Hi, my parents and their friends (who are 60+ years old but very active!) are spending some time in Tokyo and want to go on a short trip. They love to shop (and look at local artisans / works). They also like to visit traditional / historical places and scenic places. They are flying into and out of Narita. Here is an itinerary I put together after seeing a few on this sub, and would love to get your suggestions:
Days 1-3: Tokyo
Day 4: travel to Hakone from Tokyo
- Amazake Chaya
- Moto-Hakone
- Lake Ashi
- Hakone-Jinja Shrine
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and Ropeway
- Hakone Yuryo
Day 5: Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari Shrine at night (assuming the previous night stay is at Hakone). Else we could cover more places during the day
Day 6: Kyoto:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Kinkaku-ji
Day 7: Kyoto or Osaka or Nara
- If Kyoto:
- Yasaka Shrine (Gion district)
- Imperial Palance
- Nijo-jo
- If Nara:
- Todai-ji Temple
- Nara Park
- Isuien Gardens?
- If Osaka:
- Osaka Castle
- Kita District or Minami District
- Dotombori
- Doguyasuji Arcade
Day 8: Hiroshima
- Miyajima
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Itsukushima Shrine and Floating Torii Gate
Day 9-11: Tokyo
Questions:
- Is the Hakone day doable in a single day if they like to cover more places in a given time (as opposed to spending a lot of time at one place)?
- Should they stay back at Hakone or leave for Kyoto in the night? If yes, do you have any suggestions for places that offer private onsen?
- Any suggestions for Day 4? Should they be in Kyoto or travel to either Nara or Osaka?
- For the travel tickets, is it advisable to buy them after reaching the station, or should they try to buy them online ahead of time?
- Any other suggestions on the itinerary?
by Chandrasg92