Two days ago, shortly after finishing the TV series Shogun, my wife and I semi-spontaneously decided that this October we would visit Japan for the first time.
I typically prefer to lurk over post, but I could use some help in affirming or modifying the day count & stops in our version of the Golden Route trip, in addition to a handful of other questions and general recommendations. I know I'm asking for a lot here. Absolutely no need to address the entire post if you would like to help.
About us: 30M & 31F. Scenic Nature, Historic Temples, Food, Wildlife, Media & Architecture are the general buckets that we're looking to hit. Secondarily Live Music & a Sporting Event if they can fit into our trip.
Botanical Gardens are typically the #1 attraction we go for first when traveling.
We are active but do like to budget in naps/breaks after long walks/periods of activity. We only speak English (aside from a couple of phrases I've been picking up playing the Yakuza games)
Question 1: Does the number of days at each location fit how you would approach a similar trip? In particular the Kansai portion of the trip.
Question 2: I have gluten and dairy allergies. Any suggestions on where to eat along our path? I plan to bring printed cards stating my allergies.
Question 3: Hotel/Ryokan recommendations that are non-smoking, have a comfortable sleeping arrangement for a particular, bony side-sleeper and are convenient relative to transit? We are hoping to keep our average hotel budget to around $350-$400 USD a night.
Question 4: How have you navigated luggage? We are each planning on bringing a small suitcase and a backpack. I've read a bit about lockers and hotel shipping – are these reliable options?
Question 5: What is your experience doing laundry? We are going to attempt to pack light, but that means a handful of laundry days.
Question 6: Would you add any stops or subtract any? With a train route and time efficient path in mind.
We have yet to book our flights or accommodations as we flesh out the below itinerary but expect to book at least the flights within the next few days. We have a handful of activities listed but have not gotten to defining daily itineraries yet.
Draft Itinerary
- Tokyo (3 Nights): Ghibli Museum, TeamLab Borderless, Gluten Free T's Kitchen, Shibuya, Pokemon Center
–Nagano (2 Nights): Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Ryuken w/Onsen
–Kanazawa (2 Nights): Kenrokuen garden, Kanazawa Castle
–Kyoto: (3 Nights) (Day Trip to Nara): Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-Ji temple, iwatayama monkey park, Otagi Nembutsuji Temple
Nakatanidou Mochi, Todai-ji, Nara Park, Isuien Garden, Kofukuji Temple
–Osaka (2 Nights): Osaka Aquarium
–Yokohama (1 Night): Meet with an old family friend
–Tokyo (2 Nights): Fly out of Tokyo to go direct back to SFO
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
by thebig3on3