Hey guys! I made an itinerary trip for Japan and was curious as to what you guys thought about it. I went to JPN before and this itinerary builds on that first trip. I also set up a map itinerary so that you could know where you’re going according to what’s listed.
Stuff that stays the same from the first trip:
1.Book flights and accommodations
2.Get Pocket Wifi
3. JR rail pass
Good Food Souvenirs:
[https://www.travelvui.com/japan/tokyo/10-best-tokyo-edible-souvenirs-with-amazing-flavor/](https://www.travelvui.com/japan/tokyo/10-best-tokyo-edible-souvenirs-with-amazing-flavor/)
[https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/shopping/best-tokyo-souvenirs-gift-ready-sweets-and-confectionery](https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/shopping/best-tokyo-souvenirs-gift-ready-sweets-and-confectionery)
[https://www.byfood.com/blog/culture/japanese-food-souvenirs-regional-omiyage](https://www.byfood.com/blog/culture/japanese-food-souvenirs-regional-omiyage)
Use the 7 day JR pass on day 4 to get to Aichi,day 5 to get to Kyoto, day 7 to get to Nara, and day 8 to get to Osaka.
If you want to do North Japan too, then just opt for the 14 day pass.
[Website with a lot of workshops and things to do in JPN](https://mai-ko.com/tour/sushi-making-and-japanese-cooking-experience-in-tokyo/)
Japan Itinerary:
Days 1-3: Tokyo
Day 4:Aichi for Ghibli Park
Day 5-6:Kyoto
Day 7:Nara
Day 8-9:Osaka
(after this day, you could continue southwest through JPN and then go to Korea for a few days if you want)
Day 10: Fly to Sapporo
Day 11:Hakodate
Day 12: Aomori+Sendai
Day 13:Ginzan Onsen
Day 14: Go back to Tokyo
Day 15: Fly back home
Food:
\-Wagyu Beef -Gyudon -Takoyaki
\-Sushi -Taiyaki -Okonomiyaki
\-Tempura -Soba -Yakisoba
\-Unagi -Oyakodon -Kushikatsu
\-Curry -Omurice -Chanko Nabe
\-Yakitori -Crepes -Karaage
\-Ramen
**Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, get settled, and start out in Shibuya**:
\*Depending on when you get in, you could start the day immediately or the next day. The first day I got in, it was near Midnight because the flight was so cheap.
\*If you are doing the full trip, you will be coming back to Tokyo so if you can, make a mental note of the souvenirs you want and if you can hold off on getting them until the last day to save luggage space. If not, buy em earlier but most of the stuff you can probably buy on the last day.
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**Day 1:Shibuya:**
**Things to do:**
\-Buy train passes or IC card depending on which you think you’ll need.
\-Take a [picture with Hachiko statue](https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/hachiko-statue-in-shibuya/44644)
\- [pick up pocket wifi](https://tokyocheapo.com/business/internet/rent-wifi-router-japan/) (I prefer the pocket wifi over the sim card, it’s just easier to get situated and works if you bring a laptop with you)($70-80 for about 2 weeks)
\-head to [Don Quijote](https://www.donki.com/en/) for souvenirs (you can get a lot of food souvenirs here, though I recommend just picking up a few. Other places will have more authentic stuff to bring home)
\-head over to [Shibuya Parco](https://shibuya.parco.jp.e.aiv.hp.transer.com/page/cyberspace_shibuya/) (Nintendo Store, Pokemon Center, etc)
\-Sit down for lunch. You can choose between Conveyor Belt Sushi,Omurice,Ramen,Soba, or Curry. I’ve had all of them around the Shibuya area and all of them are very tasty. (Average cost of em will be $10-15)
\-Head over to [Takeshita Street](https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/harajuku-takeshita-street-guide/) and look/shop around(Popular Unique Shopping Street)(Get a snack. Spiral Potato, Crepes, and Candied Fruit Skewers are all good, especially the last one. Japanese fruit quality is just so much higher than in the US and it’s absolutely delicious)
\-Head over to the [Meiji Jingu Shrine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html)
\-[Odaiba Gundam Statue ](https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/unicorn-gundam-statue-in-odaiba/41317)
\-[Divercity Tokyo Plaza Mall for dinner and shopping](https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/divercity-tokyo/en/shopguide/gourmet.html) ($20 for dinner)(I recommend the Oyakodon at the food court or the Beef Katsu or Kushikatsu AYCE on the 6th floor)
\-[teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum](https://borderless.teamlab.art/)($30)(Apparently, it’s amazing)(This is last on the list because it closes the latest at 9pm while the other places start closing earlier)
\*If you feel like this is too much to do in a day, that’s fine. If there was anything I would omit on this day just to make it more manageable for some people, it would be Takeshita Street and the Meiji Shrine. You’ll be going to a shrine in Asakusa anyways that’s more known.. If it’s around 2-3pm after you finish lunch, then I recommend you just do this because I don’t think you’ll have time to do Odaiba if you don’t. I plan these based on my own pace (which is admittedly really fast) but I don’t want ya’ll to feel like you’re beholden to my expectations of how to plan things.
Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/aLCmtevcZaanJf6K6](https://goo.gl/maps/aLCmtevcZaanJf6K6)
Minimal Estimate Cost:70(Pocket Wifi)+10(Lunch)+20(Dinner)+30(Museum Admission) =$130
(I think you’ll probably spend closer to $200-250 on this day due to all the souvenirs you’re going to buy)
**Day 2: Tokyo Skytree,Sensoji Temple, and Marunouchi(This is the main shopping+eating day to be frank)**
Things to do:
\-[Marunouchi Station](https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-tokyo_train_station/article-a0003610/), shop and view around. (There are a lot of really cool souvenirs that you should definitely buy though maybe save it for the last day)
\-[Pokemon Center Nihonbashi Cafe](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14129589-d13816017-Reviews-Pokemon_Cafe-Nihonbashi_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html) for lunch followed by the Pokemon Center right next door(Highly recommend, must book in advance)($25 a person about the average cost)
\-go to the [Tokyo Skytree Mall](https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/en/shop/?m_category=11)
\-To be honest, I wouldn’t go up to the observatory itself. It costs quite a bit ($30) and there are other places where you can go up and view Tokyo for free. That, and the view is pretty eh, it’s just a bunch of buildings. The Skytree Mall itself is actually really nice and has another Pokemon Center too)
\-If you want, you could go here after Sensoji Temple at night, if that provides a better view?
\-So, I’m not saying you have to grab an early dinner or eat again, but some of the food at the Skytree mall is pretty damn good so, I mean, I wouldn’t mind eating again BAHAHAHA. Hey, if there’s any time to really spoil yourself, it’s when on vacation.
\-I recommend the Unagidon or Unagi Hitsumabushi in the mall ($35)
\-If not there, I recommend Chanko Nabe($40). There are quite a few restaurants nearby due to the proximity to the Sumo Wrestling Center
\-Could book a Sumo related venture if you want to
\-Walk over to [Nakamise Shopping Street](https://www.asakusastation.com/nakamise-shopping-street-asakusa/) and shop around and eat at the stalls(also buy some souvenirs) (Okonomiyaki,Tacoyaki,Yakisoba,Chocolate Bananas)
\-If you want, you could do one of those traditional rickshaw rides
\-[Sensoji Temple ](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html)
\-Go to the side shopping streets around the area. There’s a lot to look and see around and the architecture’s really pretty
Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/EVv7j73XofryYABR6](https://goo.gl/maps/EVv7j73XofryYABR6)
Minimal Estimate Cost: Only mandatory things here are lunch and dinner which total about $50-60 but there’s a lot of souvenirs,food to try, and things you will probably buy.
**Day 3: Tsukiji Market,Akihabara, and Ueno Park**
\*This day has the most leeway and variance because it’s just general locations you should visit, but not any specific places. You choose where you wanna go around these areas.
Things to do:
\-Spend the early morning(8-11?) exploring and eating at [Tsukiji Market](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHuj4DCueO4&ab_channel=AbroadinJapan). Although the wholesale fish selling has been moved to Toyosu, the lingering market is still quite thriving. (Raw sashimi, scallops, egg, uni)
\-Spend half a day or more at [Akihabara](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NtqR7uY0dU&ab_channel=JapanWalk), just going around, taking in anime culture, visiting all the shops, trying the food, maybe go to a maid cafe if that’s your thing
\-Gachapon
\-Walk over to [Ameyoko Market](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vou24SNu1e0&ab_channel=WAORYU%21ONLYinJAPAN) when you’re otaku-ed out and shop around and eat (Tacoyaki,Menchi Katsu, Dumplings)
\-Relax at [Ueno Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3019.html)
Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/JRKPz1MMEJSbag8N6](https://goo.gl/maps/JRKPz1MMEJSbag8N6)
No Minimal Cost Estimate because this entire day is up to what you want to eat and buy, there’s so many things to do.
