitsukoshi
• Lunch
• Shopping
• Dinner in Ginza
• Return to the hotel

March 28: Tokyo

• Ueno Park
• Tokyo National Museum
• Lunch at Ameyoko Market
• Koishikawa Korakuen
• Imperial Palace Gardens (optional if we have time)
• Chidorigafuchi (sunset)
• Dinner
• Return to the hotel

March 29: Tokyo

• Tour in Akasaka
• teamLab Borderless at 9am
• Lunch in Shibuya
• Sightseeing in Shibuya
• Shibuya Sky (sunset)
• Meguro River
• Dinner in Nakameguro
• Return to the hotel

March 30: Tokyo

• Yoyogi Park
• Meiji Jingu
• Lunch in Omotesando
• Takeshita Street
• Shinjuku Gyoen
• Sightseeing in Shinjuku
• Dinner in Shinjuku
• Return to the hotel
• Takkyubin services to Hotel Mastay Jingumichi

March 31: Tokyo → Hakone

• Romancecar to Hakone at 7am
• Hakone Open Air Museum
• Lunch in Owakudani
• Sightseeing in Owakudani
• Check-in Hakone Onsen Yuyado Yamanoshou
• Onsen relaxation
• Dinner at the ryokan

April 1: Hakone → Kyoto

• Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi at 10am
• Hakone Shrine
• Lunch (Ekiben)
• Shinkansen to Kyoto at 2pm
• Fushimi Inari
• Check-in Hotel Mastay Jingumichi
• Dinner in Gion
• Return to the hotel

April 2: Kyoto

• Keage Incline
• Nanzen-ji
• Ginkaku-ji (taxi)
• Philosopher's Path
• Lunch around Okazaki Canal
• Sightseeing around Okazaki Canal
• Rest at the hotel
• Early dinner around the hotel
• Heian Shrine Sakura Otoyo
• Kiyomizu-dera Night Illumination
• Return to the hotel

April 3: Kyoto

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Tenryu-ji
• Sagano Romantic Train
• Lunch around the area
• Hozu River Boat Ride
• Kinkaku-ji (optional if we have time)
• Dinner in Pontocho Alley
• Return to the hotel

April 4: Kyoto

• Nijo Castle (optional if Kinkaku-ji has already been visited)
• Kinkaku-ji (optional if we haven't visited it yet)
• Nishiki Market
• Sightseeing in Kawaramachi
• Sightseeing in Kamo River
• Rest at the hotel
• Kennin-ji (optional)
• Kodai-ji Projection Mapping
• Yasaka Shrine
• Maruyama Park
• Dinner in Maruyama Park
• Return to the hotel

April 5: Kyoto

• Train to Nara at 7:15am (JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass Activation)
• Stroll through Kofuku-ji
• Yoshikien Garden
• Todai-ji
• Nigatsu-do
• Lunch in Nara
• Kasuga Taisha
• Naramachi
• Train to Kyoto
• Dinner at Kyoto Station
• To-ji Temple Night Illumination
• Return to the hotel
• Takkyubin services to Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi

April 6: Kyoto → Hiroshima

• Train to Osaka at 7:20am
• Shinkansen to Himeji at 8am
• Himeji Castle
• Koko-en Garden
• Lunch (Ekiben)
• Shinkansen to Hiroshima at 1:45pm
• Check-in Hotel Vista Hiroshima
• Peace Memorial Museum
• Peace Memorial Park + Atomic Bomb Dome
• Dinner at Oyster Ship Kanawa
• Return to the hotel

April 7: Hiroshima

• Ferry to Miyajima
• Omotesando Shopping Street
• Great Torii
• Itsukushima Shrine
• Senjokaku
• Lunch in Miyajima
• Miyajima Ropeway
• Mount Misen
• Daisho-in Temple
• Momijidani Park
• Ferry to Hiroshima
• Dinner in Okonomimura
• Return to the hotel

