The JR pass seemed expensive, with the amount of travel below for 2 people is it worth it? Also would be super grateful for any tips or suggestions to the itinerary.
Days 1-4: Tokyo (the new Otani zen hotel)
– May7: Arrive and explore Shinjuku, visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for views.
– May8: Visit the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, explore Akihabara for electronics and pop culture.
– May9:: Explore Harajuku for fashion, visit Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Crossing.
– May10:: Day trip to Nikko for shrines and natural beauty.
Days 5-8: Kyoto (simple hotel)
– May11: Visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), then Ryoan-ji and Nijo Castle.
– May 12: Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of torii gates, evening walk in Gion.
– May13: Day trip to Nara to see Todai-ji Temple and deer in Nara Park.
– May 14: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and cruise the Hozu River.
May 15: Hiroshima (not decided stay)
– Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
– Take a ferry to Miyajima to see the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Days 10-11: Osaka ( still looking to book hotel)
– May16: Explore the vibrant Dotonbori area, sample street food, visit Osaka Aquarium.
– May 17: Visit Osaka Castle, then spend the evening in the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views.
Days 12-14: Hakone and Mount Fuji (staying between 2 ryokans)
– May 18: Travel to Hakone, check into a ryokan, enjoy hot springs.
– May 19: Visit Hakone Open Air Museum, take a pirate ship on Lake Ashi, view Mt. Fuji.
– May 20: Morning in Hakone, then travel back to
Tokyo for day 21-22
by SR108