So, I’m planning my first international trip ever – I’ll be going solo to Japan this fall (Late Sept). While I do want to spend a little time in big cities (I currently have stops planned in both Tokyo and Kyoto), I’m especially interested in the nature/gardens/peaceful side of Japan (see this [IG account »](https://www.instagram.com/takashi.film/) for a ton of visual inspo for my trip):
# Proposed Itinerary
* Day 0 – **Fly out** of US
* Day 1 – **Tokyo** (1/3):
* Arrive in Tokyo
* Kiyosumi Gardens
* Takagi Shrine
* Nezu Shrine
* Day 2 – **Tokyo** (2/3):
* Shibuya
* Harajuku
* Shinjuku
* Omoide Yokocho
* Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
* Day 3 – **Tokyo** (3/3):
* Meiji Jingu
* Yoshida Shoten
* Kishimojin Temple
* Day 4 – **Nagano** (1/2):
* Train to Nagano
* Togakushi-Jinja
* Zenkoji Temple
* Day 5 – **Nagano** (2/2):
* Day excursion to Kiso Valley…
* Matsumoto-Jo Castle
* Narai-Juku
* Day 6 – **Kanazawa**:
* Train to Kanazawa
* Kanazawa Castle
* Kenroku-en
* Normura-ke Samurai Residence
* Omicho Market
* Day 7 – **Kyoto** (1/2):
* Train to Kyoto
* Fushimi Inari Taisha
* Higashiyama Ward
* Kiyomizu-dera
* Gion
* Nishiki Market
* Day 8 – **Kyoto** (2/2):
* Higashiyama Jisho-ji
* Nijo castle
* Kinkaku-ji
* Arashiyama (incl. bamboo forest)
* Day 9 – **Nara** (1/2):
* Train to Nara
* Todai-ji
* Isuien Garden & Neiraku Museum
* Nara Park
* Day 10 – **Nara** (2/2):
* Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest
* Kasuga Taisha
* Day 11 & 12 – **Koyasan** (still working out what all to see and the day split on this one):
* Train to Koyasan
* Muryoko-in
* Koyasan Daishiyokai
* Kongobu-ji
* Day 13 – **Fly out** of Osaka
* Train to Osaka
* Fly back to US
What places in these areas am I missing? Any good food places I must check out? Any simple day trips or experiences? Any places on this itinerary actually not that great (and maybe suggested alternatives)?
I’d also love any general tips for traveling in Japan (especially traveling solo, which will also be a first for me). This is a bucket list trip for me, but I’m naturally a little overwhelmed / nervous about doing it well, safely, and making it worth the expense.
Thanks in advance!
by videoaaron