I will be going to Japan for the first time for 15 days. My priority for this trip is to be able to visit Yakushima Island. I’d like to know if you think my itinerary is organized in the best route possible in terms of travel time and finances. Should I switch a few places around or would this work? Also, any and all food, shopping, attraction suggestions are welcome, thank you!
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* **Day 1:** *JFK to HND landing \~5am.* Get situated: Make sure sim card or pocket wifi, Suica card works etc. Drop luggage off at hotel until check-in time. Walk around with no plan and just take it all in because I will be tired and overwhelmed lol
* **Day 2:** Hachiko Memorial, Shibuya.
* **Day 3:** \- Shinjuku City
* **Day 4:** Travel to Yakushima Island by f*lying from HND to Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima Airport.* Will get international driver’s license ahead of time and rent a car to get around. Visit Murakami woodworks, Wood Shop Kikori, then just drive around the island. Hopefully can glance at the monkey’s and deer!
* **Day 5:** Hike the Shiratani Unsuikyo. My main reason for visiting because I love Princess Mononoke. Will stick to more of the easier hiking routes if there is time.
* **Day 6:** Visit Ohko Waterfall and wander/drive more around the island.
* **Day 7:** *Travel to Osaka via plane.* Stay at hotel near Dotonbori. Visit the Hands Shinsaibashi Store, Daiso, Namba LOFT, maybe Osaka castle area.
* **Day 8:** Eat at Okonomiyaki Chitose. Walk back to Dotonbori and see what I discover.
* **Day 9:** *Travel to Kyoto via normal train.* I heard the Shinkansen isn’t worth it for this route as it’s a little more expensive and more complicated. Visit Nakamura Tokichi in Kyoto Station. Walk to Arashiyama Park through the Bamboo Forest to the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple.
* **Day 10:** Visit D:Matcha maybe. If not, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and walk to and around Nishiki Market after.
* **Day 11:** *Travel back to Tokyo via Shinkansen. I want to experience the train views once at least.* Eat at Rokurinsha. Check out Itoya.
* **Day 12:** Eat at Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San. Check out Jimbocho Book Town. Head to Taito City.
* **Day 13:** Ghibli Museum, Walk around Kichijoji (Honcho & Petite Mura & 3COINS), Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, and Inokashira Pond.
* **Day 14:** Aimless wandering and shopping. No specific plans.
* **Day 15:** *Fly from HND back to JFK.*
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by sanscotta19