Hi everyone, this is my first post! Would welcome any comment on our planned itinerary, especially if it’s likely to affect our experience.
I’m (27M), travelling with my partner (28F). She’s never been to Japan while I’ve been to Japan multiple times. We enjoy outdoors as well as having good local food. Less so crowds
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===18 Oct, wed===
0615 am: Arrive in Tokyo, Narita airport
[Narita -> Shinjuku -> Matsumoto]
Narita 8am -> Shinjuku 9.30am -> 9.55am alpico bus
Reach Matsumoto at 1.30pm
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Check in and explore Matsumoto:
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Nawate Dori shopping street
Yohashira Shrine
Nakamachi Street
Matsumoto Castle
Former Kaichi School
Agatanomori Park
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===19 Oct, thurs: continue in Matsumoto===
Other things to do if completed Day 1
Matsumoto City Alps Park OR
Koboyama (short hike to have panoramic view of city)
Asama Onsen or Utsukushigahara onsen
Possible short trip:
Suwa Taisha Kamisha Honmiya
Lake Suwa
Takashimajō Castle Ruins
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===20 Oct, Fri ===
Check out of Matsumoto
10.15am: Travel to Kamikochi via Alpico bus
12noon: Arrive at Kamikochi bus terminal
Kamokichi bus terminal
Deposit luggage at bus terminal
Walk to Yokoo Sanso (3 hours walk away)
Lunch at Kappa Bridge area
By 4 pm: check in at Yokoo Sanso
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===21 Oct, Sat===
0600 wake up
Hike to Karusawa Cirque
Have lunch at Karusawa Cirque before hiking back down and checking in to Tokusawa Lodge
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===22 Oct, Sun ===
(seems like the most time-tight day)
Kamikochi -> Karuizawa
Bus from Kamikochi -> Matsumoto [1 hour 40 mins]: 7.50am, 9.30am, 10.40am
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Train at Matsumoto -> Nagano (Nagoya to Nagano train) [50 mins]: 11.06am, 12.06pm, 1.06pm
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Train at Nagano -> Karuizawa (Kanazawa to Tokyo train): 12.29pm (Asama 616), 1.26pm (Asama 618), 2.03pm (Asama 642), 2.29pm (Asama 620)
Check in around 4 pm
Explore
Kyukaruizawa Ginza-dori (Old Karuizawa Shopping street)
Kumoba Pond
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===23 Oct, Mon===
Day trip to Kusatsu onsen + Shiraito Falls
– Kusakaru Kotsu bus
If there’s time: Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
We’re unable to find proper bus schedules for the day trip out, we would appreciate immensely if someone is able to find an updated schedule!
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===24 Oct, Tues ===
Day trip to Onioshidashi Park
– Seibu bus
Even more challenging is to find a Seibu bus schedule, to find out arrival timings and departure timings. Again, we would appreciate if someone knows where we may find an updated schedule!
Return to Karuizawa and explore
Karuizawa Stone Church
Kōgen Church
Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary
Picchio Visitor Center
Harunire Terrace
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===25 Oct, Wed===
Finish exploring Karuizawa
Travel from karuizawa to Tokyo
Explore around our accoms in Mukojima
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===26 Oct, thurs===
Tokyo
Explore the Kichijoji neighbourhood
Unfortunately we were not able to get our hands on the Ghlibi museum tickets due to the (cursed) website, but the area around looks really nice to explore!
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===27 Oct, Fri===
Tokyo
Unsure, possibly Day trip to Hitachi seaside park
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===28 Oct, sat===
Tokyo
A few hours in the morning before we head for the airport for our flight back
Thank you for reading up to this point!