Workshops you can do in Tokyo or other parts of Japan if you want:
\-[Sushi Making Class](https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Experience-Japanese-cuisine-in-Asakusa-Temari-sushi-miso-soup-asakuzuke/d334-217172P8)(Regular or Temari Sushi)
\-[Traditional Japanese Sweets Making](https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Wagashi-Making-at-a-Private-Home-in-Tokyo/d334-19255P3) Class
\-[Japanese Floral Arrangement](https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Ikebana-Experience-Japanese-traditional-floral-art-Lets-touch-authentic-Japan/d334-101664P1) Class
\-[Tea Ceremony with a Geisha](https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Tea-Ceremony-with-a-Geisha/d334-19442P12)
\-[Kintsugi classes](https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Kintsugi/d334-120883P2) ( Art of repairing broken pottery with gold)
**Day 4: Studio Ghibli Park in Aichi (not open yet)**
**Day 5: Kyoto**
Things to do:
\-Check out the [Fushimi Inari Shrine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html)
\-[Sanneizaka](https://planetyze.com/en/japan/kyoto/sanneizaka-sannenzaka) area
\-buy some [Yatsuhashi](https://www.tsunagujapan.com/30-food-souvenirs-from-kyoto/) while you’re here
\-[Kiyomizu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera) Temple ($4)
\-Wander the Gion District
\-Have lunch at [Nishiki Market](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3931.html) ($15)
\-Buy some [premium tea at Ippodo](https://www.ippodo-tea.co.jp/)
\-[Arashiyama Bamboo Forest](https://www.insidekyoto.com/arashiyama-bamboo-grove)
\-Have dinner (Tempura,Soba, or Saba Sushi)($30)
Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/kdzNY5kkwd2fdnvA8](https://goo.gl/maps/kdzNY5kkwd2fdnvA8)
**Day 6: Kyoto**
Things to do:
\-[Ninja and Samurai Immersion Experience ($30)](https://mai-ko.com/tour/samurai-experience-kyoto-samurai-museum-tour-and-armor-trial/)
\-You’ve visited most of the popular Kyoto spots the day before so it’s up to you really. Figured ya’ll could do with a free half-day
\-Buy matcha powder, it’s best known from here
\-Lunch and dinner($50)
Total Minimal Cost for both days: 4(Temple Admission+15(Lunch)+30(Dinner)+30(Ninja and Samurai Immersion Experience)+50(Lunch and Dinner) = $130
**Day 7: Nara**
Things to do:
\-[Nara Park ](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4103.html)(Buy some crackers to feed them)($3)
\-[Mount Wakakusa](https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/nature/wakakusayama/) hike
\-there are two hiking trails up here, the shorter one costs $1.50 to go through while the other one is free. Idk why you’d be rushing anyways though
\-Nara Sable Cookies ($15)(At the hotel)
\-[Confectionary Toraya](https://wagasigaoisii.jimdofree.com/%E5%92%8C%E8%8F%93%E5%AD%90%E5%90%84%E7%A8%AE/%E3%81%8A%E3%81%99%E3%81%99%E3%82%81/) (Cute cat paw mochi)(I don’t think these will last as souvenirs so maybe just eat them there. Ask them about the shelf life and how safe it will be)
\-[Persimmon Monaka](https://www.google.com/maps/place/GOTO-CHI+%E5%A5%88%E8%89%AF%E5%BA%97/@34.6830728,135.8285419,15z/data=!3m1!5s0x60013a29c9720b6d:0xdb78b1e790202e8!4m50!1m44!4m43!1m6!1m2!1s0x60013a2e385f520f:0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara+Station,+1+Sanjohonmachi,+Nara,+Japan!2m2!1d135.8189522!2d34.6808126!1m6!1m2!1s0x60013996bd8c6061:0xf96cacf357447456!2sNara+Park,+Nara,+Japan!2m2!1d135.843012!2d34.685047!1m6!1m2!1s0x600139bbcae1062f:0x3ffe7797efcbb75e!2sMount+Wakakusa,+Zoshicho,+Nara,+630-8211,+Japan!2m2!1d135.8544345!2d34.6911496!1m6!1m2!1s0x6000b913392db0d9:0x7da21942e032bd1!2sNara+Hotel,+1096+Takabatakecho,+Nara,+630-8301,+Japan!2m2!1d135.8338275!2d34.6798175!1m6!1m2!1s0x6001398be4dbfab1:0xdcab54a1d3a81f08!2sConfectionary+Toraya,+31+Tsurufukuincho,+Nara,+Japan!2m2!1d135.8320726!2d34.6790845!1m6!1m2!1s0x600139611bcbad15:0xfc175df3476f4566!2zSmFwYW4sIE5hcmEsIEhpZ2FzaGltdWtpIE5ha2FtYWNoaSwg77yS77yZIEdPVE8tQ0hJIOWliOiJr-W6lw!2m2!1d135.827937!2d34.6841151!3e2!3m4!1s0x600139611bcbad15:0xfc175df3476f4566!8m2!3d34.6841151!4d135.827937!5m1!1e4) ($7 for five pieces)(Goto Ichi store)(Souvenir)
\-Lunch and Dinner($50)(Eh, you’ll figure out what to eat. I don’t think Nara is known for anything specific so just pick what looks good and what you want to try)
\-Everything else to do just involves going to see the temples which I’m honestly so tired of doing so if you want to go, figure it out (.w.)
