March 2021 Itinerary

16 comments

1. You have eastern and western Tokyo the wrong way around.

   You may be better off taking the shinkansen to Kyoto. You’re going to be fighting out of central Tokyo to the airport, waiting around to board, spending an hour in the air, spending at least half an hour getting your bags, then over an hour on the Haruka. Just seems like a lot of hassle when the shinkansen can take you door-to-door without changing mode of transportation.

   There’s no Uber in Kyoto, just taxis. I wouldn’t say they’re cheap, but they’re not outrageous. Kyoto Station has an article on them, but I don’t know if it’s out-of-date: [https://www.kyotostation.com/taxis-in-kyoto/](https://www.kyotostation.com/taxis-in-kyoto/)

   One thing you might want to look into is bike rental in Kyoto. I haven’t been, but I’m told it’s quite an efficient and nice way to get around versus what were overly crowded buses.

   Edit: fixed the duplication Grammarly does in Safari on Mac!

2. I would recommend to check a bit where the cherry blossom spot are. For example Ueno park and Sumida Park on the Asakusa day, You can have Shinbjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park in the Shinjuku Harajuku day. Also possible to hit a different area the same day as Ikebukuro.

   Kinkaku-ji does not take a full day. Would say try to be there when it open as it can be flooded by people. Visit itself probably 1h. Thing is that if further north, so it can be time consuming to get in the area if you are not planning to see other things in the area.

   You have to decide it you want to beat the crowed at Kiyomizu-dera or Fushimi Inari as Fushimi Inari can beg quite crowded around the bottom where there is the most gates.

   Nara it depend what you want to see in Nara, most people focus on the park area, that is totally possible to do by walking only. Bike would give you more flexibility to see things a bit further. And if you use Kintetsu train (not JR) you will be closer to the park to start with.

   Usually one day is enough in Nara if you want to focus on the Nara Park area, that is where 99% of the people go. For sure if you want to see other shrines further away or even Heijo-kyo, that is the former location of the capital during Nara Period (it’s mostly an empty field with one reconstructed building and I think one gate). In that case, yes, you can spend several days in Nara (in not weeks if you go further south in Nara Prefecture).

   Something similar to uber… you mean a taxi ? yes. Expensive ? Depend how far you go, but should count at least 1000 yen. Would most likely be cheaper to get on the bus.

3. Whatcha doin in Saitama?

4. This looks like a fun trip! I’m doing it in reverse (starting in KIX and leaving from Haneda). I prefer to do Tokyo at the end as much shopping happens there and I don’t want to lug around all that stuff for the rest of the trip.

   # One Bag Travel

   You can skip this if you don’t really care about traveling light.

   One note on packing, when I travel, I prefer to take a single carry-on size backpack (or roller if you can’t do a backpack that heavy). Something like this: [https://amzn.to/31cq4yQ](https://amzn.to/31cq4yQ) I put that in the overhead, makes it SUPER nice. Literally pick up your bag and walk off the plane, no waiting for luggage etc. I then purchase a large piece of checked luggage in Tokyo and just keep it at the hotel, filling it with stuff I buy. That way I’m only carrying one large piece of luggage one time, from hotel to airport. In your case, you could take an empty suitcase with you since you are starting in Tokyo, and bring it with everywhere you go, though, that doesn’t sound as appealing =P

   I usually do laundry half way through my trip, only taking 5 – 6 days worth of clothes ,really light on toiletries. I have done the “one bag” concept on every trip, I’ve taken 6 different people on the various trips and made them all do it as well. They all agreed that it was a superb way to travel (even though they all balked at the idea at first)

   On a final note, most of us like to have a small bag for water, wifi, battery pack, etc when travelling around, I’ve seen those draws string bags work really well for people, they are also super compact. I personally take this with me [https://amzn.to/3gbaurj](https://amzn.to/3gbaurj)

   It’s comfortable, light, and I can stuff it into my Carry-On when I’m travelling between locations. (Russian nesting bags! >_>)

   # 3/16

   It seems like you are hitting quite a few things, might be a bit crammed (less enjoyable and less time to explore), but I can see the flow from east to west as you move from the market to Roppongi.

   # 3/17

   Tsukiji outer market and TeamLab aren’t that far apart, I would move Tsukiji to the morning of TeamLab [https://goo.gl/maps/2iPYtHvUfat7SLng8](https://goo.gl/maps/2iPYtHvUfat7SLng8)

   # 3/18

   You are only on your 3rd day at this point, normally I’m in Tokyo at the end of my trip, so I usually hit up this dive called Whoopigoldburger in Shibuya, if you are looking for some great burgers with the thickest bacon you’ve ever had on a burger, it’s worth the trip, a side of Tokyo not everyone sees.

