16 days in Japan

Hello all,

we’re planning to visit Japan for the first time at beginning of April – super excited. I’ve done a lot of research throughout Reddit, google, Lonely planet to come up with below itinerary –> would very much appreciate your thoughts on it and any advice you may have. Have a couple days or afternoons where any input is welcome.

On top, would have a few questions:

1. Any advice on which SIM card to purchase?
2. Google maps shows most restaurant/cafes with quite low reviews – any other apps/sites to pick places?
3. I’m a big anime fan, any recommendations of what not be missed? cafe’s, bars or restaurants
4. We love eating good food so any recommendation of restaurants or cafe’s is very much welcome!

​

**Day 1 -** **Tokyo**

**Morning**

Land at 8:40 am at Narita

Check in hotel (1 hour from airport) – **TAITO** Area

coffee/breakfast – [HATCOFFEE](https://goo.gl/maps/pqY3r3vK9nmubiBH8)

visit [Kaminarimon Gate](https://goo.gl/maps/AJCDHMusNyoc4num8)

visit street food – [Nakamise-dori Street](https://goo.gl/maps/ExmyGmApTZE7uHSAA)

visit [Sensō-ji](https://goo.gl/maps/du27zbbMtf8bX5MfA) temple

eat melon bread [Asakusa Kagetsudō](https://goo.gl/maps/EA2kXNHJtqQL7sH18)

walk around [Asakusa](https://goo.gl/maps/LcEWrfqiMXjGZCyp7) area

visit [Tokyo Skytree](https://goo.gl/maps/ugDF2La5jxPke35G8)

lunch [Asahi Sky Room](https://goo.gl/maps/kTe9vBRAMcGZr9eA8)

**Afternoon**

visit [Ueno Park](https://goo.gl/maps/wRH5BorrwAVeeNKf9)

visit [Ameyoko Shopping Street](https://goo.gl/maps/573pmM26iQ3fMS3u9)

dinner – [Yabu Soba](https://goo.gl/maps/wxbn8ae6W3rmFPzG8)

​

**Day 2 – Tokyo**

**Morning**

breakfast [Pelican Café](https://goo.gl/maps/gSJXS75b8ewvDLv27)

Visit [Meiji Jingu](https://goo.gl/maps/gzVC74S1X5rXK5WE6)

Visit [Yoyogi Park](https://goo.gl/maps/tnBJ8Hz4ND64FTaP8) (Sakura)

[渋谷スクランブル交差点](https://goo.gl/maps/6it49BiBUCquEaJ49) \- Shibuya crossroad

Pay Respect to [Hachikō Memorial Statue](https://goo.gl/maps/NJXUMcTtUyxm3rB4A)

visit [Shibuya Sky](https://goo.gl/maps/TrGUpncJdk2eZ82Z9) observation deck

Lunch [Harajuku Gyozaro](https://goo.gl/maps/BYDQcbfpccoyrH467)

Lunch option 2 – [AFURI Harajuku](https://goo.gl/maps/Z3EG75MBpMXbzzDg6)

**Afternoon**

visit [Tokyo City View](https://goo.gl/maps/kjfK8me3nAdP7Dwv8) (52nd floor)

visit [Roppongi Hills](https://goo.gl/maps/4R2G4Fxg9ig2sjmZA)

optional [Mori Art Museum](https://goo.gl/maps/x8AcnPsej5AzTFyE8)

dinner at [Shinjuku Golden Gai](https://goo.gl/maps/ZokoTMei6MCAeWjs7) (street full of bars/restaurants)

​

**Day 3 Tokyo- Nikko Day trip**

*open to suggestions* to what to do or if we should spend time in another city

​

**Day 4 Tokyo**

**Morning**

Visit [Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens](https://goo.gl/maps/7SUfrEAHvXEbgZ3C7)

Visit [Kanda Myoujin Shrine](https://goo.gl/maps/TggLNfeE15eDPKvTA)

coffee [@Home Cafe](https://goo.gl/maps/EXaMBh4fKJANpRub6)

or

coffee with robots – [DAWN | Avatar Robot Cafe ver.β](https://goo.gl/maps/Rxj6rC2zyMJhqfv69)

or

coffee with owls – [Owl Cafe “Fukurou”](https://goo.gl/maps/zdRKdAfCCV2bqcgt7)

