Hi there I plan to have a trip to Japan with my gf (we are both in our early 20s). We have never been to Japan and it’s our favourite destination. We have already booked plane tickets and hotels ( can be changed though,so suggestions are welcomed ).
As this is our 1st time, we both want to visit most of the famous touristy places. I am a soccer fan so would like to watch a football match in the stadium . Not very interested in old Japanese buildings but don’t mind visiting a couple of them. We would like to visit some historical and natural sites. Here is our initial plans.
Day 1 (5 Mar) (Buy IC card )
Arrive in KIX around 13:30 , take Kansai rapid train to Osaka station, check in at Hotel Granvia Osaka (near the station ). Take the HEP 5 wheel, explore the department stores in Umeda, watch night view in Umeda sky building.
Day 2 (6 Mar)
Half day trip to Nara (feed deers in Nara Park, visit Todaiji temple) , then return to Osaka, go to Kuromon market, Americamura , Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi .
Day 3 (7 Mar)
Whole day at USJ (leave at around 17:00-17:30) , tempozan area (harbour village, aquarium and wheel)
Day 4 (8 Mar) (1 day Osaka amazing pass)
Visit Osaka castle , Osaka museum of history ,tennoji park and shinsekai
At 19:00 watch J League cup (Cerezo Osaka vs Tokyo) at Yodoko Sakura stadium
Day 5 (9 Mar) ( 1 day Kyoto pass )
Check out at 11:00, take JR train to Kyoto station. Check in at 15:00 at Dormy inn premium ( near Kyoto station, will leave the luggage there once we arrive) . Visit Kiyomizu dera temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha. At night go shopping in Kawaramachi.
Day 6 (10 Mar)
Wake up early , have a half day tour to Arashiyama . At 13:30 take Hakura from Kyoto station to KIX (our plane leaves at 17:30)
Some questions:
1. What are the restaurants we must not miss? Have no idea. Glad to hear your thoughts.
2. Do we need JR pass in the trip? ( I am thinking no as we only stick to a few places )
3. Is Hyogo worth to visit compare to Nara? ( We know Himeji castle is renowned and gorgeous and we could try authentic Kobe beef in Kobe but actually I’m leaning towards Nara as we don’t want to give up the deer feeding part, would really regret if miss it. )