I know this sub gets a lot of itinerary posts, and I had initially thought of not posting one myself… but the need for validation is nudging me anyway. Please help me out 😊 Thanks in advance!
My wife and I (both in our early 30s) are visiting Japan for the first time this fall, for a two-week trip. Here’s what we’ve mapped out so far:
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Sep 27: Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport by evening → complete immigration → take Keisei Skyliner → proceed to our stay → rest. -
Sep 28: Tokyo
Visit Akasaka Station for the Harry Potter theme (my wife is a Potterhead).
Head to Ikebukuro Sunshine City for the Pokémon Store (again for my wife 😊) and the adjacent Ghibli store.
Check out some gashapon machines.
Return to stay.
- Sep 29: Tokyo
Visit Harajuku for the Harry Potter shop and Meiji Shrine.
Head to Shinjuku → lunch at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
See the famous 3D Cat and Godzilla.
Go up the Metropolitan Government Building observation deck for views.
Maybe Kabukicho Tower if time allows, otherwise stick around for the light show.
- Sep 30: Tokyo
TeamLabs Borderless in the morning (prebooked).
Also check out Tokyo Tower nearby.
After lunch, head to Asakusa for Senso-ji and Nakamise Dori.
- Oct 1: Travel Day
Shinkansen from Tokyo → Toyama → Hida Limited Express to Takayama.
Check into stay.
Evening: explore old town + Nakabashi Bridge.
- Oct 2: Takayama
Explore Miyagawa Morning Market.
After breakfast, bus to Hida No Sato.
Easy day enjoying the town and nature.
- Oct 3: Travel Day (Takayama → Kanazawa via Shirakawa-go)
Prebooked bus, with 2-hour stopover at Shirakawa-go.
Arrive in Kanazawa by afternoon → check into stay.
Evening: Higashi Chaya District.
- Oct 4: Kanazawa
Omicho Seafood Market in the morning.
Kenroku-en Garden + Kanazawa Castle if time allows.
Return to stay.
- Oct 5: Travel Day (Kanazawa → Kyoto)
Shinkansen Kanazawa → Tsuruga → Thunderbird Express to Kyoto.
Check into stay.
Evening: Gion District.
- Oct 6: Kyoto
Early morning at Fushimi Inari (really want to get a red torii gate souvenir).
Afternoon: undecided, kept flexible (Nishiki Market as backup).
- Oct 7: Kyoto
Day trip to Hozanji Temple (should take at least half a day).
- Oct 8: Kyoto
Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (UNESCO site — will look for alternatives if crowds are overwhelming).
Afternoon: Kennin-ji Temple.
- Oct 9: Travel Day (Kyoto → Osaka)
Check into stay near Dotonbori.
Explore the area’s “wild charm.”
Try Rikuro cheesecake.
- Oct 10: Osaka
Big shopping run at Don Quijote for souvenirs/gifts.
Fit in any last experiences before heading home.
- Oct 11: Departure
Morning flight from Osaka back home.
Would love to hear what you think of this plan—any glaring issues or things you’d suggest adjusting?
Also, for those who’ve been around Japan during this time of year: how’s the weather generally end of September into early October? Should we be worried about typhoon risks affecting this route? Any advice would be super helpful.
by bettering_me_