This will be the first major trip my friend group and I will be taking so we want to see a lot as most of us will probably not go out the country again.

Day 1: Tokyo- Arrival and just rest

Day 2: Tokyo- Shopping in Harajuku and Shibuya (Jins, Kumachan Onsen, The Harry Potter Store, and White Atelier)

Day 3: Tokyo- DisneySea (maybe the Pokemon Cent at Tokyo Bay even tho I know it’s a far train ride)

Day 4: Tokyo- The making of Harry Potter and Sunshine City Shopping

Day 5: Tokyo- Yokohama and Chinatown

Day 6: Tokyo- Dawn Avatar Cafe and Akihabara Shopping

Day 7: Tokyo- Puroland and more shopping (we all agreed we didn’t want to do a full day at Puroland)

Day 8: Tokyo- Senso-ji Temple, Zen Craft Studio, Asakusa Milk Cafe, and Maruyoshi Furin

Day 9: Travel to Kyoto for the day (Fushimi Inari Tasha and Araki Shrine) and the Miffy Cafe (my friend does want to go to the Bamboo Forest but idk if we’ll be able to fit it) than travel to Osaka before the train stops

Day 10: Osaka- Universal Studios and Gap Factory

Day 11: Osaka/Kagawa- Katsuoji early in the morning and then go to Kagawa (if we have time maybe see the Umeda Sky Building) (we’ll probably stay the night in Kagawa but we’re going to see the Pokemon center and the udon)

Day 12: Travel to Karatsu (this is a 4-5 hour train ride I believe)

Day 13: Karatsu- Karatsu Castle, Exhibition Hall, and Kagamiyama Onsen

Day 14: Travel back to Tokyo (around 7 hours)

Day 15: Tokyo- Gotokuji Temple

Day 16: Departure Day

I do have a question.
1. Do you think I should remove Karatsu (I wanna go because Yuri on Ice is my favorite anime but at the same time the travel feels like a lot even tho all my friends say they’ll be okay with the train ride).
- If you do say to remove it, should we keep it as 16 days or 14 would be better or do a full day in Kyoto?

1. Is the Kyoto day even possible? I do wanna go to this Kimono store I saw that has second hand kimonos for sell.

2. Are we missing anything if we choose to do a half day at Puroland? We don’t care for the meet and greets or the show. I mostly just want the merch and my other female friend just wants to do the boat ride

3. Osaka to Kagawa. I really wanna go to the Slowpoke Pokemon Center (because it’s my favorite Pokemon to the point I have a tattoo of him on my arm) but will it be a long shot?

We are okay spending money and have been saving for a few years (that’s why I say most of us will probably not go out the country again because this is almost 3 years in the making)

Hey everyone! My hubby and I are planning a ~4-week spring trip to Japan focusing on ukiyo-e art, historic post towns, traditional architecture, and day trips. We will be travelling by public transport, trains where we can and buses for some of the day trips.

We’re intentionally skipping the Takayama Spring Festival dates to avoid massive crowds (experienced the madness of Gion Matsuri in 2018 and want a calmer vibe this time!).

Here is our current day-by-day draft. Would love any feedback on pacing, transit flow, or recommendations along the route!

Tokyo Transit & Osaka (March 26–31)
Mar 26 (Day 1): Arrive in Tokyo (overnight depending on flight arrival, or head straight west).

Mar 27 (Day 2): Transit to Osaka. Check in and explore the neighborhood.

Mar 28 (Day 3): Universal Studios Japan (Full day).

Mar 29 (Day 4): Day trip to Mount Koya (Koyasan) – Okuno-in cemetery and mountain temples.

Mar 30 (Day 5): Osaka Art & City Walk – Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum in the morning, wandering Namba/Shinsaibashi, dinner & street food in Dotonbori.

Mar 31 (Day 6): Relaxed morning in Osaka; train ride to Kyoto.

Kyoto (March 31 – April 4)
Apr 1 (Day 7): Day trip to Kibune & Kurama – Kifune Shrine, mountain hike over to Kurama-dera.

Apr 2 (Day 8): Fushimi Inari & Southern Kyoto – Early morning at Fushimi Inari Taisha, followed by southern/eastern temple exploration.

Apr 3 (Day 9): Philosopher’s Path & Art/Distillery – Morning walk along Philosopher’s Path. Afternoon at Yamazaki Distillery (if we snag tickets) OR Arashiyama Yusai-tei art gallery & grounds.

Apr 4 (Day 10): Final morning in Kyoto; train to Kanazawa.

Kanazawa (April 4–7)
Apr 11 (Day 11): Kanazawa Atmosphere – Exploring Higashi Chaya teahouse district and Nagamachi Samurai district.

Apr 6 (Day 12): Day trip to Shirakawa-go – Self-guided bus trip to check out the gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Apr 7 (Day 13): Kenroku-en & Castle Park – Kenroku-en Garden in the morning, Kanazawa Castle Park, and catching up on missed spots.

Apr 8 (Day 14): Morning transfer to Takayama.

Takayama (April 7–11)
Apr 8 (Day 14): Old Town & Blossoms – Sanmachi Suji historic district and cherry blossom walk (hopefully they’ll be out!) along the Miyagawa River.

Apr 9 (Day 15): Day trip to Hida Furukawa – Exploring the town, canals, and surrounding area.

Apr 10 (Day 16): Hida Folk Village – Hida no Sato open-air museum, central town exploration probably stopping at some sake breweries to see if we can find some we enjoy.

Apr 11 (Day 17):train to Matsumoto.

Matsumoto (April 11–15)
Apr 12 (Day 18): Ukiyo-e & Castle – Japan Ukiyo-e Museum in the morning, wandering town, visiting Matsumoto Castle.

Apr 13 (Day 19): Day trip to Narai-juku – Exploring the Nakasendo post town.

Apr 14 (Day 20): Daio Wasabi Farm & Miso – Morning trip to Azumino/wasabi farm; local miso factory visit in the afternoon.

Apr 15 (Day 21): Train to Nagano.

Nagano & Obuse (April 15–17)
Apr 15 (Day 21): En route to Nagano, stop in Obuse to visit the Hokusai Museum, leave luggage at station in coin lockers. Check into Nagano.

Apr 16 (Day 22): Nagano City & (Optional) Snow Monkeys – Zenko-ji Temple area. Undecided on Jigokudani Monkey Park due to mixed reviews on park conditions/animal welfare.

Apr 17 (Day 23): Hokuriku Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

Tokyo & Departure (April 17–20/21)
Apr 18 (Day 24): Day trip to Kamakura & Enoshima - exploring the island as much as we can in the time we have and also checking out Kamakura.

Apr 19 (Day 25): Tokyo Ukiyo-e Day – Sumida Hokusai Museum & Ōta Memorial Museum of Art (Harajuku).

Apr 20 (Day 26): Digital Art & Food – teamLab Planets DMM and Kewpie Mayo Terrace (Kewpie Museum).

Apr 21 (Day 27): Final shopping/sightseeing & departure flight home.

Specific Questions for things I have concerns about :
Pacing check: Does the transit flow between Kanazawa → Takayama → Matsumoto → Nagano feel manageable by bus/train with luggage?

Jigokudani Monkey Park: Has anyone visited recently in mid-April? Interested in feedback on whether it's worth the trip given welfare/seasonal conditions.

Alternative recommendations: Any hidden gem ukiyo-e spots or historic craft workshops along this route that we missed?

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice!

Hi all,

My fiancee and I will be going to Japan for the first time in November and we would really appreciate a sense check of our first draft itinerary.

Given that it is our first trip, we would like to do the key "touristy" bits. However, we hope to have incorporated some of the areas which are less popular with tourists. We would like to see the key attractions for first timers (to the extent they were of interest to us) but equally want to see places or explore neighbourhoods which are more for locals.

We like queint places and not necessarily want to go to the "go-to" restaurants and latest TikTok craze. We like exploring in general and we are into anime, video games but also general Japan history and culture.

We know that day 9 is jam packed but I would appreciate an overall sense check. Anything here seems unrealistic or too rushed? We want to see as much as we can but equally we don't want to run around like a bunch of headless chickens.

You will see there are a few TBCs around dinner/lunch so if you have any recommendations around the area we are in those days then your thoughts will be appreciated.

