Hello everyone,
I’ll be travelling to Japan for the first time early next year as part of my 3-week honeymoon to Korea and Japan. We’ll be spending around a week in Japan and I wanted to get your input on my current plans:
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*D1 \[Tokyo\]*
* Arriving at Narita at 9pm so there’s nothing to do that day besides check-in
*D2 \[Tokyo\]*
* Asakusa shrine
* Stroll through Akahabara Electronic Town and possibly shop
* Shibuya Sky (at sunset although I’m still debating whether Asakusa shrine is something I want to see at night – what is your opinion?)
*D3 \[Tokyo\]*
* Meiji shrine
* Takeshita street & Cat street
* Golden Gai
* Our hotel is located in Shinjuku so we want to explore this area at night
*D4 \[Kyoto\]*
* Ride Shinkansen to Kyoto
* Enjoy Kiyomizu-dera
* Hokan-ji pagoda and the surrounding area
*D5 \[Kyoto\]*
* Fushimi Inari shrine in the morning (I want to do the full hike)
* Philosopher’s path with Ginkaku-ji and other temples/shrines along the way
* Kiyamachi-dori area in the evening since our hotel is located there
* Debating whether we want to try to get a spot at Kichi Kichi Omurice – is the hype worth it?
*D6 \[Kyoto\]*
* Arashiyama bamboo forrest and monkey park
*D7 \[Osaka\]*
* Day trip to Osaka from Kyoto
* Umeba Sky castle
* Osaka castle
* Dotonbori area
*D8 \[Osaka\]*
* Leave for Seoul from Osaka in the morning
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I tried not to put too many activities in one day but e.g., D6 is still quite empty in my opinion. We’re purposely spending only 2 days in Tokyo and one more night in Kyoto since we probably will enjoy the vibe and sights in Kyoto more.
I’d appreciate any type of input on my itinerary, must-see sights/restaurants/shops, etc. We’re pretty much open to anything. I’d love to see Mt Fuji up close and do a daytrip, but I guess since we’re only there for a week there are other things to see first (especially since Kyoto is a place I wanted to explore for the longest time).
Thank you so much in advance.
4 comments
I highly recommend you check out TeamLab Planets when you’re in Tokyo.
D2: the shops that line Nakamise Street will be closed at night, the vibe will be more serene if that’s what you prefer. Most ppl will do Ueno and Akakusa on the same day, as they are nearby.
D3: seems rly light
D4: what time are you leaving Tokyo? Maybe visit the Imperial Palace near Tokyo Station before you take your train. Grab an ekiben at Tokyo Station to eat on the train.
D6: Arashiyama is a half-day and can be completed bf 2pm, esp if you depart your hotel early to beat the crowds. You might be able to carve out time in afternoon to do more stuff. Consider taking the 20min scenic ride on the Sagano railway to depart from Arashiyama and head back to Kyoto. This needs to be booked a month prior.
In Tokyo, you’ve “missed” Teamlab Planets, Ginza, Roppongi nightlife on the “usual” tourist circuit.
Overall, looks like a pretty chill trip. You can be more ambitious if you want to see more or keep this nice rhythm and get a chance to enjoy your new spouse’s company.
If at all possible try and give yourself more time in Japan, Im currently here for 17 days and it feels like I’m barley scratching the surface. Personally you need at least 3 days in Kyoto, 5 days if possible. Similar situation with Tokyo, if you’re any to try let explore the city stay for 4-6 days. If you have travelled all this way make it worth your time and add the few extra days.
If you are unable to add anymore time defiantly try and sworn the majority of your trip in Kyoto, it was an absolutely amazing city and I wish I had an extra day or two there.
>try to get a spot at Kichi Kichi Omurice – is the hype worth it?
If you really want to eat there best to try getting a spot every day you’re in Kyoto. You’ll probably have to line up for a while. Is it worth it? Well that’s up to you. Do you like eggs on rice?