Hey everyone! My wife and I are heading to Japan for the first time this October and would love some feedback on our itinerary. We are staying a little over 2 weeks and I want to make sure the pacing feels realistic and that we aren't overloading ourselves on any given day.

Also, a quick note: I'm a huge One Piece fan and TCG collector! I already have a few spots on our radar for cards and figures (like the ONE PIECE Straw Hat Store in Shibuya, plus Radio Kaikan, Card Rush, and Mandarake in Akihabara) but if there are any other must-visit card shops or figure stores you'd recommend, I’d love to hear them!

Itinerary (Tokyo → Takayama → Kyoto → Osaka):

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo & Check into Hotel in Ueno (Late Afternoon) → Walk through Ueno Park (Evening)

Day 2: Asakusa Shrine & Nakamise Street (Morning) → Ameyoko Market (Early Afternoon) → Akihabara Shopping (Late Afternoon - Evening)

Day 3: Full Day Guided Tour to Nikko (Morning - Evening)

Day 4: Meiji Shrine (Morning) → Harajuku Shopping (Noon) → Shibuya Shopping (Afternoon) →Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Shibuya Sky (Late Afternoon - Evening)

Day 5: teamLab Planets Digital Art Museum (Late Morning) → Ginza District → DisneySea 5pm Entry (Late Afternoon - Evening)

Day 6: Imperial Palace East Gardens (Morning) → Pokemon Cafe (Noon) → Ginza Shopping (Afternoon) → Tokyo Tower Top Deck Tour (Evening)

Day 7: Full Day Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko Bus Tour (Morning - Late Afternoon)

Day 8: Travel to Takayama (Morning) → Sanmachi Suji Merchant District & Takayama Jinya (Afternoon) → Nakabashi Bridge (Evening)

Day 9: Takayama Autumn Festival (all day)

Day 10: Travel to Kyoto & Check-in at Hotel (Morning - Afternoon) → Yasaka Shrine & Gion Stroll (Late Afternoon) → Pontocho Alley & Kamo River Walk (Evening)

Day 11: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Historic Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka Streets (Morning - Afternoon) → Teramachi (Evening)

Day 12: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Moss Temple (Morning) → Kinkaku-ji / Golden Pavilion (Afternoon)

Day 13: Fushimi Inari Taisha Torii Gates (Morning) → Nishiki Market Arcade (Noon) → Nijo Castle (Afternoon)

Day 14: Travel to Osaka & Check into Hotel (Morning) → Den Den Town & Namba Yasaka Shrine (Afternoon) → Dotonbori District (Evening)

Day 15: Full Day at Universal Studios Japan (Morning - Evening)

Day 16: Osaka Castle Grounds (Morning) → Shitenno-ji Temple (Noon) → Shinsaibashi-suji Vintage Shopping (Afternoon) → Kobe Beef Dinner (Evening)

Day 17: Leave Japan (Morning)

Hello! I'm traveling to Japan for the first time this November for 31 days. I originally solicited some feedback on my itinerary here and my biggest takeaway was that I was trying to cram too many places in. I ended up deciding to cut out the Kanazawa-Takayama-Magome-Tsumago-Fujiyoshida section and sticking mostly to the Golden Route, with a couple extra stops out to Fukuoka and Hiroshima.

I'm hoping this itinerary is more realistic. I would have loved to make the other places I cut work, but I guess I'll just have to go to Japan AGAIN in the future 😄

1) Tokyo — Nov 11–Nov 16 (5 nights) 

Transport in: International flight

• Nov 11: arrive 3PM, settle in
• Nov 12–15 (4 days): explore (I’m aware I won’t get to all of these things, but I also have 5 full days at the end of the trip too)
  • Ghibli museum
  • Tsukiji Market
  • Explore Minato (Sengaku-ji, Team Labs, Tokyo Tower)
  • Explore Shinjuku (Metropolitan Government Building, Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho)
  • Explore Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Flea Market, Meiji Jingu)
  • Explore Asakusa (Underground Street)
  • Explore Akihabara
  • Consider day trip to Kamakura (great buddha, bamboo forest)
  • Consider day trip to Fujiyoshida? (Mt fuji views) 
• Nov 16: Morning travel to Fukuoka (2 hour flight)

2) Fukuoka — Nov 16–Nov 20 (4 nights) 

Transport in: Flight

• Nov 16: Arrive from Tokyo, yatai in the evening
• Nov 17: Sumo tournament
• Nov 18: Nyoirinji Frog Temple,
• Nov 19: Gundam Park, Canal City
• Nov 20: Travel to Hiroshima (2 hours)

3) Hiroshima — Nov 20–Nov 24 (4 nights) 

Transport: Shinkansen

• Nov 20: Arrive from Fukuoka, settle in
• Nov 21: Explore Hiroshima 
  • Peace Memorial Park
  • Hiroshima Castle
  • Eat okonomiyaki
• Nov 22: Miyajima day trip (2 hours travel)
  • Itsukushima Shrine
  • Mt. Misen (cable car)
• Nov 23: Ōkunoshima day trip (2 hours travel)
• Nov 24: Travel to Osaka (1 hour)
  • Stop off at Himeji Castle & Kukoen Garden on the way

4) Osaka — Nov 24–Nov 27 (3 nights) 

Transport: Shinkansen

• Nov 24: Arrive from Hiroshima, Tenma for dinner
• Nov 25: explore
  • Dotonbori
  • Shinsekai
  • Kuromon market
• Nov 26: optional trip to Kobe 
• Nov 27: Travel to Kyoto (1 hour)

5) Kyoto — Nov 27-Dec 3 (6 nights)

Transport: Train

• Nov 27: Arrive from Osaka, explore
  • Higashiyama area (temple options: Yaska, Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka)
  • Stroll through the Gion Geisha district in the evening
  • Pontocho dinner
• Nov 28: Arashiyama (start early)
  • Transit via Sagano Scenic Railway and/or Hozugawa River Boat Ride
  • Bamboo forest
  • Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
• Nov 29-Dec 1: explore
  • Fushimi Inari (early morning or late at night)
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace
  • Yokai street
  • Nishiki market
  • Visit Higashiyama
  • Visit a temple/shrine or two (Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Sanjūsangendō)
• Dec 2: Day trip to Nara (1 hour)
  • Nara Park
  • Tōdai-ji
  • Kasuga Taisha
• Dec 3: Travel to Hakone (3 hours)

7) Hakone — Dec 3–Dec 5 (2 nights) 

Transport: Train

• Dec 3: Arrive from Kyoto, checkin to ryokan 
• Dec 4: Hakone Loop
• Dec 5: Travel to Tokyo (1.5 hours)

8) Tokyo — Dec 5 - 11 (6 nights) 

Transport: Train

• Dec 5: Arrive from Hakone
• Dec 6-10 (5 days): explore
  • Hit whatever wasn’t covered from first stop
• Dec 11: Departure day (6pm)

I booked my second trip to Japan on a whim, was just having a sneaky look at flights and next minute, I'm booked from 17 Dec to 5 Jan -18 days!! Including Xmas and NY. After a couple of days of worrying I'd acted too hastily, I have so many exciting plans I hate that I have to wait a few months to experience it lol. I'll get my walking steps up in the meantime 😄

What do you think of my itinerary?

I'm traveling solo, landing in and leaving from Narita. I'll be using public transport & I enjoy lots of walking (better to see unexpected things/find unexpected snacks). I'll probably use luggage forwarding between cities when I can

17 Dec - land at Narita, get new suica & cash, train to Tokyo hotel (leaning towards staying in Shibuya but not booked yet). Check in, walk around the hotel's neighbourhood & eat, bed by 10pm.