   # 3/20, 3/21, and 3/22

   Is there anything in Saitama in particular that you were hoping to see? I’ve been to the Bonsai village, if you leave in breathe bonsai at home it’s worth checking out, some of them are just magnificent to see. Otherwise, this whole day could be moved to somewhere like Kyoto, where you currently only have 2 days.

   There are plenty of things to see in Ikebukuro, but that is something you could do the day you leave, there is plenty of Sakura viewings in Kyoto as well and considering you already would have been to Ueno, your time could be better spent in Kansai (hiking Yoshino-san for example).

   Finally, on travel, is there a reason you are flying instead of taking the shinkansen? My first guess would be cost (and that you won’t be using the JR Pass), To fly, you would have to go the airport, check luggage, go through security, fly, take a train, etc. Would end up being the same amount of time as going from Shinagawa to Kyoto Station after a morning at Ikebukuro.

   If you aren’t using the JR pass, you can purchase a Nozomi reserved ticket for $135 Reserved ($10 less for unreserved). This would get you from Shinagawa to Kyoto Station in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Much faster and less hassle than a plane.

   # Final Notes on Tokyo

   If you really don’t have anything specific you had to do in Saitama, I would cut it out for far better experiences around Kyoto

   # 3/23

   My personal opinion is that Kinkaku-ji isn’t worth it, but I understand that it can be a must see on people’s lists. If you do go, go very, very early. Otherwise, it’s just a never ending line that shuffles slowly through, really drags on the experience. It can take a lot longer if it’s very crowded. If you are there at 8:45 right before it opens you’ll probably be in and out in 45 min to an hour, and have plenty of time to explore the surrounding areas.

   Bike rentals are a great idea for Kyoto as the buses tend to get insanely crowded. The first time I went I bought a day bus pass and never used it. Just ended up walking everywhere because the buses never had room.

   # 3/24

   You are right that Higashiyama / Nineizaka is great without crowds, but Fushimi Inari is even better without crowds. I would do Fushimi Inari around or before sunrise, it is easily the best wayto experience it. Another is to go after dinner, start walking it at sunrise and don’t finish until after twilight. Bring a flashlight, but it’s a pretty cool hike that way too.

   # Notes on Kyoto

   I do feel that you are really missing out on a lot of stuff in Kyoto, especially since it’s Cherry Blossom time.

   Philosopher’s path is worth the walk, Maruyama park is also very worth it. As well as Gion, Tofukuji, and more. I would say you could replace some of your Tokyo “Explore parks (Hopefully I’ll catch sakura peak season in Tokyo)” time on the 3/21 day and move it here. That being said, based on when you are going, Tokyo might have a better chance at full bloom

   # 3/26

   For Nara you can absolutely rent a bike. It will allow you to explore further and take less time between stops. It isn’t required though. [http://nara-rent-a-cycle.com/en/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvvj5BRDkARIsAGD9vlJmXv5kSdREA-atXIyrcfMZ80xTsUlstLtURm-ZLaDqsQBZoEHeAOIaArowEALw_wcB](http://nara-rent-a-cycle.com/en/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvvj5BRDkARIsAGD9vlJmXv5kSdREA-atXIyrcfMZ80xTsUlstLtURm-ZLaDqsQBZoEHeAOIaArowEALw_wcB)

   # 3/27

   Osaka Castle has good hanami views for the outside, and usually street food which is fun. I’m not sure about Den Den Town, as you are planning a day in Akiba, I don’t see a huge need for DenDenTown unless you have something really specific you wanted to see.

   There are certainly other things you can see, such as Shinsekai, More around Namba, Minoo Park, Sumiyoshi Taisha among a few things. Another option is to double down on Nara. If you take a day from Tokyo, you could do the following:

   |Date|Description|
   |:-|:-|
   |3/20|Ikebukuro + Travel to Kyoto|
   |3/21|Your 3/23 day with Kinkakuji, etc|
   |3/22|Your 3/24 day with Nineizaka, Fushimi Inari, etc|
   |3/23|Extra day in Kyoto for stuff you may have missed|
   |3/24|Go do Nara Park + Todaiji, and then travel to Yoshino towards the evening and check-in at a place on the mountain|
   |3/25|Hike Yoshinosan [https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4150.html](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4150.html) // It was a tough hike to the viewpoint at the top, but was fantastic, little towns on the way up, snacks, treats and sakura everywhere|
   |3/26|Trip back to Osaka in the early morning Spend the rest of the day doing Osaka Castle and Den Den Town (Dotonbori in the evening)|
   |3/27|Universal Studios|
   |3/28|Morning Osaka Exploration + Flight home|

   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   Overall it looks like a good trip you’ve got planned, hopefully at least one thing I’ve mentioned was useful!

