This is only my second time traveling internationally so please forgive me if this is a stupid question.
We’re planning a two week trip to Japan next year. The plan was to arrive in Osaka and make stops in Kyoto and Nara before traveling to Tokyo and ending our trip there. So our current plan is to fly one-way into Kansai International Airport and then fly back out of Narita (one-way). Is this a terrible idea? Are we going to get stopped at customs because our tickets are only one way? Is there a better way to do this?
I’m also pasting our itinerary below – feel free to pick that apart as well.
April 7, 2025 (Monday): Arrival in Osaka and Transfer to Kyoto
• Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX): Typically in the late afternoon or evening.
• Transfer to Kyoto: Take the JR Haruka Express train to Kyoto (~75 minutes).
• Check-In at Hotel in Kyoto: Settle in and rest after the long travel day.
April 8, 2025 (Tuesday): Explore Kyoto & Traditional Tea Ceremony
• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (famous for its torii gates).
• Travel Time: 15 minutes by train from central Kyoto.
• Afternoon: Experience a traditional tea ceremony and try on kimono in Kyoto. Many cultural centers and temples offer this experience (e.g., Kiyomizu-dera area or Gion district).
• Evening: Wander around the Gion District.
April 9, 2025 (Wednesday): Day Trip to Nara
• Morning: Travel to Nara.
• Travel Time: 45 minutes by train from Kyoto.
• Visit: Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall), Nara Park (deer park), and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Evening: Return to Kyoto.
April 10, 2025 (Thursday): Explore Arashiyama and Onsen Stay
• Morning: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.
• Travel Time: 30 minutes by train from central Kyoto.
• Afternoon: Travel to Kinosaki Onsen.
• Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours by train from Kyoto.
• Evening: Check into a traditional ryokan and enjoy the onsen experience.
April 11, 2025 (Friday): Onsen Experience in Kinosaki
• Full Day: Explore Kinosaki Onsen town, visit the public baths (onsen hopping), and relax in the ryokan.
April 12, 2025 (Saturday): Transfer to Osaka
• Morning: Travel back to Osaka.
• Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours by train from Kinosaki Onsen.
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and Osaka Pokémon Center.
• Travel Time: 20 minutes by subway.
• Evening: Explore Dotonbori and try local street food (takoyaki, okonomiyaki).
April 13, 2025 (Sunday): Anime Shopping in Osaka
• Morning: Explore Nipponbashi Den Den Town, Osaka’s mecca for anime, manga, and electronics shops.
• Afternoon: Continue browsing anime shops or visit the Osaka Pokémon Center (if not done earlier).
• Evening: Relax in Osaka or visit Shinsaibashi for shopping.
April 14, 2025 (Monday): Travel to Hakone or Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji Area)
• Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Odawara, then transfer to Hakone or Kawaguchiko.
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours by train and bus from Osaka.
• Afternoon: Explore the area around Mt. Fuji (lake views, hot springs).
• Evening: Relax in a traditional ryokan with onsen (hot spring bath).
April 15, 2025 (Tuesday): Mt. Fuji Area
• Full Day: Explore Hakone or Kawaguchiko.
• Activities: Cable car ride, Lake Ashi cruise, visit Owakudani Valley or Chureito Pagoda for iconic views of Mt. Fuji.
• Evening: Enjoy another night at the ryokan.
April 16, 2025 (Wednesday): Travel to Yokohama
• Morning: Travel to Yokohama.
• Travel Time: 2-3 hours by train from the Mt. Fuji area.
• Afternoon: Visit Minato Mirai 21, Cup Noodles Museum, and Yokohama Pokémon Center.
• Evening: Explore Sankeien Garden.
April 17, 2025 (Thursday): Transfer to Tokyo and Free Day
• Morning: Travel to Tokyo and check into your hotel.
• Travel Time: 30 minutes by train from Yokohama.
• Afternoon/Evening: Free time for shopping in Akihabara (Tokyo’s anime district) or visiting Ikebukuro Sunshine City Pokémon Center.
April 18 – 20, 2025 (Friday to Sunday): Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo
Thank you for any feedback and sorry for the long post!
by Sustain-6284