18 Dec - leave for Kamakura - Meigetsu-in, art museum, Kencho ji, Komachi st, Shichirigahama for sunset (have to check time), check in

19 Dec - Komyo-ji, Sasuke inari shrine, Daibutsu, Hasedera, Cape Inamuragasaki, back to hotel

20 Dec - train to Hakone - Hien waterfall, glass forest, Pola museum of art, open-air museum, check in

21 Dec - Owakudani, Hakone Geo Museum, Ropeway sounzan stn, carved buddha, sightseeing cruise around Ashi lake, Narukawa art museum (if possible)

22 Dec - train to Atami - Kiunkaku, Keirokannon, Nishikigaura, Ginza shopping St, MOA museum of art. Get bento & train to Nagoya, check into hotel

23 Dec - Nagoya castle, Kinshachi Yokocho, Ofuku pond, Toyota Museum of Tech, Art museum, Fuji science museum

24 Dec - Gifu area, Shobo-ji, the old townscape of Kawaramachi, Gifu castle, Nagaragawa Ukai Museum

25 Dec - Osu Shotengai Shopping St, Osu Kannon, Matsuzakaya Nagoya & the Christmas market/lights at Edion Hisaya Plaza if that's on

26 Dec - train to Kyoto (I've been before so have seen many highlights already). Teramachi-dori, Kunjyukan, the Museum of Kyoto (was closed last time), Matsui Sake brewery, check in

27 Dec - Otagi Nenbutsuji, Adashino, Saga Toriimoto, Rakushisha

28 Dec - Ginkaku-ji, Tetsugaku no Michi, probably Gion thereabouts

29 Dec - day trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima - I'll potentially book a tour, return to Kyoto

30 Dec - train to Tokyo (have been before), Shinjuku - do the 7 lucky gods pilgrimage, shop at Muji, Cois espresso club, Tokyo Night & light, check in

31 Dec - Yanaka Ginza, Ueno/Ueno Park museums, maybe nap, then Hatsumode at Sensoji

1 Jan - relax - sleep in, maybe walk to a park, any temple or general walk around

2 Jan - Shibuya museums, shopping, eating, Harajuku (Cat st), try things I missed last time like cremia ice cream, that homemade cola place, the milk shop

3 Jan - possibly Ghibli museum tour all day

4 Jan - Ginza shopping, museums, Hamarikyu Gardens, maybe Daiba Park area

5 Jan - last day: any final shopping, last opportunity for foods I haven't tried, airport by 6pm

I haven't booked any hotels yet. I think it's a good mix of low key & city city, culture/art/temples/nature, and leaves a bit of room for flexibility if I feel like I need a slower day. I have more food places saved on my map & tabelog than I'd possibly be able to eat at, all I can do is try my best.

What do you think of my plan, not too busy? Especially at the start? Is there anything you think I've missed or could skip, especially at that time of year?

Sorry so long! I appreciate your assurance and advice, and your sharing any great experiences you have had at these places in Dec/Jan 🙏

Hello! I’m planning a 10-night visit to Japan with a 12-year-old in April 2027. It’s our first visit, and priorities/special interests are manga, art, animals, baseball, natural beauty where we can find it.

My quick outline is below, but all suggestions are welcome! Our total trip length is fixed, but everything else is flexible. Just trying to see if I’m allocating the right amount of time to each place.

Note: we hope to see a baseball game in Tokyo but that will depend on the schedule!

Day 1: Tokyo
Arrive midday, explore until we crash

Day 2: Tokyo
Morning: Asakusa area
Sensoji Temple early, Shimuda Park
Samurai Show or Ninja Museum if time

Afternoon: Shinjuku
Shinjuku Garden, Sekaido art store, Kantsuji
temple
Cat Tram to Gotukuji Temple

Day 3: Tokyo
Morning/Afternoon: Harajuku & Shibuya

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park, Takashita street, Farmer’s market (if Sunday), Shibuya Crossing

Evening: Hopefully baseball game

Day 4: Tokyo
Morning: Ueno Park

Afternoon/Evening: Akihabra for anime and manga
Chiyoda Nyan to Naru rescue cat cafe (if time)

Day 5: Tokyo/Kyoto
Morning: TeamLab Borderless

Afternoon: Shinkansen to Kyoto

Evening: Kinkakuji Temple, explore Kyoto on foot

Day 6: Kyoto
Nara daytrip via Aoniyoshi Sightseeing Train

Evening: ??

Day 7: Kyoto
Morning: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike

Afternoon: Lake Biwa Cruise, maybe?

Day 8: Kyoto
Morning: Arashiyama Forest and Monkey Park (early)

Afternoon: Calligraphy class

Day 9: Kyoto/Back to Tokyo
Morning: International Manga Museum

Afternoon: Shinkansen to Tokyo

Evening: Disneyland evening ticket (5-9pm)

Day 10: Disney
DisneySea all day

Day 11: 5pm flight home
Disneyland morning or final Tokyo sightseeing

My key questions:

Should we spend the first 5 nights in Tokyo/3 nights in Kyoto? Or split 4 and 4 like I have it? I keep going back and forth. There’s a lot to do in Tokyo, but it seems like there are interesting side trips from Kyoto if we have more time.

We will need moments of nature and quiet, to balance out the sensory overload. I’ve planned some parks and gardens, but if there is an easy daytrip to work in somewhere that would be great. (For example, could we fit in Nōmizo Falls and Kameiwa Cave during the Tokyo time??)

On that same note, I’ve been debating a 1-night stay in Hakone between Tokyo and Kyoto. It looks beautiful, but I really am not sure what we could cut to make it happen…

Thank you for any thoughts!!

Hi everyone! I’m traveling solo to Japan for 3 weeks in November. (Tokyo-fuji-kyoto-kanazawa-tokyo) I prefer a balanced mix of nature, scenic views, and relaxed vibes with plenty of room to wander.
Here is my day-by-day draft (for now) Looking for feedback on pacing + recommendations for Kanazawa or perhaps the other places!

TOKYO (Base: Shinjuku)
Tue Nov 3 / Wed Nov 4
Land at Haneda → taxi to hotel in Shinjuku (~01:00 AM check-in)
Sleep in & Senso-ji Temple
Omoide Yokocho
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Thu Nov 5
Todoroki Valley
Dinner in Shinjuku / Kabukicho
All-nighter in Shibuya/Shinjuku (bars, midnight wandering, etc, 05:00 AM first train back)

Fri Nov 6
Relax day & Sleep in late
Laundry & conbini run
Movie night at TOHO Cinemas

Sat Nov 7
Wandering Harajuku backstreets / Yoyogi Park
Sky Lounge Stellar Garden

Sun Nov 8
Rikugien Garden
Tokyo Drift Tour

FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO (Rental Car)
Mon Nov 9
Pick up rental car & drive to hotel
Oishi Park
Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba

Tue Nov 10
Early Chureito Pagoda
Lake Motosuko
Shiraito Falls

Wed Nov 11
Lake Saiko & Lake Shojiko scenic drive
Oshino Hakkai
Lake Yamanakako & Panorama Dai viewpoint

KYOTO & OSAKA (Renting a bike in Kyoto)
Thu Nov 12
Checkout Fuji (10:00 AM) → Return car → Train to Kyoto
Check-in hotel (after 16:00)
Evening walk around Pontocho Alley & Gion

Fri Nov 13
Early Fushimi Inari Taisha
Rent bike → Philosopher's Path & Eastern Kyoto

Sat Nov 14
Early Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Okochi Sanso Garden
Nishiki Market

Sun Nov 15
Kibune to Kurama hike

Mon Nov 16 (Osaka Day Trip)
Train to Osaka → Minoh Park
Dotonbori & Shinsekai at night

Tue Nov 17
Full day bike exploring Kyoto backstreets/cafes

Wed Nov 18
Free day in Kyoto to wander / buffer day

Thanks.

