Hi. I’d love to get some advice about our planned itinerary to Japan in March / April 2026. Is it worth spending a few days at Hakone at the end of our trip – and how much of a challenge will it be to get from Hakone to Haneda airport on Saturday the 11th? Is this something I should be worried about?
This is what I’m thinking –
Sat, Mar 28 – Arrive Osaka (Namba)
· Go straight to our hotel – and if we’re not dead tired –
· Evening: Dotonbori – neon lights and street food (takoyaki!)
· First taste of Osaka’s lively food scene
Sun, Mar 29 – Osaka Fun + Kids Plaza
· Morning: Osaka Castle grounds & museum (samurai vibes, panoramic views)
· Afternoon: Kids Plaza Osaka (hands-on science, culture & creativity (our kids are 7 & 9)
· Evening: Dotonbori or sunset at Umeda Sky Building
Mon, Mar 30 – Universal Studios Japan
· All-day!!
Tue, Mar 31 – Day Trip to Nara
· Nara Park: Meet deer, visit Tōdai-ji Great Buddha, stroll lantern-lit lanes
· JR Yamatoji Rapid (~50–55 min)
Wed, Apr 1 – Kyoto Cherry-Blossom Walks
· Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple just after opening
· Stroll: Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka lanes → Yasaka Shrine → Maruyama Park (iconic weeping cherry)
· Lunch: Near Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
· Afternoon: Philosopher’s Path → Nanzen-ji (gentle 2 km blossom walk)
· Kyoto’s classic sakura experience: temples, lanes, and gentle walks
Thu, Apr 2 – Fushimi Inari & Arashiyama
· Morning: Early visit to Fushimi Inari (torii gate magic)
· Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, river bridge, and cafés
· Two of Kyoto’s most photogenic spots in one day
Fri, Apr 3 – Gion & Nishiki Market (Flex Day)
· Market tastings, kimono shops, old streets, souvenirs
· Unhurried Kyoto day to soak in the city’s atmosphere
Sat, Apr 4 – Kyoto → Tokyo (Shinjuku)
· Shinkansen to Tokyo (~2h15), check-in, evening explore Omoide Yokocho/Kabukichō lights
Sun, Apr 5 – West Tokyo Green + Views + Scramble
· Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen (top sakura garden)
· Mid-day: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building free observatory
· Evening: Shibuya Scramble crossing & local dinner
Mon, Apr 6 – Tokyo DisneySea
· Full day: Ocean-themed park & new areas
· Use the app for Premier Access (paid) and in-app passes
· Unique rides and shows you won’t find elsewhere
Tue, Apr 7 – Omiya Bonsai & Ueno Museums
· Morning: Train to Ōmiya-kōen, visit Omiya Bonsai Art Museum (09:00–16:30; Thu closed) and stroll Bonsai Village
· Afternoon: Ueno Park – National Museum of Nature & Science and/or Ueno Zoo (Tue open; Mon closed)
· Evening: Optional Akihabara arcades & anime
Wed, Apr 8 – Tokyo
· Miraikan (Odaiba): “Museum of the Future”—robots, space, hands-on science. Pair with Odaiba malls & bay views.
Thu, Apr 9 – Tokyo → Hakone (Onsen Night)
· Romancecar from Shinjuku (hotel recommendations welcome), drop bags at the ryokan, relax in the onsen
· Pick up Hakone Freepass for tomorrow’s sightseeing loop
Fri, Apr 10 – Hakone Loop → Haneda-Area Hotel
· Ropeway over volcanic Ōwakudani, pirate ship across Lake Ashi, cable car & scenic buses (all covered by the Freepass)
Sat, Apr 11 – Fly Home
· Private transfer from Hakone at 10:00 (as I’m worried about the bus / train on a super busy Saturday)
· Arrive Haneda ~12:00–12:30 (17:05 flight)
by SecretaryOk4637