Hello lovely people! I have been so grateful to have found this sub in planning a trip for my fiance and me this summer. We are still hammering out the details but I wanted to get some feedback on the itinerary so far if anything seems wonky or any general recommendations.
We have not yet decided if we want to stay in a Ryokan near Kyoto or Osaka outskirts, and were also still hammering out the details of the Okinawa portion as neither of us is crazy about renting a car and driving in another country. I read in this sub that one of the islands is perfect to rent bikes and bike from beach to beach which sounds like something we would both love to do (love snorkeling and water). I also read we should have used HND airport, but the prices were VERY different, so we are going to bite the bullet and take the train to and from Narita airport. We’re looking for a combination of seeing the most important sights, finding the hidden gems off the beaten path, and eating tons of yummy food! Thanks!
Day 1: Leave SFO
Day 2: TOKYO: Arrive in Narita, take train to Ueno Hotel, explore neighborhood and food market.
Day 3: TOKYO: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, visit a local sake brewery.
Day 4: TOKYO: Themed cafe, sky tree, Tsujihan for donburi.
Day 5: TOKYO: Take train to Kyoto, hotel near Gion District.
Day 6: KYOTO: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Tofukuji Temple, Philosopher’s Path, Ginkakuji Temple.
Day 7: KYOTO: Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple, Nishiki Market.
Day 8: KYOTO: Travel to a Ryokan (in Kyoto or Osaka outskirts TBD)
Day 9: OSAKA: Train to Osaka: Osaka Aquarium.
Day 10: OSAKA: Day trip to Nara.
Day 11: OSAKA: Flight to Okinawa, Boat to Zamami 4pm.
Day 12: OKINAWA: Rent bikes and visit beaches
Day 13: OKINAWA: Snorkeling/ boat ride.
Day 14: TOKYO: Flight to Tokyo.
Day 15: TOKYO: Train to Narita Airport, return home 5pm.