First Draft Itinerary Check – 17 days in November/December 2021

22 comments

1. Get simcards rather than pocket wifi, the pocket device is just another thing you could end up forgetting to charge. Modern phones can share wifi if required, so a sim card makes more sense.

   Skytree at sunset is awesome, if it’s a clear day you can see mt fuji from there aswell. I’d recommend showing up well ahead of sunset though as queues can be long and the rails along the glass fill up quickly. IMHO it’s worth it to go to the tallest part of skytree, but only the lower section has somewhere to sit.

   Final advice from me is to walk as much as your legs allow you to, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things that aren’t in any touristguides. When I had multiple things slotted into one day, I took the metro to the one furthest away and walked my way back to the hotel. Saw alot of interesting things and met alot of people [and dogs] I wouldn’t otherwise have run into.

2. Why different hotels on day 1 and 2 ? I think you really should only do one hotel in Tokyo.

   If you are interested in gardens, check Hama rikyu next to Tsukiji.

   For Kobe, I went on top of the ropeway of the Herb garden and would say it is not the best view you can get. I personally want to try Mount Rokko for my next visit, I think the point of view is better.

   There is a lot of winter illumination in Tokyo. One that I’ve liked was Tokyo Dome City (and if you go, you might as well check Koishikawa korakuen garden that might still be on time for fall colors. And if you do a quick google search, you’ll find many illuminations in Tokyo.

   Orizuru Tower I would try to do it the night you are in Hiroshima as is right next to the peace museum.

   Personally, I would probably have looked to do Tokyo – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Osaka – Tokyo in that order instead of doing the night train. This way you split the travel time more evenly. I guess the train can be an interesting experience too.

3. You might want to hide your lodging details for safety/stalker sakes.

   Otherwise, I did not see anything I did not agree it looks well thought out.

   I would look into staying at a Ryokan with a good Onsen. Osaka or Kyoto probably has some good options

   I like the pocket wifi. It is good for multiple devices.

   In Tokyo I really like the Yanaka/ Nezu area there is a ton of stuff to see/ do there.

   The Yanaka Yokocho, Nezu Shrine and a bunch of markets, smaller temples, and back streets

4. > Tokyo Skytree (Sunset)

   be aware with the constant changing Covid rules (assuming restrictions will be lightened up enough to arrive at venues like this.. ) that SkyTree has a reservation system. You cannot just show up there and take the elevator to the top. Last time I was there (11 months ago/ just before the world fell apart) you had a maze to sneak through and multiple staging areas.

   Personally I would be amazed if you arrived earlier in the day and made it to SkyTree in the evening.

   OP where are you flying from?

   >..pocket WiFi at Narita

   Understand that you need to return mobile phone and Wifi rentals to where you picked them up. Seems you are leaving from the same airport you arrived – if this is not the case, the rental agency can provide return packages for you to post them onward. The phone carriers are very particular getting their things back

   You are being smart to use luggage forwarding services for this trip.

   Are you aware of Tokyo Metro’s [24 48 and 72 hour tourist discounted tickets](https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html) which are purchased arriving into Japan? This is a program for foreigners to access the Metro with a subsidized pass. Completely worth buying these compared to the standard pass at machines once in greater Tokyo

5. Few points:

   – depending how early “very early morning” is, your bag may arrive the same day (I think Kuroneko accept same-day delivery until 9 or 10 am). The train from airport to the city is pretty comfortable even with baggage though, so unless you’re pushed by time, I wouldn’t bother with delivery and just drop-off the bag to hotel before going to Odaiba.

   – pocket wifi works good for groups but you’ll end up paying much more if you aren’t sharing the costs (+ you have to charge and carry extra device), I’d recommend just getting a sim card. However, the sim cards often do have low data limits (pocket wifis sometimes too but it’s possible to get unlimited), so it’s up to your needs.

   – teamLab Planets was supposed to be temporary but seems they prolonged the thing. Anyway I visited both Planets and Borderless few times and am not quite sure if I’d recommend both – after all it’s quite expensive, time-consuming and… not that different. Parts of exhibits are similar, part are different. Personally I’d just stick with Borderless, it’s bigger, the exhibits are better but on the other hand, it’s more crowded too.

   – moving between hotels in Tokyo sounds unnecessary and a bit strange to be but I’m assuming you have your reasons (trying “capsule hotel”, maybe that’s why you’re skipping having the bag the first night?).

   – I have never been to Oedo Onsen Monogatari since it’s a huge mass-oriented place and it sounds more like theme park to me, which some may like (to each their own), but why not also make a stop in a real authentic onsen? Would be easy from Kobe for example.

   – Asakusa day is quite empty; there’s not much to see in the Imperial Gardens (just the outer walls, moat and a small part of garden). You aren’t going to see much in Sensoji around sunset. I suggest, however, visiting it after sunset when it gets illuminated and the crowds are gone. Asakusa is definitely my favourite place to stay because of its night atmosphere (outside the main touristy roads).

