Hello, everyone.
My wife and I are finally getting to visit Japan after our original plans were dashed against the rocks of 2020. At this point, our plane tickets are purchased and lodging has been reserved for late October/early November.
Reading up on previous posts, I’ve tried to keep our expectations for the trip and what we’ll get to day-to-day within the realm of reality. I would like to get feedback on what should work, what needs to be changed, and I’m open to hearing recommendations based on my current itinerary.
One other thing of note; my wife has Celiac disease, so we are keen to avoid gluten as much as possible. If anyone has helpful advice or dining recommendations to that effect, it would be greatly appreciated.
Day 1 & 2
We’ll arrive late in the evening on day one, so we’ll mostly be getting from the airport to the hotel in Shiodome and trying to sleep away the jetlag. Day two, I planned to be pretty low-key. I’m hoping to get into the Ghibli museum and from there just check out some parks/gardens. I fully expect the jetlag to be haunting us, so I’m not planning to do very much this day beyond getting our bearings.
Day 3
So, I’m trying to figure out how to best make this day work.
I would like to head over to Asakusa first thing in the morning and sort of take it all in.
I was thinking that next we could go to Tokyo Skytree and/or the origami museum.
Then we could take the Tokyo Cruise down to Odaiba and explore. I’d like to check out teamlab planets while we’re in this direction.
Looking at the rest of our itinerary, I think it makes the most sense to try and fit Akihabara somewhere on this day. I’m not sure if it should be following Asakusa, after Odaiba, or if it should be scrapped altogether?
Day 4
Here I was looking at visiting Shinjuku, Shibuya, and then rounding back to Roppongi before making our way back to the hotel for the night. I’m also considering visiting Shinjuku on our very last day instead, due to a pending decision for our last hotel stay.
Day 5
Go to DisneySea.
Day 6
We’re moving to Hakone!
Planning to take the Romancecar.
(also maybe it makes more sense to have Shinjuku here?)
I want to ask something here that I realize may not get an answer. We’re planning to have 2 carry-ons and 1 checked bag with us. Will it be possible or advisable to bring these along every step in our journey here, or would it make more sense to use a luggage forwarding service to send the checked bag ahead to our hotel in Kyoto?
Day 7
We’re in Hakone for 2 full days, so I’m thinking first day we’d like to check out the various museums and then mostly relax.
Day 8
I’d like to try and use the Hakone free pass for the full Hakone/Lake Ashi loop.
Day 9
I’m looking to activate our 7 day JR pass here and take the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto.
Day 10
Kyoto sightseeing day.
I’d like to prioritize Arashiyama and to ride the Sagano Romantic Train.
Day 11
We’re headed to Osaka for the full day.
I’d like to visit Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and the Umeda Sky Building. Not necessarily in that order. I was also considering the expo ‘70 commemorative park, but I’m certainly not married to it, given the already-full day.
Day 12
We’re back on the Shinkansen!
I’m wanting to ride out to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park.
Also looking to ferry out to Miyajima while here.
I’m also considering stopping in Himeji while on this excursion, either on the way out or back. But please tell me if I’m out of my mind on that one.
Day 13
Here, I’m having us visit Nara Park and the surrounding area.
Depending on how we’re feeling, we can check out anything in Kyoto we felt we missed.
Day 14
Shinkansen back to Tokyo for our last night.
Here is the final hotel we haven’t decided on 100%.
I was considering staying at the Park Hyatt, and thus checking out Shinjuku at this time. Alternatively, we could stay at the Okura Tokyo and check out the Tokyo Tower area instead?
Day 15
I was thinking of visiting the Imperial palace as a farewell, as well as grabbing any last minute souvenirs before heading back to the airport.
That’s it!
Does it make sense? Any specific places to look out for while in those general areas?
Thanks in advance.