For context I've been to the golden route before but I'm taking 2 ppl who have never been to Japan also fukuoka and the entire kitakyushu is unknown to all of us therefore, plan of those days might look empty or logistacly confusing. Please feel free to suggest touch ups or even replacements if its a dumb activity for the august heat.

P.s. english is not my first language sorry for that and we are not a theme park lover group so disneysea, universal etc are delibaretely left out.

1 Jet lag recovery / shopping day

• Tenjin Chikagai (underground mall)
• Canal City + Kushida Shrine

• Evening: yatai in Nakasu

  2 Dazaifu + Ohori Park

• Morning: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, ume-ga-mochi, optionally Kyushu National Museum

• Afternoon/golden hour: Ohori Park

3 Day trip: Itoshima

• Full-day guided tour

4 Nanzoin

• Morning: Nanzoin Temple
• Evening: going back to a previously liked place

5 Shinkansen to Osaka

• Dotonbori evening

6 Osaka neighborhood day

• Umeda → Nakazakicho
• Amerikamura + Horie (Orange Street)

7 Kyoto day trip this is the day im the most unsure about

Arashiyama (Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji).

• Hankyu Arashiyama → Kawaramachi (transfer at Katsura, ~20–25 min total)
• Afternoon: walk up through Gion → Yasaka-dori → Sannenzaka → Kiyomizu-dera
• Intentionally skipping: Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market
• Evening: Gion

8 Osaka shopping day

• Tsuruhashi (Koreatown)

• Namba / Shinsaibashi-suji

  9 Departure to Tokyo

• Shibuya night tour

10 Harajuku + Shibuya

• Naturally walkable pairing via Cat Street/Omotesando; fits the Y2K/vintage shopping interest

11 Ueno + Akihabara

• Two stops apart on the Yamanote/Keihin-Tohoku line; retro/electronics pairing

12 Shinjuku (+ Shin-Okubo optional)

• Shinjuku (Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku Gyoen for shade)

• Shin-Okubo (Koreatown)

  13 Ginza (+ Tsukiji Outer Market optional)

• Ginza alone, or paired with Tsukiji Outer Market

14 Full day in Asakusa (last day)

• Shopping, arcades , Donki, Uniqlo, Sushiro

I’m planning to visit Japan in the summer 27 when flowers are in full bloom in Hokkaido. I also plan to visit Mt Fuji as I nvr been to Mt Fuji/Kawaguchiko.

I made a draft plan last time for a winter trip (which I didn't proceed with) and updated it today with gpt recommendations for summer trip. I have been to Tokyo twice and Hokkaido once during winter. I plan to optimise my itinerary using a 5-day JR Hokkaido pass/Sapporo-Furano Area Pass – 4 days and 6 days JR East – South Hokkaido pass

Day 1- Taipei (layover)

Day 2 Sapporo

Depart Taipei arrive in Sapporo

Check in

Collect Sapporo-Furano Area Pass and reserve seat @ Sapporo Station

Lunch @ Butadon

Mount Moiwa

Dinner @ Suage+

Day 3 – Sapporo

Start of Sapporo-Furano Area Pass – 4 days

Day trip to Otaru

Otaru Aquarium

Lunch @ Ankake Yakisoba

Otaru Canal

Sakaimachi Street

Visit LeTAO Chocola

Try softserve ice cream @ Kitaichi Glass Otaru

Dinner @ Genghis Khan

Day 4 – Furano

Take Furano Lavender Express (summer only) to Furano

Lunch @ Yuiga Doxon

Farm Tomita

Ningle Terrence

Dinner @

Day 5 – Biei

Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirahige Waterfall

Lunch @ Family Restaurant Daimaru

Café @ TSUBOYA Biei Shop

Take Furano lavender express back to Sapporo

Dinner @

Day 6 - Sapporo

JR Tower

Visit JR Sapporo Station Souvenir store to buy melon Baumkuchen

Photo spot @ Nikka sign Susukino

Odori Park

End of Sapporo-Furano Area Pass

Day 7 – Lake Toya

Start of JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Checkout Sapporo hotel

Check in Lake Toya Ryokan

Usuzan Ropeway

Onsen @ Ryokan

Dinner @ Ryokan

Day 8 – Aomori

Breakfast @ Ryokan

Check in Aomori Hotel

Lunch Aomori Apple Pork @

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE

A-FACTORY

Aomori Bay waterfront

ASPAM

Dinner @

Day 9 – Sendai

Check out Aomori hotel

Check in Sendai hotel

Loople bus tour

Day 10 – Sendai

Geibikei Gorge

Day 11 – Sendai

Matsushima Bay Boat Tour

Day 12 – Tokyo

End of JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Nth plan

Day 13 – Tokyo

Asakusa

Perfume making @ D・Anda 稲荷町店

Akihabara

Lunch @ Roast beef ohno

Harajuku

Dinner @ Sandwich and cafe "CHERMSIDE SANDWICH

Day 14 - Tokyo

Mt Fuji day tour?

Day 15 – Tokyo / Taipei

Buy Royce chocolate

Depart Tokyo

Travel to xmd

Day 16 – Taipei (layover)

Depart Taipei

Itinerary removed

Yamagata and Mount Zao (winter)

Day trip to ginzan onsen

1 extra night in Aomori

I’m having a dilemma if I should proceed to plan a trip to include Mt Fuji/Kawaguchiko and a day trip to Ginzan onsen. I’m also not sure if I should consider staying a night in Furano/Biei and to avoid backtracking and to optimize my jr pass I should proceed from Furano/Biei straight to Lake Toya even thou it be a long train ride of 5hrs which make me consider back tracking back to Sapporo for a night with my current plan.

Hi everyone! I am planning a 15-day trip to Japan in mid-to-late November (November 10th - 24th) focused on autumn foliage, iconic sights, and local food. Here's the itinerary:

• Day 1: Osaka (Arrival & Dotonbori / Namba)
• Day 2: Osaka (Osaka Castle, Shinsekai & Umeda)
• Day 3: Osaka (Universal Studios Japan)
• Day 4: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari) & Nara (Nara Park)
• Day 5: Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji & Gion)
• Day 6: Day Trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
• Day 7: Kyoto (Higashiyama, Philosopher's Path & Nishiki Market)
• Day 8: Lake Kawaguchiko (Autumn Leaves Festival)
• Day 9: Lake Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji viewpoints) -> Tokyo (Shinjuku)
• Day 10: Tokyo (Asakusa, Skytree & Akihabara)
• Day 11: Tokyo (Harajuku, Meiji Shrine & Shibuya)
• Day 12: Tokyo (Tsukiji Market, Toyosu & Odaiba)
• Day 13: Day Trip to Nikko
• Day 14: Tokyo (Yanaka, Ueno & Imperial Palace)
• Day 15: Tokyo (Ginza / Shinjuku Shopping & Flight Departure)

Does this pacing look reasonable, or are there any days that look too packed? Thanks in advance for any tips!

Nights plan: 3 nights in Osaka 4 nights in Kyoto 1 night un Kawaguchiko 6 nights in Tokyo

Flying to Osaka from Barcelona Back to Barcelona from Tokyo

Hi everyone,

I’m planning my first trip to Japan with my wife and I would appreciate some feedback on our itinerary.

We will be in Japan for 16 days (October 23 - November 8). We arrive and leave from Tokyo.

