Hey everybody. I’ve read through a lot of the posts to get an idea for my first trip to Japan. I’m planning on being there for approximately 9-10 days. I made a huge itinerary but it’s more of just something to keep in mind and not strictly follow because my trip is short, I just want to enjoy myself and take everything in. I have a few questions though that maybe some will have some answers or ideas for.
1. I originally planned to go April 24 to may 4 but then I found out about golden week, so decided that would not be best. Now I’m thinking of April 20 to 30, i know that’s on the beginning of golden week. So should i move the dates to just completely after or before Golden week to avoid it or will the 20th to the 30th be okay? How is golden week ? Is it that bad? I’ve read that stuff is more expensive but that’s it not so bad in Tokyo.
2. I’m reading/researching a lot about the train system and getting around. Is the IC pass what I will need to get from station to station, like for example Shibuya station to Akihabara station? You would use the IC pass? I know there is a welcome pass that i can purchase from the airport that is valid for 28 days. And then a JR rail pass is needed to go to osaka or Kyoto from Tokyo?
3. Airbnb or hotel? And which area? Because i was pretty certain about staying in Shibuya or Shinjuku but i some say it’s not recommended. I’m okay with being in the loudness and crowdedness though especially for my first time.
4. This is some stuff i thought about doing. I got most if not all of it for a great YouTube video. Again, I won’t be doing everything because i don’t want to just be jumping from thing to thing and i plan on going to Japan many times, so I’m not in a rush. It’s just been a dream of mine for a while to finally go. If there’s anything you think i should skip or see, please let me know. I apologize if i misspelled anything, it was not intentional. Also thank you so much in advance.
Asukusa and Sensoji Temple
Shibuya
Tokyo Sky Tree / Sudo Park/ River
Shibuya Crossing / Eat/ Night Life
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Yoyogi/ Hanami Park (Sakura Trees)
Explore Harajuku
Train to Akihabara (anime)
Explore Shinjuku and Golden Gai
Ghibli Musem
Tokyo Disney
Yokohama
Kawaguchiko
If Kawaguchiko (base of Mt Fuji)
Chureito Pagoda (Photo Spot)
Kyoto
Kiyomizo Dera Temple
Yasaka shrine (geisha District)
Philosophers path/ Kayage
PONTCHO ALLEY (dinner)
FUSHIMI (gates) early
Bamboo grove
Osaka explore the city and food
Shinzekai
Central Namba and Ebisu Bridge Dotonbori Canal
Optional sided trip: Yoshini Mountain
Universal Japan
Souvenirs / Explore/ Get ready
Anything you missed
by 2ghoul