Hi all, looking for feedback on my itinerary after revising it a couple times. I’m going with my parents (bit older at around 60, mom has some knee issues) so looking to reduce the amount of walking / stair climbing overall. Very aware this is a pricey trip, given this is our first vacation as a family in 4 years. Thanks in advance!
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Day 1 – Kyoto
* Arriving at KIX by 1PM, taking express bus to Kyoto Station and hotel (Hyatt Regency)
* Sangensando and Chisakuin Temples
* Matcha dessert at Ippoen (they looked really good!)
* Quick dinner walking around lower Higashiyama
Day 2 – Kyoto
* Wake up early for Kiyomizu-dera (aiming for 7AM or so to avoid crowds)
* Stroll down Sannenzaka, visit the Starbucks Machiya, go down Ninenzaka to Kodaiji Temple
* Check out Ishibei-Koji and buy some souvenirs at Hanamikoji Street
* Stop by Tsujiri Tea House and Kyotojikintoriya (shaved ice)
* Check out Chion-in and Yasaka Shrine if time allows?
* Dinner at Hassun at 6PM
* Walk around Pontocho afterwards and taxi back
Day 3 – Kyoto
* Ask hotel to takkyubin my bags to Tokyo (Park Hyatt)
* Taxi to Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do, strolling along Philosopher’s Path afterwards
* Honen-in then Ginkaku-ji, grabbing lunch along the way. Pick up sweets at Shoujuken
* Dinner at Gion Sakagawa at 6:30PM
* Walk around Gion at night
Day 4 – Kyoto
* Taxi to Nijo Castle
* Lunch at Kiyama at 12PM
* Check out Hitsuji Donut and Shusuitei Tea House (near Nijo)
* To-go mackerel sushi from Suehiro at 4ish PM
* Watch sunset at Bar Kohaku in Park Hyatt Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto –> Tokyo
* Checkout of hotel super early, taxi to Arashiyama at 7AM to beat crowds
* Bamboo forest, coffee closeby near the large bridge
* Go to Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, and Kokedera (Moss Temple, have a 10AM reservation)
* \[\[Debating going to Kinkaku-ji and skipping Jojakko-ji instead, but open to recommendations!\]\]
* Shinkansen to Shinjuku and checking into Park Hyatt Tokyo
* Relax and check out New York Bar, dinner locally
Day 6 – Tokyo
* Swim in the pool / spa, take the morning slow
* Taxi or train to Ginza, 12PM lunch at Sushi Suzuki
* Stroll around Ginza and buy goods (have my eye on Comme des Garçons and MUJI’s flagship)
* Train / taxi to Skytree area, dinner at Yakitori Omino at 7:30 PM
* Visit Sensoji Temple at night to avoid crowds
Day 7 – Tokyo \[might ditch my parents at the hotel to save them walking\]
* Taxi / train to Nakano Broadway to indulge my closet weeb desires
* Head over to Shimakitazawa for some shopping and strolling
* Taxi / train over to Shibuya Scramble and say hi to Hachiko
* Walk over to Meiji-Jingu and eat something along the way
* Taxi / train over to Ginza area, dinner at Tempura Fukamachi
Day 8 – Tokyo
* Open day, not sure where else is worth going after all this. I’d love any suggestions!
* Dinner at Florilege at 7:00 PM
Day 9 – Tokyo
* Another open day – any suggestions would be awesome!
* Flight out
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Thanks in advance if you went through all of this. Would love any and all feedback. Cheers.