Hey guys
I am planning my honeymoon to Japan and wanted to get advice on actives I should do. I am planning 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Osaka, and hopefully 1 day at the Studio Ghibli Park before going to Dubai. Here is what I have currently, but please let me know if there is something I should go see before leaving. I have never been to Japan and neither has my partner. I am planning to stay at the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo and Hilton Osaka as recommended by my travel agent. Is there anything I should know or be aware of about the locations of these hotels?
Tokyo:
• Thursday 11th July – Full day Tour Tokyo. Here is what my travel agent has planned. Let me know if I should change/add to it.
◦ “Meet up with the guide this morning in the hotel for the trip to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrine steeped in history and spirituality. Pass through the impressive torii gates leading to the shrine’s inner forest of over 100,000 trees. Whether witnessing a traditional Shinto wedding procession or strolling through the lush grounds, Meiji Jingu provides an unforgettable experience of nature in the centre of Tokyo’s urban landscape.
◦ Move on to the nearby districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, vibrant neighbourhoods that offer a unique and eclectic experience. Harajuku, renowned for its quirky street fashion, showcases an array of avant-garde boutiques and shops that cater to various subcultures. Omotesando, often dubbed Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées” presents a sharp contrast with its upscale, sophisticated atmosphere.
◦ After lunch use public transport to reach the beautiful Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a traditional landscape that serves as an excellent example of Japanese garden design.
◦ The final destination of the day is Asakusa. This charming district exudes a nostalgic charm and showcases Tokyo’s traditional side. At the heart of Asakusa stands the iconic Senso-ji, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, drawing hordes of locals and tourists alike seeking blessings and cultural insight. The vibrant Nakamise Street leading to the temple offers a bustling market with a myriad of stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
◦ After a full day of touring the city, return to the hotel with the guide or part ways and continue exploring the city independently.”
◦ After being dropped off, we plan to go out exploring but I haven’t decided where/ what to do. I imagine food and shopping. Any advise welcome!
• Friday 12th July – Disney Tokyo
• Saturday 13th July – Self Guided Day Tokyo. Below are some cool things I have found online. Would be grateful to recommend others or advise on the ones below
◦ Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
◦ Shopping malls, Food (Ramen), Arcades (Akihabara)
◦ teamLab Planets TOKYO
◦ Gardens (Hama Rikyu Gardens, Yoyogi Park)
◦ Pokemon cafe
◦ Temples/ Zen Garden – most likely covered by guided tour
◦ Bar/Food/Robot Restaurant
◦ Arcade
• Sunday 14th July – Bullet Train to Osaka + Self Guided Day Osaka. Any advise on activities welcome!
◦ Universal Studios Japan – Unlikely as it would take the entire day
◦ Tour/Osaka Backstreet Night Tour/Food tour
◦ Dotombori District/Shopping
◦ temple/castle
◦ Parks
◦ Bar/Food
• Monday 15th July – Full day Tour Osaka – I imagine some of the above will be done here e.g. Temples, site seeing, food tour
• Tuesday 16th July – Bullet Train to and from Studio Ghibli Nagoya
◦ Hopefully if we are able to get tickets! If not, I’m thinking either an extra day in Tokyo or Dubai
• Wednesday 17th July – Self Guided Day Osaka + Late night flight to Dubai
So here is what I have currently. I’m just worried since Tokyo has so many provinces I’m missing must see places and activities. Is there anywhere else I should go visit? Im happy for it to be tours or self guided
