My partner and I, and a group of our friends are heading to Japan this summer for the first time! This trip has been a dream of mine since I was a wee lass staying up past my bedtime watching Toonami.
**Trip Breakdown**
* 17 days: June 24 – July 10
* Tokyo (3) > Osaka (1.5) > Nara (.5) > Kyoto (3) > Mt. Fuji / Kawaguchiko (4) > Tokyo (3.5)
**Interests**
* Japanese culture/history (museums, tours, sightseeing), FOOD/coffee/tea, shopping, photography
**Notes/Trip Goals**
* Lodging is booked (including mountain hut on Mt. Fuji). Can changes dates on non-Airbnb lodging if necessary.
* Being able to climb Mt. Fuji with my loved ones and see sunrise from its summit would mean the world to me. Even if it’s cloudy.
* Trying to keep a tidy itinerary that generally follows 0900 – 2100 days. Allowances for rest and flex days.
* Emphasis on exploring by foot. Tokyo days are heavily based on the guided walks outlined in the book [Tokyo Maze](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ll=35.68991484410589%2C139.77402909271837&z=12&mid=1XVG1o8reI_jXL6XUr5obhq9x2nBPhJJI).
**Questions**
* Is the late-June-early-July summer weather gonna undermine my walk-heavy itinerary?
* [Tokyo weather history](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2273.html)
* How to manage luggage/souveniers as we go city to city?
* [Luggage storage and Fowarding](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/advice/luggage/storageandforwarding/) info from r/JapanTravel
* Is Kyoto just touristy and not as romantic as I think? Day 5, 6, 7 are jam packed so that I have an extra day in Kyoto (1 day in Osaka and 3 in Kyoto). Maybe it’s better to do 2 in Osaka and 2 in Kyoto?
* Will I get eaten alive by [mosquitoes](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/131po3s/comment/ji55i4d/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)?
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**Day 1 | Sa, 6/24 – Arrive Tokyo**
* Arrive HND 1400
* HND > Airbnb (40 min train to Asakusa Station + 20 min walk)
* Rest, wander, dinner (7-11, Don Quijote nearby)
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*Sunday – Tuesday AM: since our Airbnb is in Taito (NE Tokyo), we’ll explore surrounding areas (e.g. Ueno, Kanda, Akihabara, Yanaka, Asakusa) ) to save time/effort and ease into things.*
**Day 2 | Su, 6/25- Full day NE Tokyo**
* 0830 Airbnb > TNM; 30 min walk W 2km
* [**Ueno**](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ie=UTF&msa=0&mid=1ykGWfcnG6R5O64QWWa80_v0nhIE&ll=35.713529304702156%2C139.7727785&z=16) **walk (3km);** [Tokyo National Museum](https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en) \> pass by Ueno Zoo > [Toshogu Shrine](https://uenotoshogu.com/) (+goshuin, goshuincho) > [Ueno Park](https://kaneiji.jp/about4#gsc.tab=0) / Shinobazu-no-ike Pond / Benten-do Temple
* Picnic lunch at Ueno Park.
* Ueno Park > Tenjin Shrine; 10 min walk <1km
* **1500 – 1700 Kanda walk (1km);** [Yushima Tenjin Shrine](https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/index.htm) (+goshuin) > [Yushima Confucian Shrine](http://www.seido.or.jp/yushima.html) (+goshuin) >[ Kanda Myojin Shrine](https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/) (+goshuin)
* Kanda Myojin Shrine > Akihabara Station; 10 min walk SE <1km
* **1800 – 2200+** [**Akihabara**](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ie=UTF&msa=0&mid=1uWE__GXzH8qOpxEjL_CPux0bN4k&ll=35.69990361335014%2C139.77257349999996&z=17) **walk (2km);** Start at Akihabara Station > [Shopping](https://www.akiba.or.jp/english/map/index.html) \> [Radio Center](http://radiocenter.jp/) stands/small shops > more stores along Chuo Dori road, especially anime stuff > Maid Cafes > [Mandarake](https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/?lang=en) (8 floors of Otaku swag) > [Tsukumo](https://tenpo.tsukumo.co.jp/) (multiple floors of PC stuff) > [Tokyo Radio Department Store](https://www.tokyoradiodepart.co.jp/)
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**Day 3 | M, 6/26 – Full Day NE Tokyo**
* 0830 Airbnb > Nippori Station; 10 min drive OR 40 min walk
