Hey guys, this is the first time I’ll be going to Japan. Going with my GF. Since this is my first time in Japan, pretty much most of my itinerary is super touristy stuff.
My main concern is, my plan might be a bit dense and I want to make sure everything is doable. Or if I have to make alternate planning. I am looking for any recommendations that would be nice for a first time visitor. **Greately appreciate any help.**
It’s a 8 day trip, starting May 25.
**Day 1:**
\- Flight arrives at 1:30pm in Tokyo
\- Checking in to Washington Akihabara Hotel. Hoping to clear the immigration, take the train to hotel and get checked in my 4pm.
\- Taxi to Imado Jinja Shrine
\- Take Train to Ameyoko Shopping street for some street food in the night.
**Day 2:**
\- Morning in Akihabara
\- Kanda Myojin Shrine
\- Evening in Shinjuku
\- Night in Kabukicho and the new Kabukicho tower
**Day 3:**
\- Meiji Shrine
\- Morning shopping in Harajuku
\- Evening Shopping in Shibuya
**Day 4:**
\- Wake up super early.
\- Booked bullet train at 7:15am to Kyoto
\- Check in to hotel which is right outside the Kyoto station.
\- Take taxi/public transport to Kiyomizu Dera Temple
\- Walk through Ninei Saka street
\- Visit Kodai Ji Temple
\- Walk through Maruyama Temple and Keage Incline
\- Visit Nansen-Ji Temple
\- If I still have the energy, walk to Ginkaku-ji Temple
**Day 5:**
\- Visit Fushimi Inari. I intend to climb the complete mountain.
\- Visit Nishiki Market
\- Visit Lion District in Evening
**Day 6:**
\- Take the train to Osaka
\- Visit Osaka Aquarium
\- Visit Kuromon Market
\- Check out Dotombori Bridge and its surrounding regions
**Day 7:**
\- Entire day for Universal Studios Osaka
**Day 8:**
\- Osaka Castle
\- Check out and head to the airport for flight back home.
5 comments
Depending on what time you plan to get to Fushimi Inari, and back down, you can always do a quick trip to Nara.
Are you not planning to go to Arashiyama ?
You may not be able to check into your hotels until after 1500, but many will accept and store your luggage. Depending on which airport that you are flying into your customs time can vary from under 1 hr to over 3.
Don’t underestimate jet lag like I did. You might think about scaling back day One to allow for rest time. Everything you have sounds great! Also book seats DEF on bullet train if you’re taking it to get great view of Mt. Fuji!
I think this is one of the first 7 day itinerary that I see as totally doable! Kudos to you for not filling in too much!
Just some minor tips: Shibuya Sky will be totally worth a visit as observation deck for Day 3. Time permitting, you should also explore Omeide Yokocho on Day 2.
Also Day 3, to fit in morning possibly visiting Starbucks Reserve which is one of thr largest Starbucks in the world!
I am a bit indifferent about Harajuku shopping. I heard what makes this street cool is long gone. What are you buying? Not sure if Uniqlo flagship store interest you more in Ginza or other shopping district.
> **Day 5:**
> Visit Fushimi Inari. I intend to climb the complete mountain.
I’d suggest getting there early if you want to have decent pacing and not deal with the ocean of human beings taking selfies. I think it takes me about a little over 2 hours to climb up (less if I’m hill running), don’t go too late/early or you might end up encountering boars (I haven’t seen any personally).
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Will say I clicked on your post initially thinking it was going to be another overloaded one week trip trying to tackle every single thing. But you’ve done well actually giving breathing space and keeping the micro on the day planning light.
Excited for your visits through the Kansai area, it’s my favorite place to be