Hello everyone! On the first 3 weeks of July me and 2 friends (30-40 yo) are going on our first trip to Japan. We are going the classic route for first-timers with an idea of renting a car for 4 days in Kanazawa/Takayama.
We are used to a fast pace and changing hotels every night. Can you give me some advice? Main interests are history, culture, food, nature, shrines, temples
day 1: Tokyo
arrival in Tokyo at 11 in the morning, get used to time zone and the city
* day 2-3: Tokyo (another day in Tokyo at the end)
visiting Akiabhara, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ueno, Takeshita Dori, *TeamLab Borderless*, shopping, eating and that kind of stuff
* day 4: daytrip to Nikko (return to Tokyo?)
visiting Toshogu, Rinnoji and Shinkyo bridge
* day 5: daytrip to Kamakura (return to Tokyo?)
visiting Daibutsu and the temples of Kencho-ji and Hase-dera
* day 6: Hakone (is it worth stopping to sleep or another day-trip from Tokyo?) or Fujikawaguchiko
Mount Fuji view, relax in an onsen. If Kawaguchiko visit the pagoda
* day 7: Hakone-Kanazawa-Takayama
train to Kanazawa, rent the car, and sleep in Takayama
* day 8: wandering by car (Hida, maybe Magome and Tsumago), return in Takayama (?)
I would like to explore the mountain region with a visit to Magome and Tsumago and I think renting a car is the best way to do so
* day 9: Matsumoto castle, Shirakawa go, leave the car in Kanazawa
Another day driving by car and exploring the region
* day 10-11-12-13: Kyoto
I’ve not quite decided what to do in each day but I’ve time to figure this out. Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama bamboo forest (morning), Philosopher’s Walk, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizudera, Nijo-jo, Gion and Pontocho, Nishiki Market, Daigo-ji temple, Daisen-in temple
* day 14: Kyoto and Nara
Last things to see in Kyoto, train to Nara and sleeping in a ryokan in Nara
* day 15: Nara
visiting Nara, Daibutsu and Nara Park, kasuga taisha, kofukuji
For the night I will search something on the way to Koya-san
* day 16: Koya-san
Arrival at Koya-san and spending the night there (possibly in a temple)
* day 17: from Koya to Osaka
exploring Osaka, Dōtonbori and castle. Eating a good meal and nightlife
* day 18: Himeji – Hiroshima
visiting Himeji castle and trip to Hiroshima by train
* day 19: Hiroshima
peace park and museum and night in a ryokan in Miyajima
* day 20: Miyajima
visiting Itsukushima Shrine, spending some time there and walk to the top of mount Misen
* day 21: Tokyo
travel back to Tokyo by plane and last things in Tokyo, maybe something we’ve missed the first time
* day 22: leaving Tokyo at 12
Is it better Hakone or Fuji-kawaguchiko for one day visit? I would like some Mt.Fuji view that I heard are better in Fuji-kawaguchiko but Hakone could be easier to reach and to move on to the next destination
I appreciate any feedback and comments
Thanks
by zambi88
