I will be in Japan next month for a short 4 night stay that is basically a long layover as part of a different trip. This will be our first time in Japan. I already know we will be back for a longer trip at some point, so for now I’m just trying to work out a good schedule for our short time. We are frequent travelers, no kids, traveling light with only a single carry on size backpack each, good with walking 10+ miles a day. Hoping to see cherry blossoms and get an idea of where we might want to spent more time on our next trip.
Day 1
Landing at NRT at 5:30pm and planning on heading straight to Kyoto(NEX, Nozomi), assuming we will not get there until at least 11pm. How terrible of an idea is this? Looking at staying at Cross Hotel Kyoto.
Day 2
Hopefully get an early start, Arashiyama park, Okochi Sanso Garden, Tenryu-ji Temple, Gioji Temple(basically just walk around this area).
Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple looks really interesting to us, any feedback or suggestions if this is worth it? Reasonable to walk to from Arashiyama area, or need to take a bus?
If we aren’t tired by this point, Nishiki Market, then probably afternoon nap and then walk through Pontocho/Gion area for evening. Thinking dinner at Anzuko, but looking for suggestions for at least one “nice” but not “influencer nice” dinner.
Day 3
Day trip to Hiroshima
Peace park, museum
Can’t decide if taking the direct ferry to Miyajima for only a couple hours on the island would be worth it? Looking for suggestions on this.
No set plans for the evening back in Kyoto. A friend recommended In The Moon bar.
Day 4
Fushimi-Inari in the morning and then train to Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Gyoen, Shinjuku Gyoen
Shibuya crossing area
Meguro River
Omoide Yokocho
Day 5
10am flight out of NRT. We will be staying within 5 minutes of Shinjuku station, planning to depart at 6:30am, this should be enough time?
I know this will be a lot, we have done similar short trips and still had a great time, and like I said I have no doubt we will be back for a longer dedicated trip. Appreciate all the feedback and suggestions!
by Quiet_Effort