Hey all,
I’m working on my itinerary right now for a trip in November. It will be my first time in Japan and I am super excited. I was hoping that if I shared my current itinerary along with my priorities, some folks may be able to provide suggestions or recommendations for me to consider.
Things that I care about most:
* Food
* Shopping (thrifting, records, home goods)
* A healthy balance of go go go environments and relaxed environments
* Pretty or impressive architecture, interesting neighbourhoods to wander, and nature
Things that I don’t really care about:
* Trying to see as many museums, shrines and castles as possible. I am happy to just see the best or especially unique ones.
* Theme parks (Nintendo, SeaWorld, etc.)
* Anime, Studio Ghibli, etc.
I tried my best to make things make sense geographically, but I’m sure I may have failed. Especially in Tokyo where things aren’t always walking distance.
Day 1 – Fukuoka:
– Arrive in the morning into Fukuoka, handle any admin stuff (eSim, etc.) and drop
off bags at accommodation
– Head down to Nokonoshima Island Park for the afternoon
– Head back and enjoy golden hour/sunset at Momochi Seaside Park
– Head up Fukuoka Tower for a night view of the city
Day 2 – Fukuoka:
– Wander around Ohori and Maizuru Parks
РCaf̩ hopping and shopping in Tenjin and Gaimyo
– Check out the Yatai Stalls late at night
Must have food in Fukuoka: Hakata Ramen, Motsunabe
Day 3 – Day trip to Nagasaki
– Early AM train to Nagasaki (Hakata Station -> Transfer at Takeo Onsen -> Nagasaki)
– Nagasaki Peace Park and the surrounding area
– Wander around Dejima and Shinchi neighbourhoods
– Mount Inasa Sunset Dinner + night view
– Late PM train back to Fukuoka
Must have food in Nagasaki: Castella, Champon
Day 4 – Hiroshima
– Train to Hiroshima, will forward luggage straight to Kyoto
– Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, etc.
– Hiroshima Castle
– Orizuru Tower
Must have food in Hiroshima: Okonomiyaki
Day 5 – Day Trip to Miyajima
– Early AM ferry to Miyajima Island
– Itsukushima Shrine and Five Story Pagoda
– Daisho-in Temple
– Hike up Mount Misen (Daisho-in Trail)
– Momijidani Park on the way down after ropeway
– Miyajima Brewery
– Late PM ferry back to Hiroshima
Must have food on Miyajima Island: Fresh oysters, Momiji Manju
Day 6 – Kyoto
– Early AM train
– Ryoanji and Kinkakuji
– Wander around Termachi and Shikyogoku Arcades
– Eat and drink a ton in Pontocho Alley and Nishiki Night Market
Day 7 – Day trip to Arashiyama
– Arrive as early as possible to the Bamboo Grove
– Tenryu-ji
– Yusai-tei Gallery
– Wander my way up the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
– Otagi Nenbutsuji
– Make my way back down for Hogon-in Illumination
Must have food in Arashiyama: ????
Day 8 – Kyoto
– Arrive as early as possible to Fushimi Inari
– Yasaka Padoga
– Kiyomizu-dera
– Wander around Higashiyama and Gion
– Some sort of theatre, tea ceremony, fancy dinner?
Must have food in Kyoto: ?????
Day 9 – Day trip to Osaka
– AM train to Osaka
– Stroll around Shinsekai
– Eat everything at Kuromon Market and Dotonbori
– Late PM train back to Kyoto
Must have food in Osaka: Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Kushi Katsu
Day 10 – Day trip to Himeji and Kobe
– Early AM train to Himeji
– Explore around Himeji Castle
– Early PM train to Kobe
– Drink all the sake and eat all of the beef
– Late PM train back to Kyoto
Must have food in Kobe: Way too expensive high quality beef
Day 11 – Hakone
– AM train to Hakone, will forward luggage straight from Kyoto to Tokyo
– Do absolutely nothing but relax in the ryokan and enjoy the private onsen and food
Day 12 – Tokyo
– If weather permits, I’ll try to sneak to Lake Ashi for views of Mt. Fuji before
heading to Tokyo
– Morning or early afternoon train to Tokyo
– Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
– Stroll around and eat and drink in Shinjuku and Golden Gai
Day 13 – Tokyo
– Visit Meiji Shrine early in the AM
– Shop in Harajuku and Shibuya
– Check out the Shibuya Crossing/people watch from some viewpoint
– Shibuya Sky
Day 14 – Tokyo
РCaf̩ hop and shop in Shimokitazawa
– Maybe catch some theatre or live music in the area or take some dance classes at En
Studio back in Shibuya
Day 16 – Kamakura/Enoshima
– Honestly no plans beyond looking for interesting and pretty places to aimlessly
wander
Must eat good in Kamakura or Enoshima: ????
Day 16 – Tokyo
– TeamLab Borderless
– Nezu Museum
– Rappongi Hills Mori Tower
– Fancy dinner + high up bar with a city view (Andaz?)
Day 17 – Tokyo
– TeamLab Planets
– Tsujiki Fish Market
– Miscellaneous souvenir shopping
– Late flight back home from Haneda
Must have food in Tokyo: ?????
by oopsu812