5. I’ve used JapanTaxi before. As always, taxis in Japan are expensive in general, but while there, it works a lot like uber, you pin your location, they send a taxi company to pick you up, and you can see where they are on the map etc.

   Just make sure you setup the app before yougo so they can validate your payment method etc

6. >3/16

   Tsukiji Market proper doesn’t even exist anymore. Apparently some of the restaurants and outer market stalls are still there, but the vast majority of the attraction is gone. Ginza is mostly just high-end shopping and dining, so you might find it boring if you don’t have very deep pockets. Tokyo Tower itself is not worth going into IMO. If you want an Amazing view of the city, Roppongi Hills is way better. Roppongi has some interesting skyscrapers, but it’s fairly unpleasant after dark when the touts come out (don’t talk to them).

   >3/17

   This day is pretty light and you might be able to fit more in unless you’re planning to do tons of shopping in Akihabara. In Odaiba I would do whatever you really want to do there and get out–it’s not a very interesting district to wander and explore.

   >3/18

   Depending on what you intend to do in these areas, this could be a very full day. I highly recommend walking from Shinjuku through Meiji-jingu to Harajuku and then to Shibuya (or the reverse).

   >3/19

   Depending on what specifically your plans are around Asakusa and Ueno, you might be able to fit Akihabara in here too. I highly recommend doing Ameyayokocho as well–great place to get lunch.

   >3/20

   What exactly are you going to Saitama to do? I’m not saying there’s nothing to do there, but people in Tokyo literally joke about how boring it is. Unless you have a very, very specific reason to go there, I would cut this day entirely and give it to Kansai.

   >3/21

   I wouldn’t count on catching peak blossoms in Tokyo this early. Cherry blossoms generally peak around the last week of March or the first week of April.

   This day is very sparse as is and needs filling out.

   >3/22

   This day is mostly wasted. Leave earlier and do something with your afternoon–and don’t fly. Even if you get a really good deal on a flight, the amount of time and money you’ll spend just getting to and from airports will make any savings negligible. If you take the Shinkansen you can leave whenever you want, you’ll have less stress, and you won’t waste an entire day.

   If you cut a day (or more) from Tokyo (as I’ve recommended) and leave a day earlier, you could easily go to Kobo-san at Toji on the afternoon of the 21st, which would be a fantastic way to spend the afternoon.

   >3/23

   Steal at least 1 day from Tokyo and give it to Kyoto. I usually recommend 3 full days as a bare minimum just for the highlights, and I wouldn’t even necessarily include things like Kinkaku-ji on that list. See also: [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/5wgxa1/best_way_to_group_these_sites_in_kyoto/dea059y/?context=3) for my advice about arranging sights in Kyoto. I would also consider moving Kyoto to the end of your trip simply because the cherry blossoms will be more likely to be peaking later in the month.

   Kinkaku-ji itself takes maybe 30-45 minutes once you get there, but it’s somewhat out of the way and there’s a lot of stuff around it that could take much longer. Incidentally, Kitanotenmangu is one of those things and the 25th is Tenjin-san, which I highly, highly recommend.

   Given the time of year that you’ll be there, there should be special night openings/illuminations at some of the major sights throughout the city, including Kodai-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo Castle. Evening hanami in Maruyama Park will also likely be kicking off towards the last few days of your trip as well.

   >Bike prices and recommendations are welcome 🙂

   My favorite are of Kyoto to bike around is northern Higashiyama (e.g., something like the Imperial Palace–>Demachi Masugata Shotengai–>Shimogamo–>Ginkaku-ji–>Philosopher’s Path–Nanzen-ji–>Heian Jingu), but the city in general is fantastic for cycling. I don’t really have a specific rental shop to recommend, but there are dozens of rental places throughout the city and some hostels and hotels even have them available for guests.

