Hello everyone. My wife and I are planning our first trip from the UK to Japan in July for 2 weeks. I know it’s hot and humid season but there’s no other time of year we can go. I have an itinerary planned below and would appreciate any feedback. We’re mostly into nature and history. If anyone knows any halal Japanese restaurants we’d love to try them, if not we’ll be sticking to seafood/vegetarian. I’d love some suggestions!
Wed 10th July (Arrive to Tokyo)
– Land at Haneda at 7.20pm. Train to Shinjuku. Station. Check in to Hotel Sunroute.
– Have dinner and wander around Shinjuku.
Thu 11th July (Tokyo)
– Breakfast then head to Shinjuku Gyoen by 11am.
– Meiji Jingu by 2pm.
– Shibuya Sky by 5pm.
– Shibuya Crossing to finish off the days activities. Then dinner and head back to the hotel.
Fri 12th July (Tokyo)
– Head to Asakusa.
– Senso-Ji Temple by 10am.
– Tokyo Skytree by 1pm.
– Wander around Asakusa then head to Akihabara and walk around and shop.
Sat 13th July (Tokyo to Mt Fuji day trip)
– Mt Fuji day trip. Train to Lake Kawakuchigo and spend the day there. Get back to Tokyo for the evening.
Sun 14th July (Tokyo)
– Teamlab Planets by 10am.
– Tokyo Tower by 1pm.
– Head to Ginza after we’re finished at the tower and walk around aimlessly.
Tokyo seems a little overwhelming so I tried to narrow it down to things we will probably enjoy. Honestly I don’t know if it’s too much or if we’re missing out on things lol. We’re also happy to move these days around if people think that’s better.
Mon 15th July (Tokyo to Kyoto)
– Shinkansen to Kyoto to arrive at noon. Drop luggage off to ryokan in Gion area.
– Head to Nishiki Market and spend a few hours walking around and shopping.
– Head back to the hotel for 5pm and check in.
– Have an early dinner and just relax for the evening.
Tue 16th July (Kyoto)
– Fushimi Inari by 8am.
– Kiyomizu-dera by 11am.
– Ginkaku-ji by 1pm.
– Walk around Higashiyama/Gion.
Wed 17th July (Kyoto)
– Arashiyama forest by 8am.
– Kinkaku-ji by 11am.
– Nijo Castle by 2pm.
– Relax for the rest of the day.
Thu 18th July (Kyoto to Osaka)
– Shinkansen to Osaka at noon. Check in to hotel in Umeda.
– This is a little break in the middle of the trip. Osaka is a just pitstop to the next destination so it’s a light itinerary.
– Head to Osaka Castle by 3pm.
– Head to Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi-suji Street by 6pm.
Fri 19th July (Osaka to Ishigaki)
– Fly from Itami Airport to Ishigaki. Land at 3.50pm and pick up rental car. Head to our hotel which is around a 10 min drive from the main centre.
– Relax on Fusaki Beach which is walking distance from the hotel.
Sat 20th July (Ishigaki)
– Have a lie in and late breakfast.
– Drive to Kabira Bay by 11am. Take a glass bottom boat ride.
– Drive to Tamatorizaki Observatory by 2pm.
– Drive back to Yonehara Beach by 4pm and snorkel.
Sun 21st July (Day trip)
– Day tour to Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. Ferry leaves at 8.30am. This is a full day trip so we’ll get back to Ishigaki late afternoon.
– Relax on the Fusaki Beach for the rest of the day.
– Stargaze at night.
Mon 22nd July (Ishigaki)
– Relaxation day. Wake up late. Go back to our favourite spots on the island. Snorkel some more.
Tue 23rd July (Ishigaki to Tokyo)
– Fly back to Tokyo. Land at Haneda at 3.05pm. Check in to hotel in Hamamatsucho.
– Head to Shibuya by 6pm to do some shopping.
– We normally like to end our trips by having dinner at our favourite place, which we’ll decide on our first leg of Tokyo.
Wed 24th July (Tokyo to UK)
– Flight back home from Haneda is at 9.55pm so we have the morning and afternoon to see any sights we missed initially, or just chill and shop.
Is this realistic or overly ambitious? Am I underestimating the humidity at that time of year? We have been to Singapore before which was humid as hell and we managed fine with a fairly packed itinerary. Also has anyone driven on Ishigaki before and if so is it safe to drive? I’ve never driven outside of Europe. I’d appreciate any feedback!
by ballbaggage