Itinerary Advice: Niseko/Kyoto/Kumano Kodo/Nagoya/Tokyo – 15 days

Hello! We’re a couple traveling to Japan during the first 2 weeks of March — it’s his 2nd time visiting but my first. Mainly looking for a check if we’re overshooting ourselves for 15 days, and also how to fit in the Grand Sumo tournament in Osaka that starts on March 10.

It’s too early for cherry blossoms (fingers crossed for ume blossoms though) but we love the outdoors so the main things that are MUSTS for us are skiing in Hokkaido (we have the IKON pass) and hiking part of the Kumano Kodo trail. The sumo tournament is optional but I think would be an amazing cultural experience.

Thanks for your thoughts!!

**Mar 1: Travel to Sapporo**

* Arrive in HND and transfer to flight to Sapporo. I’m giving a 2-hour transfer time between arriving in HND and departing for Sapporo based on other threads.
* Go up Sapporo Tower if we make it before closing
* Stay in Sapporo

**Mar 2-4: Sapporo/Niseko**

* Explore Odari Park in daylight
* Take a morning bus to Niseko Hirafu
* Ski our hearts out
* Stay in Hirafu

**Mar 5: Niseko/Kyoto**

* Ski in the morning
* Fly to KIX
* Stay in Osaka or Kyoto depending on what time we arrive

**Mar 6-7: Kyoto**

* Do all the touristy things
* Stay in Kyoto

**Mar 8: Yunomine**

* Full day of travel from Kyoto to Yunomine Onsen (starting point of our Kumano Kodo hike). Could maybe squeeze in a morning in Osaka which is on the way
* Stay in Yunomine

**Mar 9: Kaguchi**

* Hike to Kaguchi
* Stay in Kaguchi

**Mar 10: Katsuura/Nagoya**

* Hike to Nachi Waterfall (end of the Kumano Kodo trail)
* Stay in Nagoya if we catch the last 5:11pm train, backup plan in Katsuura (30 min bus ride from the falls)

**Mar 11: Nagoya/Tokyo**

* Nagashima Spa Land for the roller coasters and spa
* Nabana No Soto
* Stay in Tokyo after taking a train

**Mar 12-13: Tokyo**

* Check out Ueno area, teamLabs, Senso-ji temple, Tsukiji Fish market
* Stay in Tokyo

**Mar 14: Nikko or Kamakura**

* Day trip to one of these towns
* Stay in Tokyo

**Mar 15: Tokyo**

* Last minute sight-seeing and shopping
* Depart HND in the afternoon