We're a couple in our 30s visiting Japan from Ireland for the first (and probably only time). It's a two week trip in end August / Sept. We have quite a busy plan that means we're moving around a lot. But living on the other side of the world means we really doubt being able to return to Japan again, so want to experience as much as possible. We would be getting transport nearly every day, but I don't think it will bother us much as most journeys are not too long!
Would like to understand if the general plan is reasonable, or totally crazy. Thanks!
Day 1 – Tokyo
- Arrive midday flight
- Explore city – eg. Metro Building, Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho
- Keep things relatively chill (jetlag)
- Night in Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo
- Explore city some more
- Food markets, museums, imperial palace
- Night train to Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka day trip & Kyoto
- Explore Osaka for day
- Focus on Osaka Castle, food markets, retro gaming, shopping
- Late train to Kyoto
- Night in Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto
- Explore and stay in Kyoto
- Visit southern park – Fushimi Inari Shrine, Daigoji
- Night in Kyoto
Day 5 – Nara day trip
- Nara day trip (Nara park, Todaiji, Horyuji)
- Night in Kyoto
Day 6 – Hiroshima / Miyajima day trip
- Kyoto > Hiroshima train (2 hours)
- Check out peace park in Hiroshima
- Boat to Miyajima (1 hour)
- Check out island, Itsukushima shrine, deer, sunset.
- Boat to Hiroshima (1 hour)
- Hiroshima > Kyoto train (2 hours)
- Night in Kyoto
Day 7 – Kyoto again
- Explore and stay in Kyoto
- Northern part – Kinkakuhi & temples
- Night in Kyoto
Day 8 – Kanazawa
- Kyoto > Kanazawa train (2 hours)
- Chill stroll around town
- Check out all the gold stuff (ice cream, sushi, etc)
- Night in Kanazawa townhouse
Day 9 – Shirakawago
- Late breakfast in Kanazawa
- Kanazawa > Shirakawago bud (1 hour)
- Stroll around Shirakawago village
- Night in a Gassho Zukuri place
Day 10 – Takayama daytrip
- Early Bus to Takayama
- Spend a few hours in town
- Check out food markets, 21st century museum
- Takayama > Nagoya > Gotemba afternoon train (5 hours)
- Night in Gotemba
Day 11 – Fuji trek day 1
- Early start for Fuji trek
- Aim to start midday on the Subashiri trail
- Stay mountain hut on 8th Station.
Day 12 – Fuji trek day 2 & Hakone
- Up early and get to Fuji summit.
- Descend and get back to Gotemba
- Gotemba > Hanone bus/train
- Night in Hakone (Roykan)
Day 13 – Hakone
- Day in Hakone exploring the park.
- Afternoon Hakone > Tokyo train
- Evening to chill in Tokyo (try a sleeping pod)
Day 14 – Tokyo
- Leave on midday flight
by moloners