Lots of thanks to those that chimed in and helped out with my itinerary. Still working on it; would love more feedback and suggestions. Not an easy trip to plan given festival dates, trying to time Sakura, and primarily limiting moves to one week increments (with 2 exceptions for Takayama Festival and Nakasendo Hike).
Have seen a lot of Japan, and traveling with my son (who lived there for 3 1/2 years, and his GF). We don’t need a super busy itinerary; this is our annual trip to visit and just hang out. Enjoy photography (landscape, street and drone) and onsen and hiking.
3/22 arrive Narita 16:15
Week 1
**March 22-29 Tokyo Airbnb**
Hanami – Ueno Park and Meguro River
Chidorigafuchi boats – cherry blossom night illumination
Harajuku – animal cafe and takeshita street shopping/eating
Akihabara gaming
Shibuya Sky – scramble crossing-Hachiko statue
Asakusa Nakamise Street
Sumida Riverfront/Asahi Beer 22nd floor
Ginza street shopping
Day trip – Takaragawa Onsen or Nikko
3/29 – a.m. – Head to Kamakura/Enoshima for the day (store bags at station or use luggage forwarding); on to Odawara to check in to Airbnb
Week 2
**March 29 – April 5 Odawara Airbnb**
Hakone ropeway, Hakone shrine, Lake Ashi, Lake Kawaguchiko, Hakone open air museum, Old Tokkaido road, Cedar Lane Hike, Hakone Tozan cablecar; Churieto Pagoda, Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, Shin matsuda nishihirabatake park – Mt Fuji/sakura date tbd
*Day trip* April 2 – penis festival – Kawasaki –
11:30-2:30 festival parade and on to Yokohama for afternoon/evening:
2-4pm cup of noodles museum4-6pm Chinatown, Kirin beer factory
6-8pm waterfront for dinner; train back to Odawara
**April 5 Travel to Magome**
April 5 – Afternoon/evening in Magome ryokan
**April 6 – A.M. Hike Magome to Tsumago – Nakasendo trail**
Old teahouse rest stop; waterfalls; Tsumago castle ruins
\*6:31 pm train Nagiso to Kanazawa
Week 3
**April 6 – 13 Kanazawa/Robot Hotel**
Bike to Castle – Kenrouken park
Nagamachi Samurai district
Kazuemachi Geisha district
Omicho market
Nigashi Chaya Tea district – kaikaro teahouse (goldleaf)
Day trip Shirakawa – go, Kago Onsen or Nato Peninsula
**April 13 – 15 TAKAYAMA**
4/13 11:04 am train Kanazawa to Takayama
Hida Folk Village (bike ride) Old Town Takayama
4/14 Spring Matsuri
AM handicraft market
11 am : Departs Hie Shrine
3pm Karakui performance
6:30 – 10:30 pm \*Evening Procession
Week 4
**April 15 – 22 Shimoda Airbnb**
\* 8 OR 9:30am train to Yokohama; Pick up rental car and drive Izu Peninsula to Shimoda
Mt Omuro
Jogasaki Nature Course
Hashidate suspension bridge
Ito
Hokkawa Onsen – open air sea bath
Higashiizu
Izu Peninsula GeoPark-lighthouse-shrine hike
Ryugu Sea Cave
\*Hirizo beach (ferry)
Shirahama Beach
Perry Road
Dogashima sea cave tour
Atami – fireworks tbd
**April 22 Drive Shimoda – Yokohama – return rental car; travel to Narita for pm flight home**
\*2:28pm Yokohama – Narita Tokkaido-Sanyo Shinkansen-Narita Xpress
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Tokyo – Have been before so just plan to catch up and hang out, and hopefully time it right for Hanami; revisiting a couple of favorites like Asakusa and Shibuya, and visiting a few spots we missed last time.
Fuji area- would love some ideas to keep busy for a whole week in that region. Would Hakone or somewhere in Fuji 5 lakes be better to base ourselves out of than Odawara? Found a nice 2 bedroom Airbnb which is why we chose Odawara.
Kanazawa – I realize a week is a long time for that area too but we love photography, hiking and onsens so open to suggestions, as well as for day trips if we run out of things to do in town. Hotel I chose was for price and location but would love one with an onsen if anyone has an affordable alternative.
Izu Peninsula – Happy for a week here, lots of beaches to walk on and photography and the coastline sounds gorgeous. Would love some more off the beaten path recommendations or driving tips. I think from Yokohama google maps was suggesting driving the interior which looked very moutainous. I also would like to visit a couple of shrines/temples. And, I believe the fireworks in Atami are during our stay. How are the roads back to Shimoda at night? Is it worth it/are the fireworks really incredible? I know Japan has some pretty amazing ones. 🙂
One last question: when would be the best time to squeeze in Mishimi Skywalk? From Hakone or Shimoda? Thanks so much for any suggestions !
\*edit:format problems