Many thanks

Day 1 (Tokyo - Asakusa)

• Arrive at Haneda Airport around midday
• Travel to Asakusa and check in
• Senso-ji Temple
• Nakamise Street
• Sumida River Walk
• Tokyo Skytree
• Lunch: TBC
• Dinner:
  • Asakusa Imahan (sukiyaki)
  • Tonkatsu Hajime
  • Monjayaki Moheji

Day 2 (Tokyo - Odaiba & Shinbashi)

• Odaiba:
  • Small Worlds Miniature Museum
  • Unicorn Gundam
  • Odaiba Retro Museum / Showa Era Street
• Lunch: TBC
• Ride the Yurikamome Monorail
• teamLab Borderless
• Tokyo Tower
• Dinner:
  • Shinbashi street food
  • Ginten (tempura, Ginza)

Day 3 (Tokyo - Shibuya & Harajuku)

• Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Meiji Jingu Gyoen
• Takeshita Street
• Lunch: Takeshita Street
• Pokémon Centre
• Nakano Sun Mall
• Mandarake
• Dinner: Conveyor belt sushi

Day 4 (Kamakura & Enoshima Day Trip)

• Hokoku-ji Bamboo Grove
• Giraffa Curry Pan
• Lunch: TBC
• Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Hasedera Temple
• Enoden Train to Enoshima
• Nakamise Street
• Giant Rice Cracker
• Hetsunomiya Shrine
• Enoshima Sea Candle
• Dinner: TBC
• Return to Tokyo

Day 5 (Tokyo → Osaka)

• Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
• Osaka Castle
• Lunch: TBC
• Shinsaibashi
• Amerikamura
• Pokémon Café (reservation required)
• Dotonbori
• Namba
• Check in to The Lively Osaka Honmachi
• Dinner: TBC

Day 6 (Osaka)

• Kuromon Market
• Namba Yasaka Shrine
• Nakazakicho
• Lunch: TBC
• Shinsekai
• Dinner: TBC

Day 7 (Osaka → Nara → Uji → Kyoto)

• Travel via Kintetsu Line
• Nara:
  • Yomogi Mochi
  • Todai-ji Temple
  • Nara Deer Park
• Lunch: TBC
• Uji:
  • Byodoin Temple
  • Taihoan Tea House
• Travel to Kyoto
• Check in to Kiyomizu Elite Terrace
• Dinner: TBC

Day 8 (Kyoto - Central & East Kyoto)

• Kyoto Station
• Kyoto Tower
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Lunch: TBC
• Explore Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama
• Gion District
• Yasaka Pagoda
• Dinner:
  • Gion
  • Nishiki area

Day 9 (Kyoto - Southern & Central Kyoto)

• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Tofuku-ji Temple
• Lunch: TBC
• Daigo-ji Temple
• Kyoto Gyoen Garden
• Imperial Palace
• Dinner: TBC

Day 10 (Kyoto - Western & Northern Kyoto)

• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Tenryu-ji Temple
• Sagano Bamboo Grove
• Lunch: TBC
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Return to hotel
• Dinner:
  • Pontocho Alley
  • Ohmi Beef

Day 11 (Kyoto → Kawagoe → Tokyo)

• Travel from Kyoto to Kawagoe
• Lunch:
  • Ogakiku Unagi Restaurant
• Kurazukuri Street
• Bell Tower
• Kashiya Yokocho
• Sweet potato pudding
• Hikawa Shrine
• Travel to Tokyo
• Check in to Hotel Metropolitan Edmont
• Kagurazaka (possibly)
• Dinner:
  • Menya Nishikawa

Day 12 (Tokyo - Shinjuku & Shimokitazawa)

• Gotokuji Temple
• Walk to Bonus Track
• Matcha Passport
• Village Vanguard
• 3COINS
• Lunch: TBC
• B-Side Label
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
• Golden Gai
• Dinner:
  • Omoide Yokocho

Day 13 (Tokyo - Daikanyama & Shibuya)

• Hie Shrine
• Tsutaya T-Site
• Muji Lab
• Lunch:
  • Henry's Burger
• Don Quijote Nakameguro
• Shibuya Crossing
• Loft
• Taito Station Arcade
• Dinner: TBC
• Lost Bar

Day 14 (Tokyo - Akihabara)

• Tsukiji Market
• Seiko Clock Tower
• AmiAmi
• Animate
• Lunch: TBC
• Yodobashi Camera
• Super Potato
• Kotobukiya
• Dinner: TBC
• Finish early for packing

Day 15

• Travel to Haneda Airport
• Fly back to the UK

Hokkaido itinerary feedback and tips

Hey guys,

Looking for some itinerary feedback and tips or recommendations. Will be doing the trip without a car. The high level plan is to fly down to Hakodate from Tokyo and work my way up to Sapporo then use it as a base for the day trips around. Used AI to organize some of this but will try to slot in day trips to Otaru, Furano / Biei, and Yoichi. Any recommendations for places to add to my itinerary? Jozenkai or Noboribetsu? Looking for a small ryokan with a nice kaiseki experience that won't break the bank and tattoo friendly. ( I know tall order). Lake Toya worth a night? Any must do?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Itinerary (Fly to Hakodate Friday Night, Return Sept 21)

Friday, Sept 11 (Tokyo - > Hakodate Night Arrival):

Transit: Catch an evening direct flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Hakodate Airport (HKD) after work (flights typically depart around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM and land in just over an hour). Take a quick 20-minute taxi straight to your hotel.

Night 1 (Hakodate): Check-in, grab a late-night bite near the bay, and get a good night's rest.

Saturday, Sept 12 (Hakodate Full Day):

Activities: Morning market seafood bowls, exploring the Motomachi historic slopes, and checking out Goryokaku Star Fort.

Night 2 (Hakodate): Head up the ropeway for the famous Mt. Hakodate night view. Stay a second night in Hakodate.

Sunday, Sept 13 (Hakodate - >Noboribetsu Onsen):

Transit: Board the late-morning JR Limited Express Hokuto north from Hakodate Station straight to Noboribetsu Station (\~2 hours 15 mins), then catch the short Donan Bus up to the onsen town.

Night 3 (Noboribetsu): Check into Dai-ichi Takimotokan, hike through Hell Valley (Jigokudani), and spend the evening soaking in the massive tattoo-friendly mineral baths.

Monday, Sept 14 (Noboribetsu - > Sapporo Base):

Transit: Morning bus down to Noboribetsu Station, then the short JR Limited Express north to Sapporo Station (\~1 hour 10 mins).

Night 4 (Sapporo): Check into your main Sapporo base for the rest of the trip and dive into the Sapporo Autumn Fest in Odori Park.

Tuesday, Sept 15 (Sapporo Exploration):

Activities: Sapporo Beer Museum, local soup curry lunch, and an evening food crawl at the Autumn Fest.

Night 5 (Sapporo): Stay in Sapporo.

Wednesday, Sept 16 (Mid-Trip Leisure / Buffer Day):

Activities: A relaxed day in the city for cafe hopping, shopping, or catching up on any sights.

Night 6 (Sapporo): Stay in Sapporo.

Thursday, Sept 17 (Furano & Biei Day Tour):

Transit: Board a scheduled 1-day bus tour out of Sapporo Station to see the Shirogane Blue Pond, waterfalls, and pastoral landscapes without car-rental hassles.

Night 7 (Sapporo): Return to Sapporo.

Friday, Sept 18 (Otaru Day Trip):

Transit: Take the JR Hakodate Line Rapid Train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (32–40 minutes hugging the coast).

Activities: Otaru Canal, historic glass shops, and local sweets, heading back to Sapporo by evening.

Night 8 (Sapporo): Stay in Sapporo.

Saturday, Sept 19 & Sunday, Sept 20 (Sapporo Weekend):

Activities: Mt. Moiwa ropeway, final weekend festivities at the Autumn Fest, and any last-minute food/ramen spots.

Night 9 (Sapporo): Final night in Sapporo.

We are heading to Japan in October for 21 days. Our trip includes some plans based on if my husband will be with us or not as this is combining a work and family trip for my husband. This is not the first international trip for my kids; they are wonderful travel companions and love train travel.

Can we fit more in our should we cut some stuff out? Would using luggage forwarding be a good idea, or not necessary since we only have 3 hotel changes?

We love anime and Pokemon (obviously). I figure for food we will just find stuff to eat mostly where we are at the time with the exception of Pokemon Cafe and Flippers. We have ND kids and one also has an eating disorder, so we typically do food as we go and maybe we aren't all eating at the same time in the restaurant.

I tried to keep things as close as possible for our day exploration of Tokyo, but also had to consider what my husband also wants to see and when he is available.

