Hi r/JapanTravel! You guys were very helpful when I planned my first trip to Japan in 2019, now I humbly come back to ask for your opinions on a new itinerary for 2023 🙂
We would love tips on nice restaurants and things to do in the areas we’re visiting, or maybe alternative places we could go if you think one of those isn’t worth visiting. We’re really into art, gaming and animation. A lot of these places I’ve already been to but it’s my bfs first time in Japan, so I’d like him to get to see most of the popular locations.
We’re traveling as a couple between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and then back to Tokyo. Acommodations are already booked in advance and this time I’m not planning on buying a JR pass.
**23/03 – Arrival**
Check in at Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku. I didn’t make any plans for this day because I know we’ll be absolutely drained from the long trip (we’re from LATAM)
**24/03 – Shinjuku**
Government Building city view
A walk around the neighborhood and maybe some shopping
Omoide Yokocho at night for pictures but we’ll likely end up grabbing dinner somewhere less tourist trap-y
**25/03 – Shibuya**
Hachiko Statue + Scramble crossing view
Shopping, walking around etc
Center Gai at night
Night view @ Hikarie Mall or Magnet
**26/03 – Mitaka**
Ghibli Museum – if we can get tickets, otherwise we might go elsewhere that day and change our plans. I managed to get them last time but I remember it was super stressful and the website was shit lol
No plans for the rest of the day so far
**27/03 – ?**
Leaving this day open to do whatever, we might figure it out later
**28/03 – Ikebukuro**
Shopping and walking around Otome Road
Arcades
Sunshine City, Qplaza
**29/03 – Asakusa**
Sensoji Temple
Sumida Park
Skytree (not sure we’ll actually go up, but I remember the mall there was kind of nice)
**30/03 – Moving on to Kyoto**
We’re taking the shinkansen to Kyoto Station and then check in at Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
Didn’t make any specific plans for that day, maybe we’ll walk around the area and see what’s good or just chill at the ryokan
**31/03 – Kamigyo/Nakagyo**
Nijo Castle
Kyoto Museum
Nishiki Market
Pontocho Alley at night
**01/04 – Higashiyama**
Going to a kimono rental place before we do anything else (probably Wargo)
Kiyomizudera
Shopping in the streets near the temple, especially at the Ghibli stores 😛
Walk through Gion at night
**02/04 – ?**
Leaving this day open to do whatever, we might figure it out later
**03/04 – Fushimi**
Fushimi Inari climb
Not sure what to do later since I remember I got really tired from the climb last time. We might hit Kyoto Station for some souvenir shopping and food, idk
**04/04 – Kita and Arashiyama**
Kinkakuji
Arashiyama bamboo grove
Togetsu-kyo bridge
Might grab lunch at Steak Otsuka but I’m having a hard time understanding their reservation system
**05/04 – Arrival in Osaka**
Taking a train to Osaka and checkin in at PORTA INN Tanimachi 9chome
No particular plans for the day, might just walk around the area a bit
**06/04 – Chuo**
Osaka Castle
Kuromon Market
Denden Town
Dotonbori
Amerikamura
(We might have planned to do too much this day but it’s alright, we’ve got leeway)
**07/04 – Day Trip to Nara**
Todaiji Temple and Nara Park
Naramachi
Heijo Palace
**08/04 – Day Trip to Hyogo**
We’re mostly going to see Himeji Castle, still looking at other activities in the area
**09/04 – USG**
Spending the day at Universal Studios, I haven’t been there yet so I’m super excited!!
**10/04 – ?**
Leaving this day open to do whatever, we might figure it out later
**11/04 – Day Trip to Hiroshima**
Hiroshima Castle
Memorial park
Walk through Hondori
**12/04 – Back to Tokyo**
Taking the shinkansen all the way back to Tokyo. Check in at Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Not much planned for the day, we’ll likely be tired from the trip
**13/04 – Harajuku and Omotesando**
Meiji Shrine + Yoyogi Park
A quick walk through Takeshita dori and cat street but I don’t wanna linger in that area due to the insane amount of people
Maybe some shopping @ Tokyu Plaza, Laforet. Hoping they still have the Sailor Moon store there
Omotesando Hills
**14/04 – Akihabara**
Pretty much spending the day visiting shops, gacha hunting and taking pictures. Not sure where to eat in the area
**15/04 – Chiyoda**
Imperial Palace view, maybe visit the gardens if possible
Shopping at Character Street
Lunch at Tokyo station?