* **0900 – 1400** [**Yanaka**](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1Kk3dItw3D3dfH-ziaVMQACG6sEg&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=35.722923487461834%2C139.768351&z=14) **walk (5km**); Start at Nippori Station > [Asakura Choso Museum](https://www.taitocity.net/zaidan/asakura/) \> [Shinimonogurui](https://goo.gl/maps/5oxxCUu1PHjoq6uA9) Seal Shop > [Yanaka Ginza](https://www.yanakaginza.com/%E8%B0%B7%E4%B8%AD%E3%81%8E%E3%82%93%E3%81%96%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6/) shopping streets > [Paper Shop Isetatsu](https://www.isetatsu.com/) \> [Kikumi Senbei](https://www.kikumisenbei.tokyo/) rice cracker shop > [Puppet Theatre Shokichi](https://www.moriogai-kinenkan.jp/) \> [Nezu Shrine](http://www.nedujinja.or.jp/keidai/k5.html) (+goshuin) > [Shitamachi Museum Annex](https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/228/index.html) \>[ Kabaya Coffee](https://www.facebook.com/kayabacoffee/) \> [Jomyo-in Temple](https://www.japan-experience.com/all-about-japan/tokyo/temples-shrines/jomyo-in-temple) \> pass by [Yanaka Cemeter](https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/reien/park/map073.html)y > [Tenno-ji Temple](http://www.tendaitokyo.jp/jiinmei/tennoji/)
* Nippori Station > Komagome Station; Yamanote Line (7 min) + 10 min walk
* **1500 – 1700** [Rikugi-en](https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/rikugien/) garden / [Fukiyage Chaya](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1066442-d3787385-Reviews-Rikugien_Fukiage_Chaya-Bunkyo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html) teahouse (open 0900 – 1700)
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**Day 4 | T, 6/27 – Asakusa in the AM, then Tokyo > Osaka**
* 0830 Airbnb > Nakamise Dori; 14 min walk
* 0900 – 1200 [**Asakusa**](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ie=UTF&msa=0&dg=feature198986452526.000499fb0f8596755f323&mid=1Ivu0kyWsGWksqWRZrK4O0ZGWrfc&ll=35.71380926263849%2C139.8007597&z=15) **walk (3km);** Start at Asakusa Station > [Nakamise Dori](http://www.asakusa-nakamise.jp/about/index.html) “Road between shops”, \~ 90 shops > [Senso-ji Temple](https://www.senso-ji.jp/) (+goshuin) > pass by [Hanayashiki Amusement Park](https://www.hanayashiki.net/en) \> [Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center](https://craft.city.taito.lg.jp/en/kogeikan/) \> Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten [Drum Museum](https://www.miyamoto-unosuke.co.jp/english/index.html) \> [Kappabashi Dori](https://www.kappabashi.or.jp/en/) kitchenwares > [Tourist Info Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Asakusa+Culture+Tourist+Information+Center/@35.7104607,139.7941523,16.82z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7740294b7ef17d49!8m2!3d35.7106662!4d139.7965591) (nice view)
* 1300 – 1700 Tokyo (Asakusa Station) > Osaka Airbnb; 4 hr transit
* 1700 – 2000 Rest, find dinner
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**Day 5 | W, 6/28 – Osaka**
* 0830 Airbnb > Hokoku Shrine; 30 min walk NW 2.1km
* 0900 – 1300 **Osaka Castle Adventure (3km**); [Hokuku Shrine](https://goo.gl/maps/S6oFUqFqm8EUWWxF8) (+goshuin) > wander around [Osaka Castle](https://goo.gl/maps/1mMvrPABNTiZsohw5), surrounding gardens > walk along river to [Brooklyn Roasting Company](https://goo.gl/maps/Qcw9rjjj67sThpro7) for coffee + views
* Brooklyn Roasting Co > Kuromon Ichiba Market; 15 min subway ride (Sakaisuji Line)
* 1400 – 2000 Explore Osaka thoroughfare\*\*;\*\* [Kuromon Ichiba Market](https://goo.gl/maps/5NjpK2TuvsgvMs58A) (food, homewares) > [Dotonbori](https://goo.gl/maps/M3M6kHd9rN262QbZ7) \> [Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Stree](https://goo.gl/maps/xwTfpoeFY75aigpB8)t > [Amerika-Mura](https://goo.gl/maps/FCL5EJNPsxvAfHRd9)
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**Day 6 | Th, 6/29 – Osaka > Nara > Kyoto**
* 0900 Osaka Airbnb > Nara; 45 min transit <.05 km walk
* 1000 – 1800 [**Nara Day Trip**](https://thenavigatio.com/nara-itinerary-one-day-trip/#:~:text=Because%20it’s%20only%20a%20one,visiting%20the%20Tourist%20Information%20Centre.) **walk**; Kofuku-ji temple > Isuien Garden > Todai-ji Temple > Nara Deer Park > Kasuga-Taisha > Higashimuki Shopping Street & Mochiidono Shopping Arcade
* 1900 Nara > Kyoto; 1hr transit <1km walk
* 2000 Check-in Kyoto
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**Day 7 | F, 6/30 – Kyoto**
* 0800 Ryokan > Kitaoji Station – maybe can arrange a ride?
