Hello! My husband and I (early 30s) are planning the following trip for early September and would love your thoughts. This is our first time in Japan and wanted to find a balance between seeing the “main” sites while also having freedom to wander and explore. Thanks in advance for any advice or tips you may have!
Day 1: Tokyo
* Arrive late afternoon
* Early dinner / bed
Day 2: Tokyo
* Explore Shibuya
* specifically want to visit Nintendo store and Pokémon center
* Explore Harajuku
* Lunch
* Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
* Dinner in district of Shinjuku
Day 3: Tokyo
* Tokyo Tower
* Pokémon cafe
* Lunch
* teamLab Borderless
* Explore
* Dinner
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto
* Train to Kyoto
* Nijo castle
* Lunch
* Optional: Pokémon Center
* Optional: Imperial palace
* Dinner in Pontocho area
Day 5: Kyoto
* Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and hike through the torii gates
* Lunch
* Samurai experience?
* Explore Gion
* Dinner
Day 6: Kyoto
* Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
* Ryoan-ji Temple
* Lunch
* Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge
* Dinner
Day 7: Miyajima
* Morning train
* Ferry to Miyajima Island
* Itsukushima Shrine
* Explore
* Dinner
Day 8: Osaka
* Morning Train
* Lunch
* Visit Osaka Castle
* Dinner
* Ebisu-bashi bridge
* Optional: Kirby cafe
* Optional: aquarium
Day 9: Osaka
* Explore Dotonbori
* Lunch
* Tea ceremony experience
* Train to Tokyo
* Dinner
Day 10: Tokyo
* Explore Asakusa and visit Senso-ji Temple
* Lunch
* Take a river cruise on the Sumida River
* Optional: Ueno park
Day 11: Tokyo
* Explore Ginza
* afternoon leave for airport
by QuirkyAndAwkward