Hi all,
I will be traveling to Japan alone early/November till the end of the month, about 21 days in total. It will be my first time traveling alone and my first time in Japan as well. I've now made a rough itinerary, but im still not sure how long i should be staying in Tokyo. As i'm writing this i thought i might as well share the rest of my plans so that I can also get some general tips on the rest of trip. Or maybe I'll be missing something.
Day 1 – Leaving Home Country
I'll be flying from Amsterdam to Shanghai where I'll have to transfer to another flight to Tokyo Haneda airport.
Day 2 – Transfer in Shanghai and arrival at Haneda airport at around 21:00
When i arrive in my hotel i'll probably just go straight to bed because I expect to be exhausted.
Day 3, 4, 5 and 6 – Exploring Tokyo
I've already researched things I might want to do and visit but i haven't and probably won't completely plan out every day. However, I feel like 4 full days in Tokyo might be too much and I should spend an extra day somewhere else. I don't know?
Day 7 – Taking an early train to Fujikawaguchiko
When i arrive I'll probably just check in to my hotel and go to the onsen and get some views of mount Fuji
Day 8 – Exploring the area around lake Kawaguchiko
I'm thinking of renting a bike and biking around the lake, getting views from mount Fuji and stopping at several sightseeing spots.
Days 9 to 15 – Take bus to Mishima Station and from there take the Shinkansen to Kyoto/Osaka
At the moment I don't really know yet how i will be dividing these days between Kyoto and Osaka (and the area around Osaka). I do know that i want to visit Koyasan. Sadly i don't have to budget to do a temple stay, so i'll just make it a day trip. Perhaps I'll also make a trip to Nara, Kobe or Himeji. Not sure yet.
Day 16 – Take Shinkansen to Hiroshima and visit main attractions
I plan to take an early train and arrive in Hiroshima in the morning so I'll have enough time to visit the Peace Memorial, Park and Museum as well as Miyajima and Itsukushima. I'm aware that this day will be very packed and if it turns out completely impossible to do I'll have to scrap an activity, but my schedule doesn't allow for another option.
Day 17 – Flight to Okinawa in the morning
I'll have a morning flight from Hiroshima to Okinawa and after settling in in my hotel I will do a bit of exploring around my hotel and perhaps spend some time on the beach if the weather allows it.
Days 18 and 19 – More exploring Okinawa
Visit places like American Village, Kokusai Dori, Hacksaw Ridge, etc. Maybe I'll also go on a snorkeling trip.
Day 20 – Fly from Okinawa to Shanghai
I'll be starting my journey home, but because a same day transfer would leave me with just an hour of time between my flights I deciced not to risk it and added an extra day in Shanghai.
Day 21 – Explore Shanghai
I don't really have plans for this day yet, but i'm sure there will be more than enough to see and do in Shanghai
Day 22 – Flying back to Amsterdam
And that marks the end of my trip! If you have any tips or see anything wrong with my plans so far please let me know!
by timdeking