Hi I’m planning a vacation to Japan for 12 days. The first week (25-30 Oct) in Osaka/Kyoto. The second week (31 Oct – 07 Nov) in Shinjuku/Tokyo. I plan to use the shinkansen and non-shinkansen trains as my main source of transportation. I’ll need a Suica card but not sure if I’ll need a JR Pass. I’d like to ask if my itinerary is feasible for 12 days.
Weds 25 Oct (Osaka)
-In afternoon arrive at Osaka Airport KIX
-Check into hotel in Osaka
-Walk around a little bit then rest off jet lag.
Thurs 26 Oct (Kyoto Day Trip)
-Morning ride train Osaka -> Kyoto
-See Fushimi Inari Taisha
-Visit Kyoto Manga Museum
-See Nanzen-ji Temple
-Walk around Gion District
-Visit Yasaka Shrine (at day and night)
-At night ride train back to Osaka
Fri 27 Oct (Kyoto/Osaka)
-Ride train from hotel to visit and walk around Arashiyama (Bamboo Forest)
-walk around Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
-Check/Explore out Kyoto Tower and Tokyo Station
-Afternoon ride back to Osaka
-Explore/walk around Dotonbori area (eating and drinking)
Sat 28 Oct (Osaka)
-Visit Namba Yasaka Jinja
-Visit Imamiya Ebisu Jinja
-Umeda Sky Building
-Explore/walk around Osaka and Dotonbori (eating and drinking)
Sun 29 Oct (Tottori)
-Ride train Osaka -> Tottori
-Walk around Tottori Sand Dunes
-Visit Horse Back Dunes
-Visit The Sand Mueseum
-Ride train back Tottori -> Osaka
-Explore/walk around Osaka and Dotonbori (eating and drinking)
Mon 30 Oct (Nara)
-Ride train to visit and walk around Nara Deer Park
-Explore Todai-ji Temple
-Ride train to visit and walk around Hoshi no Buranko (Maybe, depends if I have enough energy)
-Ride train back to Osaka
-Explore/walk around Osaka and Dotonbori (eating and drinking)
Tues 31 Oct (Osaka -> Shinjuku)
-Ride train to Shinjuku and check into Hotel in Shinjuku
-Wear costume and walk around Shinjuku and Shibuya
Weds 01 Nov (Tokyo/Yokohama)
-Ride train Shinjuku->Yokohama
-See and visit the Giant Gundam Statue at Gundam Factory Yokohama
-Ride train Yokohama->Tokyo
-See Gundam Unicorn statue and visit the Gundam Base Tokyo
-Explore/walk around Tokyo (eating and drinking)
-Ride train Tokyo->Shinjuku
Thurs/Fri 02-03 Nov (Tokyo)
-Ride train Shinjuku->Tokyo
-Explore Akihabara
-Explore arcades in Akihabara
-Visit Tokyo Tower
-Explore/walk around Tokyo (eating and drinking)
Sat 04 Nov (Shinjuku/Shibuya)
-Walk to and explore Yoyogi Park
-walk across and people around Shibuya Crossing
-Visit Shibuya Skytree
-Explore/walk around Shinjuku and Shibuya (eating and drinking)
Sun 05 Nov
-Ride train from hotel to visit Lake Kawaguchi
-Visit Narusawa Ice Cave
-Try an onsen (Still looking for a good one)
Mon 06 Nov (Shinjuku)
-Explore Shinjuku and get some souvenirs
Tues 07 Nov
-Fly back home
1 comment
If you’re spending 5 or 6 days in Tokyo, I recommend spending time in more than just 3 neighborhoods.