Lunch [Gansen](https://goo.gl/maps/QZDm8yrJQTywJmyj6)

**Afternoon -** *any suggestions?*

Dinner [Kikanbo](https://goo.gl/maps/7CnGpTis7bm7XcCt8)

​

**Day 5 Tokyo – Fuji day trip**

**Morning**

breakfast [Bakery & Cafe Yamazaki](https://goo.gl/maps/WKiJFB3LvvAkbaMB6)

3 ½ hours train from hotel to Fuji

take panoramic funicular [Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway](https://goo.gl/maps/3gLMwidsHxUUFSoEA)

lunch [Restaurant Konami](https://goo.gl/maps/mYxTUFDu12BJ26vQ8)

lunch option 2 [Houtou Fudou](https://goo.gl/maps/eDb4GC1FogSnWQhe9)

**Afternoon**

rent bike [81cafe（レンタルサイクル）](https://goo.gl/maps/DzhCjixjQM9uD1re9)

visit [Ubuyagasaki Shrine](https://goo.gl/maps/VRyFzvLUtTueF7M78)

coffee [troisieme marche](https://goo.gl/maps/C9MGTcdwXdMdRPFp8)

visit [Oishi Park](https://goo.gl/maps/HnPX8kGAvr6BMe997)

return home

dinner [Unatoto](https://goo.gl/maps/LcKvDCZZhhE4TfU48)

​

**Day 6 Tokyo**

**Morning**

museum visit – [teamLab Planets TOKYO](https://goo.gl/maps/iS1MaKBLS2BCwyZ96)

lunch [Tsukishima Monja Moheji – Main Shop](https://goo.gl/maps/FvgCY16Writcs1GJ7)

**Afternoon**

visit [Akihabara](https://goo.gl/maps/oGiEzNbaKse99KC57)

visit [Tokyo National Museum](https://goo.gl/maps/hX99RPjkzbpkbcXEA)

dinner [Uguisudanien](https://goo.gl/maps/bzhJ5wanwUFAhQkz7)

​

**Day 7 Tokyo**

**Morning**

Visit [Imperial Palace](https://goo.gl/maps/gTTSJqCK1dEcsTAS8)

Lunch [Tokyo Ramen Street](https://goo.gl/maps/1bU7nkM4nEaeocSi9)

visit [Chidorigafuchi Park](https://goo.gl/maps/aDMS21bcSGgWxb2K6)

**Afternoon**

visit [Yasukuni Shrine](https://goo.gl/maps/nVGc7ixkof2bS2Z78)

optional thermal bath [Oedo Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo](https://goo.gl/maps/xYRcbmNU9G4mDCgv6)

dinner [Sometarō](https://goo.gl/maps/nBGaUCkqeMKKJT5H9)

​

**Day 8 Tokyo to Kyoto**

**Morning**

Check-out hotel

3 hours train travel to Kyoto

Check-in hotel [HOTEL MUSSE KYOTO SHIJOGAWARAMACHI MEITETSU](https://goo.gl/maps/kFFiWhfxyPErrSDYA)

visit [Nishiki Market](https://goo.gl/maps/sjEcbJ1qXNKh4K129)

lunch [THE CITY BAKERY 京都錦小路](https://goo.gl/maps/SjJNg6ma99CGy45E9)

**Afternoon**

visit [Kyoto Imperial Palace](https://goo.gl/maps/otS76XE44uJHDFdu5)

coffee [Coffee Base NASHINOKI](https://goo.gl/maps/yDwW9TF1u9d9vTqHA)

coffee option 2 [Mo-an](https://goo.gl/maps/x4uSphBtdKAZQXGM9)

bakery option 3 [Artisan’Halles](https://goo.gl/maps/T3eKwdtoyy5kBJmk6)

visit [Jodoji Ishibashicho](https://goo.gl/maps/ue5nsCz6yLCyqvpr5) (river with sakura)

dinner [Ikazuchi Udon](https://goo.gl/maps/rtDogkLcvwmLP4Ff8)

cocktail at [nokishita711 Gin and cocktail labo](https://goo.gl/maps/DYomHMxJ3sMGj5sa7)

