Visiting from Australia so not expecting too much hassle with jet lag. This is our first trip so we’re feeling pretty clueless but excited.
My itinerary for Kyoto is quite underdeveloped.
For Tokyo, we’ve chosen a hotel in Ginza as we’re looking for a bit of quiet. We’re used to commuting long hours into the city here, so don’t mind a 20 minute commute to the Shibuya/ Shinjuku area.
Overall looking for advice on what days are too packed/achievable and what I can fill in on days which look a bit empty. Thanks!
Day 0:
– Arrive at Haneda, 8pm
– Check into hotel in Ginza and have a late dinner nearby
Day 1:
– Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to view the maple leaves
– Meiji Jingu and quick visit to Takeshita Street
– Shibuya Crossing
– Return to Ginza for an afternoon sleep
– Visit Shinjuku in the evening?
Day 2:
– Senso-ji Temple
– Akihabara
– Walk around Ginza area
– Return to hotel for an afternoon sleep
– Evening in Shibuya
Day 3:
– Tokyo DisneySea
Day 4:
– Shopping day in Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku and Shimokitazawa
– TeamLabs?
Day 5:
– My sister returns home to Australia
– Shinkansen to Kyoto
– Rest in hotel all afternoon
– Quiet evening in Gion District
Day 6:
– Fushimi Inari Shrine
– More of the Gion District
Day 7:
– Hiroshima day trip
Day 8:
– Arashiyama
Day 9:
– Return to Tokyo on Shinkansen
Day 10:
– Fly back to Australia early in the morning
3 comments
I think this itinerary is good ! Not too much planned. I would suggest to take your time to explore, Tokyo has a lot of things to see (eg little shrine/temples) so when you are in a place do not hesitate to walk a bit and go in the little streets to explore.
If you have more time, I would suggest to add Ikebukuro in the list. It was a really good surprise for me, especially the Sunshine City commercial center.
or Kyoto, you can add Mount Inari in addition to Fushimi Inari. Do not hesitate to go to Fushimi Inari early in the morning, otherwise it will be too crowded. Mount Inari is a 1hour hike, not difficult but really beautiful with amazing views on Kyoto. I would also advise the Philosopher path (1/2 day) with a lot of temples to see one the road (as well as the Kinkaku-ji which was really great, great spot to see autumn colors and once again, some beautiful view on Kyoto) and Ginkaku-ji (gold temple) but early in the morning when it opens as once again it is a really touristic place. Try the ice cream sold near the temple!
And my last recommendation, try a sento/onsen if you can. I had too little time to do it but really a good experience.
I would spend an extra day in Kyoto and skip hiroshima
Do you need the dedicated shopping day located in all different areas? It would be more efficient to do them when youre already in those areas the other days. This could potentially free up a day. Dont underestimate shopping / commute fatigue
Also as a first timer i would recommend going to Nara as a day trip instead of Hiroshima.