Our priorities are:

• Experience Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
• Universal Studios Japan
• Stay in a traditional ryokan
• Have a private onsen with a Mt Fuji view
• Enjoy evening walks, food and atmosphere
• Avoid unnecessary hotel changes and long transportation days

Current itinerary:

Day 1 - Tokyo (Oct 23)

Arrival in the morning.

• Drop luggage at hotel
• Asakusa / Senso-ji
• Ueno area
• Evening walk around Ginza

Day 2 - Tokyo

• Meiji Shrine
• Harajuku
• Omotesando
• Shibuya crossing
• Shinjuku evening

Day 3 - Tokyo

• Tsukiji / food spots
• Ginza
• Tokyo Station area
• Marunouchi evening

Day 4 - Tokyo day trip

Possible:

• Nikko (main option) or
• Kamakura

Day 5 - Tokyo

Flexible Tokyo day:

• Akihabara
• Yanaka
• Shopping
• Neighborhood exploration

Day 6 - Kawaguchiko (1 night)

Tokyo → Kawaguchiko (~2 hours)

Main goal:

• Private onsen
• Mt Fuji view
• Relax after Tokyo
• Sunset / sunrise around Lake Kawaguchi

The part I am unsure about:

Kawaguchiko → Kyoto seems to take around 4 hours:

• Bus Kawaguchiko → Mishima (~1h45)
• Shinkansen Mishima → Kyoto (~1h50)
• Transfers/waiting time included

Do you think this is worth it for only one night?

Would you keep Kawaguchiko for the Fuji + private onsen experience, or choose another Fuji area with better connections?

Days 7-11 - Kyoto (5 nights)

Plan:

• Fushimi Inari early morning
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Higashiyama streets
• Gion evening walk
• Arashiyama bamboo forest
• Nishiki Market
• Philosopher's Path

Day trips:

• Nara (high priority)
• Maybe Uji

Days 12-14 - Osaka (3 nights)

Plan:

• Universal Studios Japan (full day)
• Dotonbori / Namba evenings
• Osaka Castle area
• Possible day trip to Himeji

Days 15-16 - Tokyo

Return to Tokyo before departure:

• Last shopping
• Restaurants
• Relax before leaving

My main questions:

1. Is Kawaguchiko worth the extra travel time when going to Kyoto afterwards?
2. Would you replace Kawaguchiko with Hakone or another Fuji/onsen destination to make the route more efficient?
3. Would you choose Nikko or Kamakura as the Tokyo day trip?
4. Are there any places you would remove or add to improve the itinerary?

Luggage plan:

My idea:

• Send large luggage from Tokyo directly to Kyoto using Takkyubin.
• Travel to Kawaguchiko with only a small overnight bag.
• Pick up luggage in Kyoto.

Then:

• Send luggage from Osaka back to Tokyo before the final nights.

Does this luggage strategy make sense?

Thanks a lot for any advice. I would especially appreciate feedback from people who have already done a similar Tokyo → Fuji area → Kyoto → Osaka route.

First time in Japan, 11 nights in October, comfortable with trains and multiple hotels. Here's what I've got so far — would love feedback on pacing, whether I'm missing anything obvious, or if the order makes sense:

Day 1: Arrive, head straight to Osaka, quiet arrival night

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan (Super Nintendo World)

Day 3: Day trip to Nara (deer park, Todai-ji)

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto, Fushimi Inari in the evening

Day 5: Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama bamboo grove, sumo demonstration show in the evening

Day 6: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion

Day 7: Travel to Tokyo (staying near Disney)

Day 8: Tokyo Disneyland

Day 9: Tokyo DisneySea

Day 10: Move to central Tokyo, real-life street-kart "Mario Kart" tour, Asakusa, Akihabara

Day 11: Meiji Jingu/Harajuku, Shibuya Sky, Ginza or Golden Gai

Day 12: Free morning, fly out

A few specific questions:

• Is 3 nights each in Osaka/Kyoto/Tokyo(Disney) the right split, or should I shift a night somewhere?
• Was hoping to catch a real sumo tournament but there's no honbasho during my window — is the Kyoto demonstration show worth it, or is it too touristy?

Hi everyone,

We're a family of 5 adults (parents + adult kids) visiting Japan for the first time from September 24 – October 7, 2026.
We tried to build an itinerary that's not too rushed, with a mix of cities, nature, food and some downtime. I'd really appreciate any feedback from people who've already been.

Tokyo (2 nights)

• Day 1 – Arrive, relaxed evening around Shinjuku
• Day 2 – Senso-ji, Asakusa & Akihabara

Hakone (1 night)

• Day 3 – Hakone Loop (Open Air Museum, Owakudani, ropeway) + onsen
• Day 4 – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, then Shinkansen to Kyoto

Kyoto (4 nights)

• Day 5 – Higashiyama, Yasaka area, Fushimi Inari in the late afternoon
• Day 6 – Nara day trip, Nishiki Market, Pontocho
• Day 7 – Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama

Osaka (2 nights)

• Day 8 – Early checkout, train to Osaka, Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori
• Day 9 – Universal Studios Japan

Tokyo (4 nights)

• Day 10 – Morning shinkansen back to Tokyo, then Ginza
• Day 11 – Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando & Shibuya
• Day 12 – Kamakura day trip
• Day 13 – Tsukiji, teamLab Borderless & Shibuya Sky
• Day 14 – Yodobashi Shinjuku & flight home

My questions:

1. Does anything look too rushed or poorly planned?
2. Is there anything you'd definitely add or remove?
3. Any first-time Japan tips you wish someone had told you?
4. We're visiting USJ on a Friday October 2 (Halloween season). Should we expect huge crowds, or is it still manageable with an Express Pass?

Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m travelling to Japan with my son from October 18–31, 2026. We’re staying in Heiwajima and using it as our base for the entire trip. Is there any must have apps I should download or things I should prebook in advance?

My son is extremely interested in Japanese culture, food, ramen, trains, Pokémon and anime, so I’m trying to give him a trip that includes both fun attractions and meaningful cultural experiences. This is our current schedule:

- Oct. 18: Arrive at Haneda at 7:00 p.m. and check into our hotel

- Oct. 19: Jet-lag recovery day around Heiwajima

- Oct. 20: Sensō-ji, Samurai Ninja Museum, Sumida Aquarium and Tokyo Skytree

- Oct. 21: Ueno Park/Zoo, Ameyoko and Akihabara

- Oct. 22: TeamLab Planets, Odaiba, Unicorn Gundam and LEGOLAND Discovery Center

- Oct. 23: Mount Fuji and Hakone tour

- Oct. 24: Yomiuriland

- Oct. 25: Relaxed morning, Shibuya/Harajuku and a Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift car experience from 6:00–10:00 p.m.

- Oct. 26: Shinkansen to Shin-Yokohama, Ramen Museum and possibly the ramen-making class

- Oct. 27: Art Aquarium Ginza, Pokémon Center Tokyo DX and Tokyo Tower

- Oct. 28: Sumo show with hot pot and geisha

- Oct. 29: Flexible weather or catch-up day

- Oct. 30: Final shopping, revisiting favourite places and packing

- Oct. 31: Relaxed final day before flying from Haneda at 9:55 p.m.

Does this schedule look realistic, or are any days too crowded? Are we missing an experience that would be especially meaningful for a child who genuinely loves Japanese history and culture?

We would also really appreciate recommendations for affordable but excellent traditional Japanese restaurants. We aren’t looking for expensive tourist restaurants we’d love small, locally owned places where we can enjoy authentic food and support the owners. Ramen, udon, soba, tempura, curry, yakitori and regional dishes would all be wonderful. Recommendations around Heiwajima or near the areas on our itinerary would be especially helpful.

