Hi all! This is my first time planning an overseas trip on my own and first time in Japan. I planned this trip for myself and 5 friends, all in our late 20s. Flying out in..2 days. It will include lots of going to bed late and waking up at dawn to catch the train to maximize the day. Main focus is architecture, historic landmarks, tourist hotspots. My friends are also focused on food and anime related activities.
Thanks for reading.
Day 1: Tokyo
Arrive, check in at hostel at 4pm. Shower, nap, go out at night to Shinjuku. Walk around the Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocko.
Day 2: Head to Osaka
Take the train early to Osaka. Arrive around noon. Check out the Nanba Shrine, Dotonbori, and take a look at Nanba Parks. Visit Denden Town if time allows. Check into our rental whenever we’re allowed to (a ten minute walk away from Dotonbori so not too concerned)
Day 3: Day trip to Nara, more Osaka
Head out early to Nara. Check out Nara park and Mt. Wakakusa. Head back early afternoon. Stop at Horyu-ji Kondo on the way back to Osaka. Check out Osaka Castle (optional). Go to Umeda Sky Building or Abeno Harukas (which one is better?)
Day 4: Koyasan
Head out to Koyasan after breakfast. Check in to Temple and walk around Okunoin Cemetery down to Daimon Gate. Do a night tour of the cemetery.
Day 5: Kyoto
Stay in Koyasan for the morning ceremony and check out. Head to Kyoto. Here is where I need help. I have a massive list of things I want to do in Kyoto and could use some insight on what could be cut out. Hoping to get there early enough but definitely want to visit Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Sannezaka Ninezaka. Optional stuff for this day include Kiyomizu-deru Temple, Eikandi Zenrinji, and Ginkakuji Temple.
Day 6: Kyoto
Head out early to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visit the monkey park. Then go to Ryoan-ji Temple and (maybe walk to) Kinkaku-ji Temple. Visit Nitishiki market and walk towards the Samurai/ninja museum. Pontocho Park for dinner and late night walk to Yasaka-jinja Shrine. Walk back to our apartment. Optional stuff: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Heian-jingu Shrine.
Day 7: Tokyo
Head to Tokyo, Check out Akihabara District.
Day 8: Tokyo
Visit teamLab Plants in the morning. Explore Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya crossing.
Day 9: Flight out
Breakfast before flying out late afternoon.
I think the only part I’m concerned about is Kyoto. I fully expect to things not go as planned but Kyoto is the city I’m having a hard time compromising on. Thank you, again!
6 comments
For a first trip I would skip Koyasan and allocate that time to Kyoto and Tokyo. There is a lot to do in both those cities and having 2/3 days in each is really rushing it.
IMO skip team lab. It’s out of the way and not worth it. It’s just silly instagram bait. You can find the same crap in the US or elsewhere.
I thought Todai-ji was very worth doing in Nara.
We just had three days in Kyoto and it didn’t feel like enough, I’d skip koyasan and add a Kyoto night. One night in a place is tough without a good reason to be there.
Just hit the sites you want to see most in Kyoto. Kiyomizudera is very famous, but will also be crowded. Everyone will have their must-see list, but with two days, make sure you hit the stuff on the top of your list so you don’t regret missing it due to someone’s suggestion. On the plus side, it leaves you with plenty of stuff to see on another trip.
Very dense if you ask me. Nara was overrun but I was there during golden week so maybe I had a bad example. Didn’t go to Koyasan but I don’t think you’ve given yourself enough time in Osaka or Tokyo and if Kyoto is higher on your list that’s also a short time.
If your friends are food people 100% go to Ramen Nagi when you’re in Golden Gail. Very unique style all homemade that you won’t find elsewhere
You’re going to be jet lagged, even if you think you can overcome, it really isn’t easy. This is a lot for a one week trip.
On your first night, Omiode Yokocho and Golden Gan Gai are firstly tiny, and also quite inaccessible to non-japanese speakers. So, don’t plan to spend the evening there.
As to Kyoto, you’ll be able to go to Fushimi Inari, then Gion (including ninenzaka, sanenzaka and Kiyomizuderu) in a day. Then, maybe Potocho alley for the evening. Ginkakuji is a fair way northeast, and relatively isolated – tripping here will be an additional hour + from Gion. Kyoto is big, crowded, and shrines take time.
Both Osaka and Kyoto aquariums are stellar and worth visiting.
Your itinerary is very similar to mine. The only difference is I stretch it out over two more days.
I hope you post a report to tell how it goes!