Alright, I've been lurking in this sub for awhile while we plan our trip. My wife and I are traveling to Japan for the first time. I'm a big traveler, this is her first big international trip. I wanted to do something that prioritized smaller cities and experiences vs too much time in big cities. We're interested in spending time at botanic gardens/parks, hiking, museums, cultural sites, etc… less interested in just going to crowded tourist hotspots. Some of this plan was a little bit shot because we had to do Kyoto on the weekend, for Culture Day, so I know that will be crazy, but it'll be alright!
My question is, is this itinerary too crazy? Are there any places you'd recommend spending more time and day tripping out to? I'm a little worried this will be too much traveling. Thank you in advance for your insights!
OCT 25: Arrive in Tokyo (Narita) at 18:15
- Check in to hotel in Ueno area
OCT 26: Tokyo
- Explore Ueno area
- Evening ferry from Oarai to Tomakomai at 19:25
OCT 27-29: Hokkaido
- Arrive in Tomakomai at 13:30, transit to Sapporo
- Explore Sapporo, day trip to Otaru and Nikka Whisky Distillery
OCT 30-31: Kanazawa
- Fly from New Chitose Airport to Komatsu at 14:40, transit to Kanazawa
- Explore Kanazawa (Kenroku-en Garden, Higashi Chaya District, etc.)
NOV 1: Shirakawa-go & Takayama
- Check out from Kanazawa
- Visit Shirakawa-go
- Evening in Takayama, stay at a ryokan
NOV 2-3: Takayama & Kyoto
- Morning in Takayama
- Afternoon transit to Kyoto
- Explore Kyoto (Nov 3 is Culture Day)
NOV 4-5: Fujikawaguchiko
- Travel from Kyoto to Fujikawaguchiko
- Explore Lake Kawaguchi area, view Mt. Fuji
NOV 6-7: Tokyo
- Return to Tokyo
- Explore the city
- Depart from Narita on NOV 7 at 19:20
Key points:
- Mix of urban, cultural, and natural experiences
- Includes major cities (Tokyo, Sapporo, Kyoto) and smaller towns (Takayama, Fujikawaguchiko)
- Opportunities for autumn foliage viewing
- Incorporates Culture Day experience in Kyoto
- Allows for viewing Mt. Fuji
by flamingdope