Hello!
I will be a first time visitor to Japan with two other people from 07/22 to 08/07. We are all in our early 20s. I do not know much about Japan, so I was wondering if I could get some advice about our itinerary (whether it is too strenuous, not enough, general tips, or recommended must-visit places)
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Main notes:
* I’ve put my main questions in bolded.
* We want to chill out more toward the end of the trip.
* No alcohol but we’re really opened to any food recommendations 🙂
* We’re all really into art
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Thank you so much in advance! (´▽\`ʃ♡ƪ)
7/22 | Day 1 | Arrival at NRT
* Arrive at NRT at 10:15 pm
* **Is it feasible to successfully get to Tokyo through any form of transportation except taxi?**
* **Should we buy travel’s insurance?**
7/23 | Day 2 | Tokyo
* Shinjuku City
* Harajuku
* Shibuya City
* Daikanyama
7/24 | Day 3 | Tokyo
* Toyosu Market
* Ginza
* Roppongi
* Tokyo Station
7/25 | Day 4 | Tokyo -> Nagoya
* Nagoya Station
* Nagoya Castle
* Shopping Streets (Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street, Osu, Osu Kannon, Oasis 21)
* **Is this all possible in one day?**
7/26 | Day 5 | Nagoya
* Studio Ghibli Park
* **Does anyone have experience with tickets? (successful or not)**
7/27 | Day 6 | Nagoya -> Kyoto
* Tekuteku Kimono Rental
* Kiyomizu Temple
* Sannenzaka Ninenzazka Shopping Street
* Gion
* Kamogawa River
* Yasaka Shrine
7/28 | Day 7 | Kyoto
* Fushimi-Inari Taisha
* Kinkakuji
* Nijojo Castle
* Nishiki Market
7/29 | Day 8 | Kyoto
* Sagano Train to Arashiyama Station
* Tenryuji Temple
* Togetsu-kyo Bridge
* Wild Bamboo Grove
* Hakata Ikkousha (Ramen Street)
* Kyoto Tower Night
7/30 | Day 9 | Kyoto -> Osaka
* Nippombashi Market
* Shinsekai
7/31 | Day 10 | Osaka
* Osaka Castle Park
* Dotonbori
* Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
* American Village
8/01 | Day 11 | Osaka
* Universal Studio Tokyo
8/02 | Day 12 | Nara (Day trip)
* Nara Park
* Todaiji Temple
* Kasuga Taisha Shrine
* Kofukuji Temple
8/03 | Day 13 | Osaka -> Tokyo
* teamLabs Tokyo
* Iidabashi
* **Ueno OR Ikebukuro**
8/04 | Day 14 | Tokyo
* Disney Sea
8/05 | Day 15 | Tokyo
* Asakusa Kimono Rental
* Sensoji Temple
* Tokyo Skytree
8/06 | Day 16 | Tokyo
* Akihabara
* Radio Kaikan
* Gachapon Hall
* Arcade
* Many stores
* Maid Cafe
* **Anything else in Akihabara?**
8/07 | Day 17 | Tokyo
* Flight
3 comments
There are a several trains from Narita into Tokyo. Definitely don’t get a taxi.
You should take out travel insurance for every international trip. The cost is usually modest, especially compared to medical expenses if you get sick.
Your itinerary is a bit odd if you want to prioritise seeing art, as you’re not going to any art galleries or museums. The complex of museums in Ueno in Tokyo is excellent, for instance.
It is super easy to get into Tokyo from Narita! Take the narita express. 👍🏻
I don’t buy travelers insurance personally, so that’s something you should decide on your own!
I live in Nagoya and day 4 should be super do able!
If you like Ghibli, there’s a great ghibli store on the first floor outside of the station. It’s across from the big Disney store.
Disney sea is so great, I’m always happy to see it on people’s itineraries haha.
Your itinerary is pretty go go go IMO, so don’t feel bad if you need some rest days in there.
– Check your credit card and your insurance, I never get additional traveller’s insurance because I’m already doubly covered.
– I got a esim and activated at the airport before boarding my plane, it was nice to get service as soon as you land and it’s cheap, (30 day 10GB for $20 (CAD) off Ubigi). Pocket wifi or picking up a sim card at the airport are also popular on this sub.
– Both of you get a Suica or Passmo card (whichever is available, doesn’t matter which) before leaving the Narita train station or upon arriving in Tokyo proper. Transfer the card to your phone. Apparently there are issues with android phones… It was super convenient reloading with Apple Wallet for me tho.
– General note: hit the most popular spots first in the day at like 7:30/8am, specifically Arashiyama/bamboo forest, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi-Inari. If you want to avoid the crowds and get somewhat decent photos.
– Day 13, you can probably hit both Ikebukuro and Ueno if you get your Teamlab ticket for the evening or first in the morning.
– Day 16 or 17, since you’re into arts, stop by Tokyu Hands and load up on stationary and arts supplies before you leave!