Hey Guys!
I’m headed to Japan for the first time in November (3rd – 17th) with my Dad. I’m excited to see the cities but also really like to get off the beaten path, learn about the culture and see how Japanese folks live traditionally (outside the cities). I’ve been trying to learn some Japanese to have more authentic connection with the people there. Not a fan of overcrowded spaces. My dad really likes art, design, architecture, and high-end hotels. We both like music, kawaii culture, Japanese food, and technology / engineering. So, looking to find some sort of compromise in our itinerary. 😊
**Notes:**
\- Hotels booked already for Tokyo and Hakone, everything else is flexible
\- We have the 14-day JR Rail pass to make things easier
\- I plan to fill in more details about daily plans as I get closer, just trying to figure out our overall route for now
\- I’ve been combing through this subreddit quite a bit to get info so thanks to everyone who posts on here!
Would appreciate any feedback and recommendations from experienced travelers! Any highlights you think I’m missing, too much / too little time spent at destinations, alternatives to places / destinations, or travel tips would all be welcome.
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, check into hotel (Close to Shibuya station)
Day 2: Tokyo – Harajuku & Shinjuku , Meiji-jingu Shrine, Roppongi
Day 3: Tokyo – Asukusa, Senso-Ji Temple, Ueno, Shibuya Sky, Coldplay concert at Tokyo Dome
Day 4: Tokyo – Day trip to Nikko? Or spend more time exploring Tokyo (Imperial Palace). TBD.
Day 5: Travel to Hakone – Hakone Round Course, explore hakone, stay at Ryokan
Day 6: Travel to Kanazawa – explore Kanazawa castle in the afternoon, eat sushi
Day 7: Explore Kanazawa – Kenruko-en Garden, Omicho Market , Gyokusen-en Gardens
Day 8: Travel to Takayama – Maybe explore Shirakawa-go en route. Hida Folk village. Cycling tour?
Day 9: Travel to Kyoto – Southern Higashiyama, Downtown and Fushimi-Inari
Day 10: Kyoto – Day trip to Nara
Day 11: Kyoto – Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji and Daitoku-ji
Day 12: Osaka – Food tour, explore Dotonbori
Day 13: Explore Osaka OR Naoshima Art Island Day Trip (skeptical if this would be possible in one day)
Day 14: Head to Osaka airport for a 2pm flight
1 comment
> 14 day JR Rail Pass
I don’t think this pays off? In any case you only need this from Days 4-9 if you do not go to Naoshima, which fits within the 7-day pass.
> feedback and recommendations
Kanazawa castle and Kenrukoen are across the street from each other, you should do them on the same day to avoid backtracking.
Takayama -> Kyoto takes several hours, I suggest moving Fushimi Inari to the morning of Day 10.