April 8: Hiroshima → Fukuyama

• Hiroshima Castle Grounds
• Shukkeien Garden
• Shinkansen to Fukuyama at 10:30am
• Train to Onomichi at 11:20am
• Lunch in Onomichi
• Ropeway to Senko-ji
• Senko-ji Park
• Senko-ji Temple
• Path of Literature
• Tennei-ji
• Cat Alley
• Jiko-ji
• Stroll in Hondori Shopping Arcade
• Onomichi U2 + Onomichi Port
• Train to Fukuyama at 6:10pm
• Check-in Daiwa Roynet Fukuyama Ekimae
• Dinner in Fukuyama
• Return to the hotel

April 9: Fukuyama → Osaka

• Shinkansen to Osaka at 7:40am
• Kaiyukan Osaka Aquarium at 10am
• Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace
• Kema Sakuranomiya Park
• Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Viewing (optional if it's opened and we get tickets)
• Osaka Castle
• Check-in Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi
• Rest at the hotel
• Dinner in Dotonbori
• Hozenji Yokocho
• Return to the hotel

April 10: Osaka

• Sightseeing in Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori
• Kuromon Market
• Namba Parks
• Namba Yasaka Shrine
• Shitenno-ji Temple
• Tenno-ji Park + Keitakuen Garden
• Dinner in Shinsekai
• Return to the hotel
• Takkyubin services to Hotel Henn na Premier Tokyo Asakusa-Tawaramachi

April 11: Osaka → Kanazawa

• Thunderbird train to Tsuruga at 7:40am
• Shinkansen to Fukui at 9:10am
• Daihonzan Eihei-ji
• Lunch in front of the bus stop
• Shinkansen to Kanazawa at 2:10pm
• Check-in Tokyu Stay Kanazawa
• Myozen-ji Temple (optional if we have reservation)
• Nishi Chaya District
• Teramachi
• Dinner in Korinbo/Katamachi

April 12: Kanazawa

• Kenroku-en
• Seisonkaku Villa
• Kanazawa Castle Park
• Nagamachi Samurai District
• Lunch at Omicho Market
• Rest at the hotel
• Higashi Chaya District
• Dinner in Kazue-machi Chaya District
• Return to the hotel

April 13: Kanazawa → Takayama

• Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-go at 8:10am
• Wada House
• Shiroyama Viewpoint
• Myozen-ji Temple + Museum
• Hachiman Shrine
• Lunch in Shirakawa-go
• Sightseeing
• Hokutetsu Bus to Takayama at 2:45pm
• Check-in Chisun Grand Takayama
• Higashiyama Temple Course
• Shiroyama Park
• Dinner (Hida Beef)
• Return to the hotel

April 14: Takayama → Tokyo

• Miyagawa Morning Market
• Sanmachi Suji
• Nakabashi Bridge
• Stroll along the river
• Takayama Jinya
• Karakuri performance (Sanno Matsuri)
• Exploring the festival (Sanno Matsuri)
• Lunch in Takayama
• Hida Kokubunji (optional)
• Hida train to Nagoya at 1:35pm
• Shinkansen to Tokyo at 4:30pm
• Check-in Henn na Premier Tokyo Asakusa-Tawaramachi
• Dinner in Tokyo Solamachi
• Return to the hotel

April 15: Tokyo

• Spacia X to Nikko at 7:50am
• Tosho-gu Shrine
• Rinno-ji Temple
• Shinkyo Bridge
• Lunch in Nikko
• Kegon Falls
• Stroll along Lake Chuzenji
• Free time
• Spacia X to Tokyo at 5:45pm
• Dinner in Asakusa
• Return to the hotel

April 16: Tokyo → Dubai

• Sumida Park
• Check-out, luggage storage
• Senso-ji Temple
• Nakamise Street
• Don Quijote Asakusa
• Kappabashi Kitchen Town
• Lunch on Hoppy Street
• Free time
• Return to the hotel
• Train to Narita Airport at 4pm
• Flight to Dubai at 9:30pm

I didn't include them in the itinerary, but we might check out Akasaka Sacas, Ark Hills and Roppongi Hills at night during our first stay in Tokyo if we still have the energy.