Map Itinerary:[https://goo.gl/maps/SokDYy6dVuuqGm2w5](https://goo.gl/maps/SokDYy6dVuuqGm2w5)
Total Minimal Cost: 3(Deer Crackers)+15(Sable Cookies)+5(Persimmon Monaka)+ 50(Lunch and Dinner Costs) = $75
**Day 8: Osaka**
Things to do:
\-[Minoh Park](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4exXf1kb8M&ab_channel=CakeswithFaces) (Has a Waterfall here) (Try their[ Fried Maple Leaves](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pwy-cAf09I&ab_channel=GreatBigStory))
\-[Minoh Park Insectarium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQdCMwVruqc&ab_channel=ExperienceTheJourneyWithDJWIZ) ($3 entry)(Stop on the way to the waterfall
\-[Cup Noodles Museum](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDFGU2G5akg&ab_channel=DancingBacons)($5 admission fee)(Make your own custom cup for $3)(This could be your really light lunch)
\-[Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street](https://voyapon.com/tenjinbashisuji-osaka-longest-shopping-street-in-japan/) (longest in japan)
\-Dotonbori at Night (Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki are super popular)
\-Kuromon Market for dinner
\-Okonomiyaki Mizuno is really popular (Mizunoyaki and Yaimaimoyaki)(about $30 for 2 okonomiyaki to split)
Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/5tF666jVuoyKFz7h8](https://goo.gl/maps/5tF666jVuoyKFz7h8)
**Day 9: Osaka- Universal Studios**
\-Whole day at Universal Studios Osaka ($75 admission ticket)
\-Probably another $75 minimum for food and souvenirs
Total Minimal Cost for both days: 41(for Day 1)+150(Day 2) = $191
\*If your vacation time allotted is maxed at 2 weeks, then I recommend finishing your Japan Trip here, and spending a few days in South Korea since it’s right there. If there’s any chance you’d want to go to Korea in the near future, then you might as well go when you’re right next door to save on fares and such.
**Day 10: Sapporo**
**\*Fly in from Osaka. One way tickets are cheaper if you fly in later at night. If you want, you could fly into Sapporo at the end of your 2nd night in Osaka and just stay there instead. That being said, I think it would cut into your Universal Studios time cause you would need to leave early so if you can eat the more expensive cost of taking the plane in the morning, I’d do that. ($60 as opposed to $120 between night and morning flights)**
**\*If you are here in early February, spend an extra day here and go to the Snow Festival**
**\*If you are here in the summer months, you can go fruit picking in the nearby farms**
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Things to do:
\-If taking the morning flight to Sapporo, you will probably get into the city at around 12pm
\-[Shiroi Koibito Factory](https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/en/about.html) (Chocolate Factory that makes the Hokkaido White Chocolate Sandwich cookies that are really popular)($8 dollar admission)
\-Koibito Hiroba 37 piece Selection($32)
\-[Skiing in Sapporo](https://www.rinyu.co.jp/moiwa/) (There are a few resorts, but this one stays open for night skiing until 9pm and is the closest to the town)
\-Lunch and Dinner($50)
\-Popular things here include Soup Curry,Uni, Dairy Products, and Crab
Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/u8PstywhbaSFZS9Q6](https://goo.gl/maps/u8PstywhbaSFZS9Q6)
Total Minimal Cost: I don’t know how much all the rentals and intro class will be in Sapporo so just set aside $100 for everything else
