Hello!
My husband and I are planning our first trip to Japan and would love some feedback on our itinerary. Our main interests are exploring historic and cultural sites as well as immersing ourselves in nature and hiking. We're not particularly focused on culinary exploration, nor are we interested in bars or clubs. Our plan is to primarily rely on grocery stores for our meals, although we do enjoy visiting local cafes and bakeries. We’re avid walkers, covering 10-20 miles daily, so most of our days will be spent on foot. Any general advice or suggestions are welcome, and I’ve also included some specific questions at the end of the itinerary.
Trip Overview:
- Arrival: We arrive at Narita Airport on September 30th at 8 p.m. We haven't yet decided on a specific area of Tokyo to stay in, but we're leaning towards Ueno. This area appeals to us as it's near Ueno Zoo and offers a quieter atmosphere compared to other districts.
Day 1 – Tokyo (October 1st):
Our first day in Tokyo will be a relaxed one to recover from the flight. We plan to wander through Ueno Park, possibly visit Ueno Zoo, explore the Tokyo National Museum, and take a stroll through the Yanaka district, known for its charming, old-fashioned streets and temples. We’ll aim for a laid-back day to acclimatize, enjoy the local sights, and ease into our trip.
Day 2 – Tokyo to Nikko (October 2nd):
The day begins with a visit to TeamLab Planets Tokyo at 10 a.m., which we’ve already booked. After experiencing the digital art museum, we’ll explore the surrounding area, such as the waterfront around Odaiba and the Toyosu Market, before heading to Nikko in the afternoon. We plan to stay in the main town area of Nikko to be centrally located for the next few days of exploration.
Day 3 – Nikko (October 3rd):
Our first day in Nikko falls on a Thursday, making it ideal for visiting the more popular spots near Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. We’re planning a day of hiking through the mountains, enjoying the stunning waterfalls, and taking in the natural beauty of the area. We’ll use the two-day extended bus pass to cover transportation to and from these sites, allowing for maximum flexibility.
Day 4 – Nikko (October 4th):
On Friday, we’ll head back up to Lake Chuzenji to explore more leisurely. We’re considering taking the ferry around the lake for a different perspective and visiting Ryuzu Falls with its picturesque boardwalk. The goal is to enjoy a more laid-back day, savoring the natural beauty and serenity of the area.
Day 5 – Nikko (October 5th):
With the weekend starting, we’ll explore Nikko town itself to avoid the crowds in the main tourist areas. We’d love recommendations for lesser-known attractions beyond the famous shrines. We’re also interested in visiting a local sake brewery to learn about the brewing process and try some tastings. Has anyone experienced the Nikko Eco Wonderland or Tobu World Square? We’re curious if these are worthwhile additions.
Day 6 – Travel to Kyoto (October 6th):
We’ll make our way to Kyoto and are open to suggestions for stops along the way to break up the journey. There are two potential routes: one that heads north and another that goes south through Tokyo before turning west. We’re curious how easy it is to get on and off the train for brief stops and whether it’s feasible to take a rideshare, taxi, or bus to a more convenient train station rather than returning to Tokyo. We’re flexible with the travel time, turning a 4-5 hour trip into a 12-hour adventure with stops.
Days 7-10 – Kyoto (October 7th-10th):
We’ll be staying in Kyoto for a few days, including a day trip to Nara. We haven’t nailed down a detailed plan yet, but we’ll definitely visit some of the historic sites such as Fushimi Inari Taisha with its iconic torii gates, and walk the Philosopher’s Path along the canal lined with cherry trees. We’ve also entered the lottery for the new Nintendo Museum but didn’t get selected for tickets. Any suggestions for off-the-beaten-path temples, gardens, or hiking trails in Kyoto would be wonderful!
Day 11 – Travel to Fujikawaguchiko (October 11th):
We will journey to Fujikawaguchiko, and similarly, we are open to ideas for breaking up the trip with interesting stops. We’re excited about the scenic views of Mount Fuji and want to maximize our time in the area.
Days 12-13 – Fujikawaguchiko (October 12th-13th):
During our stay in Fujikawaguchiko, we plan to hike and visit local shrines. We’re particularly interested in the Chureito Pagoda for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and are considering a hike up Mount Mitsutoge for some more challenging terrain and panoramic vistas.
Day 14 – Return to Tokyo (October 14th):
We’ll head back to Tokyo for the last leg of our trip. We’re leaning towards staying in a more bustling area like Shinjuku or Shibuya to experience the vibrant city life from a high-rise vantage point.
Day 15 – Tokyo (October 15th):
This day will be dedicated to shopping, focusing on duty-free items like cosmetics, figurines, and perhaps a new camera lens or clothing. We’d love any recommendations for unique shopping spots or lesser-known areas that might offer good finds.
Day 16 – Departure (October 16th):
We depart from Narita Airport at 10 p.m., so we’ll have most of the day available for one last round of exploration in Tokyo. We’ll probably aim to discover some more cultural sights or hidden gems in the city before our evening flight.
General Questions:
- Luggage Forwarding/Train Lockers: Has anyone used luggage forwarding or train lockers in Japan? We’ll be traveling light with just backpacks, but on days with longer travel and stops, we’re considering storing larger backpacks in train lockers. Would this be a good approach?
- Accommodation Recommendations: We’re looking for accommodation in Nikko, Ueno, Kyoto, Fujikawaguchiko, and other locations. Ideally, we’d like places with small kitchens and laundry facilities, so we’re leaning towards Airbnb. Our budget is between $100-$300 per night.
- Ryokan Experience: We’re interested in staying at a ryokan, but prefer not to go to a remote location where the main attraction is the onsen. Given that we don’t typically use hot tubs or spend time at beaches, we’d appreciate recommendations for ryokans in more accessible areas that still offer a traditional experience.
We greatly appreciate any feedback or suggestions you can provide!
by SexySmilodon