3-Week Japan Itinerary (Nov 16 – Dec 7): Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Shirakawa-go, Hiroshima, and More!

Hi r/JapanTravel community,

My partner and I are planning a trip to Japan from November 16 to December 7, 2024, and we would love your feedback on our itinerary. We’re particularly interested in contemporary architecture, urban exploration, nature, jazz/live music, and trying local cuisine. Here's our current plan:

Day 1: Departure from Toronto (Nov 16)

• Depart from Toronto.

Day 2-7: Tokyo (Nov 17-22)

• Nov 17: Arrive in Tokyo at 4pm.
  • Evening: Settle into our accommodation and explore the nearby neighborhood.
• Nov 18:
  • Morning: Visit contemporary architectural sites such as the Nakagin Capsule Tower, Maison Hermès, Sou Fujimoto House
  • Afternoon: Explore neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku. Visit Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Jingu Gaien for the Ginkgo Avenue.
  • Evening: Enjoy jazz at the Blue Note Tokyo or the Cotton Club.
• Nov 19:
  • Day trip to Yokohama: Visit Minato Mirai 21, the Red Brick Warehouse, and the Cup Noodles Museum.
  • Evening: Return to Tokyo and explore the nightlife in Roppongi or Shinjuku.
• Nov 20:
  • Visit Odaiba for modern architecture and attractions.
  • Afternoon: Explore Akihabara for electronics and anime culture.
  • Evening: Try local cuisine in Tsukiji Outer Market, explore Shinjuku Ni-Chome (gay district)
• Nov 21:
  • Day trip to Nikko: Visit the Tosho-gu Shrine and Kegon Falls.
• Nov 22:
  • Day trip to Kamakura: Visit the Great Buddha and explore Enoshima Island.

Day 8-9: Lake Kawaguchiko (Nov 23-24)

• Nov 23:
  • Travel to Lake Kawaguchiko.
  • Visit Chureito Pagoda for a view of Mount Fuji.
  • Evening: Relax in an onsen with a view of Mount Fuji.
• Nov 24:
  • Explore the area, visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, and enjoy the natural beauty.
  • Afternoon: Travel to Osaka by Shinkansen.

Day 10-12: Osaka with Day Trip to Kyoto (Nov 25-27)

• Nov 25-26:
  • Explore Osaka, including Osaka Castle and street food in Dotonbori.
• Nov 27:
  • Day trip to Kyoto: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and explore Gion district.
  • Evening: Return to Osaka.

Day 13-15: Takayama and Shirakawa-go (Nov 28-30)

• Nov 28:
  • Travel to Takayama.
• Nov 29:
  • Day trip to Shirakawa-go: Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
  • Evening: Return to Takayama and stroll through the picturesque streets.
• Nov 30:
  • Explore more of Takayama.
  • Afternoon: Travel to Onomichi.

Day 16-17: Shimanami Kaido Cycling (Dec 1-2)

• Dec 1:
  • Start the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
  • Evening: Stay overnight on one of the islands, such as Ikuchijima, in a local guesthouse or hotel.
• Dec 2:
  • Continue the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
  • Afternoon: Arrive in Imabari.
  • Evening: Travel to Hiroshima.

Day 18-20: Hiroshima & Miyajima (Dec 3-5)

• Dec 3:
  • Explore Hiroshima, including the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
  • Visit Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden.
  • Evening: Dinner in Hiroshima and overnight stay.
• Dec 4:
  • Morning: Check out of our hotel in Hiroshima and travel to Miyajima.
  • Late Morning to Afternoon: Check into our ryokan on Miyajima.
  • Explore Itsukushima Shrine and the famous Torii gate.
  • Lunch on the island, trying local specialties like oysters.
  • Evening: Dinner at our ryokan or a local restaurant.
  • Stay overnight in Miyajima.
• Dec 5:
  • Morning: Breakfast at our ryokan.
  • Explore more of Miyajima, including Mount Misen.
  • Afternoon: Continue enjoying the island, relax.
  • Evening: Dinner at our ryokan or a local restaurant.
  • Stay overnight in Miyajima.

Day 21: Miyajima to Hiroshima and Return to Tokyo (Dec 6)

• Dec 6:
  • Morning: Breakfast at our ryokan.
  • Late Morning: Travel back to Hiroshima and take the Shinkansen to Tokyo.
  • Afternoon: Arrive in Tokyo, check into our hotel, and enjoy a final dinner and decide on a neighbourhood to explore.

Day 22: Departure from Tokyo (Dec 7)

• Dec 7:
  • Morning: Final preparations and last-minute sight-seeing in Tokyo.
  • Afternoon: Head to Narita Airport for our 6pm flight back home.

We’d love your feedback on the location/time breakdown and any suggestions you might have to improve our itinerary. Are we allocating our time wisely? Are there any must-see spots we might be missing? Thanks in advance for your help!