Itinerary Critique 9 days solo female traveler

Crosspost

I (29F) and traveling to Japan in late October this year as a 30th birthday present to myself. It’s my first solo trip and I’m looking to get a good mix of culture, nightlife, and food. This is the itinerary I’ve put together thus far, but I’m open to any recommendations for bars, things to do, or better ways to arrange things.

Day 0: Travel from US East Coast to Japan.

Day 1:

-Arrive at HND. Activate e-sim. Pick up IC card/Suica. Convert yen.

-Head to hotel in Shinjuku (considering Via Inn Shinjuku). Walk around Shinjuku or check out Golden Gai/try to stay awake until 9pm.

-Ramen Hayashida for dinner

Day 2:

-Teamlab Borderless or the Making of Harry Potter

-Explore Shinjuku department stores and general area (Isetan, NeWoMan etc.)

-Visit Harajuku area, omotesando

-Shibuya Scramble crossing

-Shibuya sky

-Go salsa dancing at Fiesta or El Café Latino

Day 3:

-head to Akihabara and explore shops and arcades.

-Head over to Nakamise Dori

-Kappabashi kitchen tools

-Ueno Park

-Bar crawl to meet others/socialize

Day 4: Trip to Hakone

-Head to Hakone via Romancecar early in the morning. Purchase Hakone Free Pass at station (not sure if I need to purchase this even earlier).

-Take cablecar to Owakudani. Explore Owakudani, possibly do Owakudani trail.

-Go to Lake Ashi if there’s time before Ryokan (staying at Fukuzumiro) dinner at 6pm.

Day 5:

-Head to Osaka to meet up with a friend of a friend. Itinerary for the day is up to him.

Plan B if things fall through: Universal Studios (not sure if USJ is a good idea given the transit time on Shinkansen to Osaka from Hakone) or visit Osaka castle and surrounding area.

-Check into hostel (I chose Millennials Kyoto since the reviews mentioned a good social atmosphere).

Day 6:

-Nishiki Market

-Nijo Castle

-Head to Rental Kimono shop (I’m leaning toward Okamoto since they have an English website). Meet with photographer and do photoshoot for my 30^(th) birthday while exploring Gion area.

-Bar or Izakaya (recs are very welcome)

Day 7:

-Head to Arashiyama bamboo forest.

-Visit Arashiyama Park

-Sagano romantic train

-Mochi making class or sake tasting class

Day 8:

-take train back to Tokyo in the morning

-Tsukiji market

-Hama Rikyu Gardens

-Explore Shimokitazawa neighborhood

-Rooftop bar for scenery

Day 9

-buy any remaining souvenirs and take a final walk around

-fly out

by Capdavil