I am traveling with my girlfriend to Japan during the second half of March. It is our first time in here and might be the only one in a while (we are a 15-hour flight away from Japan), so we are trying to pack the most important things in a relatively long trip (17 days)
We have already booked a Temple stay in Koyasan and Onsens in Hakone. Both of these activities seem to be very popular, so our schedule is a bit dependent upon this stays, because of availability in other dates.
Koyasan is turning out to be the most expensive night from the trip and also a logistical challenge. However, we have read nothing but good reviews about the temple here and the whole mystical experiencie. Is it really worth the hype?
We are trying to distribute travel by train evenly throughout the trip but there are some inevitable days when things get a little packed.
Note: Itineraries within cities are preliminary and subject to changes. Please feel free to leave any feedback/suggestions.
**March 14 – Arrive at Narita Airport:**
Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer to accommodation in Tokyo.
Rest and acclimate to the time zone.
**March 15 – Tokyo to Kyoto:**
Morning: Visit Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
Afternoon: Explore other nearby attractions in Asakusa, like Tokyo Skytree or Ueno Park.
Evening: Take a Shinkansen to Kyoto.
**March 16 – Kyoto:**
Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Afternoon: Explore Gion district.
Evening: Visit Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji Temple.
**March 17 – Kyoto to Hiroshima:**
Morning: Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Afternoon: Take a Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
Evening: Explore Hiroshima, perhaps visit Hiroshima Castle.
**March 18 – Hiroshima to Miyajima:**
Morning: Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Afternoon: Depart to Miyajima.
Evening: Visit Itsukushima Shrine and overnight stay on Miyajima.
**March 19 – Miyajima to Osaka:**
Morning: Explore Miyajima.
Afternoon: Return to Hiroshima and take a Shinkansen to Osaka.
Evening: Explore Osaka, visit Dotonbori for nightlife.
**March 20 – Osaka to Koyasan:**
Morning: Visit Osaka Castle.
Afternoon: Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Evening: Travel to Koyasan and check in at the temple stay. Cemetery Tour at night.
**March 21 – Koyasan to Kyoto:**
Morning: Participate in morning rituals at the temple.
Afternoon: Stroll around Koyasan.
Evening: Depart to Kyoto in the late afternoon.
**March 22 – Kyoto:**
Morning: Optional Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago day trip. Really dependant upon times. If necessary only stroll through Tsumago. Is there anywhere else in this trip were we could experience this village-style Japan?
Afternoon: Visit Fushimi Sake District for a sake tasting experience.
Evening: Explore Kyoto or rest.
**March 23 – Kyoto to Hakone:**
Morning: Visit the morning market in Kyoto.
Afternoon: Travel to Hakone through Shinkansen to Odawara.
Evening: Relax at the Hakone Onsen.
**March 24 – Hakone:**
Morning: Stroll through Hakone. Optional Ropeway. Is it worth it to explore Hakone or just stay and relax?
Afternoon: Take a bus to see Mt. Fuji if the weather allows. Optional.
Evening: Enjoy the Onsen stay in Hakone to relax for Tokyo.
**March 25 – Hakone to Tokyo:**
Morning: Enjoy Onsen stay in Hakone to relax for Tokyo.
Afternoon: Travel to Tokyo.
Evening: Explore Shibuya and Harajuku.
**March 26 to 30 – Tokyo:**
Explore different neighborhoods each day, such as Akihabara, Ueno Park, Odaiba, Shinjuku, and Ginza.
Look up for potential sumo wrestles, baseball matches, and simply explore this wonderful city.
by hubabubbak