I am headed to the South Pacific in about a month for work. My coworker and I decided to extend our layovers in Japan on the way home and we will have a total of nine days that we are planning on splitting between Tokyo and Osaka. I have not planned an international trip before (aside from some camping in Canada) and would like some opinions on the itinerary I came up with.
We’re hoping to have our days full, but not overly so, with some unscheduled time that we can either fill with reddit’s suggestions, or with things we come across/decide upon when we get there. We are on a bit of a budget so we will not be renting a car and will be staying in hostels. We have not decided on any specific restaurants or plans for meals yet. Planning on mostly playing that by ear and finding food near wherever we happen to be, but would be happy to receive specific suggestions. Let me know your opinions/suggestions!
Feb 4, Sunday: Tokyo
Morning: Arrive at NRT, head to Hostel Bedgasm for luggage drop-off.
Afternoon: Explore Ueno Park (Tokyo National Museum, shrines, other museums).
Evening: Wander around hostel area and Ueno/Ameyoko shopping district.
Feb 5, Monday:Tokyo
Morning/Afternoon: Shibuya city area (Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko statue, Meiji Shrine), walk towards Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Evening: Explore nightlife in Kabukicho district.
Feb 6, Tuesday:Tokyo
Morning: Tsukiji Fish Market, then Kokyo Gaien National Garden and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Modern Art.
Evening: Night out in Roppongi area.
Feb 7, Wednesday:Tokyo
Morning: Sensoji Temple and surrounding areas.
Midday/Afternoon: Walk towards Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree.
Evening: Yakatabune River Dinner Cruise.
Feb 8, Thursday:Tokyo
Purposefully leaving this day open to fill with Reddit’s suggestions or things we decide on while in Tokyo.
Feb 9, Friday: Osaka
Morning: Travel to Osaka, check into &And Hostel Hommachi East.
Afternoon: Visit Osaka Aquarium.
Evening: Explore seaside parks and Dotonbori area.
Feb 10, Saturday:
Morning: Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle visit.
Afternoon: Leaving this afternoon flexible.
Evening: Brief visit to Tobita Shinchi.
Feb 11, Sunday:
Day: Nara day trip (Kofuki-Ji Temple, Todai-Ji Temple, Nara Deer Park, Other Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest attractions).
Evening: Decide on the way back from Nara
Feb 12, Monday:
Morning: Relaxed morning and breakfast before heading back to NRT for evening flight.
Afternoon: Travel to airport and fly home.
by Silent_Ebb1385