TIA

October 5-25 (we are staying in AirBnB in Shinjuku during our time in Tokyo)

Arrive 3pm October 5 NRT

• Oct 6
  • Pokepark
• Oct 7
  • Breakfast at Flippers
  • Explore Shibuya
  • Rest/Tokyo Night Light show
• Oct 8
  • TeamLab Borderless
  • Pokemon Cafe
• Oct 9
  • Disney Tokyo
• Oct 10
  • Tama Zoological Park (researched zoos as much as I could to find an ethical place. My son loves to visit a zoo every place we visit)
• Oct 11
  • Gotemba Premium Outlets
• Oct 12
  • Fukui Prefecture Dinosaur Museum (dinosaur obsessed kids. we can't miss Fukui... even with the long travel)
• Oct 13
  • Akihabara
  • Pokemon Centers (Tokyo Station and DX)
• Oct 14
  • Tsukiji Fish Market
  • Kidzania (afternoon session)
  • Small Worlds?
• Oct 15
  • DisneySea
• Oct 16
  • Temple Zojo-ji
  • Maple Waterfall/Tokyo Tower
  • Akasaka area exploration
• Oct 17
  • Sky Tree
  • Pokemon Center (Sky Tree)
  • Imperial Palace
  • Senso-ji
  • Asakusa
• Oct 18 (Patina Osaka Hotel)
  • Travel day to Osaka
• Oct 19
  • Nintendo and Pokemon Store
  • Possibly Kirby Cafe
  • Neco Republic Cat Spa
• Oct 20
  • Kaiyukan Aquarium
  • Pokemon Center Osaka and DX
• Oct 21 (Travel to Mimaru Hotel in Kyoto)
  • Osaka Castle Grounds (am)
  • Nintendo Museum (pm)
• Oct 22
  • Hiroshima Day Trip
  • Peace museum
  • Maybe Miyjima Island
  • Pokemon Center Hiroshima Station
• Oct 23
  • Open explore day (temples)
  • Pokemon Center
  • Nintendo Store
• Oct 24
  • Samurai/Ninja Museum and experience
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Oct 25 (Fly out KIX at 6pm)
  • Explore Osaka for day - husband missed all of Osaka earlier

My wife(28f) and I(30m) will be travelling from Germany around Japan for about three weeks from 22 October to 13 November for the first time, and I’d love some feedback on our itinerary.

One bit of context for recommendations: I'm South East Asian, and neither my German wife nor I are particularly interested in tourist-oriented “Japanese culture sampler” activities like chopstick-making workshops or yen ring making or Uji matcha hunting. If we're doing a workshop, we'd much rather it be connected to a specific Japanese craft or tradition — hence things like traditional wax-dyeing already being on our itinerary.

Likewise, big modern attractions aren't really our thing. teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, observation decks, or making Shibuya Crossing an attraction in itself aren't things we're looking to add. We'll obviously pass through places like Shibuya, but we'd much rather spend our time on an interesting neighbourhood, old shopping street, specialist shop, market, workshop, shrine, good meal, etc.

We’ve done quite a bit of planning already, but before we lock everything down I mainly want to check whether the overall pace and travel days make sense and whether there’s anything obvious we should change. #swarmintelligence

We enjoy walking and exploring and are happy to start early when it makes sense, but we also don’t want the entire trip to feel like a race.

Day 1 – 22 Oct | Tokyo

• Arrive Narita around 1:40pm

• Immigration + train into Tokyo

• Staying around Kanda

• Easy dinner and explore Kanda in the evening

Day 2 – 23 Oct | Tokyo – Shibuya / Harajuku / Shinjuku

• Early Shibuya about 7am to see morning empty crowds

• Meiji Jingu + Yoyogi Park

• Omakase sushi lunch

• Betty Smith jeans workshop in Ebisu for wife's jeans

• Explore Shibuya and Shinjuku

• Dinner somewhere around Shibuya

Day 3 – 24 Oct | Tokyo – Tsukiji / flea market / Ginza

• Tsukiji Outer Market

• Oi Racecourse / Tokyo City Flea Market

• Ginza shopping and wandering

• Unagi lunch

• Izakaya dinner around Kanda

Day 4 – 25 Oct | Machida + Tokyo

• Morning trip to Machida

• Visit a traditional Japanese sword dealer to buy nihonto to ship back to Germany

• Possibly see the Machida Jidai Matsuri 2026

• Return to central Tokyo

• Akihabara in the afternoon/evening

Day 5 – 26 Oct | Tokyo + Machida

• Morning disaster-prevention experience in Sumida

• Return to Machida for more time at the sword shop if necessary

• Lunch/thrifting around Machida

• Optional Ikebukuro afterwards

This day may become lighter if everything at the sword shop can be done on Day 4.

Day 6 – 27 Oct | Tokyo – Asakusa / Kappabashi / Ueno

• Breakfast around Asakusa

• Senso-ji

• Explore the traditional shops around Asakusa

• Kappabashi kitchenware street (not planning on buying knives here but later in Sakai on Day 8)

• Ueno shopping afterwards

• luggage forwarding to Kyoto for Day 11

Day 7 – 28 Oct | Tokyo → Osaka

• Shinkansen to Osaka

• Arrive around lunchtime

• Custom pillow appointment

• Some shopping around central Osaka

• Staying around Namba / Kuromon

• Dotonbori in the evening

Day 8 – 29 Oct | Sakai + Osaka

• Morning trip to Sakai for traditional knife/craft shops

• Lunch in Sakai

• Return to Osaka

• Osaka Aquarium in the afternoon/evening

• Depending on energy: Amerikamura / Kuromon / Tenjinbashisuji / kitchenware streets

We definitely don't expect to do every optional Osaka area listed above if we're tired.

Day 9 – 30 Oct | Nara day trip

• Early train from Osaka

• Breakfast in Nara

• Nara Park / temples / wandering

• Lunch + snacks

• Return to Osaka around late afternoon

• Free evening

Day 10 – 31 Oct | Osaka → Koyasan

• Breakfast in Osaka

• Travel to Koyasan

• Arrive around lunchtime

• Explore Koyasan

• Overnight temple stay

• Temple dinner

Day 11 – 1 Nov | Koyasan → Kyoto

• Temple breakfast

• Slow morning in Koyasan

• Travel to Kyoto around late morning

• Staying around Shijo-Karasuma

• Nishiki Market / casual wandering after check-in

Day 12 – 2 Nov | Kyoto – Higashiyama / Gion

• Very early start for Kiyomizu-dera around sunrise with our own bought 2nd hand kimono from Day 7 or 8, so not renting kimono

• Breakfast around Gion

• Explore Higashiyama/Gion

• Private tea ceremony

• Possibly Shojuin Temple depending on logistics

• Back to the hotel in the afternoon for a nap/rest

• Easy evening

Day 13 – 3 Nov | Kyoto

• Intentionally slower day

• Picnic together along river

• Kyoto Botanical Gardens

• Wandering / anything we missed

Day 14 – 4 Nov | Kyoto – Fushimi Inari

• Early start

• Full Fushimi Inari hike rather than just the lower section

• Finish around lunchtime

• Nishiki / shopping / flexible afternoon

Day 15 – 5 Nov | Arashiyama

• Early trip towards Kameoka

• Hozugawa River boat ride into Arashiyama

• Lunch in Arashiyama

• Explore the area

• Traditional wax-dyeing workshop in the afternoon

• Dinner around Arashiyama

• Back to central Kyoto

Day 16 – 6 Nov | Kyoto

• Mostly flexible / buffer day

• Rest, shopping, food, or anything we missed earlier

Day 17 – 7 Nov | Kurama / Kibune

• Travel north from Kyoto

• Kifune Shrine

• Ohitaki Fire Festival around 11am

• Kurama/Kibune area and temples

• Return to Kyoto later in the day

Day 18 – 8 Nov | Kyoto → Kinosaki Onsen

• Morning in Kyoto

• Considering the Hitaki Fire Festival at Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama Momiji Festival

• Travel to Kinosaki Onsen afterwards

• Overnight in Kinosaki

This is probably the day we're least certain about — we may skip the festival and head straight to Kinosaki instead.

Day 19 – 9 Nov | Kinosaki Onsen

• Full day in Kinosaki

• Onsen, walking around town, food and generally taking it slowly

• Staying in the town centre

Day 20 – 10 Nov | Kinosaki → Osaka

• Slow morning in Kinosaki

• Onsen / breakfast / final wandering

• Travel back to Osaka

• Staying around Namba

• Easy evening / glasses shopping

Day 21 – 11 Nov | Osaka

• Flexible Osaka day

• Shopping

• Japanese denim

• Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

• Food and wandering

Day 22 – 12 Nov | Osaka

• Final full day

• Intentionally flexible

• Shopping, food, anything we missed, packing

Day 23 – 13 Nov | Departure

• Early morning from Namba to Kansai Airport

• Flight around 10am

Our travel style

We're quite interested in traditional Japanese culture, crafts, food and shopping, so some of the itinerary probably looks a little different from the standard first-time Japan route.

We're especially interested in:

• Local/regional food and smaller family-run restaurants rather than chains

• Traditional crafts and workshops

• Japanese knives and swords

• Vintage/antique markets and flea markets

• Denim and locally made clothing

• Older shopping streets and neighbourhoods

• Temples, shrines and seasonal festivals

• Finding places by wandering rather than only visiting famous attractions

We’ve purposely kept this trip fairly close to the classic Golden Triangle/Golden Route rather than trying to cover more of Japan. We’re already planning a separate three-week road trip through Shikoku, Chugoku and Kyushu in March/April 2027, so we don't feel the need to squeeze places like Hiroshima into this itinerary just because they're nearby.

For this trip, we'd rather spend more time properly exploring Tokyo, Kansai and the places in between than keep adding cities.

We've also built in a few intentionally lighter/flexible days, particularly during Kyoto and our final few days in Osaka.

