Heading back to Japan with my brother, its his first time but this is my 5th trip to Japan!
I’ve done Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Onomichi and Tokyo before, but I have never been to Kobe, Himeji or Nikko; so any advice/comments regarding these cities would be appreciated.
I’m pretty proud of this itinerary (my copy is even more detailed); I realise this is packed but I feel like I’ve check travel times pretty well and it should all be possible. Certainly won’t be a relaxing holiday though!
​
**Friday 14th April**
7:00 pm: Arrive at KIX
Collect SIM cards
KXI > Namba via Nankai Rapi:t
Check in to [Henn Na Hotel](https://group.hennnahotel.com/), Namba
​
**Saturday 15th April**
9:00 am: [Osaka Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html) \- 1-2 hours
[**Umeda**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4009.html)
[Pokemon Center](https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/en/)
Lunch: [Takonotetsu](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298566-d1679262-Reviews-Takonotetsu_Maru_Bldg-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
Explore [Nakazakicho](https://travel.gaijinpot.com/nakazakicho/)
[Umeda Sky Building](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4002.html)
*If there is time, also check out* [Osaka Science Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4015.html) *and/or* [National Museum of Art](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4016.html)
5:30 pm: [Tombori River Cruise](https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/facility/detail?id=4) *or* [TOMBORI River JAZZ Boat](https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/facility/detail?id=5)
Dinner
7:00 pm: [ROR Comedy Club](https://www.rorcomedy.com/)
​
**Sunday 16th April**
10:00 am: [MiPig Cafe](https://mipig.cafe/en/) \- 1 hour
11:15 am: Namba > Ōsakako
12:00 am: [Kuma Kafe](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298566-d6483293-Reviews-Kuma_Kafe-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
Explore [Shinsaibashi Shotengai](https://en.japantravel.com/osaka/shinsaibashi-suji/1036)
[Bear Paw Cafe](https://thesmartlocal.jp/kumanote-cafe/amp/)
3:25 pm: [Studio Escape](https://www.studioescape.jp/): The Dame and the Diamond – 1 hour
4:30 pm: [Shinsekai](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4012.html): Tsutenkaku Tower: [Tsutenkaku Slide](https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/facility/detail?id=240)
5:30 pm: Dinner
6:00 pm: [Abeno Harukas Observatory](https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/observatory/index.html)
7:30 pm: Tennoji > Nagai
8:00 pm: [teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka](https://www.teamlab.art/e/botanicalgarden/)
​
**Monday 17th April**
[Universal Studios](https://www.travelcaffeine.com/universal-studios-japan-tips/)
**Tuesday 18th April**
8:00 am: [Osaka > Kobe](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3554.html?aFROM=2157_2159) \- 45 minutes
9:00 am: Explore [Kobe](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2159.html)
In no particular order:
[Shin-Kobe Ropeway](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3563.html)
Rokko Cablecar > [Mount Rokko](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3557.html) \> [Arima Onsen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3558.html)
Maya Cablecar > [Maya Hotel](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/maya-hotel)
Lunch: [Kobe Beef](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3564.html)
*If there is time, also check out:* [Kitano-cho](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3550.html) and/or Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
Kobe > Osaka
[Hozenji Yokocho Alley](https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/hozenji-yokocho-alley)
​
**Wednesday 19th April**
[Ship luggage to Hiroshima](https://www.global-yamato.com/en/hands-free-travel/scene02.html)
7:30 am: Osaka > Arashiyama
9:00 am: [Kyoto](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html) \- [Arashiyama and Sagano](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3912.html)
[Gioji Temple](https://www.insidekyoto.com/gio-ji-temple)
[Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple](https://www.insidekyoto.com/adashino-nembutsu-ji-temple)
[Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple](https://www.insidekyoto.com/otagi-nenbutsu-ji-temple)
11:00 am: Lunch: [Steak Otsuka](https://www.steak-otsuka.com/reservation_e)
12:00 pm: [Bamboo Groves](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d545940-Reviews-Arashiyama-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Okochi-Sanso Villa](https://www.insidekyoto.com/okochi-sanso-villa-arashiyama)
