Hi everyone!
While my husband and I (33) very much welcome days that end up following a chain of spontaneity and discovery, we always like having a road map to prevent any “now what?”s on vacation. Below is our “now what” prevention itinerary and I’d love to know if it has any holes!
We are active “go go go” travelers. We love walking and thrive on a full day while decompressing over interesting meals!
Dinner recommendations are welcomed!
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K Y O T O
SUNDAY, NOV 19th – Arrival Day
6:50pm KIX arrival
Osaka > Kyoto
Accommodation check in and something quick and easy for dinner
MONDAY, NOV 20th – Kyoto East
M O R N I N G
7am > Arashiyama
– Bamboo Forest
– Tenryu-Ji temple
– Ochiko Sanso
– Togetsukyo Bridge
– Kimono Forest
– Miffy Sakura Kitchen
– Jōjakkō-ji Temple
A F T E R N O O N / E V E N I N G
Taxi > Kinkaku-Ji Golden Temple
Taxi > Nishiki fish market (if time)
Pontocho dinner reservation
TUESDAY, NOV 21st – Kyoto West
M O R N I N G
8am > Kiyomizu-Dera
Walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Gion – Lunch
A F T E R N O O N / E V E N I N G
Philosopher’s Path bottom to top
Ryokan check in
River Sunset stroll to a Gion dinner reservation
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K Y O T O > T O K Y O
WEDNESDAY, NOV 22nd – Travel Day
M O R N I N G
Breakfast at Ryokan
Fushimi inari walk
A F T E R N O O N / E V E N I N G
Kyoto Station (rooftop view). Get bentos!
Late afternoon train to Shinjuku
Check into hotel and explore Shinjuku for dinner/evening (udon shin?)
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T O K Y O
THURSDAY, NOV 23rd – Shibuya/Harajuku
M O R N I N G
Train> Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Street
Walk > Harajuku
– Cat Street
– Takeshita Street
– Meiji Shrine/Yoyogi Park (if time)
A F T E R N O O N / E V E N I N G
Walk or train > Shibuya
Shibuya Shopping (Shibuya 109, Loft, Parco, Don Quijote)
Shibuya Sky (fingers crossed, alarm for tickets is set!)
Shibuya Scramble
Nightlife/Dinner
FRIDAY, NOV 24th – Asakusa/Akihabara
M O R N I N G
Train > Asakusa (early am)
– Senso-Ji Temple
– Nakamise Dori
– Hoppy street for brunch
– Kappabashi
A F T E R N O O N / E V E N I N G
Walk >Asahi Rooftop Brew
Walk >Tokyo Sky Tree (just for shopping)
Train > Akihabara to wonder and have fun.
Dinner in Akihabara
SATURDAY, NOV 25th – West side “hipster” and foodie spots. Laid back day.
M O R N I N G
Shimokitazawa (for coffee, thrifting, and cream puffs)
A F T E R N O O N / E V E N I N G
Then up for a couple of the following (play by ear):
Kichijoji?
Daikanyama?
Ebisu for drink?
Kagurazaka?
Food Tour Evening?
SUNDAY, NOV 26th – Day Trip
M O R N I N G / A F T E R N O O N
Mt. Takao or Mt. Fuji day trip
(Leaning towards Mt Takao)
E V E N I N G
Shinjuku or Shibuya evening
Kabuki Yokocho? Omoide Yokocho?
MONDAY, NOV 27th – Ginza/Ebisu
M O R N I N G
9am > Team Lab Planets (booked)
Walk >Lunch – Tsukiji Outer Market
A F T E R N O O N / E V E N I N G
Walk >Ginza
– Art Aquarium
– Shopping
– Tsurutokame for Dinner
TUESDAY, NOV 28th – Departure Day
M O R N I N G
Walk > Meiji Shrine/Yoyogi Park if still did not do
Final souvenir shop
Narita evening departure
Thanks for any feedback! A trip report will follow!