November 28, 2023: Tokyo Exploration
09:00 AM: Arrive in Tokyo (Narita Airport)
Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo station via bus
Get Suica Card
Activate JR Pass for the next day
Reserve baggage seats for next day
Akiba
Highlights
Super Potato – retro games
Radio Kaikan Building
Animate
Kanda Shrine
Lunch
Roast Beef Ōno
Ikebukuro
Sunshine City
Ringo Apple Pie
Nakano Broadway
Odaiba
Daiba station
DiverCity
Stay in Tokyo (Tokyo station area)
November 29, 2023: Tokyo
Meiji Shrine: Start your day by visiting Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine located in a lush forested area near Harajuku. Take a peaceful walk through the shrine grounds and possibly witness a traditional wedding ceremony.
Takeshita Street: After Meiji Shrine, head to Takeshita Street in Harajuku. It’s famous for its quirky fashion boutiques, street food stalls, and a youthful, vibrant atmosphere.
Harajuku: Explore the trendy Harajuku district further, known for its unique fashion trends. You can also visit the Kawaii Monster Cafe for a colorful and eccentric dining experience.
Yoyogi Park: Adjacent to Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park is a great place for a relaxing picnic or a leisurely stroll. If you’re lucky, you might come across various street performances and events.
Shibuya: In the evening, visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Explore the surrounding Shibuya area, which is known for its shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.
Dinner at Ichiran Ramen: If you’re a fan of ramen, consider having dinner at Ichiran Ramen, a famous ramen chain known for its delicious tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen.
Stay in Tokyo
November 30, 2023: Kyoto
Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto (You can use your JR Pass for this journey)
Explore Kyoto for autumn activities
Visit popular autumn spots like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Stay in Kyoto
December 1, 2023: Kyoto
Continue exploring Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and enjoy a hike through the thousands of red torii gates
Explore Gion district in the evening
Stay in Kyoto
December 2, 2023: Kyoto
Nijo Castle: Start your day at Nijo Castle, known for its beautiful gardens and “nightingale floors” that chirp when you walk on them.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, set amidst a picturesque garden.
Ryoan-ji: Explore Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its Zen rock garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sagano Bamboo Grove: Head to the Arashiyama district and take a stroll through the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove.
Monkey Park Iwatayama: If time allows and you’re interested in wildlife, visit Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you can see Japanese macaques up close.
Stay in Kyoto
December 3, 2023: Kyoto to Toyama
Travel from Kyoto to Toyama (You can use your JR Pass for this journey)
Visit Toyama for autumn activities and an onsen experience
Explore the city, visit local attractions, and relax at an onsen
Stay in Toyama
December 4, 2023: Kanazawa (Day-trip from Toyama)
Take a day-trip to Kanazawa from Toyama (You can use your JR Pass for this journey)
Explore Kanazawa, including Omicho Ichiba Market, Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa 21st Century Museum, Kenrokuen Garden, Historical Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya District
Enjoy a local meal in Kanazawa
Menya Taiga Miso Ramen
Return to Toyama
Stay in Toyama
December 5, 2023: Shirakawa-go (Day-trip)
Take a day-trip to Shirakawa-go from Toyama
Explore Shirakawa-go, including Shiroyama Viewpoint and Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses, Shirakawa Kaido Street, Deai-Bashi bridge
Return to Toyama
Stay in Toyama
December 6, 2023: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Enjoy the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Toyama to Nagano
Experience the scenic beauty and natural wonders along the route
Try the local specialty, Shiroebi tendon
Return to Toyama
Stay in Toyama
December 7, 2023: Takayama and Return to Toyama
Take a day-trip to Takayama from Toyama
Explore Takayama, including Miyagawa Morning Market and the historic district, Sanmachi Street, Takayama Jinya, Higashiyama
Enjoy Hida Beef and Mitarashi Dango
Return to Toyama
Stay in Toyama
December 8, 2023: Karuizawa
Travel to Karuizawa via Shinkansen
Explore Karuizawa, visiting Shiraito Falls, Usui Pass Observation Platform, and Kumobaike Pond
Stroll through Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street and enjoy local food like curry bread and apple pie
Visit Onioshidashi Park
Travel back to Tokyo
Stay in Tokyo
December 9, 2023: Chiba (Day-trip)
Take a day-trip to Chiba from Tokyo
Visit Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Makuhari Mitsui Outlet
Attend a concert (if there is one on this day)
Return to Tokyo
Stay in Tokyo
December 10, 2023: Sendai
Travel to Sendai via Shinkansen
Explore Sendai, including the Shiogama Fish Wholesale Market and a sightseeing cruise to Matsushima
Visit Zuiganji Temple and Sendai Castle Ruins
Try local specialties like Gyutan and Oysters
Return to Tokyo
Stay in Tokyo
December 11, 2023: Tokyo and Departure
Enjoy your last day in Tokyo, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping or visiting any remaining attractions
1:30 PM: Travel to Narita Airport via Keisei Skyliner at Ueno station
5:00 PM: Depart from Tokyo
Solo trip. Haven’t been back to Japan in 10 years.
Just unsure about the Kyoto part. I’ve used ChatGPT to generate it. Not sure if it’s up to date. The other parts are reference from a friend’s itinerary.