Hey everyone! As the title indicates, we are first time visitors heading to Japan for two weeks in October and would welcome feedback on our itinerary. Not everything on the list needs to be done, but at least it should give us some structure and inspiration depending on how we feel that day.
Day 1
- Depart North America, arriving in Tokyo (Narita) the following day at 4:05 PM. Purchase shuttle bus tickets to Tokyo central station. Walk to hotel. Grab dinner in the vicinity before bed.
Day 2
- Imperial Palace (East Gardens)
- Ueno Park / Tokyo Metropolitan Museum (if time/energy) / Ameyoko Shopping District
- Sensō-ji temple + asakusa
- Tokyo Skytree observation deck (evening)
Day 3
- Tsujiki Market / Tsukishima Monja Street
- Ginza / TeamLab Borderless
- Akihabara Electric Town / Taito Station (arcade)
- Kanda Shrine
- Local izakaya / bar (evening)
Day 4
- Depart Shinkansen from Tokyo Station at XX:XX A.M. Arrive Hiroshima mid-day.
- Hiroshima Castle
- Atomic Bomb dome
- Peace memorial museum
Day 5
- Early morning ferry to Miyajima island
- Itsukushima Jinja
- Mount Misen Observatory
Day 6
- [Optional stop in Himeji] Morning transit to Kyoto, for arrival mid-afternoon.
- Check-in to hotel and explore local area
- Kyoto Imperial palace / Nijo Castle
Day 7
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Sannenzaka Path
- Ninenzaka
- Harushika Sake Brewery
Day 8
- Kinkaku-ji
- Ryoan Ji
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Tea ceremony Ju-An / Kimono Ceremony Maiyoka
- Pontocho Alley
- Shinkyogoku Shopping Street Union
Day 9
- Day trip Osaka. Discover Osaka Castle
- Explore Umeda
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
- Kuromon Market
- Dotonburi
Day 10
- Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
- Kimono Forest
- Spa relaxation at ryokan or onsen
- Dinner / bar near hotel
Day 11
- Depart Kyoto in the morning to Lake Kawaguchiko (transfer in Mishima – 4 to 5 hours total journey. Arrive by mid-afternoon)
- Check-in to hotel and explore surroundings of the town and lake.
- Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (weather permitting)
Day 12
- Mt. Mitsutoge day hike [weather permitting]
Day 13
- Travel to Tokyo (approximately two hours)
- Leave luggage at hotel / check-in when possible
- Explore Shinjuku
- Omoide Yokocho
- Evening – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
Day 14
- Shibuya crossing
- Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho
- MEGA Don Quijota / [optional – Shibuya Sky]
- Meiji Shrine
- Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
- Takeshita Street Square
- Pack / prepare for travel the following day
Day 15
- Sleep-in and check-out mid-morning.
- Grab light lunch depart for Narita at approximately 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
- Travel back to North America (arrive no later than 3:00 PM to Narita)
by Strict_Search584