​

**Day 9 Kyoto**

**Morning**

visit [Gion](https://goo.gl/maps/m9RhN1aR2LawZ4Xq7) area (Geisha district)

visit [Yasaka Shrine](https://goo.gl/maps/ZKYP9HMgAb2vprg5A)

visit [Maruyama Park](https://goo.gl/maps/W7kauLJkMcYRttEy8)

visit [Chion-in](https://goo.gl/maps/3CGnZESsvuW8qWrJ9)

lunch [ZIRAEL Vegan Restaurant | ジラエル ビーガン レストラン](https://goo.gl/maps/qeyvwbgDFkBv4Yq7A)

**Afternoon**

bakery [Nitta Bakery](https://goo.gl/maps/rMDaqZPm3X9Q7bHK6)

visit [Kōdai-ji Temple](https://goo.gl/maps/XEaCJMgntRuv7uFk6)

visit [Sanneizaka (Sannenzaka)](https://goo.gl/maps/41srwemdgsKRyujPA) \-street

visit [Kiyomizu-dera](https://goo.gl/maps/2Vw6bSjfmHfa9MZ57) temple

visit [Otowanotaki](https://goo.gl/maps/z9qrRJbgeV1NGG596)

dinner [Men-ya Inoichi](https://goo.gl/maps/uWYXbaaT1QYQfuaX8)

​

**Day 10 Kyoto – Nara day trip**

**Morning**

coffee [Hosekibako](https://goo.gl/maps/NUheFC8arojJwL2B6)

Visit [Kōfuku-ji](https://goo.gl/maps/fk3QDdMLcUmKsWiz8) temple

visit [Nara Park](https://goo.gl/maps/icy8LNyEJisvcXZF8) & feed deer

lunch [Mizuya Chaya](https://goo.gl/maps/9kWCcWTjKCWWGdZT8)

lunch option 2 [Cafe CONCE カフェコンセ](https://goo.gl/maps/TxfSph4rnRuxGmYh8)

**Afternoon**

visit [Tōdai-ji](https://goo.gl/maps/kEpEqUhVVqpiyw718) temple

visit [Todai-ji Nigatsudo (February Hall)](https://goo.gl/maps/nwcQeBTE5tBfHM4k8)

visit [Kasuga-taisha](https://goo.gl/maps/gBQqjBsrKirrobucA) temple

dinner [Ginsho Takahata](https://goo.gl/maps/q6NA3t1dC81kZP1c8)

dinner [Roku-salon](https://goo.gl/maps/kaebTLF9hApWiSYy7)

​

**Day 11 Kyoto**

**Morning**

visit [Enryakuji](https://goo.gl/maps/xzfekmQLPp2PDdtq6) temple in mountain (3 hour ascent)

or visit [Fushimi Inari Taisha](https://goo.gl/maps/x8JDqDzrHdqHLG2A6) (2 hour hike)

lunch [Unagi Hirokawa](https://goo.gl/maps/g5ukajhLRru9Zn6T8)

lunch option 2 [Taisho HANANA](https://goo.gl/maps/wLHrfS9mcGnrcVah7)

**Afternoon**

rent bike from [Kyoto Bike Tour – The Bamboo Forest & Arashiyama](https://goo.gl/maps/GYHXRYtaGQsC8dm58)

visit [Arashiyama Bamboo Forest](https://goo.gl/maps/9yZW3ZYYQmZUDsjv9)

visit [Gioji](https://goo.gl/maps/pQMZQdvTYyNkGD6E8)

visit [Kitano Temmangu](https://goo.gl/maps/f78eq39CbDtajN4g9)

visit [Tenryu-ji](https://goo.gl/maps/GBs55npuXRppt6MGA)

coffee break – [% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama](https://goo.gl/maps/9pT6fu1f8VViF99R8)

coffee option 2 [kyocafe chacha](https://goo.gl/maps/BZWCrq8M7SaLu1sw6)

visit [Togetsu-kyo Bridge](https://goo.gl/maps/XNMQerhdzAyUwBb7A)

visit [Monkey Park Iwatayama](https://goo.gl/maps/13aZG2mftjyxZrGd9)

