Hi! I will be completing a solo trip in Japan Oct 17 – Nov 3 and am hoping to get some feedback on my itinerary. This will be my 2nd time in Japan; first time I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka and Hiroshima/Miyajima in Spring. My focus is nature, sports, culture and food. Please let me know if the below is too ambitious or if there are other places/activities I should visit/check out instead. For Tokyo, I saw a lot of the touristy spots last time so this time I am just going to wander and explore.
Day 1 – October 17 – Tokyo – Land at Narita at 3pm. Travel to Tokyo. Explore.
Day 2 – October 18 – Nikko – Taiyuin, Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Kegon Falls, Mount Hangetsuyama Obs. Deck or Ryuzu Waterfall. Stay overnight. **Day 2 and Day 6 may be switched if folks think it is better to visit Nikko on a Tuesday vs. Friday (currently) since there are alot of one-way roads in Nikko and possible traffic congestion.
Days 3 to 5 – October 19 to 21 – Tokyo – Aside from the Tokyo Half Marathon on October 20th, I have no set plans and intend to explore whatever catches my interest.
Day 6 – October 22 – Hakone – Open Air Museum, Ropeway, Owakudani, Hakone Shrine/Torii Gate, Onsen
Day 7 – October 23 – Takayama – Takayama Jinya, Sanmachi Suji, Higashiyama, Harada Sake Brewery (closes 6pm), try Hida Beef + Hoba Miso + Sakurajaya
Day 8 – October 24 – Takayama/Shirakawago – Anything that was missed the previous day. Check out Ogimachi Village and Pudding House in Shirakawago. Arrive in Kanazawa evening.
Days 9 to 10 – October 25 & 26 – Kanazawa – Omicho Market, Oyama Shrine, Gyokuseninmaru Garden, Kanazawa Castle (Night lights on 26th), Kenroku-en Gardens, Higashi Chaya District
Days 11 to 14 – October 27 to 30 – Kyoto:
- Day 27 – East: Kiyomizudera, Higashiyama, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Heian Shrine, Philosopher's Path
- Day 28 – North: Kinkakuji, Rurikō-in Temple, Shugakuin Villa
- Day 29 – West: Arashiyama Area (have already explored before but not in Autumn; can cut if needed)
- Day 30 – South: Fushimi Inari, Tofukuji Temple. Travel to Onomichi; stay for night.
Day 15 – October 31 – Shimanami Kaido – To be completed with e-bike. Retire at Matsuyama in the evening. Enjoy onsen.
Day 16 – November 1 – Matsuyama – Check out Matsuyama Castle and Shimnonada Station. Retire in Osaka at night. Possible pit stop at Kobe or Himeji before Osaka.
Day 17 to 18 – November 2 & 3 – Osaka – Main plan is shopping for all souvenirs to take back and visiting Costco Japan. Fly out of Osaka airport 6:30pm.
If there is any place you think deserves more days or should be added, please let me know. I am willing to take out Shirakawago (will go to open air folk village in Takayama instead) and a day in Kyoto to make room. Thank you for reading!!
by jubblubs
