Frens,

Planning 2nd time in Japan in October having visited previously in March / April 2018. First time I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hakone, Miyajima, Hiroshima.

This time I am thinking the following – your views would be hugely appreciated! I have a top notch Ryokan booked for Kanazawa (after having stayed in an insane one in Hakone on my 1st trip); otherwise, things are still flexible!

Thank you!

Japan (October 13-28, 2024)

Day 1: Tokyo (October 13, Sunday)

• 12:20 PM: Arrive at Haneda Airport.
• 1:30 PM: Transfer to your hotel in central Tokyo.
• 2:30 PM: Check-in and freshen up.
• 3:30 PM: Explore Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
• 9:00 PM: Night views from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
• 10:30 PM: Return to your hotel and rest.
• Sleeping: Tokyo

Day 2-4: Kanazawa (October 14-16)

• Day 2: October 14, Monday:
  • 7:30 AM: Check-out from your Tokyo hotel and transfer to Tokyo Station.
  • 9:00 AM: Take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (2.5 hours).
  • 11:30 AM: Arrive in Kanazawa, transfer to hotel, and check-in.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Omicho Market.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner in Kanazawa.
  • Sleeping: Kanazawa
• Day 3: October 15, Tuesday:
  • 9:00 AM: Breakfast and visit Nagamachi Samurai District.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch and explore Teramachi Temple Area, including Ninja Temple.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local izakaya.
  • Sleeping: Kanazawa
• Day 4: October 16, Wednesday:
  • 8:00 AM: Explore Omicho Market.
  • 10:30 AM: Check out, transfer to Kanazawa Station.
  • 12:00 PM: Take JR Limited Express Hida to Takayama (2 hours).
  • 2:00 PM: Arrive in Takayama, check-in to ryokan, explore Takayama Old Town.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner featuring Hida beef, relax in ryokan onsen.
  • Sleeping: Takayama

Day 5-6: Takayama & Shirakawago (October 17-18)

• Day 5: October 17, Thursday:
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Takayama Morning Market and Takayama Jinya.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Takayama Showa-kan Museum.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Hida Folk Village, kaiseki dinner, relax in onsen.
  • Sleeping: Takayama
• Day 6: October 18, Friday:
  • 8:00 AM: Take bus to Shirakawago, explore Ogimachi village.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch and afternoon exploring Shirakawago.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to Takayama, dinner.
  • Sleeping: Takayama

Day 7-8: Nagoya (October 19-20)

• Day 7: October 19, Saturday:
  • 8:30 AM: Transfer to Nagoya (2.5 hours).
  • 1:30 PM: Visit Nagoya Castle, Toyota Museum.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner in Nagoya.
  • Sleeping: Nagoya
• Day 8: October 20, Sunday:Option 1: Ghibli Park:Option 2: Inuyama:
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture.
  • 6:00 PM: Return to Nagoya for dinner.
  • Sleeping: Nagoya
  • 8:00 AM: Visit Inuyama Castle and Urakuen Garden.
  • 12:00 PM: Explore Inuyama tea houses and historic streets.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to Nagoya for dinner.
  • Sleeping: Nagoya

Day 9-11: Matsumoto & Kamikochi (October 21-23)

• Day 9: October 21, Monday:
  • 9:00 AM: Take Limited Express Shinano to Matsumoto (2.5 hours).
  • 12:30 PM: Visit Matsumoto Castle, Ukiyo-e Museum.
  • Sleeping: Matsumoto
• Day 10: October 22, Tuesday:
  • 7:30 AM: Bus to Kamikochi, hike Azusa River, visit Kappa Bridge.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to Matsumoto.
  • Sleeping: Matsumoto
• Day 11: October 23, Wednesday:
  • 9:00 AM: Explore Nawate-dori Street, transfer to Yamanouchi.
  • 2:00 PM: Arrive in Yamanouchi, visit Shibu Onsen, relax in onsen.
  • Sleeping: Yamanouchi

Day 12-13: Yamanouchi & Jigokudani (October 24-25)

• Day 12: October 24, Thursday:
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore Yamanouchi or relax at ryokan.
  • Sleeping: Yamanouchi
• Day 13: October 25, Friday:
  • 11:00 AM: Travel to Nikko (4 hours).
  • 4:00 PM: Check-in and visit Toshogu Shrine.
  • Sleeping: Nikko

Day 14-15: Nikko (October 26-27)

• Day 14: October 26, Saturday:
  • 9:00 AM: Explore Lake Chuzenji, hike Senjogahara Marshlands.
  • 2:00 PM: Return to Nikko.
  • Sleeping: Nikko
• Day 15: October 27, Sunday:
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Ryuzu Falls, hike, and return to Tokyo by afternoon.
  • Sleeping: Tokyo

Day 16: Tokyo (October 28, Monday)

• Morning: Last-minute shopping, visit attractions.
• 4:00 PM: Head to Haneda Airport.
• 10:55 PM: Flight to Shanghai.
• Sleeping: Flight