First of all, this sub has been immensely helpful in helping me plan our upcoming honeymoon in Japan this mid-November, so thank you for all the posts and comments!! Our trip will look like this:
- 6 days in Tokyo
- 2 days in Kinosaki
- 1 day in Osaka
- 1 day Nara (day trip from Osaka)
- 2 days in Kyoto (day trips from Osaka)
We feel really good about everything we have planned so far, except I was hoping for confirmation or advice on my itinerary for the 2 day trips in Kyoto. I know most people will recommend allocating more time for Kyoto (and Osaka), but it's all we can fit in for this trip. We really want to go off the beaten path and want to avoid the insanely crowded attractions, while still getting a good feel of Kyoto's vibe. Here's what I had in mind:
Day 1 (Northeast Kyoto)
- Ninna-ji Temple and this nice ~1.5hr hike directly behind it
- Gioji Temple > Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street > Adashino Nenbutsuji (for the less crowded version of the bamboo forest)
- Head back to Osaka to rest at hotel and go to Dotonbori
Day 2 (Fushimi Inari / Higashiyama / Downtown)
- Fushimi Inari (start early and hike to top to avoid crowds)
- Murin-an Garden > Konchi-in & Tenju-an Temples
- Stroll along Philosopher's Path and stop by Honen-in Temple
- Wander and have dinner downtown (Gion, Pontocho, Kamo River areas?)
I know we'll be missing a ton of stuff in Kyoto, but I hope this will give us an essence of the city's magic without being packed like sardines in places like Kyomizudera (even though I'd love to see the illuminations there) and Golden Pavilion, and without rushing around too much. For those who are well versed in Kyoto's attractions, I'd really appreciate to hear from you if this looks like a decent plan of attack given our preferences and goals!
by tchshwaah