We’re first-time visitors (couple, 30s) to Japan, arriving in mid-April and leaving early May. We know about Golden week happening during our stay here, not sure how this will affect our itinerary yet.
We might get a JR pass (14 days), don’t mind walking a lot and are looking forward to trying all different kinds of food, snacks and drinks.
This is our current plan, what do you think? Anything we should add or eliminate? Also grateful for recommendations for hotels, ryokans et cetera
Day 1 – TOKYO
• arrival at Haneda airport in the afternoon, taking it easy for the rest of the day
Day 2 – TOKYO
• Shibuya crossing, Shibuya Sky, Harajuku, explore
Day 3 – KYOTO
• travel day, taking it easy
Day 4 – KYOTO
• Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda
Day 5 – KYOTO
• Fushimi Inari hike, Nishiki market
Day 6 – KYOTO
• trip to Uji (Nintendo Museum)
Day 7 – KYOTO
• spare day – any recommendations?
Day 8 – TAKAYAMA
• travel day, Showa kan museum
Day 9 – TAKAYAMA
• either Shirakawa-go or Hida Village, onsen
Day 10 – OSAKA
• Takayama Morning Market before taking the train to Osaka, explore Osaka and Osaka castle
Day 11 – OSAKA
• trip to Nara, Dotonbori at night
Day 12 – HIROSHIMA
• travel day, Hiroshima peace park, peace museum
Day 13 – HIROSHIMA
• trip to Miyajima, Itsukushima shrine and tori gate, possibly take the ropeway to the observatory
Day 14 – HIROSHIMA/TOKYO
• visit Hiroshima castle before taking the train back to Tokyo
Day 15 – TOKYO
• trip to Kamakura and possibly to Echigo yuzawa (Sake tasting)
Day 16 – TOKYO
• trip to Yokohama: Cup Noodle museum, Chinatown, explore city
Day 17 – TOKYO
• TeamLab Planets, Tsukiji Outer Market
Day 18 – TOKYO
• shopping day, Shinjuku
Day 19 – TOKYO
• Ueno park, Amenyoko Shopping district, Akihabara, Ninomaru garden, Imperial palace
Day 20 – TOKYO
• departure from Haneda