**Day 11: Hakodate:**
Things to do:
\-[Hakodate Morning Market](https://www.hakodate.travel/en/top7/morning-market) (their version of Tsukiji almost)(Try their squid, they’re known for it)
\-[Goryokaku Fort](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5352.html)
\-[Daimon Yokocho ](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298151-d2274262-Reviews-Daimon_Yokocho-Hakodate_Hokkaido.html)(Food Alleyway)
\-[Kanemari Warehouse](https://www.expedia.com/Kanemori-Red-Brick-Warehouse-Hakodate.d553248621532776646.Vacation-Attraction) (Shopping area)
\-[Mt Hakodate Observatory](https://www.hakodate.travel/en/sightseeing_spots/view/mt-hakodate-observatory#:~:text=Hakodate%20Observatory-,%E5%87%BD%E9%A4%A8%E5%B1%B1%E5%B1%95%E6%9C%9B%E5%8F%B0%20%2F%20Hakodateyama%20tenboudai,in%20Michelin%20Green%20Guide%20Japon.) Nighttime View
Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/dTBVCsrJUnNPWKSDA](https://goo.gl/maps/dTBVCsrJUnNPWKSDA)
**Day 12:Aomori+Sendai ((Half a day in both)**
(Aomori)Things to do:
\-only 1 hour from Hakodate on the Shinkansen and an hour and a half to Sendai
\-[Aomori Nokkedon](https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1457.html)
\-[A-Factory](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298241-d1966423-Reviews-A_FACTORY-Aomori_Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku.html) (Apple themed souvenir store)
\-If you can get it, get this [apple pie](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ragueneau+Sasaki+Hirosaki+Hyakkokumachi+Main+Store/@40.6830806,140.4060643,12z/data=!3m1!5s0x5f9b01ea2420bb93:0x65284f3bc7a65977!4m29!1m23!4m22!1m6!1m2!1s0x5f9b9f4ebb956233:0x9859aeab81c5f296!2sShin-Aomori+Station,+Takama-140+Ishie,+Aomori,+Japan!2m2!1d140.6934715!2d40.8281932!1m6!1m2!1s0x5f9aff91ea940efb:0x75a5e5848a242c91!2sHirosaki,+Aomori,+Japan!2m2!1d140.4640543!2d40.6030626!1m6!1m2!1s0x5f9b01ea241782b3:0x5238ff992245a469!2sRagueneau+Sasaki+Hirosaki+Hyakkokumachi+Main+Store,+9+Hyakkokumachi,+Hirosaki,+Aomori+036-8035,+Japan!2m2!1d140.4720256!2d40.6035427!3e2!3m4!1s0x5f9b01ea241782b3:0x5238ff992245a469!8m2!3d40.6035427!4d140.4720256), it looks SO fcking good:
[https://www.gltjp.com/en/article/item/11841/](https://www.gltjp.com/en/article/item/11841/) (The main store to get it is an hour away in Hirosaki, hope the souvenir store in Aomori has it or some branch stores do)
\-[Aomori Apple Picking](https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E9%9D%92%E6%A3%AE%E8%A6%B3%E5%85%89%E3%82%8A%E3%82%93%E3%81%94%E5%9C%92%E3%81%BE%E3%82%8B%E3%81%9B%E3%82%93%E5%B7%9D%E6%9D%91/@40.7978166,140.7118213,13z/data=!3m1!5s0x5f9b9f1ff5a8489f:0x6dfcc25dd707633!4m40!1m34!4m33!1m6!1m2!1s0x5f9b9f4ebb956233:0x9859aeab81c5f296!2sShin-Aomori+Station,+Takama-140-2+Ishie,+Aomori,+038-0003,+Japan!2m2!1d140.6934715!2d40.8281932!1m6!1m2!1s0x5f9b9f1ea85cb2dd:0xe4bf5340e899e0ae!2sAomori+Gyosai+Center+(Aomori+Nokkedon),+1+Chome-11-16+Furukawa,+Aomori,+Japan!2m2!1d140.7359147!2d40.8259016!1m6!1m2!1s0x5f9b9f1ff5b7c041:0x13a806e757713fea!2sA-FACTORY,+1+Chome-4-2+Yanakawa,+Aomori,+Japan!2m2!1d140.7349272!2d40.8299965!1m6!1m2!1s0x5f9b7524aea8a565:0x7d41b36b4e885205!2sapple+picking+in+aomori!2m2!1d140.7962512!2d40.7658566!1m3!2m2!1d140.7935321!2d40.8276337!3e2!3m4!1s0x5f9b7524aea8a565:0x7d41b36b4e885205!8m2!3d40.7658566!4d140.7962512)(Early August to Mid November)($5 admission fee that lets you pick 2 apples and gives you a bottle of apple juice)
Maybe just do half a day in Aomori?