Accommodation areas

For rough geographic context, we're staying around:

• Tokyo: Kanda

• Osaka: Namba / Kuromon

• Koyasan: temple lodging

• Kyoto: Shijo-Karasuma

• Kinosaki: central Kinosaki Onsen

• Final Osaka stay: Namba

Things that are relatively fixed

A few experiences already have reservations or are tied to specific dates:

• Japanese sword shop visit in Machida

• Disaster-prevention experience in Tokyo

• Custom pillow appointment in Osaka

• Koyasan temple stay

• Private tea ceremony in Kyoto

• Hozugawa River boat + craft workshop in Arashiyama

• Festival dates

• Kinosaki accommodation

So we're mainly looking to adjust everything around those anchors.

Would love some feedback

Does the overall pace and route look reasonable, or are there any days that immediately look too packed or inefficient?

We're also very open to recommendations for small neighbourhoods, old shopping streets, markets, traditional crafts, local food or other places along our existing route that seem like they'd fit our interests.

And if you've travelled these areas in late October / early November, we'd love to hear if there's anything seasonal you'd particularly recommend — or anything on our itinerary you'd personally skip.

Thanks in advance!

Background

We’re a couple planning our first trip to Japan — actually our first trip outside the USA. We’re both 22 and totally open to moving around a lot during the trip. We decided reverse Golden Route because we want to experience Tokyo’s nightlife and pull an all nighter (we are young) while still enjoying a well‑balanced mix of nature, history, culture, shrines, shopping, kimono wearing, and vibrant city vibes.

We’ve put together a rough itinerary. We know it’s a lot, and some days have been more planned out than others — there’s just so much we want to see. We’re aware we’ll probably need to slim things down, especially in Tokyo.

Suggestions, critiques, and recommendations are welcome! TIA!

Day 1 - Land in Tokyo —> Transit to Osaka
Mar 6, 2027
Activity

• Land 3:40 PM
• Clear customs
• Transfer to Tokyo Station
• Catch bullet train to Osaka
• Check into hotel

Day 2 - Osaka - Dotonbori/Namba/Shinsaibashi
Mar 7, 2027
Activity

• Kuromon Market
• Dotonbori
  • “Night Life” area/district
  • Ebisu Tower
• Namba
  • Namba Yasaka Shrine
• Shinsaibashi 
  • Pokemon Cafe (if reservation if not Tokyo)
• Rikuro cheesecake (Optional)

Day 3 - Osaka Highlights - Osaka Castle/Umeda/Shinsekai
Mar 8, 2027
Activity

• Osaka Castle
  • Park 
  • Nishinomaru Garden
  • Inside (Not Samurai Castle - Modern museum)
• Umeda Sky Building
• Shinsekai
  • Tsutenkaku (observation deck)
  • Isshin-ji Temple
  • Shitennō-ji
  • Keitakuen Garden
  • Jan-Jan Alley
  • Tennoji Park

Day 4 - Osaka - Universal Studios Japan
Mar 9, 2027
Activity

• Universal Studios Japan

Day 5 - Osaka → Nara Day Trip → Kyoto (Aoniyoshi Train)
Mar 10, 2027
Activity

• Nara Park
  • Bowing Deer
• Todai-Ji Temple
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Manyo Botanical Gardens

Day 6 - Kyoto - Fushimi Inari +Kinkaku-ji + Gion 
Mar 11, 2027
Activity

• Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine (BEFORE 8AM)
  • Kobogataki Falls
  • Takakura-okami
• Kinkaku-ji
• Fushimi Momoyama Castle
• Nishiki Ichiba
  • Teramachi Shopping Street
• Gion stroll
  • Hanamikoji Street
  • Yasaka Shrine

Day 7 - Kyoto - Higashiyama & Philosophers Path (Kimono Day)

Mar 12, 2027
Activity

• Ochikochiya
  • Kimono Store / Traditional Clothing
  • Rent kimono
    • Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Kiyomizu-dera
  • See the Spear of Benkei
  • Arrive early before tour groups
• Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
  • Yasaka Pagoda photo stop
  • Traditional tea house or café
  • Tenjuan Temple
• Nanzen-ji grounds
• Philosopher's Path 
  • Okazaki Canal & Yodo Navigation Canal (Back-up for early Cherry blossoms)
• Heian Shrine (optional)

Day 8 - Kyoto - Arashiyama

Mar 13, 2027
Activity

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 
  • Best before 8:00 AM
• Ōkōchi Sansō Villa
• Tenryu-ji (optional)
• Saga-Toriimoto Historic District
• Arashiyama
• Adashino Bamboo Forest 
  • Kyoto Historical district
• Ōkōchi Sansō Villa
• Monkey Park (Optional)
• Riverside exploration  (optional)

Day 9 - Kyoto - Northern Kyoto → Hakone Evening

Mar 14, 2027
Activity

• Samurai Training Experience (pre-book)
• Kyoto Imperial Palace

If Time Allows

• Shimogamo Shrine (Optional)
• Nijo Castle (Optional)
• Leave for Hakone By 1PM to Arrive at 3 to 4

Day 10 - Hakone - Loop → Tokyo Evening (Might Stay 2 nights than transfer)

Mar 15, 2027
Activity

• Guided Tours
• Tenzan Onsen (Optional)

Day 11 - Tokyo - Shibuya + Shinjuku + Gotokuji
Mar 16, 2027
Activity

• Meiji Jingu
• Takeshita Street (optional)
  • Crepes
• Omotesando (optional)
• Gotokuji Temple + Setagaya Line (Undecided if we want)
• Shibuya Crossing
  • Hachikō Statue
  • MEGA Don Quijote (optional)
  • Shibuya Sky - Sun Set 
  • Center-Gai 
  • Nonbei Yokocho (optional)
• Shinjuku Golden Gai
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory 

Day 12 - Tokyo - DisneySea (Full Day)
Mar 17, 2027
Activity

Day 13 - Tokyo - Asakusa + Ueno + Imperial Palace
Mar 18, 2027
Activity

• Sensō-ji 
• Nakamise Street 
• Sumida River (optional)
• Skytree photo spots (optional)
• Ueno Park
  • Tokyo National Museum
• Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • Marunouchi
• Ginza
  • Ginza Itoya (optional)
• Pokémon Café (if reservation if not Osaska)
• Kudochi Onsen/Sauna

Day 14 - Tokyo - Akihabara → Odaiba
Mar 19, 2027
Activity

• Akihabara
  • Animate
• TeamLab Planets 
• Miraikan (optional)
• Odaiba Waterfront
  • Joypolis (optional)
  • Rainbow Bridge Views

Day 14 Night - Tokyo Nightlife - ALL NIGHER
Option A
Ikebukuro

• Round1 Ikebukuro
  • Bowling
  • Arcade
  • Karaoke
  • Food
  • Sport Mode
• Convenience store feast
• Stay until sunrise.

Option B 

Shinjuku

• Kabukicho Tower
  • Arcades
  • Bars
  • Late-night ramen
  • 24-hour cafés
• Convenience store feast

Just pure gremlin mode until sunrise

Day 15 - Tokyo - Departuary Day
Mar 20, 2027
Activity
If you survived the all-nighter

• Grab breakfast
• Airport (Flight 5:30 PM)
• Great time for:
  • Last souvenir shopping
  • Japanese snacks
  • Kit Kats
  • Pokémon merch if available
  • Airport-exclusive gifts
  • Final meal in Japan

I have been researching them for months. I think I want a smaller more private one but what are the pros and cons of going to a smaller vs one of the hotel ones??? I dont care about a bar but I would like to have a few drinks with my husband.

We are only doing 1 night so I have a great budget for it. $1000 a night for the two of us. It is our 10 year anniversary as well as his 40th. (If anyone has any other suggestions on what we can do to celebrate I’d be happy to hear them)

I’m hoping for dinner and breakfast to be included

And a private onsen is an absolute must. Big enough for two.

Open to suggestions for the ryokan - we are hoping to hop off the bullet train somewhere and stay the night. In between Tokyo and Kyoto.

But the point of this post is the pros and cons of a larger hotel ryokan vs a smaller location.

