Hey everybody! Crossposting from the r/japantravel discussion thread.
I’m super excited for a solo trip to Japan in the fall. I have 12 full days in the country, in addition to about a half day during arrival. I’ve really enjoyed reading itineraries and suggestions from the sub while putting my ideas together.
I know I have a good bit of time before dialing things in but I’m a pretty thorough planner and want to have this sorted pretty early so I can dial in specifics once I get closer. I’m also not one to skimp or visit places just to check them off. So I wanted to be cognizant of having enough time to enjoy and explore. I have a couple main questions where I was hoping to get opinions.
**1.** *I’ve read some suggestions and watched some videos about splitting time in Tokyo. I was thinking I’d spend my first 3-4 days in Shibuya, Shinjuki, Asakasa, etc. That way I could hit everything I want, plus have dedicated time to explore and take in this side of the City.*
***2.*** *Most of my recent trips have been to US National Parks, so I was really excited about hiking Mt. Fuji, but see that I’ll be there after the hiking season. I know the Shinkansen can get me to Hakone, but I’ll have to rent a car or take a different train to get to Fujikawaguchiko. Is it worth spending one night doing this, or would it work better for two? I know the views of Fuji are hard to predict, and skipping this would give me the best reason to come back during hiking season. But I’d love to see it. If not here, I wonder if I could take on Kanazawa and/or Takayama to get my mountain fix?*
***3.*** *Kyoto/Nara/Osaka – I’m really excited to see Kyoto and Nara. I’m really interested in the culture and outdoors of it all. I’m fine prioritizing those two over Osaka. Any thoughts on whether it’s worth adding Wakayama or any other inland sea areas here? I don’t want to skimp, but if there are any fun day trips I’d be up for it. I love getting off the beaten path.*
***4.*** *(Optional) Can I realistically fit in a trip, day or overnight, to Hiroshima? I figured if I did a day trip I’d just go there and back from Kyoto. Or make my way down and then go back to Tokyo. If I spent the night I’d probably hit Setouchi and Rabbit Island on the way down.*
***5.*** *Circle back to Tokyo for the last few days, focusing on Asakusa, Oeno, and Ginza before flying out.*
I think the way this is laid out currently I’d have 3 days in Tokyo, 2 days in the Fuji area, 3 days in Kyoto/Nara/Osaka, 1 day for Hiroshima, and then the last 2-3 for Tokyo again for Asakusa, Oeno, and Ginza. Staying in Tokyo for 4-5 days initially might mean I explore most of it on the first go round, then I have more leeway in Kyoto and the surround areas. I could also just hit Hakone on the way down and skip Fuji. But I’d probably skip both entirely and just circle it for a longer time when I come back. If I skip Fuji, would I have time for a side mission to Kanazawa and/or Takayama?
Does it make sense to consolidate. It feels like this itinerary is a bit tight for 12 days, but would be perfect for 14. I also don’t want to short change any areas here. If there’s something that might work better for the trip, I’m all ears too.
by BBDBVAPA