JJapan Trips

14 Day Japan Itinerary

  • August 25, 2025

Hello everyone!

I’ll be traveling to Japan from October 17th to November 1st, and I’d love some advice on my itinerary.

Priorities: I love the beach, so visiting Okinawa and the surrounding islands is very important to me. I also really enjoy matcha and temples, which is why I’ve chosen Kyoto as my base.

  • A friend mentioned it’s not worth staying overnight in Fuji or Hakone, and suggested I move one of those nights to Okinawa instead. Do you agree?
  • The matsuri festival is going on while I'm in Japan.. I added it to my itinerary instead of leaving for Okinawa that day. Is it worth it?
  • Other notes: I’ll stop in Osaka on my way back after Okinawa. Should I stay here a night before heading to Kyoto?

Here’s my current itinerary:

  • Oct 17 (Fri): Arrive in Tokyo (Asakusa/Ueno base) 4:00 pm. Evening stroll around Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori.
  • Oct 18 (Sat): Kawagoe Matsuri Festival (day trip). Floats, lanterns, Candy Alley, Hikawa Shrine, and street food → return to Tokyo at night.
  • Oct 19 (Sun): Fly to Okinawa (Naha). Explore Shuri Castle and Kokusai-dori in the evening.
  • Oct 20 (Mon): Okinawa day trip → Cape Manzamo, Hiji Waterfall, and Emerald Beach.
  • Oct 21 (Tue): Ferry to Tokashiki Island (Kerama Islands) for snorkeling + beach. Return to Naha.
  • Oct 22 (Wed): Fly Naha → Osaka Itami, then transfer to Kyoto. Evening stroll in Gion and Pontocho Alley.
  • Oct 23 (Thu): Day trip to Uji (Byodoin Temple + matcha tastings). Afternoon hike through Fushimi Inari Shrine.
  • Oct 24 (Fri): Kyoto exploration → Philosopher’s Path, hidden temples, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizudera at sunset.
  • Oct 25 (Sat): Day trip to Nara: Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, Deer Park, and Mt. Wakakusa hike. Return to Kyoto.
  • Oct 26 (Sun): Kyoto → Fuji (Kawaguchiko). Morning in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Monkey Park. Afternoon Shinkansen to Mishima, bus to Kawaguchiko. Ryokan check-in.
  • Oct 27 (Mon): Fuji day → Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchi, Momiji Tunnel (autumn foliage). Optional trip to Obuchi Sasaba tea fields for tea + Mt. Fuji views.
  • Oct 28 (Tue): Transfer Kawaguchiko → Hakone. Explore Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Shrine, ropeway to Owakudani volcanic valley. Stay in an onsen ryokan.
  • Oct 29 (Wed): AM transfer Hakone → Kamakura. Visit Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, Komachi-dori street, and coastal walk to Enoshima. Evening train to Tokyo.
  • Oct 30 (Thu): Tokyo exploration → Meiji Shrine, Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Omotesando, Shibuya Crossing, and TeamLab Planets in the evening.
  • Oct 31 (Fri): Free day in Tokyo → options: Ginza shopping, Akihabara (anime & gaming), Daikanyama cafés. Final sushi dinner.
  • Nov 1 (Sat): Departure day 5:00 pm Train/bus → airport.
    • Should I trim a night from Fuji/Hakone and add it to Okinawa? Or leave them as day trips in general?
    • Any tips for dining without reservations (especially in Kyoto and Tokyo)?
    • One night in Osaka before heading to Kyoto?
    • Restaurant recommendations are always welcome!

Thanks so much for all of your help!!

by SelectionOpening9978