Hey everyone! I’m planning a trip to Japan and have laid out a pretty rough first draft itinerary. I would love to get some advice or suggestions on things to do, places to eat, or any hidden gems we shouldn’t miss. Additionally, we have one extra day to add wherever we wish. Let me know what y’all think!
April 5th:
Flight to Tokyo, departing at 6:05 am.
April 6th:
Arrival in Tokyo Haneda at 2:20 pm.
Plan to unwind from the flight. Explore local food options, visit a 7/11, hit an arcade, and grab some drinks to shake off the jetlag.
April 7th:
Day trip to **Kamakura** and **Yokohama**.
In Kamakura: Visit a few temples: Kamakura Daibutsu, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Hokokuji Temple bamboo forest, have some matcha.
In Yokohama: Check out the Cup Noodle Museum, Silphco Tower, and Chinatown.
April 8th:
Take the Shinkansen to Kanazawa (Approx. 3 hours transit).
April 8th/9th:
**Kanazawa**
Stay in Machiya townhome hotels if possible.
Visit Omicho Market to try eel.
Stroll through the Higashi Chaya District for cafes, food, and shopping.
Wander around Nagamachi samurai district.
Visit Omaya Shrine and Kenrokuen Garden. Food and tea in the garden.
April 10th:
Train to Takayama/Shirakawago.
Explore Shirakawa village for half a day, then take the train to Takayama.
April 10th/11th:
**Takayama**
Try local food.
Visit the Showa Museum.
Explore the city.
April 12th:
Take a train to Kyoto (Approx. 3 hours transit).
April 12th/13th:
**Kyoto**
Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Explore Arashiyama: the bridge, bamboo forest, monkey park, temples, and shops.
Visit Kiyomizudera Temple.
The Nintendo Museum should be opening at the end of March. Very excited to check this out!
April 14th:
Day trip to Nara (Approx. 45 minutes transit).
Bow to the deer in Nara, try mochi, visit Todaiji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
April 15th:
Train to Osaka (Approx. 30 minutes transit).
April 15th/16th:
**Osaka**
Dotonbori nightlife.
Visit Osaka Castle.
Catch a Hanshin Tigers baseball game against the Tokyo Giants.
April 17th:
Train to Hakone (Approx. 3 hours transit).
Stay in a Ryokan, enjoy hot springs, visit Mount Hakone, and hopefully catch views of Mt. Fuji.
April 18th:
Return to Tokyo (Approx. 2 hours transit).
April 18th/19th:
Spend another day in Tokyo.
Visit Shinjuku, Shibuya, Odaiba, and Akihabara.
Drinks/Food at Omoide Yokocho/Golden Gai.
Visit the Pokémon Center, karaoke bar, animal café, do some general shopping.
Maybe visit the Skytree.
April 20th:
Mystery Day – This day can be added on anywhere in the trip. This was the main reason for making this post.
April 21st:
Flight back from Tokyo Haneda at 6:25 pm.
I’m super excited about this trip and would greatly appreciate any advice, tips, or must-see spots that you think we should add to our itinerary. Thank you in advance!