First time in Japan – Interinary review

11 comments

1. No reason to stay in Hiroshima for one night and then Miyajima for one night. The ferry runs until late. Store your bags in a locker for the day in Hiroshima and then go stay on Miyajima for two nights so you’re not wasting time checking out and checking into a new place.

2. Fuji 5th station is very accessible (regular local buses straight there from Kawaguchiko station), but honestly not even remotely worth it if you’re not heading up toward the summit (it’s really just designed as an entry point for that). If you’re not keen to hike but want nice views, I would definitely suggest another smaller summit in the region or across a lake/garden to view Fuji, it rules!

   It’s also a common suggestion to consider seeing Osaka Castle at night – a very atmospheric option! If you’re into thrifting, fashion or design stuff, Orange Street is a precinct that does live up to the hype.

   Another minor note – Hiroshima is a very cool city in itself, don’t hesitate to stroll the side streets around the covered shopping street districts a bit once you’ve visited the peace museum. I recall a really poignant/proud point from the museum about how quickly they rebuilt and it’s a great city!

3. I’d scrap Nov 20 and go down to Nara personally. The deer are cool but also plenty of worthwhile sights. I wish I had spent more than a day in Nara.

   It’s about an hour train ride.

   Seems like a long time in Tokyo personally. I’d opt to extend a day somewhere else (if you’re a foody or big shopper, fair enough tho)

4. I found Senso-ji to be kind of unimpressive. Also, you might want some specific things in Shinjuku to do.

5. From the places on the list, you seems to like nature and traditional Japanese sites. If you don’t have any explicit places in Shinjuku you’re planning to visit on the 15th, how about going to Nikko or Hakone instead? It may be more fun to stay at Hakone and travel to Kawaguchiko the next day.

   Fuji Subaru line time is going to change on the 16th. Until and including Nov.15th, the line is opened from 4:30am to 5pm. From Nov.16th, the time is going to be shorten to 9am to 5pm. There’s no bus. Maybe a taxi can drive you up or are you planning on hiking to the 5th station? Hiking around the mountain (Okuniwa) may already be closed on the 16th.

   Temperature drastically dropped this week. It’s 27 Celsius here in Tokyo. It’s probably going to be cool even during day time on the 5th station so be prepared.

   There’s no too many buses and trains near Kawaguchiko so check on their time if using public transportation.

6. I don’t know how it’s in November but you might want to book your Sky tree tickets in advance. (We had to come back twice…)

7. Your itinerary looks great with a good balance of sightseeing and cultural experiences! Consider adding *Shibuya Sky* in Tokyo and *Ueno Park* near Asakusa for variety. In Kyoto, splitting your Arashiyama and Gion visits might make the day more manageable. In Osaka, make sure to visit *Dotonbori* for the street food scene. For Miyajima, take the ropeway up *Mount Misen* for beautiful views!

8. Do the ryokan last just before ending in tokyo, after all that travelling the onsen will be nicer to relax onces youve sored everything up from walking.

   Personally i really like Tokyo and think 4.5-5 days is too little especially since 2 of those days you arrive and leave. Its a huge city with tons to do. 
   Osaka 2 days is probably too short another bug city probably want 3 days like kyoto. I would probably cut something and extend days elsewhere essentially. Take this opinion with a grain of salt no idea what the draws are you for travelling to best do your itinerary. This does seem a bit hectic and fast and jam packed for a first timer.

9. Could make sense to stop by Himeji on the way to Hiroshima instead of doing it as a day trip from Osaka.

   You know that Kawaguchiko to Nakastugawa is easily 4-5hours by public transport ? You took that into account in your planning ?

10. You’ve got a lot of great visits planned, just be prepared for a lot of other tourists at every venue, on every day.

    Go early if you can, make booking for any sunset activities.

    Most importantly, anywhere you think might be interesting, stop and have a bite or a drink or whatever their specialty is. The random options are of excellent quality!

11. You can consider one day in fujikawaguchiko and 2 day in Hakone , its pretty close from fujikawaguchiko take direct bus to gotemba and then gotemba to Hakone , hakone is must visit in my opinion, hakone shrine,lake Ashi , Pirate ship , hakone onsen etc