   – tours, tours… I think many people will tell you “you never need tours”. I understand food tours or nightlife tours since you are alone and looking for insider tips (for food) and for company (for drinks). But Nishiki market tour? It’s literally one street with stalls. Same for Gion, I cannot imagine the tour’s added value compared to just visiting alone (studying a bit in advance).

6. I’ve visited Japan a few times and have used both pocket wifi and prepaid data sim. IMO, prepaid data sim is way more convenience. You can also tether to your iPad or Laptop (I’m an iPhone user, not sure about Android) very easily.

7. Good Luck! I had my hopes for a nov trip crushed in 2020 and couldn’t bare to have it happen again

8. Hey, don’t want to be negative.

   I truly don’t understand how people can plan a trip during these times, but since you are doing it, I want to give you an advice (Since I’m a photographer living in Tokyo and Light is really important to me).

   ​

   Maybe someone mentioned this already, but be careful and know, that sunsets by the end of the year are really, really, REALLY early.

   By december Sunset might be starting around 16:30ish/17ish (Today according to google sunset is at 17hs)

   So, take this into consideration when plannig your days, sometimes some of these places have long lines, and, well, trying to do many things, as well as getting into the rooftops is… difficult, and it kind of ruin your day, because stuff closes at 17 usually…

   That said I recommend watching the sunset from the Tochomae building in shinjuku that is free over Roppongi,

   I also recommend the Bunkyo Civic Center, since it’s free as well and has my favorite views from Tokyo.

   ​

   Anyway, good luck with your trip 🙂

9. Check out Mazaria inside of Sunshine City Mall. It was one of my favorite things I did in my Japan trip.

10. On day 15, I’d recommend going earlier, like arrive from lunch, to Chichibu. It’s a nice enough area to spend the day, like going to Nagatoro rvier and visit some farms, just relaxing in the country side.

    You can always do more Ikebukuro on day 16, since that’s a free day.

    I’d do SkyTree while you are in asakusa, instead of day 1. You can see the sunset in Odaiba while you’re at TeamLab. (Remember that the sun sets early in November/December)

    You go to Odaiba many times, so you might wanna combine the fireworks with the sunset and the TeamLab etc. The fireworks are only 5 mins, so not worth to travel there JUST for that.

11. If you are planning on staying in the Chichibu area on the night of the 3rd, you should book a hotel room now. There might not even be rooms left.

    The main “event” if you will, is the going up the hill. That doesn’t start till 7 or 8 pm and the last float goes up around 10.

    Trains are almost always jam packed, so that’s something you might want to take into consideration if you aren’t/can’t stay in the Chichibu area.

12. Perfect details for some freak to kidnap you.

13. The sunset views at Abeno Harukas is better than the ones in Umeda Sky Tree imho,
    But this is a pretty solid plan throughout I think.

14. This is the dream, to be able to travel sometime in 2021!!!
    I might just plan something as well to keep sane 🙂

    I hope those areas I linked below wasn’t badly affected, or are still running!

    > November 26th (Day 8): Kyoto
    >
    > – Golden Pavillion
    >

    This is gonna be a real quick stop…get off the bus, walk in, take a pic, and walk out.

    There’s another, the Silver Pavillion (https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3907.html) which I think is much prettier

    And if you do make a stop there, take a walk down the Philosopher’s Path (https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3906.html) which is really, really pretty.

    ​
    >
    > November 27th (Day 9): Kyoto/Osaka
    >
    > – Arashiyama
    >
    > – Bamboo Forest
    >

    My first visit to Arashiyama, I only budgeted half a day, then off to Osaka in the afternoon. It was a mistake, and in my 2nd trip, I made my way back to Arashiyama, splurged on a ryokan (http://www.hanaikada.co.jp/english/), and spent 1.5 days instead.
    The bamboo forest is usually very crowded though, but I am not sure if covid will affect anything.

    Since you’ll already be in Arashiyama, check out Tenryu-ji (https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3913.html), it’s along the main street I think, you won’t miss it..very touristy, but also very pretty.

    One of my favourite temples within the area is this… the Gio-ji temple, really, really unique with all the moss (https://www.insidekyoto.com/gio-ji-temple)

    > November 28th (Day 10): Kobe
    >
    > – Kobe Day Trip (Leave at 10AM, return to Osaka at 8pm)
    >
    > – Ikuta Shrine
    >
    > – Kobe Beef Lunch

    We also went on a walking-tour of Kobe, to sample 3 sake breweries, with a local guide via Airbnb experience (https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/153658?ref_device_id=7eb76aaa88391b929f170507693a792384938f77&s=39&user_id=10499897&_branch_match_id=882147616373233823&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1611558608_YmQ5MzgyMjdiN2I4).
    It was a really, really fun experience and it’s something we really enjoyed as we walked through all the really local places.

