I (28F) am taking a trip at the end of March with my partner. It’ll be my 3rd time in Japan, and my partner’s first time. We’re coming from a walking-heavy, public transportation dependent city so are ambitious with how much walking we (think we) can do during the trip. Would love feedback. We’re still weighing whether or not to buy the JR pass since we’ll be doing side trips.
**Itinerary Summary**
Day 1 – Arrive at 1:30PM HND; Train to Shibuya City and check into Airbnb; Check out Akihabara (we’re not big anime/gamers so just really to check it off the list) and dinner in Nihonbashi
Day 2 – Tsujiki Market, Asakusa/Senso-ji, Kappabashi
Day 3 – Day trip to Kawaguchiko + Cheurito Pagoda
Day 4 – Shimokitawaza to thrift, Nakameguro, Daikanyama, Omotesando
Day 5 – Shinjuku Gyoen. Chidorigafuchi
Day 6 – Yoyogi Park in the morning, shinkansen in the afternoon to Kyoto
Day 6 – Get to Kyoto before 2-3pm; Hotel is next to Nishiki Market. Kiyomizudera and Yasaka
Day 7 – Fushimi Inari in the morning, Gion, Pontocho
Day 8 – Day trip to Nara/Osaka – Nara Park and then Osaka in late afternoon for Donotobori
Day 9 – Day trip to Naoshima (this is very ambitious from Kyoto, but we want to do it)
Day 10 – Nishiki Market in the morning, Arashiyama bamboo forest, and monkey park. Flight out at 4:30pm from KAN airport (flying within Asia).
**Questions:**
\- We’re big fans of just admiring distinct urban planning, visiting local businesses to learn more about whats unique to each area, and distinct architecture in neighborhoods, as opposed to castles/shrines; anything we’re missing?
\-Also trying to catch Cherry blossoms – so anywhere we’re missing that are big cherry blossom spots?
\-Are we being too too ambitious or not ambitious enough on any of the days?
1 comment
I think your pacing should be fine.
But keep in mind, the sunrise is around 5:30AM and sunset is about 6PM at the end of March / beginning of April. And if you are shopping, shops usually open between 10AM to Noon, with some exception (like Tsukiji is mostly open by 8AM). Outdoor sites (like gardens and forests) usually open early and shrines and temples usually open around sunrise.
Just about any park in Japan will have a fair number of Cherry trees and a good number of Cherry blossom viewers (especially in the evening). Some will add lights to the trees so they can be enjoyed after the sunsets.
In Tokyo, Ueno Park would be only spot I could think of that is not on your list.
For Kyoto, I’d recommend staying at Kiyomizu-dera till sunset. Kiyomizu-dera faces West, so you’ll see the sunset over Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari is open 24 hours, the gates on the lower half are illuminated by spot lights and gives a different feel during the day. Early morning also a good time to photograph the gates without people walking by.
Same with Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Nearby Arashiyama shopping district is also a very nice area, which you’ll probably walk through on your way to the monkey park. Even though its all shops, the buildings are very traditional looking. There also the Arashiyama Kimono Forest, near Arashiyama station.
There also a Cherry Blossom light show at Nijo Castle. [https://flowers.naked.works/nijojo/](https://flowers.naked.works/nijojo/)
Since your Tokyo to Kyoto trip is one way, you might be better off without the JR rail pass. But instead maybe buy a Nozomi ticket to get there faster? Kyoto to Nara is about 720 yen each way. And for Kyoto to Osaka, there a local train that will get there in 25 minutes for 570 yen.