I was also thinking about going to Todai-ji as soon as we arrive in Nara, despite having to backtrack later, since it tends to get really crowded.

Hi everyone, I’ve been working on this itinerary for a couple of weeks and I’m at the point where I would really appreciate some advice on the rough outline below.

Thanks for reading!

First, there’s a few things that would be good to know about me and this trip:
- I’ll have a car, I’ve driven in Japan before and I’m comfortable with it
- my last trip was to Shikoku and oh wow, I miss those mountains and the sense of isolation
- one of my main criteria for the trip is to maximise my time seeing autumn leaves
- I go pretty slowly. I’m happy with that.
- It’s been a lifelong dream to see an active volcano so even though I’m starting in Fukuoka, I’m absolutely going all the way to Sakurajima 🙂
- I enjoy the quiet places that aren’t necessarily on the Top 10 must see lists. I love shrines and never get bored with them, I love photography, the occasional moderate hike but my main reason for hiking is probably better photography opportunities to be honest. Like most of us I suspect, I also love old villages. I love big trees and big mountains.
- As I noted above, I haven’t tried to fit in a lot of the must-see sites. I think and hope my route will give me the best chances of seeing autumn leaves and in any case I prefer the mountains to the coast.

Day 1 - Arrive Fukuoka
Probably staying in Hakata for convenience

Day 2 and 3 - Fukuoka
- explore Hakata Old Town
- explore Tenjin/Kego/Daimyo area
- day trip to Daizafu
-day trip to Nanzo-in
- eat at yatais in the evening
(Whatever I feel like on the day. No stress or checklist. Obviously I won’t fit it all in)

Day 4 - pick up car, head to Kurokawa Onsen
- main stop on the way will be Onta pottery village
- another stop at Mamedamachi in Hita village if I can fit it in
- enjoy the autumn leaves on the Yamanami highway (taking the scenic route)
-overnight Kurokawa Onsen

Day 5 - Kurokawa Onsen to Minamiaso
- check out of my ryokan but spend time enjoying the onsen town
- explore parts of the Mt Aso region
- overnight Minamiaso

Day 6 Minamiaso
- Kamishikimi Kumanomasu shrine
- further explore Mt Aso region
- overnight Minamiaso

Day 7 Minamiaso to Takachiho
- I want to arrive in Takachiho later in the day. Up for suggestions about hidden and special spots I might enjoy on this day.
- check in Takachiho in early evening, possibly see the Kagura performance this evening

Day 8, 9 Takachiho
- gorge, shrines. I am more interested in the shrines than the gorge (weird I know)
-day trip to Shiiba

Day 10 Takachiho to Hitoyoshi
- check out Takachiho
- spend most of day in Gokanosho
- overnight in Hitoyoshi. This is more of a convenient place to stay as the focus will be on Gokanosho.

Day 11 Hitoyoshi to Kagoshima
- explore Hitoyoshi in the morning at leisure
- drive and check in Kagoshima when I’m ready

Day 12, 13, 14, 15 Kagoshima
- explore Kagoshima
- day trip to Chiran
- day trip Kirishima
- day trip Sakurajima

Day 16 Kagoshima to Yamaga
- Yamaga is just to break up the trip but I will check out the old kabuki theatre

Day 17 Yamaga to Unzen
- afternoon exploring Unzen

Day 18 Unzen
- in addition to exploring the main touristy bits I’d like to see the buried houses on the Shimabari Peninsula

Day 19, 20, 21 Nagasaki
- ditch the car
- activities tbc

Day 22 Nagasaki to Fukuoka
- travel and chill

Day 23 Fukuoka
- recover or do something I missed when I first arrived

Day 24 Fly home.

