Short and Sweet Itinerary check

It’s mine and my partners first time travelling to Japan in October and we will be there for only about 5 days. We are 26, interested in shopping, sightseeing and my partner is interested in everything automotive.

If there is anything we are missing, or maybe isn’t worth the time please let us know. We have also planned 2x day trips out of Tokyo and I’m not sure if it’s our best use of time in such a short span so really keen for feedback on that.

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**Sunday 15/10**
Land at Haneda at 4pm
Catch Limosuine bus to hotel in Shinjuku
Check in/walk around
Dinner at gyukatsu motomura?

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**Monday 16/10**
*Day trip to Hakone*
Book a bus tour through Klook (I know this might not be popular, but its not much more cost wise and saves me the stress of figuring out timing etc on my first day)

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**Tuesday 17/10**
*Western Tokyo*
Meiji Jingu shrine (guided tour)
Quick look at Harajuku
If time: Quick rest back at hotel in Shinjuku
Out to Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Shibuya shopping/sightseeing/Tower Records
Shibuya Sky

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**Wednesday 18/10**
*Asakusa and Odaiba*
Early start, head to Sensoji
Sumida River boat ride to Hama Rikyu Garden
Train to Odaiba for shopping +/- museums

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**Thursday 19/10**
*Kamakura*
Early start, train from Shinjuku to Kamakura
Full day out at temples, train back late afternoon

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**Friday 20/10**
*Last day – shopping*
Check out and leave bags at hotel
Go to Intersect by Lexus for brunch
Train to Ginza
Imperial Gardens?
Nissan Crossing showroom
Shopping
Head back to hotel and catch limosuine bus to Haneda
Fly out at 11pm

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It looks like lots each day but I’m hoping since they’re all somewhat smaller things it’s doable? I am expecting to be tired and needing to change plans on the fly, but have tried to group things by area enough to see a fair bit.

3 comments
  1. I’d personally bail on Hakone. You actually only have 4 full days on this trip. I’d keep Kamakura, cut Hakone, and try to visit some more interesting, less tourist-packed neighborhoods in Tokyo.

  2. I’ll echo the other person’s comment and agree that Hakone isn’t a good choice for such a short trip. I’ve been there a few times and love it, but it will eat up so much of your day with travel. Especially if you’re visiting the lake AND Owakudani.

    I’d recommend taking a trip down to Yokohama that day. With the Red Brick Warehouse, Minatomirai, Chinatown, and Motomachi, you can make a day there. Although there are lots of Tokyo neighborhoods to fill that space, as well.

    Also, I’ve found that I can fit a lot on a day when I visit Kamakura. You could add Enoshima Island on your itinerary when out that way, or add some night-time Tokyo things on the way back. I think last time I had a dinner at Hattifnatt spent time around Koenji after Kamakura.

  3. I would say the appeal in Hakone largely is staying overnight there, as many people have a night in a ryokan to relax.

    If I were you, for your first time in Japan, I’d say just stay in Tokyo the whole time – maybe use the Kamakura day in Shimokitazawa or Kochijoji/Koenji. But I think Kamakura is fine if you really want to visit, it’s not so far away.

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