Aomori Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/U57VjBwgLicmnL646](https://goo.gl/maps/U57VjBwgLicmnL646)
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(Sendai) Things to do:
\-[Iroha Yokocho](https://livejapan.com/en/in-tohoku/in-pref-miyagi/in-sendai_matsushima/article-a3000120/) (Shopping +Dining Arcade)
\-[Ichibancho](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298249-d1850772-Reviews-Sunmall_Ichibancho-Sendai_Miyagi_Prefecture_Tohoku.html) (Shopping Street)
Souvenirs: [https://livejapan.com/en/in-tohoku/in-pref-miyagi/in-sendai\_matsushima/article-a3000113/](https://livejapan.com/en/in-tohoku/in-pref-miyagi/in-sendai_matsushima/article-a3000113/)
\-Gyutan was popularized here (Beef Tongue, often accompanied with Oxtail soup)
Sendai Map Itinerary: [https://goo.gl/maps/mxjMP4QmvKc2epf16](https://goo.gl/maps/mxjMP4QmvKc2epf16)
**Day 13: Ginzan Onsen**
Things to do:
\-[Ryokan](http://eg2.wellsv.com/notoya/plan.aspx?&ID=-1) stay
\-Check out the silver mine
\-Waterfall
\-Footbath and onsen
Total Minimal Cost: The ryokan stay will probably be about $250 with breakfast and dinner included. Then buying lunch and exploring around a bit for another $50.
**Day 14: Tokyo**
Back to Tokyo. Spend the rest of the day getting situated to take the plane back home the next day, or if you’re flying out late that night, you could get to the airport early and check out all the amenities they have. Make sure to mail back the pocket wifi, buy any last minute souvenirs you have, do any last minute things, and have everything you need.
\-If you have a day back in Tokyo, I recommend going to the Studio Ghibli Museum if you can (must book months in advance). The only reason it’s not included in this itinerary is because you’re already going to the Studio Ghibli Park (assuming it’s open) but eh, I think it’ll probably still be worth it to go.
***Souvenir List by Chronological order of when you would come across/get them:***
1. Tokyo Don Quijote Snacks- (I recommend just getting 2 things max) My first time going, all the Kit Kats enticed me but to be frank, they all just tasted like chocolate with a hint of their “special” flavors and the quality isn’t even that good). That doesn’t mean don’t get any, there are some really cool novelty ones that I think you should get. The wasabi kit kats in particular but probably just that and one other thing.
2. Tokyo Marunouchi Station Souvenirs-This place has a lot of the really high quality omiyage that Japanese people are known to get. I recommend coming here to check it out and scoping out what you like. Many places also give samples to taste. If you have time on the last day, I recommend buying these souvenirs then, just to guarantee they’re the freshest and you’ve had time to think it over with all the other souvenirs.
3. Pokemon Center items- Personally didn’t really get much here, but to each their own.
4. Tokyo Skytree souvenirs-This place has 5,6, and 8 on this list:
[https://www.travelvui.com/japan/tokyo/10-best-tokyo-edible-souvenirs-with-amazing-flavor/](https://www.travelvui.com/japan/tokyo/10-best-tokyo-edible-souvenirs-with-amazing-flavor/)
I recommend getting at least 1-2 of these. You can get them in small quantities in tight boxes so they shouldn’t take up too much room, and they’re more unique than other souvenirs. Tbh, I recommend not getting Tokyo Banana. Maybe I got a bad box last time, but when I got some from Tokyo Disneysea, they were absolutely disgusting. Maybe see if you can try some beforehand?
5. Tokyo Nakamise Shopping Street Souvenirs- Here, your best bet at souvenirs is probably rice crackers,imo yukan, or probably kimonos/yukatas.
6.Tokyo Akihabara souvenirs- You’ll probably buy some gachapon and try some crane machines here. I spent a lot of money last time getting this Pikachu Clock that I thought was pretty cool lol.
7. Aichi Studio Ghibli Park- Not officially open yet at the time of writing but I assume that you’ll likely pick up a few things there
8. Kyoto -Nama Yatsuhashi (tastier than regular ones) only keep for a week, sadly so I don’t think you can get it as a souvenir. I implore that you definitely buy some to try though, and if you can find some on your last day in Tokyo, then that’s all the better, just buy them there. Tea is also really good from Kyoto so pick some up maybe?
