Hi everyone! So, I really need help with the Kansai part of my itinerary and the last few days of it. I'll be going back to Japan for the 5th time. I'll be meeting my sister (after 13 years of being separated) as well and it will be her very first time in Japan (she's fluent in Japanese also but I'm not) and there's a possibility of us meeting our Japanese cousins for the very first time as well. I'm in charge of doing the itinerary (even though my cousins are the locals). So this is what I've got so far. What do y'all think?
Day 1: Sister arrives first at HND @ 5:45pm; I arrive next at 9:45pm @HND (haven't decided if she should check in first or wait at HND until I arrive).
Day 2: Harajuku day
• Meiji Shrine
• Takeshita (her request)
• Omotesando
Day 3: Shinjuku and Shibuya day
• Shinjuku Gyeon
• Hanazono Shrine
• Shibuya Crossing
• Shibuya Sky
• That place where you can make your own sodas
• A speakeasy or jazz bar
Day 4:
• Disney Sea (is trying to access fantasy springs worth it?)
Day 5: Ginza and Akihabara
• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Shop in Ginza
• Game in Akihabara
Day 6: Roppongi Day
• Tokyo Tower
• High Tea
• Roppongi Hills
• Christmas Market
• Soul Food House
Day 7: Go to Osaka
• Rest day (maybe do a spa?)
Day 8: Osaka Day
• Shinsaibashi
• Namba
• Kuromon Market
Day 9: Go to Kyoto (not sure what is most important to do here. We're thinking to just stay in Osaka and do daytrips)
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Gion
Day 10: Fushimi Inari Day
• Nishiki Market stresses me out because it's so busy but I might give it another shot.
Day 11: Osaka Again
• Osaka Castle
• Umeda Sky (and a record shop)
• Den Den Town
• Amerikamura
Day 12: Universal Studios Japan (hoping DK Country will be open by then)
Day 13: Go to Nara
• Nara Park
• Museum
• (Any other suggestions)
Day 14: Go Back to Tokyo
• Rest Day
Day 15: Asakusa
• Sensoji Temple
• Kirby Cafe
• Skytree
Day 16: Ueno
• Ueno Park
• Thrifting
• A ramen place I dream about at least 3 times a year (somehow I've memorized the location but never the name)
Day 17: Go Home and cry
by arasong
5 comments
I have nothing to add but just curious to know – considering you have been to Japan 5 times and your sister is in Japn but still all your plans and itinerary are typical 1st time visitor plan. Like me who is planning his first trip.
Also, do you mind droipping the location of the ramen place? And you should be the one giving tips and itinerary for us LOL
sounds ok for a first timer with good rest days in between just to hang around.
maybe you would like to add when are you coming? in the summer? autumn or winter? makes a whole big difference of what activities for what seasons.
In Nara I would add Todai-Ji temple. It’s a massive Buddhist temple, I just went yesterday and it’s really beautiful. It’s really close to the park, cheap entrance fee but well worth it
Just a tip for Fushimi Inari, try to get there early as the crowds can get a little bad especially in the main section. You can climb up further and see less people if you want though.
If you’re going in winter, make sure to see Luminarie in Kobe if you’re there around Christmas and if you’re in Kyoto during new years, go to hatsumode. Roppongi has a Christmas display as well.