Hi everyone!
My partner and I are going to Japan in mid-March this year, and we have drafted this itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Osaka around noon – Night in Osaka
* Check-in at hotel
* Walk around Osaka city
* Have dinner at a local restaurant, try Osaka’s famous street food
* Night out in Osaka
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Day 2 Osaka full day
* Visit famous landmarks: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi
* Explore Osaka
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Day 3 Trip to Koyasan early in the morning and and night in Koyasan
* Take a train from Osaka to Koyasan, using Japan Rail Pass
* Check-in at a temple lodging
* Explore the temples and nature in Koyasan, visit Danjo Garan and Kongobuji Temple
* Have dinner at the temple lodging, try the traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine
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Day 4 Trip to Nara early in the morning from Koyasan and night in Nara
* Take a train from Koyasan to Nara, using Japan Rail Pass
* Visit Todaiji Temple,to see the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan
* Explore Nara Park
* Dinner in Nara
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Day 5 Trip to Kyoto and night in Kyoto
* Take a train from Nara to Kyoto, using Japan Rail Pass
* Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family
* Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
* Have dinner at a local restaurant, try Kyoto’s famous Kaiseki cuisine
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Day 6 Kyoto full day
* Visit Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion
* Explore Arashiyama, a picturesque area famous for its bamboo groves and traditional teahouses
* Have dinner at a local restaurant, try Kyoto’s famous Tofu dishes
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Day 7 Trip to Kanazawa early in the morning and night in Kanazawa
* Take a train from Kyoto to Kanazawa, using Japan Rail Pass
* Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens
* Explore Higashichaya Old Town, known for its traditional tea houses and gold leaf crafts
* Have dinner at a local restaurant, try Kanazawa’s famous seafood dishes
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Day 8 Trip to Takayama with stop in Shirakawago (night in Takayama)
* Take a bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawago, using Japan Rail Pass
* Visit Gassho-zukuri village, a UNESCO World Heritage site
* Explore Wada House, a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse
* Train to Takayama using Japan Rail Pass
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Day 9 Day in Takayama
* Visit Takayama Old Town,
* Explore Hida Folk Village, a open-air museum showcasing the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the Hida region
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Day 10 Trip to Matsumoto and stay the night there
* Take a train from Takayama to Matsumoto,using Japan Rail Pass
* Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful castles
* Explore Nakamachi Street, a historic district known for its traditional merchant houses and shops
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Day 11 Matsumoto to Nagano
* Take a train from Matsumoto to Nagano, using Japan Rail Pass
* Visit Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples
* Explore Jigokudani Monkey Park
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Day 12 Nagano to Tokyo
* Take a train from Nagano to Tokyo, using Japan Rail Pass
* Explore Shinjuku, known for its bustling shopping and entertainment districts
* Visit Harajuku, famous for its trendy fashion and street culture
* Night out in Tokyo
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Day 13 Day trip to Hakone (stay the night there?)
* Take a train from Tokyo to Hakone, using Japan Rail Pass
* Visit Lake Ashi, a scenic lake with views of Mount Fuji
* Take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Komagatake for panoramic views of the area
* Have dinner at a local ryokan, try Hakone’s famous hot springs and onsen –> Night in Hakone? (we’re not sure)
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Day 14 Tokyo full day
* Take a train from Kamakura to Tokyo, using Japan Rail Pass
* Explore Shibuya, for shopping
* Visit Roppongi, for nightlife and museums
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Day 15 Tokyo full day
* Visit Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife
* Explore Tsukiji Fish Market
* Explore Tokyo
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Day 16 Tokyo full day
* Visit Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan with a observation deck
* Explore Asakusa, known for its traditional atmosphere and Senso-ji Temple
* Explore Tokyio
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Day 17 Half day in Tokyo and flight back
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Any recommendations/comments/ideas would be appreciated. However, we have some doubts:
1. Shall we stay the night in Hakone?
2. Is Nagano worth visiting and staying overnight?
3. Is Matsumoto worth visiting and staying overnight?
4. Is Shirakawa worth a short visit even?
5. Any recommendations on places to sleep near Fuji and in Hakone?
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Thanks in advance! 🙂
1 comment
Just a heads up – the Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover every single train journey in Japan, only JR Lines. For example most of the journey to Koyasan is serviced by Nankai Rail, so it might be worth looking into the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket, which gives you discounted entry and unlimited bus journeys whilst you’re there. Similarly, Hakone is serviced mostly by Odakyu Railways, Hakone Tozandensha, Ropeways and Sightseeing Boats which are also not covered, so it might be worth seeing if the Hakone Free Pass is worth your while too (if you decide to make the trip there).