Hello everyone! My girlfriend and I will be traveling to Japan in 2 weeks. Since some of our destinations seem unfamiliar to me (I’ve been to Japan myself for 2 times already but only in Tokyo and Hakodate in Hokkaido), I would need some advice in making sure that we get the best experience possible. I also would like to ask for advice later in this post on certain things that we have to purchase in advance before we get there.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Narita (afternoon). Travel to Ueno to check in our Hotel. Lunch. Shop for winter clothes. Night stroll around Shinjuku / Shibuya (when time allows).
Day 2: Tokyo Part 1: Asakusa > Ginza > Ueno > Akihabara
Breakfast at Hotel. Stroll around Asakusa. Lunch at Ginza. Stroll around Ginza – Seiko Museum. Go to Ueno Park – Tokyo National Museum. Evening stroll at Akihabara.
Day 3: Tokyo Part 2: Shinjuku > Ikebukuro > Shibuya >
Morning stroll at Meiji Shrine. Go around Harajuku. Explore Shinjuku (afternoon). Tokyo Metropolitan Tower. Go to Sunshine City Ikebukuro. Visit Shibuya (afternoon to evening). Dinner at Center Gai.
Day 4: Takayama > Shirakawago
Early check out Tokyo Hotel. Ueno to Takayama (via JR Hokuriku Arch Pass – Hokuriku Shinkansen). Check in at Takayama hotel. Takayama to Shirakawago. Explore Shirakawago. Dinner at Takayama.
Day 5: Takayama > Nagano
Morning stroll around Takayama Old Town. Check out Hotel. Takayama to Nagano. Check in at Shibu Onsen. Zenkoji Temple. Stroll around Nagano City. Back to Shibu Onsen.
Day 6: Nagano Part 1
Breakfast at Hotel. Walk to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Go to Okushiga Kogen for Ski experience. Tour Nagano City in evening.
Day 7: Nagano Part 2 > Back to Tokyo
Breakfast at Hotel. Go to Togakushi Shrine. Back to Hotel and Check Out. Nagano to Ueno. Check in at Ueno. Go to Roppongi. Dinner at Azabudai Hills.
Day 8: Shopping Day / Free Day in Tokyo
We might use this to explore remaining places that need visiting again. Also our dedicated day for shopping.
Day 9: Departure from Narita
Check out from hotel in Ueno. Depart to Narita.
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Now here are some things that I would need advice:
1. When should I buy the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass (https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/hokuriku-arch-pass/)? Also – considering that it has 7 days validity) should we use it in our first days or last days of our trip?
2. Which is more practical for internet connectivity: E-Sim or Pocket WiFi?
3. Would you recommend more places that we go in our route?
Thank you, everyone!