Hello everyone!
My husband and I are visiting Japan for the first time this fall (27 Oct – 15 Nov). We’ve done some research but still aren’t sure of our final itinerary. The main cities we would like to visit are Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Hiroshima.
**Tokyo (6 Days)**
**Day 1: Arrival**
* Arrive in HND mid afternoon
* Get to the hotel
* Have some dinner / explore if we feel up to it
**Day 2:**
* Ueno park
* Tokyo national Museum
* Nezu Shrine
* Bunkyo Civic Center for the observation deck
**Day 3:** Day trip / Overnight stay in Nikko
We’ll probably be past peak foliage season – are the crowds still large? Could it be worth staying overnight to explore in the early morning?
**Day 4:**
* Sensoji temple
* Shinjuku
**Day 5:** Day trip to Mount Mitake
**Day 6:**
* Meiji shrine
* Shibuya
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**Kanazawa (2 DAYS)**
**Day 7:** Travel to Kanazawa
* Ninja temple
* Nagamachi district
**Day 8:**
* Omicho Market
* Oyama Shrine
* Gyokuseninmaru Garden
* Kanazawa Castle
* Kenrokuen Garden
* Seisonkaku Villa
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**Kyoto (5 DAYS)**
**Day 9:**
This will be Culture day, so we’re expecting to see a lot of people in Kyoto… We’re thinking of going to Uji for the day instead.
**Day 10:**
* Nanzenji
* Heian Shrine
* Kodaiji Temple
* Kiyomizudera
**Day 11**
* Hoping to get a slot to either Hakuryū-en Garden or Saihō-ji
* Kinkakuji
* Shugakuin Villa
**Day 12:** Day trip to Nara
**Day 13:** (half or full) Day trip to Kurama
* Kurama-dera
* Kurama Onsen (if re-opened by then)
* Tea ceremony in Kyoto if no onsen
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**Undecided (2 DAYS):**
This is where we need advice! We can’t decide between these options, what do you think is the most interesting for first time travelers? Any other idea is welcome
**Option 1:**
Kinosaki Onsen & Himeji
**Option 2:**
Yamaguchi / Akiyoshidai Plateau
**Option 3:** Shikoku
Takamatsu & Matsuyama
**Option 4:** Katsuura (Might be a stretch…)
For this one, we’ll need to sacrifice a 2 days either in Tokyo or Kyoto, and take long train rides. We’re unsure it will be worth it, but the place does look incredible in pictures.
Half day & hotel in Osaka > Take the train to Katsura (4h), stay for 2 nights > Train to Osaka in the morning
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**Hiroshima (2 DAYS)**
**Day 16:**
* Peace Memorial
* Hiroshima Castle
* Shukkeien Garden
**Day 17:** Day Trip to Miyajima
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**Tokyo (2 DAYS)**
**Day 18:**
* Train from Hiroshima
* Last minute shopping
**Day 19:** Day trip to Kamakura?
**Day 20: Departure**
Morning flight from HND
We would also like to have a ryokan experience for one night, ideally not more than 200$ per person – do you have a recommendation where this would fit best in our trip?
by discreet_octopus