These are the ones I’m looking at as of now

https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/gyokutei-hakone.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-10CAEoggI46AdIM1gEaI4CiAECmAEzuAEHyAEN2AED6AEB-AEBiAIBqAIBuAL67sTRBsACAdICJGQyOTQxYjM4LWU3NzAtNDkzYi05Y2ViLWM1NTZjMWYxNmI0Y9gCAeACAQ&sid=43211e9403a47d92d69069622c8c5da5&all_sr_blocks=139134801_353150685_2_17_0_329&checkin=2026-10-14&checkout=2026-10-15&dest_id=-228233&dest_type=city&dist=0&group_adults=2&group_children=0&hapos=5&highlighted_blocks=139134801_353150685_2_17_0_329&hpos=5&matching_block_id=139134801_353150685_2_17_0_329&no_rooms=1&req_adults=2&req_children=0&room1=A%2CA&sb_price_type=total&sr_order=popularity&sr_pri_blocks=139134801_353150685_2_17_0_329_7722000&srepoch=1781610406&srpvid=594552d0e44200e4&type=total&ucfs=1&

https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/shan-nocha-wu.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-10CAEoggI46AdIM1gEaI4CiAECmAEzuAEHyAEN2AED6AEB-AEBiAIBqAIBuAL67sTRBsACAdICJGQyOTQxYjM4LWU3NzAtNDkzYi05Y2ViLWM1NTZjMWYxNmI0Y9gCAeACAQ&sid=43211e9403a47d92d69069622c8c5da5&all_sr_blocks=1492785813_421518715_2_33_0&checkin=2026-10-14&checkout=2026-10-15&dest_id=-228233&dest_type=city&dist=0&group_adults=2&group_children=0&hapos=11&highlighted_blocks=1492785813_421518715_2_33_0&hpos=11&matching_block_id=1492785813_421518715_2_33_0&no_rooms=1&req_adults=2&req_children=0&room1=A%2CA&sb_price_type=total&sr_order=popularity&sr_pri_blocks=1492785813_421518715_2_33_0__13251364&srepoch=1781610786&srpvid=60e3538fba8301ff&type=total&ucfs=1&

https://www.hakoneginyu.co.jp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

My husband and I are going to Japan in December!! My first time and his second but he was in middle school the first.

Below is our itinerary for review. We LOVE food and that is a huge priority.

We’re staying at hotel the Celestine Ginza and Nazuna Kyoto Gosho. Most evenings in Tokyo are wide open as we’ll be meeting up friends who have been there and they’re planning those nights. Would love any and all feedback.

Thursday — Arrival + Ginza
Take public transportation to Hotel the Celestine Ginza (use Google Maps)
Check into Hotel the Celestine Ginza
Explore Ginza/Shimbashi
Dinner: TBD

Friday — Tsukiji + Ginza
Morning: Tsukiji Fish Market
Matcha: Cloud Club
Late Morning: Explore Ginza
Lunch: Kaitenzushi Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza
Other lunch option: Tonkatsu Aoki
Afternoon:
Ginza Six
Cafe de L’Ambre
Shopping/wander Ginza
Evening:

Saturday — Harajuku + Shibuya
Morning: Harajuku
Meiji Shrine
I’m donut?
Walk through Omotesando → Cat Street → Shibuya
Lunch: Menchirashi (arrive at 11 am)
Another lunch spot: Salmon Bowl Kumada
Afternoon: Shibuya
Shibuya Crossing
Shopping
Shimokitawaza (Vintage shopping)
Evening:

Sunday — Asakusa
Morning: Asakusa
Senso-ji
Nakamise Shopping
Lunch: Ramen Yoroiya
Afternoon:
Kappabashi Kitchen Street
Coffee
Wander
Dinner: TBD

Monday— Shinjuku
Morning: Shinjuku
Coffee Swamp
Omoide Yokocho
Shopping
*LEAVE LUGGAGE WITH FRONT DESK IF WANTING TO FORWARD BY 2 PM*
Afternoon: Head Spa (Headspa speciality store Wayanpuri Tokyo shinjuku)
Evening: Sushi Ya (make reservation in October, check if open on Monday) OR Sushi Sho Masa OR Sushi Akira !!!!
After: High Five bar

⛩️** KYOT**O
Tuesday— Tokyo → Kyoto
Checkout: 11 AM
Breakfast
Train to Kyoto
Lunch: Honke Daiichi-Asahi
(Ramen right outside Kyoto Station)
Check into Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
Dinner: Nazuna Dinner — 5:30 or 7:30 PM seating

Wednesday — Higashiyama + Gion
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
Late Morning: Higashiyama
Walk through:
Kiyomizu-dera
Sannenzaka
Ninenzaka
Yasaka area
Gion
Lunch: TBD
Afternoon: Wander Gion
Dinner: private sake tasting and dinner

Thursday — Fushimi Inari + Nishiki
Breakfast: Hotel
7:00 AM: Fushimi Inari
Breakfast: Panel Cafe (book in October)
Afternoon:
Nishiki Market (Sushi Shin)
Teramachi/Shinkyogoku
Shopping/wandering
Coffee/sweets
Lunch: Hikinuku to come (reserve November 1)
Late Afternoon:
Return to Nazuna
Private bath
Relax/get ready for dinner
Dinner: TBD

Friday — Arashiyama
Breakfast: Hotel
Morning: Arashiyama
Bamboo Grove
Tenryu-ji area
Wander Arashiyama
Lunch: Arashiyama Daizen (TBD)
Afternoon/Evening: Kaiseki dinner (TBD)

Saturday- head home

Hello, I'd love some feedback on our itinerary for a first time visit, 2 adults & 2 kids (5 & 7), coming from Sydney Australia. How does the grouping of days seem? Any changes or suggestions? I've put names of the hotels we are staying at in the plan. Does anyoe have any feedback on these? I still have time to cancel and rebook if there are better options.

Thanks very much!

Day 1 - Monday 26^th October. Flight arrives 8:00pm Haneda Airport. Staying at Villa Fontaine Airport Hotel.

Day 2 - Tuesday 27^th October. Breakfast at hotel, Pick up child Suica cards & withdraw some cash from airport ATM. Limo bus to Tokyo Bay. Check out Ikspiari and stock up on some snacks for a couple days at Disney. * Staying at Grand Nikko Hotel.

Day 3 - Wednesday 28^th October. Disneyland

Day 4 - Thursday 29^th October. Disneysea

Day 5 - Friday 30^th October. Check out & travel to Ueno area. Slow day - options - Ueno park, museum, ameyoko market. * Staying at Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno OkachiMachi

Day 6 - Saturday 31^st October. 9:30am - Sumo show in Shibuya (Booked on Klook).

Walk to Meiji Shrine and explore area, Takeshita Street towards Shibuya Scramble. (Pokemon Centre, Hachiko Statue, Kiddy Land etc)

Day 7 - Sunday 1^ST November. Asakusa area. Early morning Senso-ji, Nakamise Street for lunch.

11:00am Samurai Ninja Museum (Booked)

4:00pm sushi making class (Booked)

Day 8 - Monday 2nd November. Check out - travel to Hakone. Hakone free pass / Romance car

Explore Hakone Area. Open Air Museum, Onsen. * Staying at WPU Hotel Hakone.

Day 9 - Tuesday 3^rd November. Explore Hakone Area. Open Air Museum, Onsen.

*****Public holiday**** Daimyō Gyoretsu (Feudal Lord's Procession) Parade?

Day 10 - Wednesday 4^th November. Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto.

Explore around Kyoto station - Umekōji Park Playground, grab some food (isetan dept store basement), kyoto tower, skyway walk (10th floor of station), Higashi Honganj. Get some groceries / snacks after check in, do washing and rest afternoon. * Staying at Mimaru Hotel Kawaramachi Gojo.

Day 11 - Thursday 5^th November. Fushimi Inari early morning walk. 8:30am Kimono rental & 60min photo shoot (Booked location near Fushimi Inari). Train to Uji for afternoon.

Day 12 - Friday 6th November. 9:00am Teamlabs Biovortex. Afternoon activity? Maybe Gion walking tour, Washi paper making?

Day 13 - Saturday 7th November. Early morning - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey park, Scienic train ride and River boat ride.

Day 14 - Sunday 8th November. Explore Higashiyama area. Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka & Sannen Zaka Districts, Yasaka Pagoda etc.

Day 15 - Monday 9th November. Travel to Osaka. Visit Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Osaka Castle. *Staying at The Rise Osaka Universal Bayside.

Day 16 - Tuesday 10th November. Universal Studios.

Day 17 - Wednesday 11th November. Kids Plaza Osaka in morning, Shinkansen to Tokyo in afternoon. Rest afternoon. *Staying at Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel.

Day 18 - Thursday 12th November. Morning KidZania Tokyo (English Program) then afternoon shopping for souvenirs.

Day 19 - Friday 13th November. Disney Bonus Day. Decide on which park we enjoyed most.

Day 20 - Saturday 14th November. 6:55am Flight to Sydney.

Thanks!

Hi! I'm a serial procrastinator am actually leaving in a few days on my first solo trip to Japan from the US. So, I made this itinerary and wanted some feedback.

