[Context: It’s my first time visiting Japan and overall my first time traveling alone (25F). Guided tours are very common in my country, especially when it comes to longer distances. I’m thinking about taking a few to cover the most hectic itineraries in order to relax a bit and have more context of the places I’m visiting. I’ve done some math and it seems like a tour is close to what I would have to pay in transporting anyway (40 usd per day, relying solely on public transportation)
Hello there! I’ve made reservations for 3 days in Kioto and another 3 days in Osaka and so far, I’ve covered Kioto day 1 and Osaka day 2 & 3, but have had some problems arranging what to do in between.
So, very loosely, this what I’ve come up with:
Day 1 – Kioto
12 pm Arrival from Tokyo
1.30 pm Guided walking tour through Kioto that covers Ponto-chō Alley, Gion Shirakawa, Tatsumi Daimyōjin Shrine, Maruyama Park, Chion-in Temple, Dai-un-in, Nene no Michi, Ninen Zaka Path, Hōkan-ji (Yasaka Pagoda), Konpira Shrine, Hanamikoji Street & Gion Kagai Art Museum
[Just putting in all there to not book the same locations twice by accident]
Day 2 – Kioto
Fushimi Inari
Uji
Day 3 – Kioto
Higashiyama District
Kiyomizudera
Kodai ji
[Very unsure as I’ve seen that recommended paths cover a lot of what I have considered for day 1]
Day 4 – Osaka
Kinkakuji
Nara in the afternoon
Day 5 – Osaka
Guided tour through:
Katsuo-ji
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Arashiyama
Day 5 – Osaka
Mijayima + Hiroshima daytrip
As you can see I have some tours reserved but could cancel them or have them scheduled for another day. My idea is to have 2-3 focal points per day and check out details later on. Right now I’m especially worried about those days in between as I feel like they’re not necessarily the more efficient routs.
I’d rather take at least another tour to cover a day where the most travel is expected, but I’m unsure about it since the options Ive seen cover Fushimi inari + Nara, Nara + Uji or some other arrangement and I have a bit of trouble trying to fully get the distances between the different places.
Would love to have some feedback and recommendations for tour routes if you have any. Thank you!:)
by lavender-fog