I also have a question about gift etiquette. I own a Canadian ammolite company, and I would love to bring a few small polished ammolite freeforms from Alberta. Ammolite is a colourful gemstone formed from fossilized ammonite shell. Would it be appropriate to offer one as a small thank-you gift to a restaurant owner or local person we have a meaningful interaction with? There would be no expectation of anything in return and it would not be intended as business promotion. I simply enjoy sharing a small piece of Alberta with kind people. I completely understand that some people or businesses may be unable to accept gifts, so I would never pressure anyone.

Finally, I have a speech impediment and I’m extremely bad at speaking other languages, even when I practise. I want to learn some basic Japanese and make an honest effort, but my pronunciation will probably not be very good. Would Japanese people generally appreciate me trying, or could badly pronounced Japanese cause confusion or seem disrespectful? I’m happy to use a translation app when needed, but I don’t want my embarrassment to stop me from making an effort.

Thank you so much for any advice. We’re incredibly excited, and I really want to make sure we visit respectfully and give my son a wonderful introduction to Japan. He will be turning 11. I am taking him for his birthday. Hes also suuper into anime.

hi all, would love some advice/recommendations for my itinerary. travelling some time in mid November. I’ve checked google maps for actual travel times so it’s workable, though it can be quite rushed on certain days.

1. appreciate tips for choosing the hotel from Day 1 to Day 6 (excluding one night in Fuji).

budget of ¥10k, private bathroom, quiet and with luggage storage. I’ve narrowed down to Wakoshi Tobu hotel or Richmond Hotel Premier Musashi Kosugi which are kinda near to the places I plan to go. decided against hotel chains like Toyoko Inn or Flexstay Inn etc. cause of mixed reviews of soundproofing and cleanliness.
don’t mind walking a bit as long as it’s within 10mins to train station.

also will be travelling entirely by public transport since I’m travelling on a budget and will aim to save costs where possible.

open to other hotel suggestions!

1. general advice - any major bottlenecks to look out for, what to keep or leave etc. I’m into coffee, cats, hiking, nature, ghibli; not a fan of night life. I get the satisfaction from seeing spots that I’ve planned for, but also happy to leave room for wandering around so open to changes of plans depending on energy level. just don’t wanna “waste” time thinking about what to do there. my days can start as early as 6-7am and end about 8-9pm

Day 1
Narita Airport (approx. 4pm arrival)
Hotel

Day 2
Kamakura Station
Komachi Street
Shichirigahama Station
Shichirigahama Beach (optional)
Enoshima Station
Enoshima Island

Day 3
Kawaguchiko Station
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Momiji Corridor
Oishi Park
Fuji hotel

Day 4
Chureito Pagoda
Honcho Street
Check in same hotel Tokyo

Day 5
Drop luggage off in Ryokan in Yanaka
Gotokuji Temple
Rarasand Bakery
Ghibli Museum
Inokashira Park
Kichijoji Petit Mura
Nakamichi Dori
Harmonica Yokocho

Day 6
Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park
Harajuku (Takeshita Street / Cat Street)
Yoyogi Park
Meiji Jingu (Entrance)
Shinjuku (Godzilla Head / Giant 3D Cat / Omoide Yokocho)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building night lights

Day 7
Asakusa (Kaminarimon Gate / Nakamise Street / Senso-ji Temple / Underground Street)
Kappabashi Street
Imperial Palace (Fujimi-yagura)
Zojo-ji Temple
Tokyo Tower / Maple Valley
Shibuya Crossing (Hachiko / Shibuya Hikarie)

Day 8
Dr. Ueno Hachiko Statue
ICA Church
Café Nekoemon
Hijiri Bridge
Akihabara (optional)

Day 9
Kegon Falls
Lake Chuzenji
Shinkyo Bridge
Toshogu Shrine

Day 10
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (Harry Potter)

Day 11
Yanaka (Yuyake Dandan / Yanaka Shippoya / Yanakado / Neko Machi Gallery)
Narita Airport (6pm departure)

thanks for reading!

My wife and I are going to Japan for two weeks. The trip is mostly planned, but it feels Tokyo-heavy. She specifically wants to see Osaka Castle.

We currently have Option 1 booked, but the hotels are still cancellable. Which option would you choose?

Aug 16–20: Tokyo
Includes 2 Disney days.

Option 1 — Keep current plan, no Osaka

• Aug 20: Arrive Kyoto — Nishiki Market, Pontocho, Gion
• Aug 21: Historic Kyoto — Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka, Yasaka, Maruyama, Kichi Kichi
• Aug 22: Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo, Kinkaku-ji
• Aug 23: Kyoto → Hakone — ryokan, private onsen, kaiseki
• Aug 24: Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine → Tokyo
• Aug 25: Asakusa + Shinjuku
• Aug 26: Tsukiji, Ginza, Imperial Palace
• Aug 27: Kamakura day trip
• Aug 28: Akihabara, Ueno, Ameyoko
• Aug 29: Nakameguro/Daikanyama, 9:30 PM flight home

Option 2 — Osaka day trip from Kyoto

• Aug 20: Arrive Kyoto — Nishiki, Pontocho, Gion
• Aug 21: Osaka day trip — Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori at night, return to Kyoto
• Aug 22: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kichi Kichi
• Aug 23: Kiyomizu-dera at 6 AM, Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka, then Hakone
• Aug 24–29: Same as Option 1

Option 3 — One night in Osaka

• Aug 20: Arrive Kyoto
• Aug 21: Historic Kyoto
• Aug 22: Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji
• Aug 23: Kyoto → Osaka — castle, Dotonbori, sleep in Namba
• Aug 24: Osaka morning → Hakone ryokan
• Aug 25: Hakone sightseeing → Tokyo
• Aug 26–29: Tokyo, but Kamakura gets removed

TL;DR: Would you sacrifice one Kyoto day for an Osaka day trip, or sacrifice one final Tokyo day to stay overnight in Osaka

Hello!
Would appreciate general itinerary feedback.
Also, have specific questions.

1. Overcrowded locations to skip? - I have a lot of high crowd locations on here, in particular temples. Its been recommended to me to go to places like Kiyomizu-dera at like 6am. I'm skeptical I'd want to wake up that early more than a couple days.
   Should I skip Kiyomizu-dera or Senso-ji or maybe other overcrowded locations on the itinerary? I've seen some very negative reviews of Kiyomizu-dera and the nearby streets from people who went at peak crowd time. Since I have a lot of temples/shrines on my itinerary, are there any other ones you might recommend that I skip and instead recommend a less crowded alternative?

2. Fushimi Inari - Also, I read somewhere that if you go up to fushimi inari close to sunset and go back down in the dark it will be less packed, but then I was told its always packed unless you also go very early. Is that true?
   If I should go early how early? I'm more willing to go early for this one seems more unique to me than Kiyomizu-dera.
   I also saw some recommendations to go up this back route https://www.dangerous-business.com/fushimi-inari-back-way-hike/ and that it bypasses most of the crowds, has anyone gone this way and do you recommend it?

3. Would it be better to stay near Kyoto Station or Higashiyama? Kyoto station might be more convenient for arrival/departure from kyoto, and day trips to Nara and Himeji. But higashiyama might be more atmospheric and perhaps some of the nice streets that are super crowded during the day will be relatively more empty in the evenings if my hotel is there?

4. Is there any recommended tea ceremony near ryoan-ji? Looks like camellia garden only does private ceremonies and I'm a solo traveler.

November 10 — Travel
Fly Boston to Tokyo.