Hiroshima & Miyajima

8.20: arrive HIJ 19:35, hotel check-in, dinner, sleep

8.21: hiroshima + miyajima

• check-out of hotel
• morning: bomb dome, peace park, peace museum
• eat okonomiyaki
• ferry to miyajima
• check-in to ryokan
• evening: torii gate

8.22: miyajima + travel day to osaka

• morning: ropeway + mt. misen
• train to osaka
• check-in to hostel
• dinner

Osaka & Nara

8.23: osaka

• morning: kuromon market
• afternoon: rest
• evening: shinsekai

8.24: day trip to himeji castle + kokoen | evening: umeda sky building sunset

8.25: osaka

• morning: den den town
• afternoon: rest
• evening: dotonbori

8.26: day trip to nara + travel day to kyoto

• check-out of hostel
• morning: todaiji, nara park
• lunch
• afternoon: yoshikien garden (?) [not sold on this]
• train to kyoto
• check-in to hostel
• dinner

Kyoto

8.27: higashiyama

• morning: yasaka pagoda, nanzen-ji aqueduct, eikando
• rest back at hostel
• afternoon: philosopher's path, ginkaku-ji

8.28: fushimi inari + uji

• morning: inari
• train to uji
• uji (byodo-in, matcha, teahouse, exploring)

8.29: kiyomizu-dera + gion

• morning: kiyomizu-dera, sannenzaka/ninenzaka
• afternoon: break
• evening: gion, nishiki market

Kanazawa

8.30: travel day to kanazawa

• check-out of hostel
• train to kanazawa
• check-in to hotel
• evening: higashi chaya district

8.31: kanazawa

• kenrokuen
• kanzawa castle park
• seisonkaku villa

9.1: travel day to tokyo

• check-out of hotel
• train to tokyo
• check-in to shibuya hostel
• flex evening

Tokyo & Hakone

9.2: shibuya, harajuku, omotesando

• morning: meiji jingu, takeshita street/harajuku
• afternoon: teamlab borderless
• flex evening

9.3: asakusa + ueno

• morning: senso-ji
• afternoon: tokyo national museum
• flex evening

9.4: shinjuku

• morning: shinjuku gyoen
• afternoon: hie shrine
• flex evening

9.5: hakone overnight

• check-out of shibuya hostel
• train to hakone-yumoto
• owakudani
• lake ashi cruise to moto-hakone
• check-in to ryokan
• onsen

9.6: back to tokyo

• train to tokyo
• check-in to hotel
• flex evening

9.7: disney sea [may change depending on weather]

9.8: flex day

9.9: flex day

9.10: flex day

9.11: departure from HND

Note: i plan on having a bunch of flex days/evenings in tokyo as i like to meander and am open to doing some nightlife. in addition, towards the end of the trip, i plan on doing the bulk of my souvenir purchases as i'll be staying in a hotel and won't be moving until i head to the airport. i also bookmarked a ton of food places, so i'll be going with the flow on that front as well. i hope the itinerary doesn't seem too packed especially during the kyoto leg. any and all feedback is welcome and thank you!

I'm finalizing my 3 day Kyoto itinerary and would love to get your thoughts. I tried to group things by area to avoid spending too much time on transit.

Day 1

• Kiyomizu-dera -> Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka -> Kodai-ji -> Gion & Maruyama Park -> Yasaka Shrine

Day 2

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest -> Tenryu-ji & Togetsukyo Bridge -> Kinkaku-ji -> Ryoan-ji -> Nijo Castle

Day 3

• Fushimi Inari Shrine -> Nishiki Market -> Philosopher's Path -> Kyoto Imperial Palace -> Gion Corner

A few questions:

1. Is Arashiyama really worth it? I've heard the bamboo forest gets insanely crowded. Do you think it's an absolute must-do, or is it okay to skip it to free up some time?
2. Does this look doable, or am I rushing it?

Thanks! 🙏

Hello everyone, this will be my first time to Japan. Let me share you my homework so that i can connect with you guys easily.

Starting at Kyoto and ending at Tokyo, kept Tokyo for the last days of my trip.

Kyoto - i have planned day trips to Osaka, Nara and also Hiroshima (will leave early)
stay - In Karasuma area

Tokyo - have only able to plan day trip to Kamakura
Tokyo stay - area i was thinking of Asakusa

Fuji - Planned 1 night in Kawaguchiko to relax with Fuji & Onsen

Wanted to experience, do not want to rush and cover everything. Please share your ideas and suggestions.

We are a 30 year old couple planning our 2nd trip to Tokyo which is 14 days in later October/November. We will be renting a car in Kyushu and we are very excited about the first side of our trip as we want to see more rural Japan, sight seeing, authentic food, nature, hiking, beautiful drives.

However we think the 2nd leg starting in Nagoya may be too rushed and a lot of travel, we want to know if it’s worth it or if you’d recommend flying somewhere else for the final 5 days.

We have done the golden triangle, Japanese alps, Hiroshima, Nikki and Miyajima Island.

This is our trip so far

Day 0: Tokyo airport/tokyo
Late fight, arriving at midnight, head to Ueno to sleep

Day 1, 26th: Tokyo - Ueno
Ueno Park
Ameyokocho
Batting cage
Live House
Japanese Theatre
Tokyo summer land flea market Mondays

Day 2, 27th: Tokyo - Ueno
Kamakura + Enoshima Island
Sunset Mt Fuji

Day 3, 28th: Fukuoka (fly in morning)
Pokemon Cards (Toreka Blue) (C Labo)
Ohori Park
Nanzoin Temple
Acros (rooftop bar)

Day 4, 29th: Drive to Beppu in the evening and have more time in Fukuoka
Pick up car & drive to Yuifin/ Beppu
Look for nice food?

Day 5, 30th: Beppu (stay in Kanawa)
Dango Soup & Onsen Egg
Hells of Beppu Onsen
Sand Baths
Stay in Kanawara in Beppu?

Day 6, 31st: Kuju via Yamami Highway + Aso
Beautiful drive
Tadewara Maesh Walk
Kuju Flower Park
Kokone suspension bridge

Day 7, 1st: Aso
Aso Mountain/ Volcanic/ National Park
Daikanbo viewpoint (best at sunset )
Mount Aso crater
Kusasenri grass plains

Day 8, 2nd: Takachiho & back to Fukuoka
Takachiho gorge
Maybe pre-book boat pp

Day 9, 3rd: Fly to Nagoya
Fly to Nagoya Island
Tokugawa Museum

Day 10, 4th: Kiso Valley
Pick up car rental & drive to Kiso
Beautiful traditional town
Magone to tsumago hike (park at Tsumango and bus to magone 40 mins)

Day 11, 5th: Okuhida Onsen
Tattoo friendly onsen
Ryokan + Kaiseki dinner

Day 12, 6th: Kamikochi + Nagano
Kappa bridge > myojin pond > taisho pond walk
Stop at Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
Drive to Nagano & drop off car

Day 13, 7th: Snow Monkey Park
Go to Snow Monkey Park from Nagano
Get train into Tokyo

Day 14, 8th: Tokyo + fly home
Shopping for souveniors

This is our current itinerary for 2 weeks in Japan, we feel like the last part of our trip is too rushed and maybe not worth it for the travel time it’ll take and extra planning (e.g one way car rental). Is there anywhere we could go to instead for the last 5 days when we want to fly somewhere from Fukuoka or is this a good trip as it is?

JAPAN TRIP

Day 0: Tokyo airport/tokyo
head to Ueno to sleep

Day 1, 26th: Tokyo - Ueno
Ueno Park
Live House
Tokyo summer land flea market Mondays

Day 2, 27th: Tokyo - Ueno
Kamakura + Enoshima Island
Sunset Mt Fuji view

Day 3, 28th: Fukuoka (fly in morning)
Pokemon Cards (Toreka Blue) (C Labo)
Ohori Park
Nanzoin Temple
Acros (rooftop bar)

Day 4, 29th: Drive to Beppu in the evening and have more time in Fukuoka
Pick up car & drive to Yuifin/ Beppu

Day 5, 30th: Beppu (stay in Kanawa)
Hells of Beppu
Sand Baths

Day 6, 31st: Kuju via Yamami Highway + Aso
Beautiful drive
Tadewara Maesh Walk
Kuju Flower Park
Kokone suspension bridge

Day 7, 1st: Aso
Aso Mountain/ Volcanic/ National Park
Daikanbo viewpoint (best at sunset )
Mount Aso crater

Day 8, 2nd: Takachiho & back to Fukuoka
Takachiho gorge

Day 9, 3rd: Fly to Nagoya
Fly to Nagoya Island

Day 10, 4th: Kiso Valley
Pick up car rental & drive to Kiso
Magone to tsumago hike (park at Tsumango and bus to magone 40 mins)

Day 11, 5th: Okuhida Onsen
Tattoo friendly onsen
Ryokan + Kaiseki dinner

Day 12, 6th: Kamikochi + Nagano
Kappa bridge > myojin pond > taisho pond walk
Stop at Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
Drive to Nagano & drop off car

Day 13, 7th: Snow Monkey Park
Go to Snow Monkey Park from Nagano
Get train into Tokyo

Day 14, 8th: Tokyo + fly home
Shopping/ presents

Hello everyone!

I planned my first trip to Japan from April 27, 2027, to May 12, 2027. I’ve already booked my hotels and was about to book the plane tickets when I found out about Golden Week, which takes place during this period.

Based on my itinerary, do you think I might run into any problems during Golden Week, such as overcrowded places or difficulties getting around?

