Hi everyone!
As in the title, I plan 3 weeks in Japan, and I’m worried it is too ambitious… 🙁
First week is for travel and chill in Okinawa. Then 2 weeks are for sightseeing – Osaka Kanazawa Kyoto and Tokyo.
We are a group of 2, early thirties and seasoned travellers (across Europe), so we can pull a lot. But still, any comments on sanity of the itinerary will be welcomed ! 🙏☺️
Accommodation is booked, so not to be modified.
I was thinking to drop shiragawa-go if we are too tired. Same with Nikko. Sumo in Tokyo is also optional, as it is a show for tourists, and quite expensive.
Also, which day trip from Tokyo would you recommend to see autumn colours 🍂🍁- to 5 lakes to see Mount Fuji, or to Nikko? I am really torn between 2 options.
Oct 26–27 (Sun–Mon): Flight to Naha
Arrive, check in.
Oct 28 (Tue): Naha Exploration
Shurijo Castle, Makishi Market lunch, Kokusai Street, Naminoue Beach sunset, izakaya dinner.
Oct 29 (Wed): Travel to Zamami
Ferry from Tomari Port (~1.5 hrs), check in.
Oct 29–Nov 1 (Thu–Sat): Zamami Island
Beach
Nov 2 (Sun): Travel to Osaka
Ferry to Naha, 20.00 flight/last train to Osaka, check in.
Nov 3 (Mon): Osaka Highlights
Osaka Castle, Shinsekai lunch, Tsutenkaku, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori evening.
Nov 4 (Tue): Universal Studios
Full day at park, ship luggage to Kyoto (keep stuff for 2 days).
Nov 5 (Wed): Kanazawa Culture
Early morning Train to Kanazawa (~2.5 hrs), Kenrokuen Garden, Castle, Higashi Chaya, geisha show.
Nov 6 (Thu): Shirakawa-go Day Trip
Bus (~1.5 hrs), explore village, lunch, return to Kanazawa, crab dinner if available.
Nov 7 (Fri): Kyoto Arrival and Temples
Train (~2 hrs), check in, Ginkaku-ji, Philosopher's Path, Eikando Temple, Pontocho dinner.
Nov 8 (Sat): Kyoto Temples & Markets
Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion walk, Nishiki Market, watch shopping.
Nov 9 (Sun): Arashiyama & Football Match
Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji, Kyoto Sanga FC vs Yokohama F. Marinos.
Nov 10 (Mon): Travel to Tokyo and Sighteseeing
Train (~2.5–3 hrs), check in, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Gov. Building, Shinjuku night.
Nov 11 (Tue): Kimono & Sumo
Kimono rental, Senso-ji, sumo show, Akihabara arcade.
Nov 12 (Wed): Nikko Day Trip
Train (~2 hrs), Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, return.
Nov 13 (Thu): Tokyo Shopping
teamLab Planets, shopping in Ginza/Shibuya/Shinjuku.
Nov 14 (Fri): Departure
Pack, Don Quijote shopping, airport by 19:00 for 23:00 flight
by Optimal-V