Hi all! Planning a trip to Japan in January 2025 for 4 adults and 1 child (5 years old). We have most of our itinerary locked down, except we are still a bit undecided about whether we should still make a trip to Hakone instead of going back and spending a few days in Tokyo. Would like feedback on transportation (although my itinerary assumes using public transport, I do have a valid international driving permit), winter dos and don'ts (we live in the tropics; something to consider as I have zero experience driving in winter), and other recommendations e.g. food and so on.
Friday, 24 January 2025 – Tokyo
8:30AM Arrive at Narita. Thinking of taking it easy and just exploring the area around either Shinjuku or Shibuya. My worry is finding a place for our luggage if we booked an AirBnB and are unable to check in until later in the afternoon; if we were to stay in a hotel, I'm sure they would let us leave our luggage at reception.
Saturday, 25 January 2025 – Day trip to Yokohama
Morning: Shop at / around the Uniqlo Park
Afternoon / Evening: Yokohama Sky Garden, Cosmo World
Sunday, 26 January 2025 – Kawaguchiko
Take a bus to Kawaguchiko and stay at a hotel next to Oike Park; this is the only accommodation that we have already booked and paid for.
Night: Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks
Monday, 27 January 2025 – Saiko
Haven't done a lot of research yet about this area, other than knowing that you can take a public bus there. We'd love to do some light hiking on this day, with perhaps a break somewhere in case the 5yo needs a nap. Thoughts about the Ice, Wind, and Bat caves? Hiking at Aokigahara Forest? Iyashi no Sato village?
Tuesday, 28 January 2025 – FujiQ Highland
Will probably spend the entire day here as a few of us love theme parks.
Wednesday, 29 January 2025 – Chureito Pagoda + Oshino Hakkai
Go up the pagoda for the famous views in the morning, then take public transportation to Oshino Hakkai where we would spend the rest of the afternoon. Might try to squeeze in strawberry picking at Fuji Oshino Berry Land, but the reviews of that place seem mixed. Note: 2 of us have been to Oshino Hakkai before, so going there is not a must-do.
Thursday, 30 January 2025 – Head to Hakone
Check out of our hotel in Kawaguchiko and head to Hakone. Based on my research, staying in Gora seems to fit our budget and interests better. We might face the same luggage issues if we booked an AirBnB. Activity-wise, perhaps a visit to the open air museum, and then visit a local onsen at night?
Friday, 31 January 2025 – Hakone Loop(?)
We would like to hit the cable cars, drop by Owakudani, ride the boat, and maybe do the walk from Hakone-machi to Moto-Hakone / Hakone Shrine. However, it's not fully clear what's the fastest way to get from the shrine back to Gora; Google Maps suggest just taking the local buses. Also, would it be worth it to get the Hakone Freepass?
Saturday, 1 February 2025 – Back to Tokyo
Check out from our lodging in Gora and head back to Tokyo (perhaps directly to the airport).
10:00PM Depart Narita
What do you think about this itinerary? Our key concerns:
- Luggage issues when we arrive at AirBnBs before check-in
- Is Hakone worth it if we only have 2 days there?
- Having some buffer time as we are travelling with a child
Any and all feedback appreciated, thanks in advance!
by Alakazen