Hi all!!
Just in the starting stages of planning my second trip to Japan next year. The only strange thing is I am not 100% sure when I would be going… originally I was thinking Sept 28- Oct 10 next year to take advantage of a couple holidays here in Canada, but I might readjust to April 4-16, again to take advantage of a couple holidays but also because I figure I could maybe get a decent Black Friday deal. Anyway, I digress.
I’m a huge fan of temples/ shrines/ video games/ Japanese cinema. I am also a fan (but not as much of a fan) of anime and jpop. As this is my second Japan trip I broadly know what to expect, and really want to go a bit off the beaten path while also seeing some stuff I missed in Tokyo last time. Anyway, here’s my itinerary!
**Day 1**
Arrive in Tokyo mid-day. I’ll probably stay in Shinjuku this time (last time I stayed in Ochanomizu), and I’ll probably just explore that area again. Get some drinks in piss alley. Whatever.
**Day 2**
Check out Koenji, Kichijoji, and Akihabara. I had to cut Koenji and Kichijoji from my trip last time so I definitely want to make it this trip, Akihabara is just fun for me lol. I’m excited to go back, and if I can I’d love to try to see an AKB48 concert. Wish me luck lol
**Day 3**
Tokyo DisneySea! It’s been my dream to go there since I was a kid… but again it got on the chopping block last time. Not making the same mistake twice.
**Day 4**
Fly to Hachijojima, explore the island. No specific reason I want to go there (besides Hachi Kojima, we’ll get there), but I love super rural Japan and besides that the island looks so cool. I just really want to wander around it.
**Day 5**
I really want to take a tour of Hachi Kojima. I know there is at least one company that hosts tours of it, and seeing abandoned buildings and stuff is definitely my jam. Also, they filmed Battle Royale there (one of my fave movies).
**Day 6**
Fly to Nagasaki. I’ll probably get in early afternoon, and tour around Dejima. Nagasaki has been on my list for a long time too, and Dejima especially as I also love Dutch culture and history.
**Day 7**
Tour Hashima Island. Pretty self explanatory
**Day 8**
I know that the museum and park aren’t quite as well recognized in Nagasaki vs Hiroshima, but I really want to make it to the Atomic Bomb museum in Nagasaki and wander around that area (in the parks and such). See the one legged torii etc.
**Day 9**
Take the train down to Kagoshima, and check out the Meiji Restoration museum. Maybe head to the aquarium as well if I have time.
**Day 10**
Check out Sakurajima and Sengan En . Sakurajima is kind of the impetus of why I wanted to take this trip in the first place (always wanted to see a volcano erupt), so I’m pretty stoked for this day!
**Day 11**
Fly back to Tokyo. Probably just spend the day in Shinjuku/ Shibuya, or maybe Odaiba. One strong flag is that if I go in the Fall this lands on Sports Day, so I figure places will be busy or closed unfortunately
**Day 12**
Fly back to Canada
Thank you for any and all help!