Hello Japan Travelers!
I'm excited to share that I'll be visiting Japan for the first time, escaping the chilly weather in Melbourne, Australia. I'm open to any and all recommendations.
Here's our current itinerary:
Tokyo (July 9-14)
Day 1 – July 9: Arrive in Tokyo at night
- Check into our hotel and rest after our flight.
- If we have some energy, explore the local area for a late-night meal or a stroll.
Day 2 – July 10: Tokyo
- Morning: Visit the Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple.
- Afternoon: Explore Ueno Park.
- Evening: Head to Akihabara for an evening of anime, manga, and electronics.
Day 3 – July 11: Tokyo
- Morning: Visit the Ghibli Exhibition at Warehouse Terrada.
- Afternoon: Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower and the nearby Zojo-ji Temple.
- Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Shibuya, including the famous Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky for a panoramic view of the city.
Day 4 – July 12: Tokyo
- Morning: Explore the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for unique fashion and shops.
- Evening: Visit the Roppongi Hills area for dinner and a great night view from the Mori Tower.
Day 5 – July 13: Tokyo
- Morning: Vintage shopping in the Shimokitazawa district. Visit Kindal and Rinkan for designer brands.
- Afternoon: Continue shopping in Daikanyama. Visit upscale vintage stores like Ragtag and the 082+ shop.
- Evening: Relax in a traditional Japanese bathhouse (sento or onsen). For dinner, experience an Omakase meal.
Day 6 – July 14: Tokyo to Kyoto
- Morning: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for a fresh sushi breakfast.
- Afternoon: Depart early to Kyoto and check into our hotel.
- Evening: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous torii gate pathway.
Kyoto (July 14-18)
Day 7 – July 15: Kyoto
- Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
- Afternoon: Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.
- Evening: Take a scenic boat ride on the Hozu River.
Day 8 – July 16: Kyoto
- Morning: Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
- Afternoon: Walk through the Philosopher’s Path and visit Nanzen-ji Temple.
- Evening: Relax in a traditional Kyoto ryokan (inn) and enjoy a kaiseki (multi-course) dinner.
Day 9 – July 17: Kyoto
- Morning: Visit Nijo Castle.
- Afternoon: Explore the traditional Gion district and Hanamikoji Street.
- Evening: Attend a traditional tea ceremony or see a geisha performance.
Day 10 – July 18: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Depart to Osaka and check into our hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Dotonbori area and try famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Osaka (July 18-23)
Day 11 – July 19: Osaka
- Morning: Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
- Afternoon: Explore the Umeda Sky Building and its Floating Garden Observatory.
- Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in the Namba area. Visit Three Stars Osaka and Pug Osaka for vintage shopping.
Day 12 – July 20: Osaka (Day Trip to Nara)
- Morning: Take a day trip to Nara, visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park with its friendly deer.
- Afternoon: Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the historic streets of Naramachi.
- Evening: Return to Osaka and relax.
Day 13 – July 21: Osaka
- Morning: Visit Universal Studios Japan theme park.
- Afternoon: Spend time enjoying the park's attractions.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Osaka Bay Area. Visit Orange Street for shopping.
Day 14 – July 22: Osaka
- Morning: Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
- Afternoon: Explore the Shinsekai district and have lunch at a kushikatsu restaurant.
- Evening: Take a river cruise to see the city lights.
Return (July 23)
Day 15 – July 23: Departure from Japan (9:35 PM Departure)
- Morning: Do some last-minute shopping in the Shinsaibashi area.
- Afternoon: Visit the Osaka Museum of History.
- Evening: Head to Kansai International Airport for departure.
We haven't booked our transportation between cities yet, so I'd love to hear your suggestions. From what I've read, a JR West Kansai Rail Pass might be cost-effective for the later part of our trip.
Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you so much in advance!
by AUKryptos