Itinerary Check – 2 weeks in July for a young backpacking couple!

Hello!

My partner and I have just booked flights for a two+ week trip from July 20 to August 6 this year.

A little about us: we're in our late 20s and we're used to the backpacking style of travel and staying in hostels. Last year we backpacked around Southeast Asia for three months and had a blast. We're used to a very go-go-go style itinerary, resting our heads in a different city every night.

Our favourite thing about travelling is by far and away the food and drinks. We love food tours and sitting in restaurants and bars to people watch, and we love big cities, but we're not huge into nightlife (we like a good drink or two and then returning to a quiet hostel!). We also love to focus on the historical/cultural side of a country, and enjoy exploring old neighbourhoods and landmarks. We also really enjoy hiking and the mountains, but we're not really beach people. Neither of us are into anime, but my boyfriend loves old games and Nintendo, and we both have a soft spot for Pokemon!

I tried to put together an itinerary that was a reflection of all that – any and all feedback is much appreciated!

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

• Arrive late afternoon
• Explore Shibuya

Day 2: Tokyo

• Harajuku
  • Yoyogi Park
  • Meiji Shrine
  • Takeshita Street
• Shinjuku
  • Piss Alley
  • Golden Gai

Day 3: Tokyo

• Imperial Palace
• Ginza

Day 4: Tokyo

• Asakusa
  • Senso-ji Temple
  • Ueno Park
• Akihabara
  • Super potato

Day 5: Tokyo flex day

• Day trip to Hakone, or Disney Sea, or the Junji Ito Exhibition, or just another day in Tokyo

Day 6: Tokyo to Kanazawa

• Kenruko-en Gardens
• Tsukiji Market

Day 7: Kanazawa

• Kanazawa Castle
• Higashi Chaya District
• Nagamachi Bukeyashiki District
• Tea ceremony somewhere?

Day 8: Kanazawa to Takayama

• Stop in Shirakawa-go

Day 9: Takayama

• Stay at a ryokan
• Hida Folk Village
• Sake breweries and beef

Day 10: Takayama to Kyoto

• Path of Philosophy
• Ginkaku-Ji Temple/Silver Pavilion

Day 11: Kyoto

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Golden Pavilion/Kinkaku-Ji Temple
• Zen gardens

Day 12: Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine
• Gion district

Day 13: Kyoto

• Higashiyama district
• Kiyomizu-Dera 
• Yasaka Pagoda

Day 14: Kyoto to Hiroshima

• Peace Memorial Park/Museum
• Atomic Bomb Dome

Day 15: Miyajima

• As a day trip from Hiroshima
• Hike to the top of Mount Misen
• Itsukushima Shrine
• Deer

Day 16: Miyajima to Osaka

• Dotonbori Bridge and neighbourhood

Day 17: Osaka

• Osaka Castle
• Walking food tour?

Day 18: Osaka

• Head home late afternoon

Thank you for any and all input!