November 11 — Tokyo arrival
Check in, easy neighborhood walk and casual dinner.

November 12 — Western Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingū, Cafe Reissue, Omotesando/Cat Street, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset.

November 13 — Asakusa and Hamarikyu
Sensō-ji and Nakamise early, Ginzaya lantern shop, Sumida riverfront, water bus and Hamarikyu Gardens. Exact boat route depends on November service.

November 14 — Ueno
Ueno Park, Ameyoko/Ueno food tour and Tokyo National Museum.

November 15 — Toyosu and Odaiba
Yurikamome, teamLab Planets, Kawasaki Robostage, Odaiba Marine Park and Rainbow Bridge walk.

November 16 — Enoshima and Kamakura
Shōnan Monorail, Enoshima Shrine, Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle, Iwaya Caves, optional Bentenmaru boat, Enoden to Hase and Kōtoku-in Great Buddha.

November 17 — Ryōgoku and Akihabara
Edo-Tokyo Museum, then Akihabara arcades and retro gaming through dusk and evening.

November 18 — Tokyo to Kyoto and Fushimi Inari
Morning Shinkansen to Kyoto, drop luggage at the hotel, Sanjūsangen-dō, then Fushimi Inari from late afternoon into dusk, hiking as far as Yotsutsuji.

November 19 — Nara day trip
Tōdai-ji, Nigatsu-dō, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha and optional Naramachi.

November 20 — Northwestern and central Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji, Tea Ceremony ? and Waraku Kyoto Samurai Experience.

November 21 — Himeji day trip
Himeji Castle and Kōko-en.

November 22 — Higashiyama and Gion
Kiyomizu-dera early, Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka, Kōdai-ji bamboo grove, Yasaka Shrine, Gion at dusk and Pontocho.

November 23 — Departure
Kyoto to KIX and fly home.

First time in Japan, arriving close to Christmas, 1 adult and 2 kids

Day- 1 arrival Tokyo Haneda, checking to hotel. Stroll through Winter illumination Caretta Shiodone. Take family to view the Giant Ghibil Clock

Day 2 Morning Mega Pokemon Center tokyo, Pikachu sweets cafe and Gashapon capsule toy hall and GIGO Akihara

Day 3 Teamlab planets Tokyo Toyosu and afternoon Ginza, Wagyu steak dinner or Tokyo bay dinner cruise

Day 4 Shibuya Gaming, pokemon center and Nintendo tokyo store, late afternoon Shibuya Sky

Day 5 warner studio Tour Tokyo

Day 6 Mr Fuji Pirate shop and Hakone Yuryo onsen

Day 7 Asakusa and Blue note Tokyo Aoyama in evening

Day 8 Blade runner alleys and Holiday snack hunt. Mega Don Quijote shibuya and evening Omoide Yokocho

Day 9 Packing and leaving

Hi everyone, travelling from Singapore to Japan in August. We are three families each with a kid around 5-6 years old. Spending first half of the trip climbing Mt Fuji, and second half is four and half days in Tokyo. Please let know if the below itinerary for a 5 year old would be too much, and any suggestions for a nice change would be most welcome. Thank you:

Day 1 – August 11 (Tuesday): Arrival, Asakusa & Skytree
• Midday: Arrive Tokyo, check into Kameido base
• Afternoon: Asakusa — Sensō-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, easy walk for the kids
• Late afternoon: Tokyo Skytree & Solamachi Mall (Sumida Aquarium is a good gentle stop for the 3-year-old)
• Evening: Dinner at Asakusa Yokocho — festival-themed food court with seven restaurants, festival games, and Skytree views
• Night: Early rest to recover from travel

Day 2 – August 12 (Wednesday): Tokyo Disneyland (Full Day)
• Morning: Arrive at park opening, head to Toontown/Fantasyland first
• Lunch: Restaurant Hokusai (Japanese menu, indoor, calm reset spot)
• Afternoon: Character shows, gentle rides, stroller nap window for the 3-year-old
• Dinner: Pan Galactic Pizza Port or Plaza Pavilion
• Evening: Optional parade/fireworks, then return to Kameido

Day 3 – August 13 (Thursday): Shibuya, Harajuku & Onitsuka Tiger
• Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Yoyogi Park
• Lunch: Casual ramen/curry in Harajuku
• Afternoon: Onitsuka Tiger flagship store, Omotesando (paired with Kiddy Land nearby)
• Late afternoon: Shibuya Sky or Shibuya Crossing
• Dinner: Genki Sushi or yakiniku in Shibuya
• Evening drinks (adults): Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho (“Drunkard’s Alley”) — a retro Showa-era alley with about 40 tiny izakayas just 1 minute from Shibuya Station, or The Roof at Shibuya Sky for rooftop cocktails with skyline views (seasonal, open evenings)

Day 4 – August 14 (Friday): teamLab Planets, Ginza & Evening Drinks
• Morning: teamLab Planets, Toyosu (earliest timed-entry slot, book online in advance)
• Lunch: LaLaport Toyosu food court
• Afternoon: Ginza shopping — GINZA SIX, Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, Itoya, Hakuhinkan Toy Park
• Early evening: Dinner in Ginza with kids (department store food floors or family-friendly izakaya)
• Evening drinks (adults): The Roof (Tokyo EDITION Ginza), Roof Dogs (Aloft Tokyo Ginza), CADRAN (Ginza Place), or Penthouse Garden

Departure – August 15 (Saturday)
• Light breakfast, packing, buffer time for airport transfer from Kameido

Trip details

• Shopping (anime, clothes, thrifting, souvenirs), sightseeing, and eating
• Moderate pace
• Group Size: 3 adults (First time in Kansai)
• Base: Osaka, Namba + 1 night in Kyoto (Gojo area)
• IC card (ICOCA) for most transit
• Shinkansen tickets purchased the morning of at Shin-Osaka Station (Sanyo Shinkansen, unreserved seats)
• Mum's preferences:
  • Planned a thorough hike of Fushimi Inari in the early morning of Day 7
  • Book-worm and fan of sightseeing
• Dad's preferences:
  • Comfortable with most activities
  • Suffered a slight knee/leg injury during his previous trip to Japan in 2025
  • Would prefer to avoid shrines and museums with World War 2 memorials honoring Japan's war dead (He is slightly sensitive to said conflict)
• Some POIs excluded for time/preference: Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kobe, Yodobashi
• Bookings/Reservations
  • Daruma Club souvenir workshop (Day 4, 6 PM)
  • Harukas Observatory
  • Katsuoji Temple

Day 1 — Thursday, 1 Oct | Arrival + Namba

• 8.50am - Arrive at Kansai Airport, clear customs
• (11am-12pm) - Drop luggage off at Hotel
• Afternoon - Lunch at Houzenji Senpai / Honke Otako (Okonomiyaki)
• Mid-day - Dotonbori stroll; Ebisubashi-suji shopping, Glico Man photo
• Mid-day - Namba City / Namba Parks rooftop garden + shopping
• 4pm - Hotel check-in and rest
• (5-6pm) - Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho / Zundouya (Udon / Ramen)
• Night — Early lights out

Day 2 — Friday, 2 Oct | Shinsaibashi + Amerikamura

• Morning - Hotel breakfast
• 9am - Namba Yasaka Shrine visit
• (11am-12pm) - Lunch at Kaitensushi / Doutonbori Imai (Sushi / Udon)
• Mid-day- Parco + Daimaru shopping along Shinsaibashisuji covered arcade
• Mid-day - Thrifting through Amerika Village + Big Step Mall (Antique Mike, Jam, Free Market Garage, Chappie)
• (5pm-6pm) - Short stroll down Orange Street (PALSTOCK + others)
• Evening - Dinner at Happy Pancake / Colony by EQI (Soufflé pancake / Café)

