Hey all! I'm a 28M doing my first ever solo trip to Japan for 15 days, I'm a photographer that enjoys capturing the daily life — and I love slower paced trips. I've done up an itinerary here but I'm looking to get everyone's opinions on it. I would love for the trip to be quieter, since i'm from Singapore so I do want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city (though I definitely would want to check out Tokyo for a bit).

I'm open to hearing feedback about the cities I've chosen to visit, if they're out of the way at all, and also if there are alternative towns/rural areas to visit that could fulfil my need to enjoy somewhere quieter/slower yet scenic. I'm also open to driving across smaller towns/within towns (not the whole trip), so that option is there.

Will be flying in and out from Narita airport as well. Looking to hear what everyone thinks!

Day 1: 28 Sep (Tokyo – Asakusa)

• Arrive at Narita Airport at 9 AM
• Travel to Asakusa
• Explore Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street
• Visit Tokyo Skytree
• Stay in Asakusa

Day 2: 29 Sep (Tokyo – Shibuya/Shinjuku)

• Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue
• Explore Meiji Shrine
• Stroll around Shinjuku Gyoen Park
• Evening in Shinjuku: Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
• Stay in Asakusa

Day 3: 30 Sep (Tokyo – Ueno/Akihabara)

• Visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum
• Explore Ameya-Yokocho Market
• Visit Akihabara for electronics and anime culture
• Stay in Asakusa

Day 4: 1 Oct (Travel to Lake Kawaguchi)

• Travel to Lake Kawaguchi
• Enjoy views of Mount Fuji
• Visit Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
• Stay in Lake Kawaguchi

Day 5: 2 Oct (Lake Kawaguchi)

• Visit Chureito Pagoda for Fuji views
• Explore Oshino Hakkai village
• Relax at an onsen
• Stay in Lake Kawaguchi

Day 6: 3 Oct (Travel to Hakone)

• Travel to Hakone
• Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Explore Owakudani volcanic valley
• Cruise on Lake Ashi
• Stay in Hakone

Day 7: 4 Oct (Hakone)

• Explore Hakone Shrine
• Ride the Hakone Ropeway
• Relax at an onsen
• Stay in Hakone

Day 8: 5 Oct (Travel to Kanazawa)

• Travel to Kanazawa
• Visit Kenrokuen Garden
• Explore Kanazawa Castle
• Walk around Higashi Chaya District
• Stay in Kanazawa

Day 9: 6 Oct (Kanazawa)

• Visit Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)
• Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
• Visit Omicho Market
• Stay in Kanazawa

Day 10: 7 Oct (Travel to Takayama)

• Travel to Takayama
• Explore Old Town (Sanmachi District)
• Visit Takayama Morning Market
• Stay in Takayama

Day 11: 8 Oct (Takayama)

• Visit Takayama Jinya
• Explore Matsuri no Mori museum
• Day trip to Shirakawago
• Stay in Takayama

Day 12: 9 Oct (Takayama)

• Relaxation day
• Explore local food
• Enjoy riverside walks and photography
• Stay in Takayama

Day 13: 10 Oct (Travel to Kyoto)

• Travel to Kyoto
• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Explore Tofuku-ji Temple
• Walk around Gion district
• Stay in Kyoto

Day 14: 11 Oct (Kyoto)

• Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Explore Tenryu-ji Temple
• Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Stay in Kyoto

Day 15: 12 Oct (Kyoto)

• Visit Nijo Castle
• Explore Nishiki Market
• Experience a tea ceremony
• Stay in Kyoto

Day 16: 13 Oct (Travel to Tokyo and Departure)

• Travel back to Tokyo
• Explore any missed spots or do some last-minute shopping
• Depart from Narita Airport at 5 PM