​

**Day 12 Kyoto – Osaka**

**Morning**

visit [Nijō Castle](https://goo.gl/maps/bAoG3U6iBEaVq8sh8)

Check-out hotel

lunch [Wakasaya Kawaramachi](https://goo.gl/maps/BftoLdfUGyamF1yt7)

**Afternoon**

take train to Osaka & check-in Hotel [S-PERIA INN OSAKA HOMMACHI](https://goo.gl/maps/CqPTvxzRaPHzGi758)

walk around [Dotonbori](https://goo.gl/maps/B81bbuicZZzk6KXW8) and eat street food

visit [Hozenji](https://goo.gl/maps/32fdG8QC1TKJdXAg7)

Visit [Osaka Castle](https://goo.gl/maps/T6hFk6ZNSKkwanYH9)

Dinner [Udama](https://goo.gl/maps/jze8tdCz1Qt7hExx9)

​

**Day 13 Osaka**

*Open for suggestions* \- explore Osaka or anything else nearby?

optional Visit [Universal Studios Japan](https://goo.gl/maps/FJKto98GsaxdRiDQ8)

​

**Day 14 Osaka – Hiroshima day trip**

**Morning**

2h 40 min train to Hiroshima

Lunch – [Okonomimura](https://goo.gl/maps/4gFjs88rY2xk7GHe8)

Lunch option 2 [250円食堂 お祭り](https://goo.gl/maps/qnbv997H1muboqcD7)

**Afternoon**

visit [Peace Memorial Park – Hiroshima](https://goo.gl/maps/sYf8dWBV3nku7kCS9)

visit [Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum](https://goo.gl/maps/8JZHs4AuLYinnrvT9)

dinner [Wildman Bagel](https://goo.gl/maps/6YYWAUC4FF86VSLV6)

dinner option 2 [Otis!](https://goo.gl/maps/odduuTnwSoA4F9nF6)

dinner option 3 [お好み焼き みっちゃん 横川店分家](https://goo.gl/maps/F5x8aLHDSEM8ShUA8)

​

**Day 15 Osaka – Tokyo**

**Morning**

check-out hotel

Travel to Tokyo

**Afternoon**

Check in hotel

Free afternoon – *open for suggestions*

​

**Day 16 Tokyo – home**

Depart from Narita at 18:00

​

​

Sharing main links used to create the plan

[https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-tokyo](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-tokyo)

[https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/japan-new-golden-route-tokyo-kyoto-osaka](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/japan-new-golden-route-tokyo-kyoto-osaka)

[https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/55qita/five\_tips\_from\_my\_two\_weeks\_in\_japan/](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/55qita/five_tips_from_my_two_weeks_in_japan/)

[https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/aj3i8g/first\_japan\_trip\_itinerary\_check\_2\_weeks/](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/aj3i8g/first_japan_trip_itinerary_check_2_weeks/)

[https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/yziaqz/itinerary\_check\_12\_days\_in\_tokyokyoto\_april\_2023/](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/yziaqz/itinerary_check_12_days_in_tokyokyoto_april_2023/)

[https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/tbgljb/itinerary\_and\_budget\_for\_2\_weeks\_in\_japan/](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/tbgljb/itinerary_and_budget_for_2_weeks_in_japan/)

[https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/z000si/itinerary\_check\_3\_weeks\_japan\_tour\_in\_april\_toyko/](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/z000si/itinerary_check_3_weeks_japan_tour_in_april_toyko/)

[https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/tokyo-on-a-budget](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/tokyo-on-a-budget)

[https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-day-trips-from-tokyo](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-day-trips-from-tokyo)

[https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-things-to-do-tokyo](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-things-to-do-tokyo)

[https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/eqhavq/kamakura\_or\_nikko\_for\_tokyo\_day\_trip/](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/eqhavq/kamakura_or_nikko_for_tokyo_day_trip/)