Hi,
My girlfriend and I (early 30s) are flying to Japan for the first time in just a few days. We will be there from Feb28 to March10 and would love feedback on our itinerary.
I came across this awesome subreddit and am hoping for feedback on what we have planned so far – recommendations for food, cutting overrated stuff, or adding underrated things based on where we will be. I will be posting a full TripReport once we return to give back.
# Entering / Exiting Japan:
We are flying into KIX from the Philippines and also flying out via KIX back to the Philippines.
# Overall Plan:
We will be making Osaka our home base for the first 6 days, with various day-trips planned to other parts of Kansai during that time. We will then head to Tokyo for 3 days, and finally return back to Osaka for one final day before flying home.
# Hotels:
Osaka: Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station, Feb28 – Mar6
Tokyo: Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier, Mar6 – Mar9
Osaka: ??? Mar9 – Mar10 [TBD, maybe AirBnb]
—
### Day 0, Feb28: Travel Day
– Fly into KIX around 8pm.
– Get some cash, pocket Wifi, SIM, and IC card at airport.
– Check-in to Hotel
### Day 1, Mar1: USJ
– Universal Studios Japan. We already purchased the tickets and timed-entry express passes online.
### Day 2, Mar2: Himeji Castle & Kobe
– Head to Himeji Castle early
– Head to Kobe around noon for lunch. Would love recommendations for trying Kobe beef.
– Kobe animal farm. Goal is to pet and feed the capybaras !
### Day 3, Mar3: Nara Day Trip
– Pet and feed some deer
– Check out Nakatanidou for mochi
– Check out Kamaiki for some udon (recommended in a trip report)
– Check out Maguro Koya for food (recommended in a trip report)
– Head to Todaiji @ 7pm for Omizutori
### Day 4, Mar4: Kyoto Day Trip
– Fushimi Inari Shrine (Torii Shrine)
– Kiyomizu-dera (Buddhist Temple)
– Nishiki Market
### Day 5, Mar5: Kyoto Day Trip
– Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion)
– ??? TBD
### Day 6, Mar6: Travel Day & Tokyo
– Checkout of Osaka Hotel
– Catch train to Tokyo
– Leave luggage with Tokyo hotel around noon (room won’t be ready until later in the day)
– Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo to view Shibuya Crossing
– Hachiko Statue
– Check-in to hotel
– Walk to Tokyo Tower to see Cherry Blossoms
### Day 7, Mar7: Odaiba Day Trip
– TeamLab Planets
– DECKS Tokyo Beach area to check out the Gundam Statue, Round One Stadium, and Takoyaki Museum
### Day 8, Mar8: Tokyo
– Sky Tree
– Akihabara
### Day 9, Mar9: Travel Day & Osaka
– Check out of hotel
– Catch train back to Osaka
– Check-in to Hotel/Airbnb
– Owl Cafe Chouette
– ??? TBD
### Day 10, Mar10: Osaka
– Checkout Hotel/Airbnb
– Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
– Glico Man
– Dotonbori
– KIX flight at 9:15pm
—
We would love restaurant suggestions. While I love sushi and sashimi, my girlfriend only eats cooked things.
Our itinerary is pretty vague in parts and I appreciate any time and thoughts spent on suggestions.
Thanks in advance!