**16/04 – Odaiba**
teamLab borderless
Fuji TV observatory
Giant Gundam
See the Palette Town lights at night
**17/04 – ?**
Leaving this day open to do whatever, we might figure it out later
**18/04 – Roppongi and Minato**
Mori Art Museum
Roppongi Hills
Tokyo Tower view from Zojoji Temple/Shiba Park
**19/04 – My birthday! :)**
Not sure what to do but maybe we could eat somewhere nice in Shibuya as its my favorite neighborhood, or maybe take a day trip to Yokohama as I haven’t been there yet. Any suggestions?
**20/04 – Return home**
Check out and take our flight back home
5 comments
24 – Il said it every time, Gov building is ok for a free view, but would highly recommend Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (that you already planed) or Shibuya Sky that are much better. Overall seems quite light day, If you are into art, maybe check Sompo art museum, could also do Shinjuky Gyoen.
25 – also quite light, could be more specific on stores to visit, might have time for Meiji jingu/Harajuku.
26- also quite light, could add Nakano Broadway on the return from Ghibli museum.
16 – Borderless is closing at the end of August and the whole Palette Town is getting torn down for re-development. So you will have to do Planets or a future exhibition they might open.
Generally speaking I find that it is a bit light and I could see you having a bit more options of things to do if you end up doing things faster than you planned. As you said you like art, maybe check the Gurutto pass, it’s a pass that offer free entry or discount in many art museum in Tokyo.
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Why no JR Pass ? Tokyo-Osaka is about 30 000 yen round trip, Osaka-Hiroshima about 22 000 round trip, that only is 52 000 yen, JR Pass if you buy direct from JR is 52960 (and you can book tickets on their app) or 47 250 if you buy from a re-seller (travel agent, some do it online). This mean that no matter, you do not pay more if you get the pass, actually the trip to Himeji would be free, Nara could also be free (unless you prefer to use Kintetsu). And nay extra JR train you might use during these 14 days would just be free.
Suggestion for Kyoto free days – Uji (just a train ride away, Byodin Temple ; Matcha ; Tsujiri)
Prior to Hiroshima, you could potentially visit Miyajima as well. It’s an extra train ride away from Hiroshima.
TeamLab Borderless at Odaiba will be closed. They are reopening somewhere else in 2023, but no details on this yet.
Honestly, your plan is too little? You can add kobe as a day trip. It is only 30 minutes away from kyoto anyway, might as well go and eat kobe beef (and their cool harbour at night)
And you definitely want to buy 14 days JR pass as it is much much cheaper than not using it. From 30/03-12/04
And if you plan to go to USJ (universal Studio Japan) then I highly suggest to add disneysea in your plan. Dubbed as the best theme park in the world. I think at this point I am like broken robot for keep recommending this. IMO, for intensity of the ride, USJ wins hands down. but for theming, disneysea is much much better than USJ. Disneysea is geared towards young adult. So expect more fun rides vs disneyland.
It could be an idea to book a different hotel for your 2nd Tokyo stint. I’ve stayed at the Sunroute Shinjuku a couple times and it was very pleasant, but variety is good.
Your 2nd Tokyo stint locations seem to be slightly more East/South so maybe somewhere around Ginza or Tokyo station? The Blossom Hibiya is very new, with good views at a reasonable price.
There is also a wonderful garden attached to the side of Himeji Castle that I recommend strongly. You can buy dual tickets for the castle and garden combo.
Do you plan to visit the peace museum in Hiroshima? Or miyajima?
If you do both, I would advise to have an overnight in Hiroshima as you don’t want to feel rushed in the museum given the subject and the mood. That said, if you’re not visiting miyajima (or the museum) then of course that does t apply.
Others have already mentioned the JR pass but it looks like your trip fits perfectly within a 14-day pass. You could even consider moving days around slightly to get it to fit if it isn’t. If it ends up being close to even, I suggest the JR pass for flexibility and spontaneous guilt-free excursions.