Hello. It is my and my SO's first trip to Japan, and possibly our only trip there for a long while. We've used a combination of research and chatgpt to come up with the following itinerary, and would greatly appreciate any sort of input on it. Any interesting places that we're missing and we should definitely check out, places on the list that are overrated, or any rescheduling advice, etc. So far, we've planned for Oct 2nd to Oct 6th in Tokyo, Oct 7h to Oct 11th in Kyoto, Oct 12th to Oct 14th in Osaka (with a trip to Nara on Oct 13th), and back to Tokyo on Oct 15th and 16th.
Thank you very much in advance.
P.S.: Would really appreciate any advice regarding hotels and ryokans with private onsens.
Day 1 (October 2nd): Arrival in Tokyo
Evening: Arrive at Narita Airport at 18:55
Transportation: Narita Express (N'EX) or Skyliner train to Tokyo Station, then local train or subway to your hotel
Activity: Check into your hotel and rest
Day 2 (October 3rd): Tokyo Exploration
Morning: Tokyo Skytree
Afternoon: Sensō-ji (Asakusa), Nakamise Shopping Street
Evening: Explore Asakusa area
Transportation: Tokyo Metro and/or JR Yamanote Line
Day 3 (October 4th): Shibuya and Meiji Shrine
Morning: Meiji Shrine (Shibuya)
Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing, explore Shibuya
Evening: Enjoy Shibuya nightlife
Transportation: Tokyo Metro and/or JR Yamanote Line
Day 4 (October 5th): Akihabara and Ikebukuro
Morning: Akihabara
Afternoon: Ikebukuro (PokeCenter), explore the area
Evening: Relax or explore more in Ikebukuro
Transportation: Tokyo Metro and/or JR Yamanote Line
Day 5 (October 6th): Kanda Shrine and Gotokuji Temple
Morning: Kanda Shrine (Akihabara)
Afternoon: Gotokuji Temple (Cat Temple)
Evening: Explore nearby areas
Transportation: Tokyo Metro and/or JR Yamanote Line
Day 6 (October 7th): Travel to Kyoto & Explore
Morning: Check out from Tokyo hotel and travel to Kyoto
Transportation: Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
Afternoon: Check into Kyoto hotel, then visit Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley
Evening: Walk along the Kamogawa River and explore the Gion District
Day 7 (October 8th): Kyoto Highlights
Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Afternoon: Tofukuji Temple, Gion District, Hanamikoji Street
Evening: Explore Gion at night, try kimono rental
Transportation: Local trains, buses, and Kyoto City Subway
Day 8 (October 9th): Kyoto Cultural Sites
Morning: Kyoto Imperial Palace
Afternoon: Nijo Castle
Evening: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Transportation: Local trains, buses, and Kyoto City Subway
Day 9 (October 10th): Kyoto Temples and Gardens
Morning: Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Afternoon: Ryoanji Temple (Rock Garden) and Ninnaji Temple
Evening: Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Transportation: Local trains, buses, and Kyoto City Subway
Day 10 (October 11th): Extra Day in Kyoto
Morning: Visit Tenryuji Temple and the Sagano Scenic Railway (optional)
Afternoon: Explore the Arashiyama area, including Iwatayama Monkey Park
Evening: Relax in Kyoto
Day 11 (October 12th): Travel to Osaka
Morning: Travel to Osaka
Afternoon: Osaka Castle (outside)
Evening: Dotonbori, Minami (Namba)
Transportation: Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka (15 minutes) and local trains
Day 12 (October 13th): Day Trip to Nara
Full Day: Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha
Transportation: Local trains, approximately 1 hour each way
Evening: Return to Osaka
Day 13 (October 14th): Osaka Exploration
Morning: Osaka Aquarium
Afternoon: Sumiyoshi Taisha, Tenma, Shitennoji Temple
Evening: Explore Shinsekai, Kuromon Market, Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
Transportation: Local trains and buses
Day 14 (October 15th): Back to Tokyo
Morning: Travel back to Tokyo
Afternoon: Free time in Tokyo, last-minute shopping or exploration
Transportation: Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Evening: Relax
Day 15 (October 16th): Departure
Morning: Check out from hotel, store luggage if needed
Afternoon: Final shopping or exploration
Evening: Travel to Narita Airport
Transportation: Narita Express (N'EX) or Skyliner train from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Flight: Depart Narita Airport at 22:30
by Anderminator
