Hi everyone,

We’ll be traveling to Japan for 15 days this fall (September 21 – October 5, 2025).
Flights: arrival in Osaka, departure from Tokyo.

Here’s our draft itinerary – we’d love your feedback on pacing, transport, and any tweaks you’d suggest.

Days 1–2 – Osaka (2N)

D1 (Sep 21): Arrival in Osaka. Evening: Dotonbori (street food, neon) + Shinsekai stroll.
D2 (Sep 22): Day trip to Nara – Tōdaiji, Deer Park, Kasuga Taisha. Dinner: okonomiyaki back in Osaka.

Days 3–6 – Kyoto (4N)

D3 (Sep 23): Morning transfer to Himeji (castle + Kokoen garden, luggage in locker). Afternoon train to Kyoto. Evening: Gion / Pontocho stroll.
D4 (Sep 24): Kiyomizudera → Sannen/Ninenzaka → Maruyama Park → Yasaka Shrine. Afternoon: tea ceremony/workshop. Evening: Fushimi Inari after 4 PM.
D5 (Sep 25): Early Arashiyama (bamboo grove, Tenryū-ji, monkey park). Afternoon: Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) + optional Ryōan-ji.
D6 (Sep 26): Philosopher’s Path → Ginkaku-ji → Nanzen-ji. Evening: Nishiki Market.

Days 7–9 – Kanazawa (2N) + Shirakawa-go

D7 (Sep 27): Train Kyoto → Kanazawa (via Tsuruga). Afternoon: Higashi Chaya (geisha district), Omicho Market (sushi).
D8 (Sep 28): Day trip to Shirakawa-go (bus). Return: Kenrokuen Garden at sunset + 21st Century Museum.
D9 (Sep 29): Morning: Nagamachi samurai district. Afternoon: shinkansen Kanazawa → Tokyo. Evening: Shinjuku nightlife.

Days 10–12 – Tokyo (3N)

D10 (Sep 30): Asakusa (Sensō-ji) → Tokyo Skytree (timed entry) → Akihabara.
D11 (Oct 1): Meiji Shrine → Harajuku/Omotesandō → Shibuya (scramble crossing, Sky Deck at sunset). Evening: izakaya in Shinjuku.
D12 (Oct 2): Toyosu Market sushi breakfast → Tsukiji Outer Market → Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai (spa & food court).

Day 13 – Day Trip (Oct 3, weather dependent)

• Hakone (Fuji views + onsen + Hakone Loop), or
• Nikkō (temples + nature), or
• Kamakura/Enoshima (coast + Great Buddha).

Day 14 – Tokyo (Oct 4)

• TeamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) or TeamLab Planets (Toyosu) – reserved in advance.
• Afternoon: Odaiba (Miraikan, Rainbow Bridge).
• Evening: omakase dinner.

Day 15 – Tokyo (Oct 5)

• Easy packing.

• Airport transfer & departure.

• Still debating JR Pass vs. single tickets/regional passes (leaning toward single tickets + local passes).

• Goal is to balance culture, food, and nature without burning out

• Open to suggestions on the best Tokyo day trip in early October.

Does this pacing look realistic? Anything you’d recommend cutting, adding, or shifting?
Thanks in advance!