Hi everyone,

My wife (32f) and I (38m) are heading to Japan for two weeks from September 14th to 29th. We’ve put together a plan that mixes cultural experiences, shopping (her things) a bit of golf (my thing) and some relaxation. It's more of a splurge trip and budget isn't so much a factor here Trip is about $50k then + $10-20k more for shopping (used points on flights) we'll do on the last few nights.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on our itinerary and any suggestions to make it even better. We're flying Delta One into Haneda and plan to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka.

We're also really into Photography! I'm bringing my Nikon Z8 with a Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 as well as the Nikon Z 135mm 1.8 Plena I can't wait to try. I also want to know if there are specific spots that should lend itself to 135mm photography? I was thinking of bringing into the newer TeamLabs location to test the Bokeh. Most of our trip has been pre-arranged but we are able to alter/change plans at anytime.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (9/14)

• Flight: Delta One from Atlanta to Haneda, arriving in the evening.
• Hotel: Checking in at Aman Tokyo. We’re planning to unwind with a spa session after the long flight.
• Dinner: Planning to dine at the hotel’s Arva restaurant to keep it simple the first night.

Day 2: Tokyo (9/15)

• Morning: Starting with a visit to Tsukiji Outer Market for some breakfast sushi and exploring the stalls.
• Afternoon: Private tour of the Imperial Palace and its gardens.
• Evening: Shopping spree in Ginza, focusing on some luxury brands and local boutiques.
• Dinner: We’ve got a reservation at Sushi Saito for the evening.

Day 3: Tokyo (9/16)

• Morning: Playing a round at Tokyo Golf Club. It’s supposed to be one of the best courses around, so I’m really looking forward to it.
• Afternoon: After golf, we’re heading to Odaiba for a helicopter tour over the city.
• Evening: Dinner at Narisawa, which I’ve heard is a must-try.

Day 4: Tokyo (9/17)

• Morning: Exploring Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple with a guide to get a deeper understanding of the area.
• Afternoon: We’re planning to stroll through Omotesando and check out the architecture and shops.
• Evening: Kaiseki dinner at Ryugin to wrap up our Tokyo stay.

Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto (9/18)

• Morning: Taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
• Hotel: We’ll be staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.
• Afternoon: Planning to visit Nishiki Market and explore Gion with a guide.
• Evening: We’ve booked a private tea ceremony followed by dinner at Kikunoi Honten. I believe we will be meeting with a few Geishas.

Day 6: Kyoto (9/19)

• Morning: Early start with a private tour of Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Afternoon: Lunch at Hyotei before returning to the hotel to relax.
• Evening: Planning to unwind and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

Day 7: Kyoto (9/20)

• Day Trip to Nara:
  • We’ll visit Todai-ji, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
  • Lunch is planned at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Nara before heading back to Kyoto.

Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka (9/21)

• Morning: Private transfer to Osaka.
• Hotel: Checking in at The St. Regis Osaka.
• Afternoon: We’re excited to explore Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, maybe indulge in some street food.
• Evening: Dinner reservation at a top-notch Kobe beef restaurant.

Day 9: Osaka (9/22)

• Morning: Visiting Osaka Castle with a guide.
• Afternoon: We’ll take a day trip to Himeji Castle. I’ve heard it’s stunning and a must-see.
• Evening: Dinner at La Cime, which offers a mix of French and Japanese cuisine.

Day 10: Osaka to Tokyo (9/23)

• Morning: Taking the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
• Hotel: Staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo this time.
• Afternoon: Planning to relax at the hotel, maybe hit the spa.
• Evening: Dinner at New York Grill.

Day 11: Tokyo (9/24)

• Morning: Visiting the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park with a guide.
• Afternoon: Shopping in Harajuku and Aoyama. Looking forward to exploring some unique boutiques.
• Evening: Tempura dinner at Ten-ichi Ginza.

Day 12: Tokyo (9/25)

• Morning: Golf day at Kasumigaseki Country Club, which I’m really looking forward to.
• Afternoon: Private tour of the Tokyo National Museum.
• Evening: We’ve booked an omakase dinner at Sushi Saito.

Day 13: Tokyo (9/26)

• Morning: Planning to visit the Nezu Museum and its gardens.
• Afternoon: Excited to check out the teamLab Borderless exhibit.
• Evening: Robatayaki dinner at Inakaya.

Day 14: Tokyo (9/27)

• Morning: Another visit to Tsukiji Outer Market, just can’t get enough of it.
• Afternoon: Private river cruise on the Sumida River to relax and take in the views.
• Evening: Farewell dinner at Joel Robuchon in Ebisu.

Day 15: Departure (9/28)

• Morning: Last-minute shopping in Ginza, picking up a few souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Heading to Haneda Airport for our flight back to Atlanta.

We’re really excited about this trip and would love to hear your thoughts on our itinerary. Are there any hidden gems we might be missing or places we should swap out? Thanks in advance for your advice!