15. First id like to say you have a very solid itinerary! Three pocket wifi is a smart move. Ive used both and while sim cards are cheaper. Wifi gives you flexibility.

    Day 1: looks good. Take it easy. I dont know where youre flying from but save some energy, you have a big itinerary. Skytree has nice illuminations at night.

    Day 2: dont know how jam packed your day is. But ueno park is pretty big! The zoo alone is like 1/2 day. Im so happy to see the science museum on your list. Not many go there and i thought it was really interesting and fun! Roppongi hills is a fancy shopping center. But theyll have christmas stuff. Midtown will also have some illuminations as well.

    Day 3: what kind of bar/food are you looking for? Lemme know. I spent most of my time in yokohama.

    Day 4: I think you have it already but get to teamlabs when it opens (it might be packed. I waited 2 hours but i went around 1pm ish) its def worth the wait. Tsukiji market: awesome seafood! Maybe venture to ginza as well. Youre 5-10 min walk away. Shiodome will have an illumination area as well.

    Day 5: Maybe walk around tokyo station and kyobashi area. They have some good sweet around there.

    Day 6-9 Pretty standard kyoto trip. Besides kiyomizu and fushimi. The rest are pretty light tours.

    Day 10: 👍

    Day 11: lots of walking in nara. Just hope it doesnt rain.

    Day 12-14: Pretty much a carbon copy of what i did

    Day 15: Maybe go to shinjuku/shibuya/harajuku/meiji shrine. Its a hand full of stops from ikebukuro.

    Day 16: Shibuya/Omotesando/ginza/tokyo station for shopping.

    Ouuf. Sorry got a little lazy at the end. But all in all sounds like a fantastic trip. As far as fall colors they might be all off the trees if mutiple typhoons hit during the summer. And as for illuminations just google them for tokyo. My favorite are midtown and ebisu.

    Best of luck with your travels! And hopefully covid will go away. From previous posts, places are closing early and thats going to be a fun killer for some of your events.

16. Looks well thought out.. apart from the pub crawl on the night before you leave. Speaking from first hand experience the free drinks sneak up on ya, I was in bed till 4pm the next day. The pub crawl is well worth it just allow some time to recover from it

    Edit: look at doing it the night you before when you get to ikebukuro

17. I too am a late 20-something hoping for a Nov/Dec trip this year! Hopefully everything works out in the world, but I’m not booking anything until I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    I would recommend being tentatively flexible on the first day unless you’re confident in your lack of jet-lag. Narita is a good trek from Tokyo too so account for the two+ hours from the airport to the city.

    I’ve heard most of the Tsukiji market is closed/moved, not sure if you were looking for the whole package or wanted to visit regardless.

    I too am on the fence for pocket wifi vs sim card. Hell, I barely know how phones work tbh.

    I don’t see how anyone could kidnap you based on your basic hotel info. If they’re snatching you out of the lobby, well.

18. That’s a full and fun itinerary. I would try and see Nishiki Market and Gion at the same time since they’re walking distance apart. Instead of Gion your first evening in Kyoto, consider going to Fushimi-inari instead. You might be able to time your climb with sunset.

    An evening stroll through Gion and Pontocho would be a delight.

    You could also have your pocket wifi delivered directly to your hotel. We did that on our last trip and it worked out really well. That would also eliminate one thing you have to do at the airport before heading into town. Those things tend to add up.

19. Question for you, why are you staying in three different hotels in Tokyo?

20. If your priority is sunset pictures from different viewpoints, I would highly recommend Shibuya Sky! Visited there in January 2020 and the sunset there is (in my opinion) better than anything I’ve seen at other places (Skytree/Tokyo Tower/Roppongi Mori Tower/Tokyo Metropolitan building), as you get a full 360 sky view separated only by a glass wall. If you want to take pictures at that certain spot that directly overlooks Shibuya Scramble, beware that the makeshift queue can be upwards of 1 hour or more, with foreigners often cutting in front of the line, so you may not be able to time it for sunset exactly (it was nighttime before I got to take a picture). Good luck and enjoy some amazing sunsets!

21. Your list is a lot closer to mine than most of the itineraries I read here. Ueno modern art museum is excellent if you haven’t been. The street market at the end of the park is worth a look after visiting the park.

    If you’re interested in technology I can suggest the JR train museum in Kyoto.

    As I always recommend, have your list in mind but be ready to modify according to how you feel and the weather. You have some slack days at the end to make up for anything you missed or discovered.

22. Hey there! Hope this works out for you. Couple notes

    * I caught the sunset from Abeno Harukas in Osaka, can’t recommend it enough.

    * Eikando Temple was my favorite spot in Kyoto for fall colors.

    * I don’t know how busy the aquarium in Osaka will be post pandemic, but I’d do that first thing. I got there right at open and avoided a lot of crowds. Osaka castle isn’t going anywhere.