   >3/24

   Fushimi Inari is open 24 hours and I strongly recommend going either an hour or so before dawn or 1-2 hours before sunset. Doing either of these things will allow you to see the shrine both during the day and illuminated at night while also allowing you to avoid the midday crowds (especially in the morning).

   >3/25

   Again, I would do Tenjin-san here, along with other things in Kyoto. You can move USJ to another day if it’s that important to you (though I would generally prioritize things like Himeji or more time in Kyoto higher).

   >3/26

   You could rent bikes for Nara, but in the Nara Park area there are a lot of pedestrians and deer, not to mention stairs, so if you’re just doing that area, I might not. Be sure to add Nigatsu-do and Kasuga-taisha at the least.

   >3/27

   I highly recommend starting at Osaka Castle in the early morning and then going to Kuromon Market for brunch/lunch, walking through DenDen Town afterwards to Shinsekai (absolutely a must-do for any first visit to Osaka), and then taking the train Dotonbori/Namba for the evening. If you have extra time in Osaka, you should consider adding Umeda and/or Tenjinbashisuji. Osaka is a city the size of New York, so there’s no real way to cover it in what basically amounts to 1 full day, but those are some of the highlights.

   >Will 1 day be enough to cover main attractions in Nara?

   If you’re just doing the Nara Park area, yes. There is easily enough in Nara to fill multiple days if you had the time, but you really don’t.

   >Is there UBER service (or something similar) in Kyoto? Is it expensive?

   Kyoto is a city best seen on foot or bicycle as much as possible. I recommend picking a concentrated area each day and avoiding using transit as much as possible after you get there. In terms of transit options, there are several train companies and the subway that cover downtown, but many sights a fair distance away from train stations, so you’ll generally find yourself using either buses, taxis, or bicycles. There is a bus pass that will pay off if you ride the bus more than 3 times in one day (they’re sold on the busses, but sometimes the drivers run out), however the busses can get crowded and I much prefer cycling. If you’re traveling in a group, taxis can become very affordable too, and I would basically never use the bus if you’re traveling in a group of 3-4.

   >I am staying in a hotel that is not close by any train stations (only bus)

   Where?

7. I’d check if the schools are celebrating end of year at that time. USJ could be completely packed (Went in March last time and TDR was slammed). If it is, I’d definitely have fast pass in advance for the attractions you want to see!

8. I’d recommend DisneySea in Tokyo over Universal

9. Man, you are 10,000% going to love Osaka, it’s way beyond what you think it is. Its by far my favorite part of Japan!!!!!

10. Check out Arashiyama in Kyoto, so many cool places there. 😊

11. I am curious. Is there a reason why you are flying to Osaka and transfer train to Kyoto vs. train directly to Kyoto?

12. The walk from the station to Todai-ji isn’t long or arduous. There are buses that cover the main sites in a loop every few minutes. For me a half day in Nara was enough, but if you like hiking in the park you can stay the entire day.

    There’s a great Kaiseki restaurant near the station that serves a nice lunch. Reservations needed.

13. I was booked to go April 2020 but of course had to cancel. What gave you the confidence that US citizens will be allowed back in Japan by March? I’m trying to figure out when it’s safe to rebook.

14. J-cycle in Kyoto is a great rental place. I recommend getting the electric assist bike. You can ride all day long without getting tired. It’s the best!

15. A hidden gem that you won’t find anywhere: Yokohama Tanmachi. It’s a residential area in the center of Yokohama (1 stop from main station on Toyoko line). Has some amazing pubs and izakaya with super welcoming people (even for Japanese standards). Some pub owners speak decent English and if they don’t, they will translate their menu for you. Personal recommendations include Hachibei and Cool Running. I’ve spent the past year here and love this place like no other.

16. **Is there UBER service (or something similar) in Kyoto? Is it expensive?**

    Ubers are more expensive than Taxis. There are plenty of Taxis in Kyoto so you shouldn’t have a problem flagging them down. There are some apps like JapanTaxi and Didi but I haven’t tried them in Kyoto so can’t speak on the cost or service.

    I thought the bus system was very easy to get around and use in Kyoto. If you have a newer iPhone or Android phone that has wireless pay capabilities I would recommend using the Suica app in Apple Pay or Google Pay. Will come in handy at train stations, buses, and convenience stores. You would need some sort data plan. If you have an unlocked phone that works in Japan you can find prepaid sim cards at Yodobashi or Bic Camera stores.

    Otherwise you can also just pick up a Suica or Pasmo card are just about any train station, but they have a 500 Yen deposit for the physical card I believe.