Hi everyone! We’ve visited Japan a few times in the past, but this will be our first time venturing out into Central Japan. I’d love to know if you see any red flags with my itinerary.
We’ll be visiting in mid October, and our dates will (for better or for worse) coincide with two festivals: Hachiman Matsuri in Takayama and Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn festival in Nikko.
FWIW, we’re a couple in our 30s from NYC. Big fans of onsen, good food, and good drinks. We walk a lot and love getting a little lost. We speak some Japanese.
**Day 1, Nagoya** – land in Nagoya
**Day 2, Nagoya** – day trip to Ghibli Park
**Day 3, Nagoya** – day trip to Kyoto for a wedding photoshoot (yep it’s cheesy) OR Magome/Tsumago hike
**Day 4, Takayama** – drive to Gujo Hachiman, then on to Takayama, arriving in the late afternoon… watch the Hachiman Matsuri evening parade
**Day 5, Takayama** – explore Takayama (morning market; Hida no Sato Folk Village; Hachiman Matsuri parade etc.)
**Day 6, Kanazawa** – drive to Ainokura/Shirakawa-go … then on to Kanazawa, arriving in the evening
**Day 7, Kanazawa** – explore Kanazawa
**Day 8, Karuizawa** – head to Karuizawa, we can leave late if we need a little more time in Kanazawa … check in to onsen ryokan and relax
**Day 9, Karuizawa** – day trip to Kusatsu (we really just want to see the yubatake, and soak in the vibe of an old fashioned onsen town) and/or Jigokudani Monkey Park? I’m not sure about this day
**Day 10, Nikko** – long train ride to Nikko, arriving in early afternoon … see Toshogu Shrine … check into another onsen ryokan and relax
**Day 11, Nikko** – visit Akechidaira Plateau or Senjogahara Marsh in the morning, head back into town in the afternoon? This will be the first day of the Grand Autumn festival
**Days 12-15, Tokyo** – this will be our sixth visit to Tokyo so we’re just going to hit up our favorite spots and go with the flow
Do you think we’re better off spending only 1 day in Karuizawa, with 3 days in Nikko? I’m concerned about Nikko as it will be the beginning of foliage season AND the first day of a festival. The horror stories about traffic got me worried. That’s why we’re keeping the second day so light – basically just picking one “must do” spot, and budgeting the rest of the day to get back into town and chill.
Thank you!