Any feedback is appreciated.
My wife and I enjoy seeing a lot each day, and while we appreciate the occasional rest and time to wander, we’re also used to ending each day pretty tired. The idea is to make this a fairly comprehensive “traditional” first visit. We’re interested in Tokyo especially, which is probably obvious given the number of days there.
I’ve tried to do a fair bit of research, but of course I might’ve made some oversights. I’m also curious if the February weather might interfere with any plans. Neither of us mind the cold, and it sounds like in most places snow won’t be a huge deal.
If there’s anything crucial that I’ve missed, or anything I’ve included that maybe isn’t worth the time, I’d love to know.
**Day 1, Tokyo**
-Arrive early morning via Haneda, expect to be jet-lagged, may need a nap
-Stay in Shibuya
-First day, explore Shibuya and Harajuku, Meiji-Jingu, Yoyogi Park
-Explore major shops
**Day 2, Tokyo**
-Explore Shinjuku
-Gyoen Garden, Tokyo Metro Gov building view
-Samurai Museum
-Golden Gai and/or Kabukicho in the evening
**Day 3, Tokyo**
-Start day in Asakusa
-See Senjo-ji, walk Nakamise Dori
-Tokyo Skytree
-Browser kitchen stuff in Kappabashi
-Head to Ueno Park
-See Tokyo National Museum
-In the evening, head to and wander through Akihabara
**Day 4, Tokyo > Nikko > Tokyo**
-Take an early morning train to Nikko
-See main sights, incl Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, etc
-Late afternoon train back to Tokyo
**Day 5, Tokyo**
-Start in the morning at Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast
-Walk around Hamarikyu Gardens and then head to Ginza to wander
-Kokyo Gaiden and maybe Imperial Palace
-Head to Roppongi, see Mori Art Museum and city view
-Walk to see Tokyo Tower at night
**Day 6, Tokyo**
-“Free Day” to catch up to whatever we missed or didn’t see enough of
-Rest up a bit
-Possible other ideas, incl Ghibli Museum, Sunshine City, Nakano Broadway, etc
**Day 7, Tokyo > Kyoto**
-Take a morning shinkansen to Kyoto, stay in Gion area
-First day, wander surrounding area, Gion, maybe Pontocho, Nishiki Market, etc
**Day 8, Kyoto**
-Taxi or bus to Higashiyama to start walking tour and see temples
-Go down Philosopher’s Path
-See Nanzen-ji, Heian Shrine, Chion-in, etc
-Finish around Koyimizu-dera
-Evening around Gion/Pontocho again, or possibly head to Dotonbori in Osaka for the evening
**Day 9, Kyoto > Nara > Kyoto**
-Take a morning train to Nara
-See the main sights, incl Kofuku-ji, Nara Park, Isuien Garden, etc
-Late afternoon or evening train back to Kyoto
**Day 10, Kyoto**
-Head to Fushimi Inari for the morning
-Afterwards, spend the afternoon wandering in Arashiyama
**Day 11, Miyajima via Hiroshima**
-Morning train to Hiroshima, hotel downtown
-Head to Miyajima, see the main sites, incl Itsukushima Shrine and other temples/shrines, ropeway to Mt Misen
-Hiroshima downtown for okonomiyaki dinner
**Day 12, Hiroshima > Osaka**
-In the morning, see Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park/Museum
-Afternoon, train to Osaka, hotel in Namba
-Wander Dotonbori at night
**Day 13, Osaka > Himeji > Osaka**
-In the morning, train to see Himeji Castle
-Return train after a few hours
-Maybe see outside of Osaka Castle
-Wander in Nipponbashi, and again Dotonbori at night
**Day 14, Osaka > Hakone**
-Morning train to Hakone, stay in Hakone Airu ryokan
-Check out Open Air Museum, relax in onsen at ryokan
**Day 15, Hakone**
-Make the Hakone circuit, incl Owakudani, Togendai, pirate ship cruise, checkpoint, Hakone Jinja, Amakaze Teahouse, etc
-Relax at ryokan
**Day 16, Hakone > Tokyo**
-Return to Tokyo, stay in Odaiba
-Wander Odaiba, see teamLab Planets, Fuji TV building, walk Rainbow Bridge, maybe ferris wheel, etc
**Day 17, Tokyo**
-Spend the day at Disney Sea
**Day 18, Tokyo**
-Final “Free Day” to see whatever else is left in Tokyo, wander neighborhoods again, relax, etc.
**Day 19, Tokyo > Home**
-Flight out around 11am
1 comment
Like your plan. Well thought out and not too rushed.
Consider Okayama Korakuen Garden. On your return from Hiroshima to Osaka you will pass through Okayama Station and I believe you have the time to explore it, your morning in Hiroshima is light and some of it can be done in the day before if needed. It is considered one of the top 3 gardens in Japan and my favourite. Short local bus ride and there is a castle you can visit next door.