[Tenryuji Temple](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d1386106-Reviews-Tenryuji_Temple-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Togetsukyo Bridge](https://kyoto.travel/en/other_attractions/112.html)
[Monkey Park Iwatayama](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d665440-Reviews-Monkey_Park_Iwatayama-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
3:30 pm: Kyoto > Osaka
5:30 pm: [Street Go Kart](https://www.klook.com/en-AU/activity/8590-street-go-kart-experience-akiba-kart-osaka/?spm=SearchResult.SearchResult_LIST&clickId=ef4443684e) \- 2 hours
​
**Thursday 20th April**
*This day might be too ambituous?*
[Osaka > Kyoto](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2363.html?aFROM=2157_2158)
[Kyoto](https://www.insidekyoto.com/must-see-kyoto-1-day-itinerary) \- Dowtown and East Kyoto
[Kinkakuji Temple](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321400-Reviews-Kinkakuji_Temple-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html) AKA “Golden Pavilion”
[Ginkakuji Temple](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321398-Reviews-Ginkakuji_Temple-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Nanzen-ji Temple](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321091-Reviews-Nanzen_ji_Temple-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Chion-in Temple](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d479883-Reviews-Chion_in_Temple-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Kiyomizudera Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3901.html)
[Nijo Castle](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321408-Reviews-Nijo_Castle-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Nishiki market](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3931.html): [Konnamonja](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d7460457-Reviews-Konnamonja-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Gion](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321451-Reviews-Gion-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Sanjusangendo Temple](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321411-Reviews-Sanjusangendo_Temple-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html)
[Fushimi Inari Shrine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.htmlhttps://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html)
[Kyoto > Nara](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4107.html?aFROM=2158_2165)
[Nara Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4103.html)
[Toda-ji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4100.html): Great Bronze Buddah
[Horyuji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4104.html) (The world’s oldest wooden buildings)
[Isuien Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4114.html)
5:30 pm: NJPW [Road to Wrestling Dontaku 2023](https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/144192)
[Nara > Osaka](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4107.html?aFROM=2157_2165)
​
**Friday 21st April**
Check out Henn Na Hotel
7:30 am: [Osaka > Himeji](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3504.html?aFROM=2157_3500)
9:00 am: [Himeji Castle](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html) \- 2-3 hours
Himeji > Hiroshima
[Hiroshima > Miyajima](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3454.html)
[Miyajima](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3401.html) \- 2-3 hours
Ropeway to Mt Misen
Miyajima > Hiroshima
Check in at Nest Hotel Hiroshima
Dinner: [Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki](https://en.japantravel.com/hiroshima/okonomiyaki/1165)
​
**Saturday 22nd April**
Check out Nest Hotel Hiroshima
Store Luggage
[Fukuromachi Elementary School Museum](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298561-d8178491-Reviews-Fukuromachi_Elementary_School_Peace_Museum-Hiroshima_Hiroshima_Prefecture_Chugoku.html)
[Peace Park](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3400.html): Peace Memorial Museum, A-Bomb Dome
[Hiroshima Castle](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3402.html)
[Shukkeien Garden](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3403.html)
Mitaki-Dera Temple
Get Luggage
[Hiroshima > Onomichi](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3476.html?aFROM=2160_3475)
Check in at Airnbnb
​
**Sunday 23rd April**
7:00 am: Hire Bike
7:20 am: Ferry to Setoda Port
8:00 am: [Shimanami Kaido Bikeway](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3478.html)