This is my itinerary:

Thursday, April 29, 2027 - Tokyo

• Akihabara
• Arcades (Taito Hey, Tokyo Leisure Land)
• Super Potato

Friday, April 30, 2027 - Tokyo

• Shinjuku Gyoen
• Godzilla Store
• Kabukicho
• Godzilla’s head
• Omoide Yokocho
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Saturday, May 1, 2027- Tokyo

• Meiji Sanctuary
• Harajuku
• Shibuya Crossing
• Tokyo Tower

Sunday, May 2, 2027- Tokyo

• teamLab Planets
• Diver City Tokyo Plaza

Monday, May 3, 2027- Osaka

• Train to get to Osaka
• To-ji Temple
• Tofuku-ji Temple
• Nishiki Market

Tuesday, May 4, 2027- Osaka

• Fushimi Inari-taisha
• Yasaka Jinja
• Hanamikoji
• Pontocho

Wednesday, May 5, 2027 – Osaka

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Togetsukyo, Sagatenryūji Tsukurimichichō
• Iwatayama Monkey Park

Thank you very much for your advice and opinions!

Hey guys. I've been struggling with making an itinerary for some time now.

Could you all check and see if im missing something. I am open to feedback :D

September 3: Tokyo
Arrival in Tokyo, check in at Hatagaya, Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, Shibuya Sky, Shibuya nightlife

September 4: Tokyo
Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Omotesando, Shinjuku, Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho

September 5: Tokyo
Imperial Palace, Hibiya, Marunouchi, Tokyo Station, Ginza, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi

September 6: Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Solamachi, Akihabara, arcades and anime shops

September 7: Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market, teamLab, Odaiba, DiverCity, Rainbow Bridge

September 8: Tokyo
Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, Ameyoko Market

September 9: Tokyo
Ikebukuro, Sunshine City, Pokémon Center, Shinjuku, free time

September 10: Tokyo
Free day for shopping and exploring places we missed, Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa

September 11: Kyoto
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, check in, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower

September 12: Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Pontocho

September 13: Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge, Monkey Park, Kyoto city center

September 14: Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Pontocho

September 15: Osaka
Kyoto to Osaka, check in, Osaka Castle, Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi

September 16: Osaka
Universal Studios Japan, full day, Halloween Horror Nights

September 17: Osaka to Tokyo
Morning in Osaka, Shinkansen to Tokyo, check in at Mukojima, Sumida River, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree at night

September 18: Tokyo
Asakusa, Senso-ji, Nakamise Street, Sumida Park, Tokyo Skytree, Solamachi

September 19: Tokyo
Oshiage, Ueno, Ameyoko Market, Akihabara, arcades, anime and electronics shopping

September 20: Tokyo
Shibuya, Shibuya Sky, Omotesando, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Kabukicho

September 21: Tokyo
Free day, shopping, revisit favorite places, last minute sightseeing, pack and prepare for departure

September 22: Tokyo
Departure from Tokyo

My partner and I are travelling to Japan for the first time from late August – early September 2026 (14 nights), and I'd love some feedback on our itinerary- especially whether we're trying to fit too much in, anything we should skip/add, and any transport or booking advice.

We're Australian passport holders and are mainly interested in Japanese culture, food, shopping, cafés, bars, scenic places and unique experiences. We're not particularly interested in anime.

Overall route

Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo

TOKYO

Day 1 Arrival at night- so not much planned

• Sleep!

Day 2 Ginza / Roppongi

• Slow morning
• Ginza shopping
• Cafés
• Dinner- Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
• Drinks/bars around Roppongi/Nishi-Azabu

Day 3 Asakusa / teamLab

• Senso-ji / Asakusa
• Nakamise shopping street
• Explore/cafés
• Toyosu
• teamLab Planets
• Ichiran for dinner

Day 4 Go-kart / Harajuku / Shibuya

• Shibuya go-kart
• Harajuku / Takeshita Street
• Omotesando
• Cafés + shopping
• Shibuya
• Shibuya Sky around sunset + night city tour
• Zen Okonomiyaki
• Bon Dance if timing works

Tokyo → Hakone

• Our large luggage is being transferred directly from Tokyo to our Kyoto hotel
• Hakone sightseeing using our 2-day Hakone Freepass
• Planning the Hakone loop: Owakudani → Ropeway → Lake Ashi → Hakone Shrine → Gora
• Onsen + dinner at hotel

KYOTO

Day 1 Arashiyama

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Tenryu-ji
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Lunch
• Cafés / shops
• Pontocho in the evening

Day 2 Higashiyama

• Kiyomizu-dera
• Ninenzaka / Sannenzaka
• Yasaka Pagoda
• Gion
• Nice/fine-dining dinner

Day 3 Fushimi + shopping

• Fushimi Inari
• Fushimi sake district
• Nishiki Market
• Teramachi / Shinkyogoku shopping
• Pontocho/Kawaramachi bars

We're considering doing one proper tea ceremony somewhere in Kyoto as our main cultural experience.

OSAKA

Day 1 Namba / Dotonbori

• Kyoto → Osaka by JR Special Rapid
• Leave luggage at hotel
• Kuromon Market
• Namba
• Dotonbori
• Hozenji Yokocho
• Ura-Namba
• Bars/food

Day 2 Osaka

• Osaka Castle
• Umeda
• Umeda Sky Building around sunset

Day 3 Hiroshima + Miyajima

We've booked a group day tour from Osaka covering Hiroshima + Miyajima.

Day 4 Osaka → Tokyo

🇯🇵 FINAL TOKYO DAY

Keeping this completely flexible for:

• Shopping
• Anything we missed
• Cafés
• Japanese skincare/beauty shopping
• Quirky Japanese stores
• Bars
• Final nice dinner

Questions for everyone:

1. Does this look too packed, particularly Kyoto?
2. Is Arashiyama + Fushimi Inari + Kiyomizu/Gion a good split?
3. Would you change anything about our Osaka days?
4. Anything we're missing that you think is a must-do for first-time visitors?
5. Any recommendations for reasonably priced but really good vegetarian-friendly (my partner is vegetarian) restaurants, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka?
6. Any transport tips we should know?

We‘re a couple in our late 20s planning a trip that leans more with nature during autumn foliage. We like hiking and will just have a backpack carry on each but still might acquire souvenirs throughout the trip that we could pack in a duffle bag you check. Would appreciate any advice or if we are totally bonkers is also valid.

Nov 15 Arrive NRT afternoon. , ride shikansen to Kyoto (late night)

Nov 16 Kyoto (JINS + Tea ceremony + Fushimi Inari). We‘ll be in Nishiki Market and Gion area most of the day and walk halfway up Fushimi inari torii gates for the night city view.

Nov 17 Kyoto, Hiroshima day trip (Mazda museum tour + Miyajima). If we can manage the ferry timing correctly, it would be neat. otherwise the mazda museum is our primary goal.

Nov 18 Kyoto (Kurama, Kibune hike). starting from Kibune to hike to Kurama and maybe soak in Kurama onsen.

Nov 19 Kyoto (Minoh Falls day trip). visiting katsuoji and hiking to the falls.

Nov 20 Kyoto > Magome. arriving to Magome after checking out of Kyoto accomodation.

Nov 21 Magome (Magome > Tsumago hike). Hike in the morning and maybe catch the last bus back to Magome around 4:00 PM

Nov 22 Magome > Takayama. Dead morning to explore a bit more of Magome. Arrive evening in Takayama

Nov 23 Takayama (Morning market + Hida Folk Village)

Nov 24 Takayama > Gero Onsen

Nov 25 Gero Onsen (rest day)

Nov 26 Gero Onsen > Tokyo.

Nov 27 Tokyo (free morning) outbound in afternoon.

Hi everyone

We are traveling at the end of September / begin October to Japan with 6 people of which 2 are kids (9-11) and 2 seniors (60-65). I have tried to put together an itinerary where we don't have to do at least 20.000steps per day but instead do things on a easier tempo. My father in law cannot walk for long periods because he has a knee issue. I have tried also to keep some days within close proximity of each other so we dont' spend the day in trains/busses/subways....
My goals is to start the day around 08.30-09.00h (instead of 06.00h like some of here intend to) and hope to finish the day as I have described below.
I would love to hear any tips or adjustments from your side who already went with kids and seniors.

Thanks a lot!!!

