Hi everyone,

My fiancé and I are planning our second trip to Japan this October. We're trying to finalize our itinerary and would love some feedback. We’re considering a few options for our free days and want to make sure we’re getting the most out of our time.

Budget is flexible (staying at hotels and could rent a car where needed), as for our interests – we are particularly interested in nature and landscapes.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our current plan:

Day 1: Tokyo

• Arrival: Land in Tokyo in the late afternoon.
• Evening: Settle in at our hotel in Shinjuku, explore the area around our accommodation.

Day 2-5: Osaka

• Day 2: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. Check-in at our hotel in Namba.
• Day 3: Explore Osaka – visit Dotonbori, Namba, Kuromon Market, etc.
• Day 4: Spend a full day at Universal Studios.
• Day 5: Day trip to Himeji to see Himeji Castle.

Day 6-7: 2 days free currently (see options below, we can adjust our plans or move days around).

Day 8-13: Kyoto

• Day 8: Travel from Osaka to Kyoto. Check-in at our hotel in Downtown Kyoto.
• Day 9: Explore the Higashiyama Temple Area – visit Kiyomizu-dera and various surrounding temples leading up to it (Shoren-in, Chion-in, Todaiji etc.)
• Day 10: Explore northern Higashiyama and the Philosopher’s Path.
• Day 11: Visit Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari, Gion, and downtown Kyoto.
• Day 12: Visit Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama. (NOTE: We have seen these before but are considering whether to revisit.)
• Day 13: Day trips to Uji and Nara (can these both be done in one day?).

Day 14-15: Kanazawa

• Day 14: Travel from Kyoto to Kanazawa. Explore Kanazawa and stay overnight.
• Day 15: Spend more time in Kanazawa – Kenrokuen, Ninjadera, Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, Kanazawa Castle.

Day 16: Alpine Route

• Day 16: Depart early from Kanazawa to do the Alpine Route. Take it all the way up to Shinano Omachi, then continue to Matsumoto. Stay overnight in Matsumoto.

Day 17: Matsumoto / Kamikochi

• Day 17: Rent a car in Matsumoto. Explore if time allows, then drive to Kamikochi and visit it. continue to stay overnight in our hotel in Takayama.

Day 18-19: Takayama

• Day 18: Explore Takayama – Old Town, Takayama Jinya, Hida Folk Village. Visit Sake Brewery at night.
• Day 19: Visit Shirakawa-go. If we have time, visit other villages in the area with our car.

Day 20-21: Fuji’s Five Lakes

• Day 20: Depart early, drive from Takayama to Fuji’s Five Lakes (approx. 4.5-hour drive).
• Day 21: Visit all the Fuji Five Lakes by car. Enjoy the nature and the landscape.

Day 22-28: Tokyo

• Day 22: Drive to Tokyo (likely in the afternoon to maximize time in the Fuji area). Return the rental car and check into our Shinjuku hotel. Spend some time in Shinjuku around our hotel area.
• Day 23: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku
• Day 24: Tsukiji Fish Market, Akihabara, Koishikawa Korakuen
• Day 25: Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Ueno, teamLab Borderless, Odaiba
• Day 26: Spend a full day at DisneySea.
• Day 27: Possible day trips to Nikko or Kamakura.
• Day 28: Free day in Tokyo before departing.

Questions:

1. Extra Destinations: We’re considering adding an extra destination to fill in the free days – we are undecided between adding somewhere in the Tōhoku region, or spending more time in Kansai (visiting Kumano Kodo, Nachi Falls & Ise). What are your thoughts? We will rent a car if needed.
2. Time Allocation: Is 6 days in Kyoto too long? Should we adjust our time here?
3. Day Trips: Can Uji and Nara be feasibly visited in one day? Are there any other day trips you’d recommend?

Thanks in advance for your help!