I'm planning the itinerary for my second trip to Japan. During the first trip, we spent 10 days between Tokyo and Osaka but missed many places. (5 days in Tokyo – Kamakura, 2 days in Osaka, 1 day in Nara, 1 day in Kyoto).
For the second trip, we'll have 14 full days that I have scheduled as follows:
First part (24 March – 27 March): Hotel in Shinagawa.
24 March: Tokyo: Tokyo Station and surroundings (we'll arrive early morning, so I'll leave the day unscheduled depending on if we are tired or not).
25 March: Tokyo: Shibuya and Shinjuku (classic spots that we missed, starting from the Government Observatory in Shinjuku).
26 March: Tokyo: Hakone (planning to use the Hakone Pass and the Romance Car from Shinjuku. First stop is Hakone Shrine, then the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, and finally the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani. We'll skip the museum.).
27 March: Tokyo: Ginza and Akihabara (a little bit of shopping around Ginza, which we missed last time, and then the rest of the day in Akihabara. I'm an otaku and need at least half a day of manga/anime shopping XD)
Activation of Japan Rail Pass (7 days) and Hikari Shinkansen at 7:40 am to start the second part of the journey in Kyoto. Staying at a hotel 5 minutes walking from the station (28 March – 31 March).
28 March: Kyoto (a day of walking starting at Higashi Temple to Nijo Castle, then using the bus to reach Kinkakuji. Maybe visit Kyoto Tower in the evening).
29 March: Kyoto: Himeji (first day trip from Kyoto, starting from Engyoji using the ropeway for Mount Shosha, and then Himeji Castle).
30 March: Kyoto: Amanohashidate + Ine (second day trip from Kyoto. Starting at Amanohashidate View Land, then renting a bicycle and moving to the other side, taking the bus to Ine, and doing the Ine Sightseeing Cruise. Before leaving, stop at Chionji).
31 March: Kyoto (a day in Kyoto to schedule, maybe a stop at Nishiki Market and then explore the area of Philosopher's Path)
Third part of the journey (1 April – 2 April): 2 nights at a hotel in Hiroshima
1 April: Hiroshima (starting from Hiroshima Peace Memorial and moving to Hiroshima Castle and then downtown)
2 April: Miyajima (exploring the island)
Fourth part of the journey (3 April – 7 April): Hotel in Tokyo (Asakusa).
3 April: Tokyo (from Hiroshima, we'll arrive around 12 pm, so we have a half-day. The idea is to stay in Asakusa and surroundings).
4 April: Tokyo: Nikko (first day trip from Tokyo)
5 April: Tokyo -> Yokohama?
6 April: Tokyo (to schedule)
7 April: Tokyo (to schedule, flight at 9 pm so we'll have almost half a day free)
To summarize, I should have the last 3 days (5-6-7) to schedule. Any advice? Is it worth spending a day in Yokohama? We'd like to experience an onsen. Any recommendations near Tokyo? What do you think about this itinerary? Any advice and tips are welcome.
by sdrogoandrea