Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Japan this Autumn and could use some advice on my itinerary. I’m particularly looking for suggestions on whether my Osaka and Kyoto plans are balanced, and if there’s anything I should add or remove. I’m open to extending my stay by a day if needed. Thanks in advance for your help.
Day 1: Start
- Arrive in Tokyo in the evening and check into my hotel in Asakusa.
- Might explore a nearby area. Any suggestions?
Day 2: Exploring Shibuya & Harajuku
- Start the day with a visit to Meiji Jingu early in the morning, followed by a short walk through Yoyogi Park.
- Get some crêpes at Takeshita Street before heading to Shibuya in the early afternoon.
- Visit Hachiko Memorial Statue, cross the Shibuya Scramble, and catch the sunset view from Shibuya Sky.
- End the day at Shibuya Parco and MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya.
Day 3: Exploring Shinjuku
- Begin the day by visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as it opens, then spend some time relaxing at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
- Continue the day with stops at Yasuyo Hall, the Shinjuku 3D Cat Billboard, and the Godzilla Head.
- Finish the day in Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden-Gai.
Day 4: Exploring Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara
- Morning starts with a visit to Senso-ji, then head over to Tokyo Skytree for the panoramic view from the observation deck.
- Relax at Ueno Park and then stroll through the Ueno Ameyoko Shopping District.
- End the day exploring Akihabara.
Day 5: Full Day at DisneySea
- Spend the entire day at DisneySea. (Hoping to catch some fireworks at night.)
Day 6: Exploring Odaiba
- Go to teamLab Borderless. (Will book earliest slot available in the morning.)
- Explore Odaiba area including Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba Marine Park, Statue of Liberty, and Life-Sized UNICORN GUNDAM Statue.
Day 7: Harry Potter Studio Tour
- Kick off the day with the Harry Potter Studio Tour. (Will book earliest slot available in the morning.)
- The rest of the day is still open, so I’m considering options.
Day 8: Free Day
- Free day, so might go on a day trip to Hakone / Mt. Takao.
Day 9: Kawaguchiko
- Spend the day in Kawaguchiko, visiting Chureito Pagoda, Arakurayama Sengen Park, taking the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and exploring Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor and Oishi Park.
- Stay overnight in Kawaguchiko.
Day 10: Kawaguchiko to Osaka
- Start with a quick visit to Oshino Hakkai early morning before traveling to Osaka.
- Arrive in Osaka in the late afternoon/evening.
- Towards late evening/night, visit Umeda Sky Building for a view from the observation deck, and then explore Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, Dotonbori, and Hozenji Yokocho.
Day 11: Full Day at Universal Studios Japan
- Spend the entire day at Universal Studios Japan.
Day 12: Exploring Osaka
- Begin the day with an early visit to Himeji Castle since it opens at 9 am. Will aim to leave Himeji by noon and arrive back in Osaka.
- Towards the late afternoon, continue with visits to Osaka Temmangu Shrine, Namba Yasaka Jinja, Den Den Town, Tsutenkaku Tower (just for photos from outside), and a relaxing walk through Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
- End the day in Shinsekai.
Day 13: Exploring Eastern and Central Kyoto
- Start by walking through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha in the morning, followed by a visit to Kiyomizu-dera.
- In the afternoon, stroll through the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka before visiting Gion and Samurai Ninja Museum.
- Finish the day exploring Nishiki Market.
Day 14: Exploring Western Kyoto
- Begin the day early with a visit to Okochi Sanso Garden and a walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
- Cross the Togetsukyō Bridge followed by a visit to Tenryu-ji.
- In the afternoon, will head to Kinkaku-ji, Nijō Castle.
- End the day exploring Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace.
Day 15: End
by gailfriz