Hoping for any itinerary feedback on our trip! It’s my BF and I’s first time in Japan. I know this is a LOT in a short time, but we really want to see as much as possible. We’ve done many fast paced trips like this before so we are used to the constant traveling/packing/unpacking, etc.
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We aren’t big shoppers, into any theme parks, Nintendo, anime, anything like that. We really want to come to Japan for the culture, food, drinks, and temples/landmarks. We are huge foodies and want to try as much as possible. This is also our first time in Asia, so we are really excited about the temples. Please let me know if you feel like we’re missing anything or if there’s anything we could skip!
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**Day 1: Tokyo**
Land at NRT at 3:45
Check into hotel in Shinjuku
Dinner, explore Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
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**Day 2: Tokyo**
Shinjuku Gyoen for cherry blossom viewing –
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Tsukiji Fish Market for lunch
Teamlab Planet
Roppongi area for dinner + drinks
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**Day 3: Tokyo -> Hakone**
Check out a themed cafe
Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky, and Ichiran for lunch
Take the train to Hakone
Check into ryokan and spend the night relaxing
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**Day 4: Hakone -> Kyoto**
Train to Kyoto and check into hotel near Shiyakusho-mae
Walk around Gion District (Hanamikoji Street)
Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Maruyama Park to see cherry blossoms
Hokan-ji temple
Nineizaka Street, Sanneizaka Street
Niomon Gate area
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Dinner in Higashiyama area
Check out Pontocho Alley for drinks
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**Day 5: Kyoto**
Head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early
Tenryu-ji Temple, Kimono Forest, Monkey park, Jojakko-ji
Saga Toriimoto street food
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
Head back downtown and go toTetsugaku-no-Michi (Philosopher’s Walk)
Ginkaku-ji Temple
Dinner in the Ginkakujicho area
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**Day 6: Kyoto -> Osaka**
Fushimi Inari early
Nishiki Market for lunch
Train to Osaka and check into hotel near Namba
Osaka Castle
Nishinomaru Garden
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Dinner at Ajinoya
Drinks in Dotonbori
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**Day 7: Osaka & Nara**
Train to Nara
Nandaimon Gate –
Todai-Ji Temple
Kasuga Taisha
Nara National Museum
Head back to Osaka
Back to Dontonbori area
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**Day 8: Osaka -> Tokyo**
Nothing planned for the morning, anything we’ve missed in Osaka?
Bullet train to Tokyo and check into hotel in Asakusa
Tokyo SkyTree
Drinks at Asahi Sky Room
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**Day 9: Tokyo**
Benisturu Pancake (show up at 8:30 to try and get a reservation)
Asakusa Shin Nakamise (while we wait for pancake res)
Senso-Ji Temple
Ueno Park for cherry blossom viewing
Koishikawa for cherry blossom viewing
Yasukuni-Jinja Shrine if we have time
Airbnb experience waygu + sake pairing dinner
Asakusa Hoppy Street for drinks
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**Day 10: Tokyo**
Our flight doesn’t leave until 5:30pm so we have a free morning. Anything we may have missed in Tokyo?
1 comment
It’s a bit of a waste that Hakone is just a bed for the night. I would move all the Tokyo activities from day 3 to day 10. Go to Hakone early and at least explore a bit.