* 0900 – 1700 [**“10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto”**](https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/The-10-must-see-spots-in-Kyoto-one-day-private-tour/d332-285124P1) guided tour; currently booked for Fri but can change
* Start at Kitaoji Station; South ticket gate. Subway station number is K04.
* Kinkakuji Temple > Bamboo Forest > Tenryuji Temple > Togetsukyo Bridge > Arashiyama Kimono Forest > Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine > Kiyomizu-dera Temple > Yasakanoto > Sannenzaka Ninenzaka > Gion
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**Day 8 | Sa, 7/1 – Kyoto**
* Flex Day, meet up with people
* Fuji gear will arrive to hotel
* Philosopher’s Path, Pontocho nightlife, gion matsuri may be going on? Tea ceremony ([Option 1](https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Experience-Tea-Ceremony-wearing-a-Kimono-in-Kyoto/d332-51440P61) and [Option 2](https://tea-kyoto.com/))
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**Day 9 | Su, 7/2 – Kyoto**
* Flex Day
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**Day 10 | M, 7/3 – Kyoto > Fuji**
* 0900 – 1100 Breakfast near ryokan, farewell Kyoto
* 1200 – 1700 Kyoto > Fuji; 5hrs
* 1800 Check-in Fuji lodging, rest/wander, grab dinner in the surrounding area
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**Day 11 | T, 7/4 – Mt. Fuji**
* 0900 Fuji lodging > Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine; 16 min walk 1km
* 1000 Meet friends at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine: pay respects at shrine, wish for a safe trek up Mt. Fuji!
* Shrine > Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station; 40 min by [car](https://goo.gl/maps/S2F6NPRGBGBEvac9A) (taxicab?),
* 1100 Poke around 5th station for a bit, make sure we have water (3L at least), a couple snacks, etc.
* 1200 Start ascent (6hrs ascent to 8th Station/Hut, to be safe) [Fuji Climbing Map](https://www.fujimountainguides.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15315858/fuji_climbing_map_all4trails.pdf)
* 1800 Arrive at Taishikan Hut, hot dinner, and sleep
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**Day 12 | W, 7/5 – Mt. Fuji**
* 0100 – 0300 Wake up, leave hut and begin making final trek up to summit
* 0400 – 0500 Sunrise atop Mt. Fuji
* 0530 – 0630 Begin descent
* 1000 – 1300 Arrive 5th Station; relax, have a snack
* 5th Station > Ryokan (1hr by transit)
* 1600: Check in, shower, relax, Kaiseki dinner provided
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**Day 13 | Th, 7/6 – Kawaguchiko**
* Breakfast provided by Ryokan > Rent bikes around Kawaguchiko and bike around the lake > Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway > soak in Ryokan onsen > Kaiseki dinner provided by Ryokan
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**Day 14 | F, 7/7 – Kawaguchiko > Tokyo**
* Breakfast provided by Ryokan
* 1400 – 1600 Kawaguchiko > Tokyo, lodging is in Shinjuku (2.5hrs)
* 1900 [Shinjuku Bar Hopping tour](https://www.magical-trip.com/product/59afbefb-b0d9-4e10-9273-b6c59b81e345)?
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**Day 15 | Sa, 7/8 – Tokyo**
* Shinjuku hotel > Harajuku Station; 17 min
* 1000 – 1500 [Harajuku](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ie=UTF&msa=0&mid=1upJ2NGqewiohqP8P15fSra1l0nw&ll=35.674107399145896%2C139.70492199999998&z=15) walk (7km); Meiji Shrine > Yoyogi Park > Omotesando > Killer Dori > Cat Street > Takeshita Dori
* Harajuku Station > Shibuya Shibuya Station (5 min by transit)
* [Shibuya walk](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ie=UTF&msa=0&mid=131CspYdf7OhQ_BwEvfMw1ZpaaVw&ll=35.6607338682532%2C139.69906575000002&z=15); Shibuya Scramble Crossing > Center Gai > Mega Don Quijote-Shibuya
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**Day 16 | Su, 7/9 – Tokyo**
Flex day
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**M, 7/10 – Tokyo**
Flex day
1800 Flight departs HDN