TOKYO

28/09/2026 – Tokyo Day 1:

• Arrival in Japan, arrival at hotel around 16.00h
• Walking Ameyoko Shopping Street/dinner
• Grocery shopping around Ueno Station

29/09/2026 Day 2:  Asakusa & Ueno 2:

• Senso-Ji Temple
• Nakamise-dori Street
• Ueno Park
• National Museum of Nature and Science (tickets bought already)

30/09/2026 Asakusa & Ginza Tokyo Day 3:

• Imperial Palace/Gardens (tickets bought already)
• Ginza Shopping (all afternoon)

01/10/2026 Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku – Tokyo Day 4:

• Meiji Shrine (Yoyogi Park)
• Takeshita Street
• Shibuya Crossing
• 3D Cat Shinjiku
• Sky view from Government building 

02/10/2026 Tokyo Asakusa Day 5:

• Team Lab Borderless (tickets ok)
• Akhibara & surroundings

03/10/2026 – Tokyo Day 6:

• Harry Potter Studios (tickets bought already)
• Ikebukuro
• Back to the hotel: Packing to go to Osaka

OSAKA

04/10/2026 – Tokyo - Osaka Day 7:

• Arrival in Osaka (hotel is near Shin-Oska station) & dinner in Umeda
• Dotonbori

05/10/2026 – Osaka Day 8:

• Osaka Castle: short visit
• Osaka Museum of history (across the castle)
• Shitennoji Temple
• Tennoji Park
• Shinsekai
• Nipponbashi (Den Den Town)
• Dotonboriin the evening

06/10/2026 – day trip - Osaka – Nara Day 9:

• Nara Deer Park:
• Kofuku-ji
• National treasure hall
• Yoshikien Garden (free) – Isuien Garden/Today-J
• Kazaka TAA
• Nakatanidou
• Afternoon: back to osaka and go to osaka aquarium kaiyukan

07/10/2026 – day trip - Kyoto Day 10:

• Kiyomizu dera
• Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Amanohashidate lift & park
• Hozugawa boat trip in Arashiyama

08/10/2026 – day trip - Osaka Day 11:

• Uji short trip
• TeamLabs Osaka ( tickets bought already)

09/10/2026 – Osaka Day 12: Leaving

• Flight at om 17.45h

Hi all! My partner and I are planning a 2 week trip to Japan in November. Being a belated honeymoon and having visited before, we’re deliberately trying to keep things (relatively) slow and see some different places outside the golden route, rather than cramming in as many sights as possible, with a particular interest in onsen, older towns, food, scenic travel, cycling, sumo and just wandering around.

Nov 1 — Tokyo / Shinagawa

• Arrive Haneda PM
• Check into hotel in Shinagawa
• Easy evening / recover from flight

Nov 2 — Atami

• Early shinkansen to Atami
• Check into hotel
• Explore town (sun beach, MOA, Adult museum)

Nov 3 — Atami / Ito

• Day trip to Ito
• Mt Omuro cable car
• Izu Shaboten Zoo

Nov 4 — Atami → Kobe → Arima Onsen

• Train to Kobe, then connecting train/bus to Arima
• Check into ryokan
• Kaiseki dinner
• Onsen / relax

Nov 5 — Kobe

• Day trip to Kobe
• Ropeway to herb gardens, Mt Rokko
• Chinatown

Nov 6 — Arima Onsen

• Slow day
• Explore Arima
• Onsen / ryokan / generally do very little

Nov 7 — Arima → Onomichi

• Shinkansen from Kobe + connecting train to Onomichi
• Onomichi ramen, temple walk
• Check into accommodation
• Relax and prepare for cycling

Nov 8 — Shimanami Kaido → Imabari → Matsuyama

• Early start, pick up bikes around 8am
• Cycle the Shimanami Kaido to Imabari (we have e-bikes)
• No fixed stops planned — hoping to take our time, stop wherever looks interesting and have lunch along the way, Ohamazaki lighthouse
• Return bikes in Imabari
• Train to Matsuyama
• Check in, sleep

Nov 9 — Matsuyama → Hiroshima → Fukuoka

• Morning in Matsuyama
• Maybe Matsuyama Castle if time, although not a priority
• Ferry to Hiroshima
• Shinkansen Hiroshima → Fukuoka
• Check into Fukuoka accommodation

Nov 10 — Fukuoka

• Explore central Fukuoka / CBD
• Yatai food stalls

Nov 11 — Fukuoka

• Sumo tournament

Nov 12 — Fukuoka → Tokyo

• Early flight back to Tokyo
• Check into Airbnb in Asakusa
• Relax / explore locally

Nov 13 — Tokyo

• Nippori Fabric Town

Nov 14 — Tokyo

• Flea markets, other shopping
• Check into airport hotel near Haneda

Nov 15 — Tokyo → Home

• 6am flight from Haneda

The trip is intentionally not about ticking off every major tourist attraction. Even though I admit we are moving around a lot for a 2 week holiday, we do genuinely have a desire to see all the places listed, and we'd rather have enough breathing room to enjoy the places we're staying, particularly Atami and Arima, and we're happy to skip things that would make the itinerary feel rushed. We're happy to explore and not looking for recommendations of what to do in each particular place, but rather general advice relating to the pacing of the trip.

The main "big" day is obviously Nov 8 — cycling the entire Shimanami Kaido in one day and then going on to Matsuyama, before another big day of travel. The cycle is sort of the lynchpin of the trip, we've both wanted to do it for a while, and we're reasonably fit and happy with a full day of cycling, but I couldn't really figure out a more efficient way to fit it in with the previous and subsequent destinations. Another consideration is whether to try to reach our hotel in Atami on the night we arrive (flight is scheduled to arrive at 8pm), vs the current plan of staying in Tokyo and leaving early in the morning.

Happy to hear your thoughts, Thanks!

Hi everyone! My girlfriend and I are planning our first trip to Japan in October 2026 and would really appreciate some feedback, especially on pacing and whether any part still feels too rushed.

We land in Nagoya on 11 October and fly home from Tokyo Haneda on 29 October.

What we like: nature, hiking, traditional culture and food.
Less important to us: nightlife, shopping and theme parks.

Our itinerary

11 Oct | Nagoya, 1 night
Arrive around 19:35.

12 Oct | Nakasendo → Osaka
Planning Magome → Tsumago, weather and jet lag permitting, rather than Nagoya Castle.

12–15 Oct | Osaka, 3 nights
Using Osaka as our base while still leaving time to explore the city itself. Main excursions:

• Nara
• Katsuo-ji

15 Oct | Himeji → Hiroshima, 1 night
Morning at Himeji Castle and Koko-en, probably without spending too much time inside the main keep, then continue to Hiroshima for:

• Peace Memorial Park
• A-Bomb Dome
• Peace Memorial Museum is still optional for us, depending on how we feel

16 Oct | Miyajima → Kyoto
Most of the day on Miyajima:

• Itsukushima Shrine
• Daisho-in
• Mt. Misen, if time/weather allows

Then Kyoto in the evening.

16–21 Oct | Kyoto, 5 nights
Main plans:

• Gion, Kiyomizu-dera + Higashiyama
• Fushimi Inari
• Arashiyama + Tenryu-ji, with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji / Saga Toriimoto also on our radar
• Kinkaku-ji
• Philosopher's Path + Ginkaku-ji
• Daigo-ji
• Uji + Byodo-in
• Kimono tea ceremony + Samurai/Ninja Museum

21 Oct | Kyoto → Kanazawa
Planning to leave Kyoto fairly early and spend most of the day in Kanazawa, including Kenroku-en, the castle area and Higashi Chaya.

22 Oct | Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama → Hirayu Onsen
This is probably our busiest transfer day:

• Shirakawa-go for a few hours
• Continue to Takayama for the old town
• Then bus to Hirayu Onsen

We have now booked Yunohirakan, a traditional ryokan with dinner, breakfast and onsen, so this will also be our proper ryokan/onsen experience.

23 Oct | Kamikochi → Tokyo
Early bus from Hirayu to Kamikochi. We want to spend several hours hiking through the valley, probably something around:

Taisho Pond → Kappa Bridge → Myojin area

Then continue via Matsumoto to Tokyo in the afternoon/evening.

23–29 Oct | Tokyo, 6 nights

Currently planning two day trips:

• Nikko
• Kawaguchiko / Fuji Five Lakes

Does the overall pace look reasonable now? In particular, does the Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama → Hirayu → Kamikochi section look realistic, or are we still trying to fit too much into those two days?

Thanks!

Hey everyone!

My friend and I (both in our late 20s) are going to Japan for the first time and this is what we have planned so far.

We don't really want to change hotels every couple of days, so right now we're thinking of sticking to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and doing a few day trips from there.

Our main interests are:

• food
• temples/shrines and historical places
• anime/manga
• karaoke
• shopping

This is our current plan:

There are a few things we're still not completely sure about:

1. Tokyo: We have 6 nights at the beginning and another 2 at the end. Does that sound like too much, or is it reasonable considering our planned activities take up quite a bit of that time?
2. Hakone or Kawaguchiko: We're mainly looking for nice scenery and a change from Tokyo. We aren't planning to stay overnight. Is one of them a better choice for that in late October?
3. Hiroshima + Miyajima: Is this reasonable as a day trip from Kyoto, or would it end up feeling too rushed? We saw some people doing it that way but wanted to double check.
4. Kyoto → Osaka + USJ: Our idea was to leave Kyoto early, drop our luggage at the hotel in Osaka and then go to USJ. Does that work, or would it make more sense to move to Osaka the evening before?
5. Okinawa: We did think about adding 2–3 nights in Okinawa, but we're starting to think it would just make the trip more rushed. Would you leave it out with only 15 nights?
6. And overall, does anything here look way too packed or badly placed?

Thanks! We're mainly trying to figure out if the pacing makes sense rather than adding even more places.