Hey! I am traveling to Japan with my family (6 Adults) 5 of which will be visiting for the first time. I have been lurking here for a while whilst we plan this trip, and I think we’ve gotten the majority of the itinerary ironed out. That being said, we would love any feedback, tips, etc anyone has to offer!
Some information about us/specific questions:
We are not much for nightlife, super fancy restaurants, and are not heavy drinkers therefore generally do not have much planned for the evening hours so would love any recommendations for Kyoto/Tokyo after dark.
One of our group does not eat beef/pork, we are planning on having a business card in Japanese explaining this, but any tips on how to accommodate that, or foods to avoid that may not obviously contain beef/pork would be appreciated!
Arrival:
- Oct 5: This is a long travel day by design, trying to get most of it out of the way at the beginning.
- Arrive in Haneda Airport ~2pm,
- Grab Welcome Suica cards,
- Take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station then Shinkansen to Kyoto (Should we book these tickets in advance?)
- Check into my hotel (Sora Niwa Terrace).
Kyoto: (Oct 6 – 12)
Oct 6: Start the day with a Tea Ceremony at Maikoya, then explore Gion district as much as we fit in (Kenninji Temple, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, Chionin Temple, Shorenin Temple).
Oct 7: Booked a private car tour for some of the areas further out from hotel (Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Kibune River, Kurama-dera)
Oct 8: Philosopher's Path area – stops at Nanzen-ji (Suirokaku & Okunoin Temple), Honen-ji, Ginkaku-ji and maybe a hike up Mt Daimonji-yama. – I’ve done some googling and it seems like the bus/taxi is the best way to/from this area unless I am missing something?
Oct 9: Osaka Day Trip: Not much planned for this, mostly hitting Osaka Castle in the morning and Dotonbori in the afternoon. Open to suggestions for other must-sees!
Oct 10: Fushimi Inari in the morning and the Nintendo Museum in the afternoon (4:00 PM).
Other spots in Kyoto we plan on visiting:
- Nijō Castle, Nishiki Market, Maybe Uji if time permits?
Miyajima & Hiroshima: (Oct 11-12)
Oct 11: Check out of Kyoto hotel, Ship luggage to Tokyo, Shinkansen to Hiroshima, drop remaining bags at hotel, explore Miyajima or Peace Memorial Park/Museum (depending on time/Weather). Stay at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima.
Oct 12: Do either Miyajima or Peace Park/Museum then Shinkansen to Tokyo, check in to Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin Minamiguchi.
Tokyo: (Oct 12-18)
- Oct 13: Morning: Nakameguro (Starbucks Roastery!), Mochi making class in Meguro, Meguro Sky Garden. Afternoon/Evening: Asakusa & Sumo Dinner Show
- Oct 14: Between Harujuku/Yoyogi in the morning and Eastern/Northern Tokyo in the afternoon (Ueno, Yanaka, Akihabara) or a day trip to Kamakura/Yokohama depending on weather.
- Oct 15: Private Car Day trip to Hakone/Fuji area.
- Oct 16: TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, Tokyo Tower, Shueisha Manga Museum, Shimokitazawa in the afternoon
- Oct 17: Same as Oct 14th: Either Kamakura or Eastern/Northern Tokyo
- Oct 18: Shibuya Sky observation deck at 10:00 AM, Check out hotel, head to Haneda Airport for a 6:25 pm departure.
Any suggestions or ways to improve the itinerary are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
by Secret_Impact_1027