Hello everyone! Me and my 2 friends are going on a Japan trip for the very first time with 3 guys from 16 September until 02 October.
We've planned out roughly till 30 September. The last 2 days will be shopping and chilling in Tokyo probably.
We fly in from Osaka and fly out from Haneda.
Can anyone give us recommendations for this trip? Is it doable? Like what we should 100% do or not do? What should we add or remove?
For example are we staying too long in Osaka and Kyoto? Should we add more to Tokyo? Or maybe more daytrips? Anything is welcome!
Japan Itinerary (3 People) – Sept 16–30
Day 1 – Osaka (Sept 16) Arrival at KIX → Namba → check-in → explore Dotonbori (street food, neon lights, souvenirs).
Day 2 – Nara (Sept 17) Day trip: Todaiji Temple, Nara Park (deer), Isuien & Yoshikien Gardens, Naramachi district. Evening back in Osaka.
Day 3 – Osaka (Sept 18) Osaka city exploration: Sumiyoshi Taisha, Shitennoji Temple, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Shinsaibashi, Shinsekai.
Day 4 – Minoh Park → Kyoto (Sept 19) Waterfall hike, Cup Noodles Museum, collect luggage → transfer to Kyoto, evening in Gion.
Day 5 – Kyoto East (Sept 20) Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Shrine, Gion & Hanamikoji, Nishiki Market, dinner in Pontocho.
Day 6 – Arashiyama (Sept 21) Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Monkey Park, river boat ride, relax by river.
Day 7 – North/Central Kyoto (Sept 22) Kinkakuji, Philosopher’s Path, Nanzenji, Eikan-do, tea at Ippodo.
Day 8 – Fushimi Inari (Sept 23) Early 1000 Torii Gates hike, breakfast market, Tofuku-ji Temple, afternoon free, dinner in Pontocho.
Day 9 – Uji (Sept 24) Day trip: Byodo-in, Ujigami Shrine, Kosho-ji, matcha tasting at Tsuen Tea Shop.
Day 10 – Rafting & Transfer to Tokyo (Sept 25) Hozugawa River rafting → Arashiyama → evening train to Tokyo.
Day 11 – Tokyo West (Sept 26) Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya (Shibuya Sky, Hachiko), Shinjuku night.
Day 12 – Tokyo East (Sept 27) Ueno Park, Ameyoko Market, Kappabashi (Kitchen Street), Asakusa (Senso-ji), Tokyo Skytree & Sumida Park sunset.
Day 13 – Tokyo Central (Sept 28) Imperial Palace, Ginza shopping, Akihabara (electronics, anime, arcades, optional go-karts).
Day 14 – Fuji Region (Sept 29) Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai, cycling by lakes, kaiseki dinner, onsen.
Day 15 – Mt. Fuji (Sept 30) Fuji 5th Station, Ochudo Trail hike, Komitake Shrine, Houtou noodles, Tenjo Yama Park ropeway → back to Tokyo.
by sihr44