Hi, my husband and I (in our late 20s/early 30s) will be traveling to Japan (Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka) and since it’s our first time, would appreciate some feedback on our itinerary. We love to try local cuisine, both at luxury dining restaurants and more casual places. We’d also like to hit main cultural attractions of each city (Apart from Disney. Would love to see Studio Ghibli but don’t think we have the time sadly), but would love some advice on some lesser known attractions as well. (edit – my husband is also very into Japanese woodworking, if there is anything that would lend to that interest). Main questions are:
Is there anything that we’re missing here or you think should be skipped?
Are there any days that seem like too much? If so, what should we remove?
Any restaurant recommendations (love to try really anything but I don’t eat beef/pork)? Is there a particular tea ceremony that you’ve enjoyed and would recommend?
Thank you in advance! It’s been our dream to go to Japan for a while and we are so excited.
4/17/23: Land in Tokyo
* Land at 3pm, pick up JR pass, take Narita Express train to hotel in Shibuya
4/18/23: Tokyo
* Harajuku & Shibuya
* Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
* Shinjuku gyouen national garden
* Dinner in Roppongi (Sushi Yuu)
* Tokyo Tower at night
4/19/23: Tokyo
* Senso-ji
* Lunch in Asakusa
* Imperial Palace
* Early dinner in Ginza
* Golden Gai bars
4/20/23: Tokyo/Hakone
* Lunch at Sushi M
* Train to Hakone & buy Hakone Free Pass
4/21/23: Hakone
* Hakone loop or nearby hike?
4/22/23: Hakone/Kyoto
* Travel to Kyoto early morning
* Kinkaku-ji Temple
* Ryoan-ji Temple
* Nishiki Market
4/23/23: Kyoto
* Heian Jingu Shrine
* Lunch at Nakamura
* Fushimi Inari Shrine
* Gion
* Pontocho
4/24/23: Kyoto
* Tenryu-ji Temple
* Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
* Monkey Park
* Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama
4/25/23: Kyoto
* Kiyomizu-dera Temple
* Half day trip to Nara
4/26/23: Kyoto/Osaka
* Nijo Castle
* Kyoto Imperial Palace
* Travel to Osaka
* Dotonbori in the evening
4/27/23: Osaka
* Rent bikes
* Kuromon Ichiba Market
* National Bunraku Theater
* Osaka Castle
4/28/23: Osaka/Tokyo
* Breakfast in Osaka
* Travel to Tokyo
* Dinner in Tokyo
4/29/23: Leave Tokyo
* Tsukiji Market in morning
* Leave for airport
1 comment
Might be worth having a look into Yosegi Zaiku – it’s a type of woodwork which originated in Hakone. Admittedly this was a few years ago now, but I remember visiting a number of shops which offered demos or workshops in the area.