My husband and I are visiting Japan for the first time. We land on Saturday, and we're super excited! We don't want to bite off more than we can chew, but we also want to see as much as possible (within reason) during our two-week trip. We've put together an itinerary, but we're struggling to edit it down and worry that we might be trying to do too much each day. We're coming from New York City, so our walking endurance is high.
We love everything food-related and are into stopping at random places and following our nose. We tend to play most of our travel by ear and are flexible to taking breaks if we're tired, but we want to have a general idea of what we should do each day (even if in the morning we change it based on what we saw the day before).
We’d love your thoughts on whether this plan is doable or if we should consider making some changes. Also, if there are any must-see spots we’re missing (like Himeji Castle?), please let us know!
Specifically, we have a few questions:
Hakone Loop: Is it worth it to do the Hakone Loop even if the weather is cloudy? We’re considering getting a Hakone Free Pass and ending the trip at Hakone Yuryo. What do you think?
Train Tickets: We are not getting the JR Rail Pass. Will it be difficult to get individual train tickets to each location the day before we travel? Should we purchase tickets in advance or wait until we arrive?
Fushimi Inari and Nara: Can we visit Fushimi Inari before heading to Nara on the same day?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice! 😊
Japan Itinerary – September 2024
Sunday, September 15 – Tokyo (West Side)
Start with Glitch Coffee
Sacred morning walk & brunch at Meiji Shrine
Harajuku – Takeshita Street
Tokyu Plaza
Shibuya Sky
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Dinner at Yakiniku Blackhole
Monday, September 16 – Tokyo
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Sensoji Temple
- Food tour in Asakusa
- Akihabara
- Evening in Roppongi?
Tuesday, September 17 – Hakone
- Day trip to Hakone
Wednesday, September 18 – Travel to Kanazawa
- Nagamachi Samurai District
- Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Stroll along the Saigawa River
Thursday, September 19 – Kanazawa
- Kenrokuen Garden
- Kanazawa Castle
- Lunch at Omicho Market
- Higashi Chaya District
- Dinner in the Katamachi Area
Friday, September 20 – Shirakawa-go
- Day trip to Shirakawa-go
Saturday, September 21 – Travel to Kyoto
- Gion District and Kiyomizu-dera
- Lunch in Gion
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Kyoto Tower or Evening Relaxation
- Evening Stroll
Sunday, September 22 – Kyoto
- Tenryu-ji Temple
- Lunch at Nishiki Market
- Nanzen-ji Temple and Philosopher’s Path
- Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)
- Dinner
- Kyoto Tower or Evening Relaxation
- Evening Stroll
Monday, September 23 – Kyoto to Nara
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Trip to Nara
- Nara Deer Park
- Todaji Temple
- Higashimuki Shopping Street
- Back to Kyoto
- Dinner in Kyoto
Tuesday, September 24 – Osaka
- Osaka Castle
- Hozen-ji Temple
- Evening: Dotonbori
Wednesday, September 25 – Osaka
- Shitennoji Temple
- Tsūtenkaku
- Kuromon Market
Thursday, September 26 – Osaka
- Day trip to Kobe
Friday, September 27 – Osaka
- Last day of shopping and exploring before we head back!
by C4T4L1N4