Hi, everyone! So, me and my family (most of us are first timers) are going to Japan for only 5 days in May 2024 and we’re trying to fit in as much as we can but unfortunately due to our short stay, we can’t really do much. I know 5 days is very short but we’re hoping that we could go back again next time. Here’s the problem: we’ll be arriving in Japan at lunch time on the first day and our flight back is also at lunch time on the last day. Basically, the first and last days are half days only which makes our stay much much shorter. And now I’m torn on where to go on the 4th day and I need your help. Here’s a rundown of our Itinerary:
Day 1 – Osaka
From airport -> Lodging in Osaka near Shinsekai (for 5 days) -> lunch at Takimi Koji Alley in Umeda
Afternoon:
– Umeda Sky Bldg
– Osaka Castle/Park
– Dotonbori/Shinsaibashuji
Day 2 – Osaka
Whole day:
– USJ
Day 3 – Kyoto
Morning:
– Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (at around 7am)
– Tenryu-Ji Temple (will just passby on our way back to Saga-Arashiyama Station)
– Nishiki Market for lunch
Afternoon:
– Fushimi Inara Taisha
– Kiyomisu-dara
– Gion District (idk if I could squeeze this in anymore)
Day 4 – OPTION 1 Himeji/Kobe
Morning:
– Himeji Castle – must see
Afternoon:
– Nunobiki Herb Gardens
– Kitano ljinkan-Gai
– Ikuta Jinja
OR OPTION 2 Nara
Morning:
– Kasuga Taisha
– Nara Park
– Todai-ji – must see
Afternoon:
– Kotuku-ji
– Nakatanidou – must try
Day 5 – Osaka
Morning:
– Shinsekai Market
– Tsutenkaku Tower
– Don Quijote Shinsekai
*mostly just shopping on the last day
Or can I just do Nara on the 4th day and do Himeji Castle in the morning of the 5th day since I only really wanna see Himeji Castle and could personally cut out Kobe. Although it’s going to be a bit rushed since our flight back is at 2PM. Please help me decide which places are worth it.
And also, is my itinerary okay? Do you have any other recommendations? Please feel free to adjust any of the above. Thank you so much!