Hi, My friend and I are heading to Tokyo/Kyushu/Osaka in 2 months. It is a quick trip and I know I won't be able to see everything but if there's anything major I should add in, comments about the hotels I have booked, tours I've booked, etc – please let me know!! NOTE: I have very large tattoos on my back & legs – most are covered when wearing regular clothes but I do have a couple small ones on my arm that are visible all the time so I know some things will be off limits for us.

📍 Day 1 – Arrive in Tokyo

• Flight: Lands Tokyo (Haneda) 6:25pm
• Hotel: Hotel MyStays Ochanomizu Conference Center Address: 2-10-6 Kandaawajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Evening: Looking for a neighbourhood to explore for dinner

📍 Day 2 – Tokyo (MY Birthday 🎉)

• Morning: Day trip to Mount Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi area)
  • Train from Shinjuku OR bus tour (Not sure which we should do??)
• Evening (back in Tokyo):
  • Shinjuku: Birthday dinner (restaurant suggestions??)

📍 Day 3 – Tokyo → Fukuoka

• Morning: Explore Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple + Nakamise shopping street)
• Lunch in Asakusa
• Afternoon: Fly or Shinkansen to Fukuoka (What's the best way to travel here? JR Pass?)
• Hotel: Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-Minami Address: 3 Chome-13-19 Haruyoshi, Chuo Ward
• Evening: Yatai Night Market for street food
  • MUST EAT: Hakata ramen, yakitori, oden, mentaiko, gyoza, Japanese pancakes

📍 Day 4 – Fukuoka Day Trip Options

• Option A: Kumamoto & Mt. Aso (castle + volcanic scenery)
• Option B: Beppu (Hells of Beppu hot springs – sightseeing only, tattoos okay outside bathing)
• Dinner: Fukuoka specialties (motsunabe hotpot or tonkotsu ramen)

📍 Day 5 – Fukuoka (Takachiho Gorge)

• Day trip to Takachiho Gorge (stunning canyon, rowboats, shrines)
• Evening: Return to Fukuoka, last night in Kyushu

📍 Day 6 – Fukuoka → Osaka

• Morning: Shinkansen Fukuoka (Hakata) → Osaka
• Hotel: (TBD – The only hotel we don't have booked – Neighbourhood suggestions?)
• Afternoon: Dotonbori (street food + neon lights)
• Dinner: Okonomiyaki or takoyaki

📍 Day 7 – Osaka (Kyoto Day Trip)

• Morning: Train Osaka → Kyoto
• Visit:
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Nishiki Market for snacks/lunch
• Evening: Return to Osaka, relax??

📍 Day 8 – Osaka

• Morning: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Afternoon: Osaka Castle & park
• Evening: Shinsekai district

📍 Day 9 – Departure

• Morning: Last stroll & breakfast in Osaka
• Flight: Departs 3:40pm