First time itinerary – 2 weeks – November 2024

Hey yall! Me and a friend both (28M) will be visiting Japan for our first time and wondering this current itinerary is a good start. We're both very flexible and impulsive, so plans might change on the fly. Our current plans ais to visit four main areas: Tokyo, Hokkaido, Mt. Fuji, and Kanazawa/Kyoto. We both love nature and hiking, which is why we are excited to visit Hokkaido for its rural beauty and hiking trails.

Here is a quick overview:

• Tokyo: We plan about 7 days exploring with day trips to Mt. Fuji and Kanazawa/Kyoto.
• Hokkaido: The last 4 days will be focused here with outdoor exploration and hiking.
• Special Interest: We're also planning to visit Nara to see the bowing deer and explore the Chicano culture in Tokyo

I would love to hear any thoughts or suggestions on this Itinerary. While our dates are set in stone due to other commitments, we're planning on making this an annual trip, so we don't mind missing out on a few things this time around.

Day 1: October 31 – Arrival Tokyo

• Light exploration of shinjuku and nearby areas.
• Relax after flight with a casual dinner.

Day 2: November 1 – Tokyo

• Morning visit to Asakusa and Senso-Ji Temple
• Afternoon exploring Akihabara
• Evening stroll in Shibuya, visit the crossing and explore Chicano subculture shops and areas

Day 3: November 2 – Day trip to Mt. Fuji

• Early morning departure for Mt. Fuji
• Hike one of the trails, such as Yoshida Trail
• Return to tokyo in the evening

Day 4: November 3 – Tokyo

• Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi park
• Eplore Harajuku and Takeshita street
• Visit Odaiba

Day 5: November 4 – Day Trip to Nara

• Visit Nara park to see the deer that bow
• Explore Todai-ji Temple and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Return to tokyo in the evening

Day 6: November 5 – Tokyo

• Explore Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum
• Visit the trendy district of Shinjuku
• Evening life in Roppongi

Day 7: November 6 – Flex Day

• Option 1: Return to Mt. Fuji
• Option 2: Return to Nara (Kyoto) or Kanazawa
• Option 3: Additional day in tokyo for the tower, Shijuku Gyoen, National Garden, or class on making sushi

Day 8: November 7 – Tokyo

• Spend the morning in Akihabara
• Afternoon visit to Shibuya for shooping and focus on Chicano culture spots
• Shinjuku night life

Day 9: November 8 – Tokyo to Hokkaido (Sapporo via Shinkansen)

• Light exploration of Sapporo
• Dinner in Susukino

Day 10: November 9 – Hokkaido (Sapporo)

• Visit Moerenuma park
• Hike at Maruyama Park and visit Hokkaido Shrine
• Explore the historical Village of Hokkaido

Day 11: November 10 – Hokkaido (Day trip to Otaru)

• Train to Otaru
• Explore the Otaru canal and historic buildings
• Hike in Tenguyama area
• Return to Sapporo

Day 12: November 11 – Hokkaido (Day trip to Furano or Asahikawa)

• Option 1: Furano
  • Explore the scenic landscapes and flower fields
  • hike sorounding area and enjoy the beauty
• Option 2: Asahikawa
  • Visit Daisetuzan National Park for more challengin hikes and stunning views
  • Explore the city and return in the evening

Day 13: November 12 – Final Day in Hokkaido

• Final last minute places, food and shopping
• Flight to tokyo

Day 14: November 13 – GO HOME

• Last minute shopping for Pm flight