9. Nara – Persimmon Monaka are really popular since this area is known for Persimmons. They also have a cute deer mascot so you can maybe get some things themed with that.
10. Osaka- Fried Maple Leaves might not keep well as a souvenir but you can definitely buy some stuff at Universal Studios
11. Sapporo- Definitely get an assortment of cookies from the Shiroi Koibito company, they make more than just the white chocolate cookies
12. Aomori- Aomori apple souvenirs are a definite must. Get the Apple Pie with the whole apple in it.
My personal list(I recommend other people take a look at these):
\-Wasabi Kit Kats and one other thing from Don Quijote
\-Daifuku,Kamakura Hangetsu(cream filled crackers), and Rice Crackers from Marunoucuhi Station(get on the last day)(Maybe just get the Kamakura at Haneda airport)
\-Chick Shaped Hiyoko and Black Sesame Cake Eggs from Tokyo Skytree
\-Tea from Kyoto
\-Persimmon Monaka from Nara
\-Sapporo Shiroi Cookie Assortment
\-Aomori Apple Pie(This souvenir looks like one of the most amazing ones, please try to get this)(Kini Naru Ringo)
\-Maybe one or two things from the Pokemon Center
If there’s extra luggage space(leave space in your duffel to get these after you check your luggage case):
\-Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory cookies (they sell these at the airport, that’s where I got them last time)(They also have a new flavor, Porcini and Gouda)
\-IF you try it again and it doesn’t taste bad, get Tokyo Banana (Haneda Airport has an exclusive honey banana flavor)
\-Apparently Haneda also has an exclusive Kamakura flavor which is caramel (Apparently this is only at Terminal 2, while your international flight will be at Terminal 3 so figure out how to go there?)
\-Pressed Octopus and Squid Crackers
\-Unique Pocky
5 comments
Wow that’s a very interesting itinerary covering many things and places.
May I suggest not buying too many souvenirs at Don Quixote in the early part, you are gonna lug all of them around Japan…. Things there aren’t particularly unique.
You can also get some souvenirs at the airport last minute too, such as shiroikoibito , Tokyo banana etc
I guess your planning to do this in the winter?
Be advised of travel times between the cities. Also the time to do a activities in one day’s agenda is quite overwhelming. Weather might be a factor in doing some things.
I recommend to extend your days than giving some cities a day.
For ghibli Park near Nagoya (Aichi), make sure you are tracking their ticket situation. The lottery is not particularly favorable for tourists yet.
https://ghibli-park.jp/ticket/#sale
Teamlab Borderless is packing up before the end of the year and not re opening until sometime 2023. Look into Teamlab Planets for a similar, albeit smaller experience
I gasped a bit at your last week. You chose a bunch of great places, but then miss their main attraction due to spending half the time in transit. None of the nature and history near Sapporo, and if you get lunch, you likely won’t have time for a ski lesson (typically do not run after dusk). Hakodate day is OK. Aomori/Sendai day feels like essentially filler activities and you don’t see Hirosaki or Matsushima, or Yamadera even though your itinerary goes directly past it. Then a solo day at Ginzan in a ryokan that doesn’t appear to accept solo travellers. Last I checked, none of the ryokan in Ginzan main area take solo.
I think you have a good spirit and the amount of research you’re doing will set you up for an amazing time, but I would consider what your top priority is in that travel segment and work all other sightseeing around what is convenient to that.
7 Days pass is not especially worth it. Usually if you do round trip between Tokyo and Kansai, it’s about the price of the pass. So you have little to no saving and are forced to use JR only (that is not always the best option in Kansai) and you cannot use the fastest shinkansen.
I prefer SIM card because it is much cheaper. I also leave my laptop at the hotel, where there is wifi anyway. I also do not have to carry an extra device, charge it and return it after. Yes, there might be some settings to do in the phone, but I’m fine with it.
If you are to return to Tokyo at the end of the trip, then go to Donki at the end of the trip, it make no sense to fill your luggage with souvenir on the first day just to lug it around the whole country. I would even suggest to move more Tokyo days at the end, especially the shopping heavy days. And if you do not go to Donki, then I wound not go to Shivbuya first because Shibuya Parco only open at 11am, if you start your day earlier, you would be much better going to Meiji-jingu first.
I find it really odd that you always write “you can …” … are you writing it for you or as a guide for other people to follow ? If for other people, then guess what, they can eat whatever they want in Shibuya, they are not limited to the options you listed, you can eat anything you want.
