Hi everyone! My sister and I have our first trip to Japan planned from Jan 1st – Jan 16th (I know this timing isn't ideal due to new years but it was the only time that would work for us) and I was looking to get some feedback on our current itinerary before booking any hotels! I wanted to know if you all think this is a realistic itinerary or if it is looking to be too busy.
My sister and I are in our early 20s and are both fairly active people and enjoy moving around a lot, as well as having some specific chill times. We also prefer to have a few “starting points” if you will for each day without an hourly daily plan so we can explore whichever area we find ourselves in.
Thanks in advance and we are super excited for this trip!
I have bolded each day, and will italicize where we plan on staying in a hotel each night.
Weds Jan 1st – travel day
Thurs Jan 2nd – Tokyo Day 1 (Asakusa + settle in)
- Arrive at Haneda at 5:10am
- Find somewhere to leave luggage till check in
- Check into hotel whenever possible
- Visit temples and shrines since it seems many other things will be closed
- Senso-ji + nakamise dori street
- Five story pagoda
- Kappabashi street
- Tokyo sky tree
Fri Jan 3rd Tokyo day 2 (Ginza + shopping)
- Shopping day at major retail stores (that will hopefully be open!)
- GU, Uniqlo, Itoya
- Look for lucky bags
- Considering going to Kabuki-za for a show that evening before dinner if open
Sat Jan 4th Tokyo day 3 (Shinjuku)
- Explore Shinjuku area
- Omoide Yokocho
- Considering a cooking class this evening, if not visit kawagoe for a half day evening trip
Sun Jan 5th Tokyo day 4 (Ebisu + Shibuya)
Breakfast in ebisu
Color analysis from 11 am – 12pm in Ebisu (This is the only event that is locked in so far)
Explore Ebisu for a bit
Head to Harajuku for some shopping
Ann fragrance to make perfumes
Late night ramen
Mon Jan 6th Kanazawa
- Head to kanazawa
- Kazuemachi Chaya District
- Omicho Market
Tue Jan 7th Shirakawago + Takayama
- Half day exploring Shirakawago
- Get some pudding
- Head to takayama
- Takayama jinya building
- Find a nice spot for dinner
Wed Jan 8th Kyoto day 1
- Nishiki market for brunch
- glänta Kyoto to make rings
- Explore gion district
Thurs Jan 9th Kyoto day 2
- Arashiyama area
- Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
- Bamboo forest
Fri Jan 10 Kyoto -> Uji/Nara day trip
- Tea ceremony in Uji
- byodo-in
- Nara park
- Todaiji Temple
Sat Jan 11 Kyoto day 3
- Fushimi inari early in the morning to avoid crowds (thinking 6:30 am)
Yasaka pagoda
Anything we feel we missed on kyoto day 1 otherwise casual strolling
Sun Jan 12 Kinosaki Onsen
Take an early train to kinosaki
Stay in a ryokan
Onsen hopping
Kaiseki dinner
Mon Jan 13 Osaka day 1
- Train from kinosaki to osaka
- Kuromon Ichiba Market for brunch
- Round 1 stadium
- Dotonbori for dinner
Tues Jan 14th Osaka day 2
- Osaka castle
Wed Jan 15th Osaka -> Kobe day trip
- Considering Arima Onsen and exploring that area
- Get Kobe beef lunch and explore
Sawanotsuru Sake Museum
Head back to Osaka for the night to prepare for early flight
Thurs Jan 16h Travel Day
- Flight from ITM at 7:05 am
by skyb2003