Hello! This spring, I am traveling to Japan for the first time ever, so I am very excited to do as much as I can with my time there. In summary, I’m planning to go to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone.
Below is the simplified version of my itinerary, and I think the main guidance I need is in regards to transportation. I’ve been trying to use Google maps to plan which lines and transfers to take, but do the schedules change often? I’m also debating on renting a car, but I’ve never rented a car before. Any guidance is appreciated!
Day 1:
* Arrive in Narita airport
* Takkyubin luggage to Kyoto
* Sleep in Chuo City, Tokyo
Day 2:
* Travel to tea museum in Shimada, Shizuoka
* Travel to and sleep in Wazuka
Day 3:
* Tea farms
* Travel to and sleep at Kyoto
Day 4:
* Kyoto (shrines, tea ceremony, shopping)
Day 5:
* Takkyubin of luggage to Osaka
* Travel to Osaka
Day 6:
* Osaka (Universal studios, onsen)
Day 7:
* Takkyubin of luggage to Hakone
* Travel to Ghibli Park
* Travel to Hakone
Day 8:
* Hakone (tea farm, ropeway, onsen)
Day 9:
* Takkyubin of luggage to Harajuku
* Travel to Sanrio Puroland
* Sleep at Harajuku, Tokyo
Day 10:
* Harajuku
Day 11:
* Takkyubin of luggage to Asakusa
* Sunshine City
* Sleep at Asakusa
Day 12:
* Asakusa
* Skytree
* Sleep at Asakusa
Day 13:
* Takkyubin of luggage to next hotel
* Teamlabs
* Disney sea at night
* Sleep closeby
Day 14:
* Disney land
* Sleep at same place
Day 15:
* Travel back
3 comments
why are you takyubin your luggage everywhere?
First thing I’d change immediately is fly to Osaka and start there. You’re wasting time and money unnecessarily if Day 1 is Tokyo and Day 2 is Wazuka, then staying in Kansai area.
I’d move Day 2 activity to Day 6. Start easy in a city you’re staying, familiarizing with the new atmosphere, culture, etc…
Why stay in Osaka and Kyoto separately? It’s only a 30min train ride in-between them. Stay the nights in either city until Day 6-7.
Does Osaka have a particular onsen you’re looking forward to? If not, leave your onsen experience to Hakone.
Why stay in 3 different places while in Tokyo (you have Harajuku, Asakusa & presumably Odaiba)? You could just stay (for good example) in whatever stations Yamanote line is closest to and use it as your base.
Instead of Skytree, I recommend Shibuya Sky (unless Skytree has something specific you want to experience). Shibuya Sky was completed during Covid, so it’s a new place to visit for tourists and it gives the best city viewing experience (360° open air) compared to Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Metropolitan tower, etc…
As someone else mentioned, you may want to consider coin lockers in most stations. They are 700yen and can fit luggage and a backpack.
Your hotel may be able to keep your luggage for a few days after checkout, if that helps with your logistics.
Harajuku is basically one long alley from what I saw. Won’t need even a half day for it but ymmv.
If you’re from the States, I wouldn’t even attempt to rent a car. As you know, you drive on the left side of the street, plus few streets signs are in English.