Hi Guys,
I’m from Portugal and a regular solo backpacking traveler.
Japan has always been on top of my list, and recently due to certain circumstances, it was possible to book a last-minute flight to Japan.
I’m slightly terrified to plan on everything with 7 days to fly to Asia (a few stopovers before Japan).
I’ve been collecting pages and posts for years, but it’s almost impossible to read everything and consider it in a few days. I am still booking flights (I will be 1 month in Asia) and accommodations.
I’m finishing my macro overview of my itinerary to decide if I need to buy the JR or not. I had a friend in Japan last month, and he chose to buy daily tickets or pay per trip, and in the end, he saved some money in comparison.
My travel style is “walking a lot daily”, always shooting with my cam, love traditional foodie spots, not that much into museums but nature lover.
Currently, I’m thinking about something like this.
(Updated Version of Itinerary)
# Osaka (April 16 – April 18)
* **April 16:** Arrive at KIX. Evening exploration of Dotonbori.
* **April 17:** Visit Osaka Castle and the vibrant Dotonbori area.
* **April 18:** Day trip to Kurashiki to explore the Bikan Historical Area.
*Stay in Osaka for these nights.*
# Hiroshima (April 19 – April 20)
* **April 19:** Travel to Hiroshima. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
* **April 20:** Day trip to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine.
*Stay in Hiroshima for these nights.*
# Kyoto (April 21 – April 23)
* **April 21:** Travel to Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and stroll through Gion.
* **April 22:** Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
* **April 23:** Day trip to Nara to visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park.
*Stay in Kyoto for these nights.*
# Takayama (April 24 – April 25)
* **April 24:** Travel to Takayama via Nagoya. Explore the old town if time allows.
* **April 25:** Full day in Takayama: old town, morning markets, Hida Folk Village.
*Stay in Takayama for these nights.*
# Tokyo (April 26 – May 2)
* **April 26:** Travel to Tokyo. Evening free for local exploration.
* **April 27:** Tokyo sightseeing: Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku.
* **April 28:** Day trip to Nikko: Toshogu Shrine and natural scenery.
* **April 29:** Day trip to Hakone: Owakudani Valley, Hakone Ropeway for Mt. Fuji views.
* **April 30:** Day trip to Nagano: Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
* **May 1:** Explore Tokyo: Asakusa district, Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street.
* **May 2:** Leisure day in Tokyo for last-minute exploration/shopping. Evening flight to Hanoi.
*Stay in Tokyo for these nights.*
by iamStem