Hi there! My husband and I are visiting Japan for the first time this upcoming January, and I am so overwhelmed trying to plan this out. We’ve done vacations in the past that are jam packed, and others that are much looser and free flowing, and we definitely prefer the latter. So far I’ve broken out our days either by a main attraction or neighborhood. I’ve been marking places I want to go in my maps app, so I don’t have them listed out here. I would love any advice or thoughts you guys had! We both love art and music, as well as eating and drinking.
Dates: Jan 6- Jan 19
Day 1:
* Arrive @ Narita @ 3pm
* check in/rest- staying near the National Stadium
* explore Omoide Yokocho/surrounding area
Day 2:
* Oedo Antique Market
* shopping in Nihonbashi
* Explore Akihabara
* (Imperial Palace visit? I understand you can only visit the grounds, and it’ll be winter, so…)
Day 3:
* Tsukiji Outer Marker
* Shinjuku
Day 4:
* Ota Memorial Museum of Art
* Explore Harajuku
Day 5:
* Travel to Kyoto – time undetermined – staying in Higashiyama ward
* Explore!
Day 6:
* Kyoto Imperial Palace
* Dinner @ Mouriya Gion
Day 7:
* Kifune Shrine
* Private Onsen
* Pontocho Alley
Day 8:
* Arashiyama forest
* Tenryu Ji
Day 9: *The original plan was to head directly to Osaka, but I’m thinking of adding a day trip to Himeji Caste. Thoughts? I can always move things around, but we won’t have luggage at this point so it seems feasible*
* Kyoto ->Himeji->Osaka
Day 10:
* Explore Osaka
Day 11:
* Travel to Tokyo – staying in Shibuya
* Explore Shibuya
Day 12:
* Senso-ji complex and surrounding area
* Knife shopping in Kappabashi
Day 13:
* Tokyo National Museum?
* Nihon Minka-en OR Edo Open air museum?
Day 14:
* Free morning
* Depart Haneda @ 6:20 pm
A few notes!
We are hoping to attend a sumo match, but the tournament isn’t until the end of our trip, and tickets aren’t available until Dec.We’re also planning on snagging a sushi omakase reservation, and a reservation at the Stellar Garden Sky Lounge. We may also do Shibuya Sky, still debating.
Reviewing what I have planned so far, I feel like I could compress some things down, and add in a day trip somewhere. I’m not really interested in Nara, Hakone is an option, but my husband isn’t really interested in hot springs. We’re also planning on going out with friends while we’re there, and generally really love just walking and exploring, so I don’t want to feel like I don’t really have time to enjoy my time there!
I’m also a huge fan of visiting cemeteries, and I haven’t seen anyone mention that in their itineraries or guides. Is that just not a thing?
1 comment
> Day 2:
Oedo Antique Market
Normally, the Oedo Antique Market is held on the first and third Sundays, but as of now, the market is scheduled to take place on January 8, 2024, which is a national holiday (Coming of Age Day). Please be aware of this.
https://www.antique-market.jp/english/