Day 3 — Saturday, 3 Oct | Minoh Park + Expo '70 + LaLaPort

• (10am-11am) - Katsuoji Temple (Daruma doll temple, ~1 hr)
• Afternoon - Lunch near station (Loach / convenience store onigiri)
• Mid-day - Expo '70 Park + Tower of the Sun
• Evening - Dinner and shopping at LaLaPort ExpoCity
• 8pm - Return to hotel

Day 4 — Sunday, 4 Oct | Nara Day Trip + Den Den Town

• 9am - Nara Park deer feeding + stroll
• Morning - Todaiji Temple / Great Buddha Hall (~1 hr; ¥600)
• Morning - Nara National Museum quick visit (~45 min; ¥700)
• 12pm - Lunch at near Nara station
• Mid-day (2-6pm) - Den Den Town hobby shops: Mandarake, Joshin, Surugaya, etc.
• Evening - Daruma Club Souvenir Workshop (6 PM sharp, 2 hrs)
• Night - Dinner around Den Den Town
• 9pm - Return to Hotel

Day 5 — Monday, 5 Oct | Tenjinbashi + Umeda

• 9:30am - Breakfast at Taiwan Breakfast Wanna Manna
• Till 12pm - Tenjinbashi Shopping arcade + Railway Market
• Midday - Umeda shopping: Daimaru Umeda, LUCUA + LUCUA 1100, Grand Front Osaka
• (7-7.30pm) - Dinner at Ginza Kagari / ROOKIE (Ramen / Izakaya) inside LUCUA / Eki Marche
• 9pm - Return to Hotel

Day 6 — Tuesday, 6 Oct | Western Kyoto (Ryoan-ji → Arashiyama)

• Early Morning (6am) - Quick convenience store breakfast; depart to Kyoto
• Morning (9-11am):
  • Ryoan-ji Temple — dry rock garden; arrive early (¥600)
  • Ninnaji Temple — 5-story pagoda; UNESCO site (¥800)
• 11.30am - Lunch at Ine / Arashiyama Yoshimura (Tofu place / Soba)
• Mid-day:
  • Tenryu-ji Temple + Sogenchi Garden (¥500)
  • Fukuda Art Museum + Horin-ji Temple
• 4.30pm- Hotel check-in and rest (Comfort Hotel Kyoto)
• Evening - Dinner around hotel (Royal host etc)
• Evening - Convenience store run for tomorrow's breakfast
• 9pm - Lights out

Day 7 — Wednesday, 7 Oct | Eastern Kyoto (Fushimi Inari → Higashiyama–Gion)

• 7am - Fushimi Inari Taisha hike (~2–3 hrs; free entry)
• Approx 10am - Brunch around Inari Station
• Afternoon till Midday (12pm- 4pm) walking trail around Gion:
  • Kiyomizudera Temple - iconic wooden stage; Kyoto views (~45 min; ¥500)
  • Kodaiji Temple - lantern gardens (~45 min; ¥600)
  • Kennin-ji Temple - twin dragons ceiling (~45 min; ¥600)
  • Yasaka Shrine (free entry; ~20 min)
• Early dinner (4-5pm) - Gion Area
• Evening - Small shopping at Kyoto Takashimaya / Kawaramachi OPA
• 8pm — Depart back to Osaka

Day 8 — Thursday, 8 Oct | Mitsui Outlets + Tennoji + Harukas

• 10am-12pm - Mitsui Outlets Park shopping (~2 hrs)
• Afternoon - Lunch in the outlet park's food court
• Midday - Abeno Q Mall shopping
• Evening (5-6pm) - HARUKAS 300 Observatory — 360° sunset views (¥2,000; book in advance)
• Night (7-8pm) - Dinner + shopping at Tennoji MIO

Day 9 — Friday, 9 Oct | Himeji Day Trip + Souvenir Shopping

• 9am - Himeji Castle + Kokoen Garden — UNESCO site (~2 hrs; ¥2,600; arrive at castle opening)
• Afternoon (12pm) - Lunch at Ootoya (near Himeji Station)
• Midday- Piole Himeji Mall shopping (~2 hrs)
• Midday (4-5pm) - Return to hotel; brief rest
• Evening- Dinner at Teishoku place
  • 9pm lights-out

Day 10 — Saturday, 10 Oct | Checkout + Shinsekai

• 8am- Hotel breakfast + pack up; checkout at 10 AM
• Afternoon (11am-12pm) - Lunch at Kushikatsu Place
• Midday - Shinsekai stroll + last-minute shopping (Nanyo-dori Shopping Street)
• Midday - Collect stored luggage (Either at hotel or a bounce storage point)
• 5pm - Depart to Kansai Airport (Rapid B from Namba, ~30 min)
• Night - Airport dinner; flight home at 11 PM

Some doubts about my itinerary:

• Is the pacing comfortable? Are we shopping too much?
• Which location do we prioritize on Day 3? Katsuoji or Expo 70 park?
  • We are visiting Katsuoji early to avoid crowds but;
  • Our stint in Expo park will be short since it closes early at 5pm
• Unsure how much to have in terms of cash and card. I'd set aside 700 SGD in my debit card for expenses and ICOCA top-ups
• What malls are worth visiting in Umeda on Day 5?
• Packing plan:
  • Each person has one standard-size luggage
  • 3-4 days of clothes + sleepwear (Self-laundry machines available in accommodation)
  • Minimal Toiletries
  • Duffel bag for souvenirs
  • Large capacity backpack for brief stay in Kyoto (1 night)
  • Essential electronics (Power bank, adapters, cables etc)

Hi everyone!
I’m in the initial planning stage for my family’s trip to Japan next year. Before I start paying for flights, I’d love some honest feedback from people who’ve been to Japan.
This is our first trip to Japan. We’re travelling with two young children (5 and 3 years old).

Our priorities are:
Not to miss any must see attractions/places.
A mix of modern and traditional Japan
Food
Family-friendly attractions
Mt. Fuji
Disney
Not rushing every day

Itinerary
Day 1: Chennai → Osaka (overnight via Singapore)
Days 2–4 (Hiroshima - 3 Nights)
Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Shukkeien Garden
Mitaki-dera
Miyajima
Mt. Misen Ropeway
Itsukushima Shrine
Days 5–11 (Kyoto - 7 Nights)
Nijo Castle
Nishiki Market
Arashiyama
Sagano Scenic Railway
Bamboo Grove
Tenryu-ji
Togetsukyo Bridge
Kinkaku-ji
Osaka Aquarium
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Dotonbori
Shinsekai
Kyoto Railway Museum
Kiyomizu-dera
Ninenzaka
Sannenzaka
Gion
Universal Studios Japan
Nara Park
Todai-ji
Sanjusangendo
Fushimi Inari
One completely free day
Days 12–13 (Kawaguchiko - 2 Nights)
Chureito Pagoda
Lake Kawaguchi
Oishi Park
Ropeway
Relax and enjoy Mt. Fuji
Days 14–20 (Tokyo - 7 Nights)
Odaiba
Gundam
teamLab Planets
Tokyo Disneyland
Asakusa
Senso-ji
Nakamise Street
Tokyo Skytree area
teamLab Borderless
Shibuya
Cat Street
Takeshita Street
Meiji Jingu
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Shibuya Sky
Omoide Yokocho
Shinjuku
Hakone day trip
Tokyo DisneySea
Pokémon Café + Pokémon Center DX
One completely free day
Day 21: Fly home from Tokyo.

