My husband and I are planning on visiting Japan in June for our anniversary trip. I’ve done some research but I’m a little worried that my itinerary could be too ambitious for 10 days. We are typically very active and adventurous travelers so I want to see and do as much as possible, within reason. The goal for this itinerary is to get a “best-of” view of the country, as it will be our first time visiting.
Here are my main questions:
1. Is this itinerary realistic for 10 days?
2. How far in advance should we start making reservations? I’m mostly concerned about finding a good place to stay in Hakone. For all other cities, the accommodations don’t matter as much to me.
3. Any additional recommendations in the area to really make this itinerary perfect? I would love to learn about any little under appreciated spots or special places I may not have heard of!
Here’s the itinerary:
Day 1: Tokyo
Day 1 will be for lower-priority attractions that I won’t mind missing in case of travel complications
Arrive in Tokyo
Explore Tokyo
TeamLab Planets
Ginza area
See Tokyo Tower and surrounding area
Day 2: Tokyo
DisneySea day
Day 3: Tokyo
Meiji-jingu
Shibuya
Shibuya Sky or Metropolitan Building
Nonbei Yokocho
Omotesando/Harajuku
Explore and find good food
Day 4: Hakone
Tokyo -> Hakone
Hakone Loop
Hakone Ropeway (Mt. Fuji views)
Lake Ashinoko Boats
Hakone Shrine
Hotel with in-room onsen
Day 5: Kyoto
Morning: Hakone Open-air museum
Hakone -> Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari (early or late)
Kiyomizu-dera
Wander Gion district
See Hokan-ji
Pontocho alley dinner
Day 7: Kyoto
Arashiyama bamboo grove
Kinkaku-ji
Day 8: Osaka
Kyoto -> Osaka
Explore Dotonbori
Find delicious food
Day 9: Hiroshima
Osaka -> Himeji Castle
Explore the castle for a bit
Himeji Castle -> Hiroshima
Day 10: Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Museum
Itsukushima Shrine