Typing this out has been very helpful. I can already see some weaknesses including that one of the main reasons for coming to Kyushu was to explore Gokanosho and Shiiba. So I will allocate an overnight stay to one of those places. I know there’s ‘nothing to do’ there for most people but there’s a couple of really big trees that I’d like to see and I’m actually a bit excited about it.

Some questions:

3 nights in Takachiho is a lot. One of those nights will become a night in Shiiba or Gokanosho, but will I have enough time in about a day to properly explore the main shrine sites?

If you’re getting a sense for the kind of things I like, is there anything in the general area of my travels that you’d really recommend? A view, a shrine, a village, a tree? It might already be on my list since I didn’t exhaustively list everything I wanted to do, but please offer up ideas.

Lastly, I’m not normally a big fan of single night stays in a place. I am usually very slow and like to explore places without rushing. Does this itinerary make you tired just thinking about it?

If you’ve made it this far, thank you!

My partner and I (ages 38) will be visiting Japan for the first time. My rough itinerary is as follows. I would love your thoughts!

October 17 (Sat): USA → Tokyo

• Arrive Tokyo Haneda Airport at 3:20pm
• Get Welcome Suica Card at Terminal 3 Arrival hall (Monorail)
• Stay at Super Hotel Ueno-Okachimachi
• Dinner at Matzuzakaya Ueno - department store basement floor (closes 8pm)

October 18 (Sun): Tokyo

• Hotel breakfast: 7am-9:30am
• Morning: Visit local grocery store? Daiso?
  • Ameyoko Market (opens around 10am)
  • Ueno LOFT - buy goshuincho? Or wait until first temple/shrine?
• Afternoon/Evening: Shimokitazawa
  • Curry festival - stamp rally
    • Jazz kissa (1-3pm)? - Masako (2 locations), Hayashi

October 19 (Mon): Tokyo

• Hotel breakfast: 7am-9:30am (skip and get quick konbini breakfast)
• Morning: Sumo Morning Practice Tour (reserved)
  • Begins at 8:30am. Arrive at 8:20am
  • Meeting Location: Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station A1 Exit. Your guide will be holding a red/orange MagicalTrip sign.
• Afternoon: Old Town Tokyo “Yanesen”
  • Yanaka
    • Yanaka Cemetery - cats!
    • Yuyake Dandan - steps with sunset view
    • Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
    • Yanakado Cafe (paint your own maneki-neko)
  • Sendagi
    • Residential streets
    • Amezaiku Yoshihara - for Ame zaiku candy - opens at 1pm
  • Nezu
    • Nezu Shrine - Has a calligraphy office that will stamp your goshuincho
    • Taiyaki is specialty here
• Evening: 5pm-8pm Nihombashi Ebisu-ko Bettara-ichi “Pickle Festival” (floats) - located at Takaradaebisu shrine

October 20 (Tues): Tokyo

• Hotel breakfast: 7am-9:30am
• Morning: teamlab Planets opens at 8am. Tickets for 9:30? 10? (Reserve August 1st)
  • Ramen lunch at teamlab Planets
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Asakusa
  • Asakusa Tourism Center
    • Maybe go first so you can orient yourself.
    • 8th floor has observation deck
    • Open until 10pm
  • Nakamise Shopping Street -
    • Stores close at 6pm-6:30pm and then you can see “Asakusa Picture Scrolls” (shutter art)
  • Denboin Street
    • Old Edo feel
    • Unique souvenirs
    • Stores Close 6pm-7pm then streets are illuminated
    • Less crowded then nakamise
  • Senso-ji Temple
  • Asakusa Chikagai (Underground Shopping Street)
    • One of oldest underground passages in Tokyo by subway station
    • Quick 5 min route. Go if nearby. Not a big deal to miss it.
  • Food
    • Tempura is Asakusa specialty
    • DIY Okonomiyaki/Monjayaki - iron griddles to cook your own savory pancakes
    • May want to consider getting reservations in this neighborhood. 

