Hi everyone! I’m (27F) going to Japan for the first time in May. I’ll be going solo and meeting others as part of an organized group travel since it’s my first time (I just wanted to start somewhere and come back someday to explore more)- it covers a lot of major highlights you see in a typical Japan tour. My question is in looking at my itinerary (can’t be changed), I want to spend an extra 3 days in Japan before the trip starts or even after it ends.
Where do you personally recommend? Doesn’t have to be Tokyo either! I’m open to exploring the country. I know there’s so much to see, but if you think there’s something I can’t miss I’d love to incorporate that. Thanks in advance.
Basic Itinerary:
Day 0: **Potential to come a few days early and explore**.
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo.
Day 2: Explore Tokyo, Harajuku, Mei-Ji Shrine, Akihabara.
Day 3: Continue exploring Tokyo, sushi making class, and shibuya crossing.
Day 4: Hakone, Mt Fuji, romance car.
Day 5: Takayama, Sake Tasting, old town, temple stay.
Day 6: Bullet train to Kyoto, explore market, gion district.
Day 7: Kyoto continued, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi-Inari, tea ceremony.
Day 8: Kyoto continued, Golden Pavilion, zen garden, kendo class.
Day 9: Osaka, Bamboo forest, monkey mountain.
Day 10: Nara park, Osaka castle, dotonbori, karaoke.
Day 11: Fly back (**or extend trip 3-4 days**).