2.5 Weeks Itinerary Check – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima

5 comments

1. I would recommend the JR and yes upgrade, you will have to book seats bf u ride generally at the train stations but it’s so easy and to have a guaranteed seat is worth it imo, however not sure wya but you might need to order ur pass ASAP…
   ETA – DM me if you want any other tips etc, I freaking love Hiroshima as well as Tokyo etc favoring the “less traveled” bits. You got a lot of heavy hitters of spots to visit but I’m not gonna lie my first trip I think the best advice I got was less planning more just exploring.

   One neighborhood I would recommend is Shimokitazawa it’s been described as the “Brooklyn” of Tokyo very cool and hip but it also feels authentic I don’t know if that makes sense.

   Tokyu Hands is also an incredible visit for shopping they have em all over Japan I recall the one in Osaka has a great record store.

   Also haha, JBS jazz bar in Shibuya is AMAZING the owner has one of the most impressive record collections I’ve ever seen!!!!!!!

   MEM Coffee Bar – in Hatagaya is real deal neighborhood shit this is the little 8 seater bar with top notch drinks and of course excellent music, feel like one of the locals !
   I love sharing my faves !!!!!!

   Dang apologies I keep adding but if Architecture is your thang the EDO TOKYO open air architecture museum is a MUST then, it’s wee bit away from the city center but it’s so beautiful and full of history!!!!

2. Hi

   This is not meant to be rude, but hopefully a helpful critique.

   I would never do Harajuku or Shibuya on a week end unless you are really into crowds.

   Going from Asakusa to Shinjuku Gyoen seems, weird. They’re not near one another at all. Perhaps, you want to combine Asakusa with the National Museum, since it is closed on Monday.

   [**https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=113&lang=en**](https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=113&lang=en)

   I would move Hiroshima. The G7 might end the 21st but I would not want to go to Hiroshima the day after it ends. I expect there will still be closures, lots of security, and fewer trams/trains. It’s not just world leaders who go to the G7, it’s all the support staff and newspeople and I would want to give them a little longer to clear out.

   You have a lot of empty days in Osaka. I am not sure why you are staying there.

   For other places you can go, there is Okayama and Kurashiki, you could travel to Koya-san, you could visit Himeji or if you want somewhere even quieter go to Hikone. You could go to Sekigahara Battlefield, you can use JR or the Kintetsu line to visit Ise. You can go to Kanazawa.

   There are so many options, but I would keep my distance from Hiroshima or passing through Hiroshima around the G7.

3. Take one of your free days in Osaka and consider going to Koyasan. I was there yesterday and it was beautiful. Osaka doesn’t have much to do besides what you will do and the nightlife.

4. Don’t get a JR pass for your itinerary. Idk where you are getting 300 dollars for a pass but I am seeing 350+ for a regular 14 day one. Many people go out of their way to “abuse” the jr pass taking trips they would probably not have taken without it but in honesty if you aren’t getting close to the value riding the shinkansen you should just pass on it.

5. Based on your interest and my experience (15 day trip starting end of March) I would say cut out a day or two from Tokyo at the start and just get to Kyoto and spend more time there. It’s awesome, there is so much to do and it’s stuff that is best done in the morning before crowds, then you can spend the rest of the day walking around, eating, and possibly seeing a performance or doing a reserved tour/experience.

   I did Hiroshima, Bunny Island, Kyoto, Disney, and then ended in Tokyo because I wanted to be able to do my shopping last and not worry about dragging stuff around with me. If I did the trip again I would do 5-6 days in Kyoto and 3-4 in Tokyo. I will write a trip recap soon with more.