[Kosanji Temple](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3480.html)
Ride to Imabari – 4 hours? (approx 40km)
Bus from Imabari to Onomichi
​
**Monday 24th April**
10:00 am: [Onomichi > Tokyo](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3476.html?aFROM=2164_3475)
3:00 pm: Check in at Hotel Mystays, Nishi Shinjuku
[Tokyo Mystery Circus](https://mysterycircus.jp/)
[Muscle Girl Bar](https://musclegirls.jimdofree.com/)
​
**Tuesday 25th April**
9:00 am: [Shinjuku > Yomiuriland](https://www.yomiuriland.com/en/access/)
10:00 am: [Yomiuriland](https://www.klook.com/activity/20251-yomiuriland-admission-ticket-tokyo/?spm=Experience_Vertical.ThemeActivity_LIST&clickId=735cbb38a6)
Explore [**Shibuya**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3007.html)
[Shibuya Sky](https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/70672-shibuya-sky-tokyo/?spm=BlogArticle.InArticleHyperlinkWord&clickId=68ac2a4c53)
[Miyashita Park](https://www.miyashita-park.tokyo/)
Explore [**Harajuku**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html)
Yoyogi Park
[Shimokitazawa](https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/free-cheap-things-to-do-in-shimokitazawa/)
​
**Wednesday 26th April**
[**Tokyo > Nikko**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3876.html)
*In no particular order*
[Grand Maze Palladium](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3880.html)
[Tobu World Square](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3878.html)
[Kinugawa Onsen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3875.html)
[Edo Wonderland](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298182-d652994-Reviews-Edo_Wonderland_Nikko_Edomura-Nikko_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html)
[Abandoned Western Village](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/abandoned-western-village)
Nikko > Tokyo
​
**Thursday 27th April**
10:00 am: Shinjuku > Tōkyō Teleport
11:00 am: [Unko Museum](https://www.klook.com/activity/26899-unko-museum-ticket-tokyo/?aid=10874&utm_medium=affiliate-alwayson&utm_source=non-network&utm_campaign=10874&utm_term=) \- 1 hour
12:00 pm: [Tokyo Joypolis](https://tokyo-joypolis.com/language/english/index.html#en_top_access) \- 3 hours
4:00 pm: Odaiba > DisneySea
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: [DisneySea](https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tds/ticket/index.html)
​
**Friday 28th April**
9:00 am: [Tokyo > Yokohama](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2360.html) (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line – 1 hour)
10:00 am: CupNoodle Museum – 2-3 hours
CupNoodle Museum > Ramen Museum
1:00 pm: [Ramen Museum](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3202.html) \- 1-2 hours
[JP Tower Museum Intermediatheque](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14129528-d4006172-Reviews-JP_Tower_Museum_Intermediatheque-Marunouchi_Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kant.html) (*if there is time)*
4:40 pm: [Real Escape Room](https://realescapegame.jp/shops-locations/real-escape-roomasakusa.html): [Red Room](https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/tokyo-escape-rooms-real-escape-game/)
9:00 pm: [Kujira](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14133667-d12499438-Reviews-KUJIRA_ENTERTAINMENT-Kabukicho_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html)
[Golden Gai](http://www.roughguides.com/article/tokyos-tiniest-drinking-dens-a-guide-to-golden-gai/), Shinjuku
​
**Saturday 29th April**
8:00 am: Shinjuku > Shin-toyosu – 45 minutes
9:00 am: [teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu](https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/?spm=BlogArticle.InArticleHyperlinkWord&clickId=9d0d669699) 1-2 hours
11:30 am: Brunch: Eggs ’n Things
12:30 pm: [Miraikan](https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/) \- 2-3 hours
3:00 pm: Miraikan > Shiomi Station
4:00 pm: [Ninja 1-hour hands-on lesson](https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g1066449-d17688047-Ninja_1_hour_hands_on_lesson_in_English_in_Tokyo-Koto_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kant.html), Koto
5:00 pm: Koto > Korakuen Hall
Dinner
6:30 pm – [NOAH Wrestling](https://www.noah.co.jp/schedule/448/)
​
**Sunday 30 April**
Check out of Hotel Mystays
Store luggage
Explore [**Akihabara**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html) ([more info](https://tokyocheapo.com/locations/central-tokyo/akihabara-central-tokyo/)) and anything else we didn’t do!
4:25 pm: [Toyko > Narita Airport](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2027.html?aFROM=2027_3004)
8:05 pm: Fly home!