I’m planning a solo trip from May 9th to 21st. It’ll be my first time in Japan. Any feedback about the itinerary would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time. I don’t have any of the event tickets (sumo, baseball, kabuki theatre) booked yet so my plans might change. I also plan to buy the cheapest tickets, so I’ll be sitting far away.
*Question: The events should still be enjoyable even though I’m sitting far away right?
Question: Are the sumo tickets hard to get (sellout within minutes?)? Any tips on how to get them? I know about the online ticketing website: [https://www.sumo.or.jp/En/](https://www.sumo.or.jp/En/).*
I’m not a big shopper so I don’t think I will need as much time in the shopping districts. I will try to go to Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama in the early morning.
**Itinerary:**
**Tuesday May 9th: Arrive in Tokyo**
Check in to hotel located in the Ueno area
**Wednesday May 10th**
* Morning: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori Street
* Afternoon: Rikugien Garden, Ueno Park (I don’t think I’ll have time for any museums)
**Thursday May 11th**
* Morning: Imperial Palace and surrounding gardens
* Afternoon: Korakuen Garden, Akihabara
**Friday May 12th**
*Question: This day seems especially busy to me. What do you think?*
* Morning: Meiji Jingu, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
* Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, Pokemon Center
**Saturday May 13th**
* Morning: Tsukiji fish market
Kabuki theatre (11AM or 2:30PM show)
* Afternoon: Hama Rikyu Garden, walk around Ginza
**Sunday May 14th**
* Morning: Kiyosumi Garden, Kameido Tenjin Shrine (I read the wisteria blooms are especially nice here but wonder if they will still be blooming when I get there)
* Afternoon: Baseball game starts at 2:00pm at Tokyo Dome
**Monday May 15th**
* Morning: Explore Odaiba
*Question: Is the National Museum of Emerging Science (it’s open on Mondays) worth going to right now? I’ve read mixed reviews. They also removed the ASIMO robot demonstrations. The replica space station sounds cool though*
* Afternoon: Arrive at Ryōgoku Kokugikan around 2:30PM – 3:00PM for the sumo tournament. (Take a picture of Tokyo Skytree with its lights on afterwards)
The Ryōgoku Kokugikan is close to Kiyosumi Garden but I’m planning to explore Odaiba on this day since I can arrive later to the sumo tournament which gives me more time in Odaiba.
**Tuesday May 16th**
Travel day from Tokyo to Kyoto
I’m leaning towards a normal train or JR bus for this trip. It’ll take longer but I’m thinking I’ll need some time to sit back and rest after 6 days of sightseeing. It might also allow me to see the countryside at a more leisurely pace. I might take the bullet train if I feel energetic enough.
**Wednesday May 17th**
* Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tōfuku-ji Temple
* Afternoon: Ginkakuji Temple (I read the gardens are especially nice), walk as much of the Philosopher Path as I can
**Thursday May 18th**
* Morning: Arashiyama bamboo forest, Tenryuji Temple
* Afternoon: Katsura Villa Garden (if I’m lucky enough to get a reservation) OR Okochi-Sanso Villa
*Question: Do you think I will have time for Nikishi Street?*
**Friday May 19th**
* Morning: Osaka Aquarium
* Afternoon: Try street food in Dotonbori, back to hotel in Kyoto
**Saturday May 20th**
Travel day from Kyoto to Tokyo
Again, I’m leaning towards taking a slow train or JR bus depending on how energetic I am.
**Sunday May 21st**
Hang out at Tokyo Station, arrive at airport to fly home
**Budget:**
*My budget for food is $35 USD (~32 Euro) a day. Does that sound reasonable?*
*Are there any other “must see” places that you would recommend to visit instead?*
Thank you for all the feedback in advance!
2 comments
Regarding the 12th, I would switch a few things around so that you do Meiji Jingu and Harajuku right after each other as they are in the same area. I suggest doing those two in the morning, then going to the scramble crossing in Shibuya, and then over to Shinjuku. That way, you can go the the tokyo metro building near sunset right after the gardens, when the view will be nicer. Or, you could do Shibuya and the Pokemon Center first, and then Harajuku after.
Highly recommend the shinkansen if you can. It is quite the experience and you’ll still get some stellar views (Mt. Fuji, the beautiful countrysides, etc.). You can use it a lot as well during your trip (taking the shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka for example).