First trip to Japan, 16 days end of Jan/begin Feb 2025, traveling solo but will see friends who are residents in Tokyo. I’ve been planning and researching this trip for about five years, and I‘m seeing it as a kind-of pilgrimage.
I think it’s fairly “slow” with time to linger and wander, and stop at shops that grab my fancy, while still visiting key places that interest me…but I would appreciate some feedback on the logistics/pace/weather – I’m figuring a good jacket, gloves, hat and scarf with layers will be fine for outdoors this time of year?
Flights & accommodation are booked, as is Kimono and Tea Ceremony. Planning to get train/bus tickets on the day. I’m not making restaurant reservations anywhere, but will just pop in where it looks good. And I’ll be collecting Goshuin so will also stop at other shrines and temples that catch my eye.
Any glaring mistakes or things I’ve overlooked? Also, any comments on the logistics of the Kumano Kodo section of this trip. Feedback appreciated!
27/1 – arrive Haneda 10.30pm. Shuttle/taxi to Hotel next to airport.
28/1 – Send luggage to Kyoto. Visit Zozji Temple. Check in to hotel in Shibuya. Wander around Shibuya. Meet friends for dinner.
29/1 – Visit Meiji Shrine. Wander through Harajuku/Shinjuku. Meet up with friends.
30/1 – Early Shinkansen to Kyoto. Leave backpack at coin locker at Kyoto Station. Train to Arashiyama, then taxi to Otagi Nenbutsuji. From there, walk down via Adashino Nenbutsuji and Saga Toriimoto Preserved street, and possibly Gioji temple. Lunch somewhere. Then take Randen tram as far as Kitano Hakubai-Cho Station. Walk up to Kinkaku-ji. Walk/taxi/bus to Emmachi station and then back to Kyoto Station to collect bag. Walk/bus/taxi to guesthouse in Higashiyama. Somewhere local for dinner.
31/1 – Early visit to Kiyomizu-dera. Chawanzaka. Sannenzaka. 12.30pm Kimono rental. 2pm Tea Ceremony. Evening wander through Gion, and dinner.
1/2 – Early visit to Fushimi Inari. Nishi market area in afternoon. Pontocho in the evening.
2/2 – Philosopher‘s path in morning. Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine, 1-4pm.
3/2 – Early train to Shingu (8.36am Kuroshio Ltd Express from Kyoto Station). Arrive around 2pm. Visit Hayatama Taisha. Overnight in Shingu.
4/2 – Early bus to Nachi. Walk Daimonzaka to Nachisan Shrime and falls. Bus back to Shingu and then bus to Yunomine Onsen in early afternoon. Overnight in Yunomine.
B5/2 – Walk Dainichizaka to Hongu Taisha. Overnight in Yunomine.
6/2 – Early bus/train to Koyasan. Arrive early/mid afternoon. Walk around. Overnight at temple.
7/2 – Visit Okunonin cemetary. Late afternoon bus/train to Kyoto. Arrive around 9pm. Overnight at hotel by Kyoto Station.
8/2 – Early Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Tokyo with friends. (I’m leaving these two days open for them to plan).
9/2 – Tokyo with friends.
10/2 – Tsukiji market then Yanaka area via Tokyo station. Overnight at capsule hotel in Asakusa.
11/2 – Early visit to Senso-ji Temple. Nakamise-dori. Kappabashi st. Then back to Suginami to overnight with friends.
12/2 – Last day, possibly Shimokitazawa area or Meguro for Parasitological Musuem. Travel to airport at 9pm for midnight flight home from Haneda.
by Dry-Amphibian7830