Hi everyone,
I am SO excited, as I am going to fulfil my dream of visiting Japan at the end of this year!
There are lots of things I am not sure about, but I wanted to share my itinerary with all of you to see what you think and to get as many recommendations and help as possible 🙂
NOTE: I know and am aware of the fact that there are lots of “holes” and uncertainties in my itinerary, but as it is my first time going to Japan, I need some help! I am prepared for a long journey to figure my awesome trip out. Cheers!
NOTE: I am not yet sure about accommodation, read my question at the bottom for elaboration
\*\* Day 1: Tokyo – arrival \*\*
Land in Narita airport (by the way, I currently live in South Africa).
Pick up JR Pass, rent Pocket WiFi.
Check into accommodation.
Get settled, explore for a few hours, have first dinner at a restaurant.
\*\* Day 2-4: Tokyo \*\*
Explore shops, maybe visit a museum or two?
Tokyo Skytree
TeamLAB Planets
On Day 3, Day Trip to Fuji Five Lakes
\- Lake Kawaguchiko, from there go to Arakura Shrine
\- Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine (view of Mount Fuji from top, get pictures of Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda)
\- Fuji Q Highland (Maybe on a different day? Not sure if I want to go there yet or not – Do I have time?)
\- Panoramic Ropeway (Is it worth it to do this along with the rest?)
\*\* Day 5-7: Kyoto \*\*
Otagi Temple & Restaurant?
Gion District
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Poncho Alley, walk to Nishiki Market
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Hike through Torii gates, all the way to the top
I’d like to attend some sort of traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, (hopefully/preferably one where you dress in a kimono)
Which other Temples/Shrines do you recommend?
Uji (if time?)
\- What else could I add to Kyoto?
\*\* Day 8-9: Osaka \*\*
Shinsekai/Tenma (which is better?)
Explore Minami at sunset + night on day of arrival
On Day 9, Go to Universal Studios and/or choose somewhere else to go (recommendations?)
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\*\* Day 10: Nara \*\*
Day trip to Nara!
Arrive at JR Nara Station
Nara Park (to see deer plus take lots of pictures haha)
Walk to either Yushikien/Isuien Gardens
Nandaimon Gate? From there go to Todaiji Temple
Once finished, walk to either Horyuji Temple or Naramachi – Have lunch/dinner at any restaurant in Nara
Get back to accommodation to stay the night
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\*\* Day 11: Kanazawa \*\*
Start out by going to Kenrokuen Gardens (as early as possible)
Nagamachi – Samurai District
Omicho Market (is it okay to go to this market if I am already going to Nishiki? I.e. How different are the Omicho and Nishiki markets?)
Kanazawa Castle
Nishi Chaya District – to see Geisha!
\- I can add another day to Kanazawa if necessary?
\*\* Day 12: Nagano \*\*
Day trip to Nagano!
Narai-juku in the morning
Go to Jigokudani Monkey Park
\- Recommended Shrines and Onsens to visit?
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\*\* Day 13-17: OPEN \*\*
Where do you recommend I go?
What do you recommend I do?
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\*\* Day 18-20: Tokyo \*\*
Back in Tokyo for final days! 🙁
Planning to do some Final Shopping + Exploring + Free Time to do anything
Get back to Narita airport for flight back home 🙁
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\*\* Extra Questions: \*\*
Should I get Suica cards too?
I have heard accommodation is cheaper if you wait to book in Japan (instead of abroad). Is this true, and if so, what should I do?
Should I go to Himeji Castle or Osaka Castle? I’d prefer to go to Himeji, however it might be more beneficial to go to Osaka Castle instead to save time?
Thank you very much for reading this far! Any suggestions and recommendations or questions are more than welcome 🙂
2 comments
For Day 11, if you are travelling to Kanazawa that day you will need more than 1 night. Maybe do 2 nights at Kanazawa, then travel to Takayama for a night (going via Shirakawago). Then head to Nagano. On your way to Tokyo stop by Matsumoto. It’s a pretty nice route and will probably fill the gap you have.
The best time to view the autumn foliage in Nagano is early November, while in Kyoto the best time to view the autumn foliage is mid-November or later.If you are not particular about special events and want to enjoy the Japanese autumn colors, Tokyo > Nagano > Kanazawa > Osaka > Nara > Kyoto > Tokyo would be a good choice, in that order.