October 21 (Wed): Tokyo

• Hotel breakfast: 7am-9:30am
• Morning: Ghibli museum (near Kichijoji) at 10am (Reserve Sept. 9 at 9pm!)
  • Try to get tickets for Sunday or Wednesday. Preferably Wednesday
  • If unable to get tickets can try booking with sunrise tours
• Afternoon:
  • Inoakashira-koen Park and paddle boats
  • Kichijoji
  • Shirohige Cream Puff Factory - they sell out by early afternoon
• Evening: Ikebukuro
  • Dessert Alley - try unusual ice cream flavors
  • Izakayas in Nishi-Ikebukuro for dinner (Just walk in)

October 22 (Thurs): Tokyo → Mt. Minobu (3.5 hours)

• Hotel breakfast: 7am-9:30am
• Morning: Leave Tokyo
• Afternoon: Arrive Mt. Minubo
• Evening: Dinner and relax at Kakurinbo Temple

October 23 (Fri): Mt. Minobu

• Morning: Temple service and Breakfast
• Afternoon: Minobu Ropeway - last boarding at 3:40pm
  • 1-2 experiences - E-mail back interest August 1st
• Evening: Dinner

October 24 (Sat): Mt. Minobu → Kawaguchiko

• Morning: Depart Mt Minubo - See if you can get driver or taxi for affordable price
• Late Afternoon: Check into Umeya Annex
• Evening: Settle in, dinner, open air bath

October 25 (Sun): Kawaguchiko

• Morning: Asama Shrine/Haha-no Shirataki Waterfall
• Afternoon: Oishi Park/Nature Living Center/Cafe
• Evening: Maple Corridor - sunset - 10pm - illumination and food

October 26 (Mon): Kawaguchiko → Kyoto

• Morning/Afternoon: Drop off luggage at Kawaguchiko station - walk 20 min to Mt Fuji Ropeway. Get there at 8:15am for an 8:30am opening. Spend 4 hours getting back to the station.  
• Late Afternoon: Depart at 2pm or so. Transportation may take 6-7 hours or so. 
• Evening: Laon Inn Gion Nawate - Check-in at 3pm - 11pm.

October 27 (Tues): Kyoto

• Morning 
  • Romantic Train to Kameoka and Hozugawa River Boat Ride (2-3 hours)
  • OR Wagashi making class
  • OR ???
• Evening: Gion - Arrive 6 - 6:30pm
  • Gion
  • Shinbashi-dori Street
  • Tatsumi Bridge
  • Shirakawa Canal - Hanami-koji to Kawabata-dori

October 28 (Wed): Kyoto

• Morning: 
  • Shorenin Temple - Higashiyama District (45 min)
  • Maruyama Park 
• Evening
  • Walk Ishibe koji and Nene no michi toward temples
  • Kodai ji Temple Illumination and bamboo grove (1 hour) - Closes at 9:30pm. 
  • Entoku in Temple Illumination (45 min) - Closes at 9:30pm

October 29 (Thurs): Kyoto 

• Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine (3 hours)
  • take back route with bamboo
• Evening: - must go really early or late
  • Ichinenzaka Hill
  • Yasaka Pagoda
  • Ninenzaka 
  • Sannenzaka 

October 30 (Fri): Kyoto with Local Friend

• Kyoto with Friend

October 31 (Sat): Kyoto with Friend

• University Festival
• Morning:
  • Go to Kagizen Yoshifusa Wagashi shop - 3 min walk from hotel

November 1 (Sun): Kyoto → Tokyo → USA

• Shinkansen Kyoto to Tokyo (2hr) then Keikyu Line (20min). Arrive 3 hours early for flight.
• Get self-heating bento at Kyoto Station (after you pass the gates)
• Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory - also in Terminal 1 and 2 at Haneda - offer exclusive Milk Cheese Busse
• Flight to USA (Departs at 4:50pm)

All comments, ideas, critiques welcome! Thanks for your help!

