2-week itinerary – please rip it apart!

10 comments

1. I’ll rip apart Tokyo for you, but only because you asked for it. 😉

   I’m very confused as to why you’re repeating your Shinjuku and Shibuya days nearly step for step and then spending 2 days in Ginza, as well.

   I think you’ve covered most of the basic tourist list spots, which is cool and expected for a first time visitor, but also ends up leaving you with a really basic itinerary. Instead of doubling up on what some listicle or TikTok video might tell you, hit up some of the more interesting, less tourist-centric neighborhoods. For instance, Koenji, Shimokitazawa, Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Ebisu, Kichijoji, Tomigaya, Yanaka, so on. Also, you don’t have Ueno on your list, I don’t think, and that’s a very popular area for visitors.

   I think the best balance is struck when you pick like 2 neighborhoods per day, 1 or 2 activities or sites in each neighborhood, and just use that as a structure to explore throughout the day. That’s personal preference, though. Some people like stocking up on sites and schedules. To each their own. I think allowing yourself time to explore is when the true magic of Tokyo can be seen.

2. Day 2 and 5 are basically the same.

   Do not take Shinkansen to Osaka look at a cheaper or more efficient route using local train.

   Day 3 and 12 you have Tokyo station Marunouchi.

   Day 4 and 13 are the same.

3. While you can spend that much time in these big cities, I feel like a bit of variety would be good. Throw in some day trips some smaller towns – e.g. Nara, Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone.

4. Since you’re planning for Ginza on Day 3, for Day 12 how about a trip to Yokohama? You can get there by train in under an hour. You can explore and shop around Minato Mirai.

5. Stay in Hakone

6. How many of you are there? What are your ages and budget? I’ll make a better itinerary for you

7. You can get the Hakone Freepass or Hakone Kamura Pass easily, also covers the travel there and local transport for around Y6000 for 2-3 days. It seems like it would be boring to spend two weeks there and only visit two places. I’d at least have some options for places to visit for the day in case.

   I’d think of the things you really enjoy doing and see where / what you can do in Japan. There’s so much entertainment wise, nature, culture, and food. I’d definitely pick the top shrines you want to go in case of burnout. Maybe pick one or two observation decks at most, but there are probably better things to see. The garden near Arashiyama seems like a good pick.

   Good luck with planning your trip!!

8. Good to see some itinerary that is not planned out by the minute. Thumbs up!
   Can only really speak for the Tokyo section, but how about Odaiba and Ueno?

9. Consider replacing one of the Tokyo days with a day trip to Kamakura.

10. Thanks everyone thus far on your comments and recommendations! Love the community here on Reddit.

    I’m already taking in the feedback and am making some major changes to the 2nd half of my itinerary.

    Leaving the first leg of Tokyo untouched to see all the touristy places and give myself time to acclimate.

    Also leaving Kyoto and Osaka untouched. They’re gonna be one of the busiest days as Kyoto and Osaka are so dense with things do to and I’m sure I’ll run into more things I’d like to see, spur of the moment.

    I plan to use the 2nd leg of Tokyo to be more adventurous and am revising my itinerary to see more off-the-beaten-path locations. Considering Yanaka, Daikanyamacho, Nakameguro, and Kichijoji. I plan to leave these days wide open and just “get lost” and explore.

    Thanks again for the feedback and please keep it coming! Still got 2 months until I’m wheels down.