Hello everyone!
My parents and sister (Ages 69, 55 and 21) are coming to visit my family (M32, F30, 2 and 4) for a 2 week first-trip to Japan. They are flying into Tokyo in the morning on 19MAY24 and flying out of Tokyo late in the evening 05JUN24. I have been lurking a while on here to figure out a good itinerary and just wanted to get a critique on it. Any and all feedback, comments, recs etc are appreciated.
We are still yet to buy any JR pass (currently considering the 7 day) and are open to changing activities etc. Recommendations for a craft activity other than glass etching or pottery but in that vein (crafting) are appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
*Monday May 20*, Arrive Tokyo at 0500 from east coast. Hotel in Ginza; drop off bags. – Visit Yasukuni Shrine, East Gardens and the Marunouchi/Tokyo Station area.
Tuesday May 21, Asakusa (Sensoji, Skytree, Skytree Mall), Ueno zoo or Museum
Wednesday May 22 – My sister and I go to Akihabara and I show her around for some time. Meanwhile grandparents do an activity with kids; not sure what else this day
Thursday May 23, Mother and sister do a craft Activity/Workshop, then Meiji Shrine, and finish with a look at Harajuku/Shibuya
Friday May 24, “Free day”, likely leave Tokyo early to Kofu (Yamanashi) either by the limited express train or we use my in-laws big a$$ soccer team van to pick everyone up. Once in Kofu we do some local activities around the neighborhood
Saturday May 25, Free day/slow day, family meeting
Sunday May 26, Activity around Kofu – not sure what yet, possibly a visit to a local winery
Monday May 27, Drive to Oshino Hakkai in Fuji five lakes, wear yukata, walk around etc. Stay in a hotel around the FFL area.
Tuesday May 28, Return to Kofu, some packing, Hottarakashi Onsen
Wednesday May 29, Activate 7-day JR pass; leave wife and kids at home, normal train from Kofu to Shizuoka, take Shinkansen to Kyoto. Once there Do a shrine or something similar before ending the day
Thursday may 30, Train to Nara – typical Nara activities, deer, daibutsu etc.
Friday May 31, Kyoto day – Fushimi Inari Taisha, walking, geisha area (I am aware of the newly enforce trespassing laws)
Saturday June 1, Kiyomizu Dera and other temples
Sunday June 2, Shinkansen to Hiroshima, Peace park and museum
Monday June 3, Miyajima
Tuesday June 4, Shinkansen to Yokohama, meet up with wife and kids again, Anpanman museum, possibly Japan Coast guard museum
Wednesday June 5, Half day, travel to Haneda and depart 2200
I am wondering if the JR pass is worth it for my visiting family. Per person I have calculated the costs as follows:
| Date | City | Local JR Cost | Long Distance JR Cost | |
|———–|——————————|———————-|————————|—|
| 5/29/2024 | Kyoto | | ¥ 13,600 | |
| 5/30/2024 | Nara | ¥ 2,000 | ¥ 1,500 | |
| 5/31/2024 | Kyoto | | N/A | |
| 6/1/2024 | Kyoto | | N/A | |
| 6/2/2024 | Hiroshima | ¥ 1,500 | ¥ 12,140 | |
| 6/3/2024 | Hiroshima | ¥ 2,000 | N/A | |
| 6/4/2024 | Yokohama | ¥ 1,500 | ¥ 20,120 | |
| | Total | ¥ 7,000 | ¥ 47,360 | |
| | Local plus Long Distance: | ¥ 54,360 | | |
Local plus Long Distance: ¥54,360
7 Day ordinary JR pass for adults: ¥50,000
Advice on whether its worth getting a pass to saver 4,000 yen a person over 2 weeks is appreciated,
Thank you!
by zalliaum