Hi everyone, together with 4 of my friends we'll be visiting Japan next year from 20.04.2025 to 5.05.2025. I wanted to ask you for some guidance and help with the itinerary I came up with. The Tokyo part is not finished yet.
Some days feel a bit packed while others completely opposite. I am also considering doing some more day trips. Feel free to leave your feedback.
Chronologically (1 night in Tokyo, 5 nights in Kyoto, 2 nights in Kanazawa, 2 nights in Takayama, 6 nights in Tokyo)
20.04.2025 Tokyo
- 22:30 arrival
- check in to a hotel near Shinagawa station (need to warn the staff about a late check in)
21.04.2025 train to Kyoto
- go to Kyoto (as early as possible)
- leave luggage in a hotel in/around Higashiyama Ward (check in is after 3pm)
- sightseeing: Tōfuku-ji, Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kiomizu-dera, Hōkan-ji, Chion-in, Heian Shrine, Gion-shimbashi District, Nishiki Market (some of the things may be moved to next morning)
22.04.2025 Kyoto
- sightseeing: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji, Sagano Grove, sunset at Iwatayama Peak? (heard it's overrated), Arashiyama
23.04.2025 Kyoto
- sightseeing: remaining places from previous days, tbd,
24.04.2025 Nara + some more strolling around Kyoto
- train from Kyoto to Nara
- sightseeing: Kofuki-ji, deer park, Todaji temple, Kasuga Taisha, stroll around the city of Nara
- eating: Yomgi mochi, lunch somewhere
- go back to Kyoto, and see some remaining parts of the city
25.04.2025 Osaka
- train from Kyoto to Osaka
- sightseeing: Osaka castle, Shinseki and ending the day in Dotonbori
- go back to Kyoto
26.04.2025 Train to Kanazawa
- train from Kyoto to Kanazawa
- check in/leaving luggage at the hotel
- sightseeing: Omicho market, Higashi Chaya District, Oyama Shrine, Kanazawa Castle Ruins
27.04.2025 Kanazawa
- sightseeing: Nagamachi (Samurai District), Kenroku-en, Omiyage
28.04.2025 Shirakawa-go and Takayama
- take an early bus to Shirakawa leave our luggage at the station
- sightseeing: stroll around the village, Ogimachi Castle observation deck
- eating: pudding house
- take a bus to Takayama
- late hotel check in, evening stroll, dinner around old town
29.04.2025 Takayama
- sightseeing: Miyaga market, Showa museum?, more of the old town, visiting one of the sake breweries, Takayama Sky park
30.04.2025 Train to Tokyo, Tokyo
- train from Takayama to Tokyo, leaving luggage at the hotel,
31.04.2025 Tokyo
1.04.2025 Tokyo
2.05.2025 Hakone Day Trip
- renting some bikes to access some less crowded places
3.05.2025 Tokyo
4.05.2025 Kamakura
- sightseeing: Hokoku-ji, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- eating: Giraffa Curry Pan
5.05.2025 Tokyo, at the airport around 21-22
by MKM0o