Hi everyone, I’m about to head to Japan this upcoming Monday and I am pumped! This is a re-booked COVID trip. I just wanted to do a final itinerary check to see if there are any glaring holes in it.
The last post I made didn’t make it through, so hopefully this one has enough detail to be approved!
11th – Arrive at ITM Airport
I will have the apple wallet suica card and e-sim pre-arrival. Seems like the easiest option.
Pick up cash
Train or taxi to hotel by Shinsaibashi Station (3 nights)
Explore Dotonburi if energy allows
12th – Himeji
AM: I expect to be up early due to jet lag.. explore area around Shinsaibashi and then take the subway to Shin-Osaka station.
Aim to be at Himeji by 8:30 am and explore the castle/gardens
PM: I’m probably going to be pretty tired on my 1st day. Plan to just take it easy and have dinner at Dontonburi. If I have extra energy, perhaps visit the Osaka aquarium? Or perhaps an Osaka Food Tour?
13th – Kyoto OR Nara
AM: Head out early (7 am) to Kyoto and check out Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka before it gets crowded.
Check out Kiyomizu right when it opens at 9 am.
Head to Nishiki market for lunch.
PM: Head back to Osaka and relax. If I have energy, find something else to explore in Osaka.
14th – Kyoto
AM: Check out of hotel and head back to Kyoto.
NORU E-Bike tour
PM: Check-in to hotel around Kyoto St (1 night) and relax in onsen & have dinner nearby.
15th – Kyoto/Tokyo
AM: Visit Fushimi Inari early before the crowds.
Take a noon shinkansen to Tokyo
Aim to check in to Shinkjuku-area hotel around 3 pm (3 nights)
PM: Energy dependent, but plan to check out Golden Gai area.
16th – Tokyo
AM: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Crossing
PM: Nothing planned yet.
17th – Tokyo
AM: Pick up Fuji rental gear (shoes + rain gear) from Yamarent store in Shinjuku
PM: Tokyo skytree, Tokyo tower, or Roppongi hills (pick 1)
18th – Fuji
AM: Check out and catch a 7:30ish highway bus to Fuji Subaru Line 5th station.
Store luggage at a coin locker at the 5th station, eat lunch, and start climbing Fuji
PM: Check in to Fujikan 10th station mountain hut. I realize it is an extra 30 minutes from the TOP of the Yoshida trail.
19th – Kawaguchiko
AM: Catch sunrise at top of Fuji and hang out around the top
Climb back down on the Yoshida trail & pick up luggage
PM: Not sure when I expect to be back to the 5th station, but plan on bussing to Kawaguchiko station and taking a taxi to my hotel. I am sure I will be very tired so just plan on going to the attached onsen/eating dinner & passing out.
If it’s a clear day, perhaps take a taxi to the pagoda to check out the view?
\*\* The order of the 18/19th can swap depending on the forecasted Mt. Fuji weather
20th – Tokyo
AM: Bus/train back to Tokyo and drop off luggage at hotel by Asakusa Station
Check out Senso-ji & surrounding areas
PM: Also free so far, was thinking about checking out Ueno area? I’m not really interested in manga/anime so thought I’ll skip Akihabara. Thoughts?
21st – Fly home
AM: Shop/check out anything I missed and have time for a quick stop for.
PM: Arrive at NRT by 2 pm to catch my 5:30 pm flight home!
Notes & Questions:
1.) I realize that the humidity and heat are going to be brutal in July. Have I bit off more than I can chew? I’ve tried to keep the itinerary fairly light and do not mind skipping things (except climbing Fuji)
2.) I’ve split my accommodation nights in Osaka/Kyoto 3:1 due to having my nights in Osaka for free. Should I even bother staying a night in Kyoto and just stay all 4 nights in Osaka instead?
3.) Is my Mt. Fuji plan feasible? Is there anything else I have not thought of and you would change?
4.) Any recommendations for a nicer dinner ($100 USD\~ budget) in Kyoto or Tokyo that does not require reservations? Or take online English reservations?
5.) I’m a huge 3rd wave coffee guy. Any recommendations for roasters/cafes to check out would be appreciated! Planning on bringing a few bags of beans home to try/give to friends.
6.) I am cognizant of the chance of it pouring during my trip as it is rainy season. In Tokyo, I plan on just heading to one of the many museums/observation tours if it rains. Any suggestions on what to do in Kyoto if it pours?
Thanks for reading this far. Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated!
2 comments
I don’t know about climbing Fuji as I haven’t done it, but I would say it is probably worth staying a night in Kyoto. Though if it’s between a free room in Osaka and a paid room in Kyoto id probably go Osaka.
Kyoto Station is also very cool. It’s like a large open air tower. Definitely worth having a meal there if you can too, they have a floor dedicated to Ramen shops.
Unfortunately, from my recollection, a lot of the things to do in Kyoto will be outdoors, I don’t recall many interesting indoor things to do if the weather is poor. May be best to just rough out the rain if you can.
Kiyomizudera opens at 6am according to their official website.