Yes, teamlab Borderless is apparently amazing, but it also close in exactly 1 week.
Meiji-jingu is arguably the most known in Tokyo. There is not any especially known shrine in Asakusa, yes there is Asakusa-jinja, but most people probably do not realize that it’s a shrine and that it does not belong to Senso-ji temple.
Day 2
If this is going to be a main shopping day, then again, move it to the end of the trip.
Marunouchi is either a station in Toyama or Nagoya. By any chance do you mean Tokyo station ?
You mentioned there is other place to have a view of Tokyo, I will assume you mean the Tokyo Metropolian Government Building, that is in my opinion no the best observation deck, I would suggest Shibuya Sky or Roppongi Hills Mori Tower before. Again, because of your writing style, does not matter if you do not like view from an observation deck “because it’s just buildings”, a lot of people like it.
Day 3
What is left of Tsukiji market is what used to be called the outer market. I kind of get what you mean by lingering, but I hope it’s clear that it is not located on the site of the wholesale market that completely closed and moved to tsukiji.
Tsukiji is also right next to Hama-rikyu that is a really nice garden.
Day 5
Properly take your time to visit Higashiyama, you can add Yasaka pagoda, Kodai-ji, Yasaka-jinja, I wound not try to fit Arashiyama on that day, especially if it’s just for the bamboo forest (there is bamboo at Kodai-ji). Also, There is enough in Arashiyama to be worth most of a day if not a full day for itself. I would also go try some matcha flavored desert close to Gion, for example at Tsujiri main shop.
Day 7
You are missing the most important thing in Nara, Todai-ji is an absolute must when going to Nara.
Day 8
That seems to be quite a bit for a single day. Minoh park is fine, but far from being a must.
Day 10
One of the most famous dish in Sapporo is ramen. You also missed Sapporo beer museum.
If you fly to Sapporo on that day, then you would want to at least add one more day to Sapporo.
Day 11
So you plan to sleep in Hakodate on the night of day 10 to be at the morning market at day 11? That would mean you do not have much time in Sapporo if you are there for a single day, waste at least the morning to fly then you cannot leave too late because Hakodate is almost 4 hours away.
Day 12
To be honest, you can spend 2 weeks just for Tokyo and Kansai, just rushing Aomori and Sendai in a single day show how much this itinerary is rushed.
5. if you are to buy kimono/yukata in Asakusa, you should be aware that the is stores that sell cheap “kimono” that are not real kimono. And I would not recommend buying a kimono as you will likely not even be able to wear it. If you go try a kimono, it will take like over 30 minutes for professionals to dress you up. You would be much better buying a yukata, you can get a full set for less than 10 000 yen. If you do, either buy it from a store that only sell cloth (even better if they only sell traditional cloth), or even in department store. I would avoid stores that sell various kind of souvenir, unless you really know what is a real kimono/yukata.
In general, I think that this is a bit rushed if you are going to make it your recommended itinerary to Japan. You can easily keep it to just Tokyo and Kansai with some optional daytrips. It is really easy to spend more time in Tokyo and there is plenty of daytrip or overnight trip like Kawaguchiko, Kamakura, Yokohama, Hakone, Nikko, Kawagoe, Chichibu/Nagatoro, etc. For Kansai, Kyoto is easily 2-3 days just to cover the most popular sports, but you seem to think you can do most of it in a single day… There is also more places you can visit around, like Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Onomichi, Kinosaki onsen, Hikone and can even spend 2 days in the south of Nara prefecture in Kashihara, Asuka area.
There is a lot of alternatives to Ginzan onsen if you keep it down to Tokyo/Kansai, there is onsen in Nikko, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Atami, Shuzenji onsen (or other places around Izu peninsula), Arima onsen, Kinosaki onsen.
And the northern part is similarly rushed. You can easily add 1-2 days for Sapporo alone, daytrip to Hotaru, stop by Noboribetsu for a onsen on the way to Hakodate. You can base yourself in Sendai and check several nearby places like Yama-dera, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, just to name some. So again, I feel that your trip is a bit rushed because there is much more to see in these area than what you can do on the time you allocate.
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If this an itinerary that you wrote for people to follow, I find that there is a lot of assumption, like that people would care about Pokemon enough to go to multiple stores, or assume that they are interested in amusement park. It is not totally bad, but really not a general itinerary that I would suggest people to follow.
Yes, I was more critical of your itinerary than what I would usually be, but that is because of the way you wrote it.