Hello everyone! I will be visiting Japan the end of this year for the first time and I wanted to get some recommendations and advices. 🙂
The first leg of my trip (12 Days) will be with my family, traveling Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo together with my grandparent. From what I have seen from the itinerary my family has planned, it seems rather doable (about 1-3 places per day) but I would like to know if there are any tips/advices or any things to take note such as clothing and type of shoes etc. as it is their first time travelling in winter.
For the next leg of my trip (12-14 days) will be with my partner, we have identified places we would like to visit together in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and considering Hokkaido/Nagoya/Hakone/Kobe etc. However, we understand that Hokkaido is a little further away and is open to suggestions! Given that New Year's (Jan 1st – 3rd) is approaching and accommodations in Tokyo are expensive, we are considering visiting shrines during the last days of our trip to avoid the crowds. Any advice on how to best organize our travel plans during this period would be greatly appreciated!
Additionally, we welcome recommendations for food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, pastries as well as suggestions for places to visit such as onsens, places to catch the first sunrise. Advices on JR passes and shinkansens are also greatly appreciated!
Also, are there any recommendations for Ryokan/Private Onsen stays in any of the locations I have mentioned that are not too pricey? We are open to travel to somewhere quieter and is planning to stay for a day to detox and relax.
Thank you so much!
by oxygen_potassium_