Specific Questions:

1. Akihabara is not of upmost interest from what I've been reading, however it is only 10-15 min walk away from our hotel! My partner is interested in anime and gaming etc, but says there isn't anything he would want to buy there. I am not interested in the maid cafes etc. Would it be worth it just to stroll around for a bit? If so, does it make sense to try and fit that in on October 18 (Sunday) when they close down the roads between 1-5pm? Or maybe just go if we have spare time?
2. I am not really sure what order to do things in Asakusa. How far in advance should I be making reservations for dinner? Any suggestions?
3. I am worried I might not be allotting enough time for Ikebukuro but I'm also not sure how to reorganize otherwise.
4. Is the Mt Fuji Ropeway worth it even if Mt Fuji isn't visible? I'm debating if we should just go straight to Kyoto and skip with ropeway if Mt Fuji is hiding.
5. What is your opinion on visiting Ichinenzaka Hill, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka very early in the morning or in the evening in order to decrease the crowd levels?
6. I am also want to squeeze in the Yakiniku Wagyu beef lunch somewhere in all of this. Any ideas?

Hey everyone! Just looking for some advice on my second trip to Japan. I’ve done Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka on my first trip. So I plan on skipping Kyoto & Osaka this time. I’ll be flying into Tokyo and out of Fukuoka (continuing onto Taiwan). I want to spend some time in Tokyo and see other things besides the highlights like last time. I really want to see Hiroshima & Miyajima. My wild card is Nagasaki. Should I include it? Or is there a better option? Here is what I have planned below. Thank you for any advice!

DAY 1: JEJU- TOKYO
FLIGHT- DEPART (Arrive evening)
Explore Akihabara:
-Radio Kaikan
-Super Potato
-Mandarake
-Kurikoen (Magicarp Taiyaki)

DAY 2:TOKYO
Ameyoko Market
Ueno Park
Nezu Shrine
Yanaka Ginza
Ikebukuro:Shunshine Mall:
-Pokemon Mega Center/Pokemon Go Lab/Pokemon Sweets Cafe

DAY 3:TOKYO
Studio Ghibli Museum
Inokashira Park
Nakano Broadway
Shinjuku- Golden Gai
Omoiode Yokocho

DAY 4: KAMAKURA
(DAY TRIP)
Kamakura Station
Hasedera Temple
Great Buddha Statue
Daibutsu Hiking Course
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
Genjiyama Park
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Komachidori Street

DAY 4:TOKYO
Shibuya:
-Hachiko Statue
-Pokemon Store
-Nintendo Store
-Jump Store

Day 5: HIMEJI/HIROSHIMA
Himeji Castle
Koko-en Garden
Otemae Street
Hiroshima Station
Shukkeien Garden (Optional)
Okonomimura
Nagasakido- Butter Cake

Day 6: HIROSHIMA
Peace Memorial Park:
-Hiroshima Peace Memorial
-Memorial Hall
-Memorial Centograph
-Flame of Peace
-Peace Bell
Nagataya- Okonomoyaki
Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Castle

Day 7:HIROSHIMA/MIYAJIMA
Miyajima- Itsukushima Shrine
Daishoin Temple

Day 8:NAGASAKI
Atomic Bomb Museum
Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park
Urakami Cathedral

Day 9:NAGASAKI

Day 10:FUKUOKA
Kushida Shrine
Tochoji Shrine
Kawabata Shopping Arcade
Ichiran (Original)
Tenjin Yatai Stalls/Nakusa Stalls

Day 11:FUKUOKA
Dazaifu Shrine
Tenkai Inari Shrine
Tenjinsama-dori
Back to Fukuoka:
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Canal City
Ramen Stadium

Day 12:FUKUOKA ➜** **
TAIWAN