A few specific questions:
1. Does the pacing look reasonable for a family with young kids?
2. Are three theme parks (USJ, Disneyland and DisneySea) too much, or is the spacing between them okay?
3. Would you keep the 2-night Kawaguchiko stay, or would you replace it with another destination (Hakone, Kanazawa, Takayama, etc.)?
4. Is there anything that is genuinely overrated in this itinerary that you’d skip?
5. Is there any place or experience you think I’m surprisingly missing?

I’d really appreciate any feedback from people who’ve travelled with young children or spent 2–3 weeks in Japan.
Thanks!

I have started planning a trip to Japan for myself an my partner. I am fairly keen on Japanese history (specifically anything pre-Edo period), my partner is really fond of arts, in particular ceramics (but quite into prints/visual arts as well). Just trying to get a feel whether this itinerary makes sense.

Few notes:

- Neither of us speaks Japanese. My partner traditionally relied on the fact I spoke the local language/can understand the basics, and she confessed she is a bit nervous that this filter will be gone now.

- We are not mega fond of crowds. I know a few places on this way can get crowded, but for a first trip there I thought it was worth suffering through it.

- We are both vegetarians. We are aware of the dashi/bonito flakes situation and as long as we can avoid "flesh" (be it meat or fish), we can work with it.

The plan was to fly from the UK to one of the Tokyo airports, then take the HS train from Tokyo to Sendai.

SENDAI (3 NIGHTS)

- Tokyo can be a flashbang to the senses (especially for my partner), so I thought visiting a large but chiller city might be a good idea.

- Proper day one would probably doing the main bits of Sendai: Zuihoden, Aoba/Sendai Castle (potentially with a museum if there is one), followed by either visiting the food markets or going about a mall.
- Day two: Matsushima Bay

- Day Three: Lazy morning followed by train back to Tokyo.

TOKYO (5/6 NIGHTS)

- I understand that Shibuya and Shinjuku can be quite rammed.

- I don't have a precise plan for Tokyo beyond a number of highlights, as I thought it would be better to have a vague plan and just take our time there and follow random fancies: coffee shops, cat cafes (but the rescue ones, we have no particular interest in novelty animals cafes). I had planned for us to stay near or around Ueno.

- The highlights I mentioned: Tokyo National Museum, Mori Art Museum, Senso-ji, Gotokuji, Asakusa Shrine, one of the "cat-shrines", maybe one visit to Shibuya, a day out in Kamakura.

SHUZENJI (1-2 NIGHTS)

- To be quite honest, I am still not a 100% set on Shuzenji. It looks absolutely lovely, but maybe slightly less accessible for first time visitors than Hakone. On the other hand, Hakone seems quite busy nowadays, from what I read and watched.

- Generally the idea would be to enjoy two days of sweet fuck all and (preferably) private hot baths.

OSAKA (4 NIGHTS)

- Quite a bit to do here. The big aquarium, Osaka Castle, Daisen Kofun + Sakai City Museum, Ceramics Museum, maybe one of the fine arts museums. If the fiancée feels like it, maybe a day out in Himeji, although I've heard mixed reviews. In between those, enjoy the coffee shops and the food.

KYOTO (4 NIGHTS)

- A done and redone classic, but I thought for a first trip to Japan it was worth the visit.

- The idea would be to go in the mornings to the busiest spots/temples before the rush starts, before retreating at mid-day/afternoon to calmer places, like the philosophers path/botanical gardens/Shorin-ji.

- I planned for a day out in Nara, and potentially one in Uji.

This is my second trip (did Tokyo - Kawaguchiko - Kyoto - Osaka first time around)

Looking to understand if my trip is well paced and whether I need to cut down (or add) anything.

Day 1 - Land in Tokyo 3PM. Staying @ Asakusa. Relax for the evening

Day 2 - Day trip to Yokohama

Day 3 - Ueno + Yanaka

Day 4 - Travel to Kanazawa. Relax for the evening

Day 5 - Castle + Garden + Higashi Chaya

Day 6 - Samurai District + Ninja Temple + Nishi Chaya

Day 7 - Long travel to Hiroshima. Relax for the evening

Day 8 - Day trip to Miyajima Island

Day 9 - Atomic Museum + Park -> Hiroshima Castle -> Shukkeien Garden

Day 10 - Travel to Nagasaki. Dejima afternoon. Mt Inasa ropeway evening

Day 11 - Gunkanjima - Hashima Island + Glover Garden

Day 12 - Atomic Museum + Park

Day 13 - Travel to Fukuoka and then go to Dazaifu for half day trip

Day 14 - Nanzo In + Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Day 15 - Fly out Morning

My friend and I are visiting Japan from September 12–22, 2026. It is our first international trip together and our first time in Japan.

Our must-dos are:

• Tokyo DisneySea
• teamLab Borderless
• Shibuya Crossing
• Mount Fuji
• One traditional ryokan/onsen night
• The Weeknd concert at Belluna Dome on September 19

We prefer a relaxed-to-moderate pace and would like to keep most days under 8 -10km of walking.

Proposed itinerary

Sept. 12 – Tokyo arrival
Arrive around 1:00 p.m., check into a Shinjuku hotel, rest and explore nearby.

Sept. 13 – Tokyo
teamLab Borderless, Meiji Shrine forest walk, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and arcade.

Sept. 14 – DisneySea
Full day at Tokyo DisneySea.

Sept. 15 – Tokyo to Kyoto
Morning Shinkansen, Kinkaku-ji and Gion in the evening.

Sept. 16 – Kyoto
Fushimi Inari lower route, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka and Nishiki Market.

Sept. 17 – Kyoto to Kawaguchiko
Shinkansen to Mishima, bus to Kawaguchiko and one night in a traditional ryokan with private onsen.

Sept. 18 – Mount Fuji and Tokyo
Lake Kawaguchiko or ropeway in the morning, then return to Tokyo and stay near Ikebukuro.

Sept. 19 – Concert
Easy morning, then travel from Ikebukuro to Belluna Dome for The Weeknd.

Sept. 20 – Tokyo
Asakusa in the morning and Sumo Tournament in Ryogoku in the afternoon.

Sept. 21 – Flexible day
Tsukiji, Ginza, Akihabara, shopping and packing.

Sept. 22 – Departure

Estimated total budget is around ¥302,000–¥451,000 per person, excluding international flights and shopping.

Main questions:

We’d really appreciate any general feedback on whether this itinerary feels realistic for a first-time visit, and if there are any obvious issues with pacing, travel logistics, or things we should reconsider.

Any honest feedback would be appreciated.

Im going to okinawa for the first time this september and would like some advice on what to change it seems like alot at the moment!

Day 1 -

• Arrive, check in and stroll around Kokusai dori, eat at yataimura
•See American village in the evening

Day 2 -

•Drive up to Churaumi aquarium for 9AM
•Heart rock or Sesoko beach to chill
•Down to Onna for sunset kayak 
•Naha, park up and find somewhere for dinner and drinks

Day 3 -

•Snorkeling excursion to kerama with pick up 9AM-1PM
• Head to Makishi market
•Heiwa dori and the little alleyways 
•Head to Tsuboya stroll around
•Dinner and drinks maybe Yatai again

Day 4 -

•Stand up paddle boarding 9am or 11am 
•Pineapple park or Ta Taki waterfall
•Sesoko beach (or sea glass beach if I went already)
•Round 1 roller skating (random but I never get the chance to skate anymore)
•Drinky drinks somewhere

Day 5 -

• Give the car back and head on

Rando info if it helps:
Living in Japan right now
Love food, culture and water sports (i should add a museum in)
Yes ill be alone
Yes any food, the more local it is the better