This will be our first visit to Japan and I think chat and I have come up with a fairly good itinerary. But if there is something I am missing that is a must do/see. Or if I am wasting our time doing something that is "meh" I'd love to hear it! Also, any insight on the hotels I have chosen is welcome as well! It's a bit of a last minute trip so we are limited with availability. Lastly, this is a trip for my 13 year old foodie. He loves it all – if there is anything we have to try, please let me know! Thank you!!
Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo (Afternoon)
- Arrive at Haneda.
- Transport: Monorail → Hamamatsuchō → Oedo Line → Tsukiji.
- Check‑in at Tosei Hotel Cocone Tsukiji Ginza Premier.
- Evening: Light walk in Ginza; dinner at Tsurutontan Udon, Roppongi.
Day 2 – Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku
- Morning: Meiji Shrine; Takeshita Street (Harajuku).
- Lunch: Mawashi Sushi, Seibu Shibuya.
- Afternoon: TeamLab Planets (Toyosu) — reserve ahead.
- Evening: Shibuya Crossing at night + optional Shibuya Sky.
- Dinner: Udon Shin, Shinjuku or somewhere in Shibuya.
Day 3 – Ginza, Akihabara, Meguro / Asakusa alternative
- Morning: Ginza shopping (Mitsukoshi, Tokyu Plaza, etc.).
- Lunch: Depachika or Kimuraya Bakery.
- Afternoon: Option A: Akihabara Option B: Asakusa + Senso‑ji Temple (if wanting tradition)
- Evening: Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro + stroll by Meguro River.
- Dinner: Izakaya in Ebisu or near hotel.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Kamakura
- Transport: JR Yokosuka Line (~1 hr).
- Sites: Great Buddha, Hase‑dera, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, Komachi‑dori.
- Return Tokyo in late afternoon.
- Dinner: Jomon Roppongi (yakitori) – recommend reserving ahead.
Day 5 – Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea
- Transport: JR Keiyo Line → Maihama.
- Full day at Disneyland or DisneySea.
- Return in evening.
- Dinner: in park or near hotel.
Day 6 – Early departure to Hakone
- Check out Tokyo hotel.
- Transport: Tokyo → Odawara via Hikari Shinkansen.
- Pick up Hakone Freepass → Hakone loop: Tozan train, cable car, ropeway, Lake Ashi pirate ship. Visit Owakudani, Hakone Open Air Museum.
- Overnight: Ryokan Aura Tachibana (onsen, kaiseki dinner).
Day 7 – Hakone → Kanazawa
- Morning: depart Hakone, Hikari to Tokyo, then transfer via Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa.
- Check in to SOKI Kanazawa.
- Afternoon: Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District.
- Dinner: Kanazawa seafood / izakaya.
Day 8 – Shirakawa‑go day trip
- Morning: early bus (~08:10 or 08:40) to Shirakawa‑go.
- Sites: gasshō‑zukuri houses, Shiroyama Viewpoint.
- Return ~16:00 to Kanazawa.
- Evening: Kenrokuen Garden or 21st Century Museum.
- Dinner: local cuisine.
Day 9 – Travel to Kyoto
- Morning: Shinkansen from Kanazawa → Kyoto.
- Check in Hotel Muso.
- Afternoon: stroll Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Sannenzaka / Ninenzaka.
- Dinner: Pontocho Alley.
Day 10 – Kyoto Highlights
- Morning: Kinkaku‑ji.
- Midday: Ryoan‑ji (rock garden).
- Afternoon: Philosopher’s Path or Nishiki Market.
- Dinner: Kaiseki or Kyoto style food.
Day 11 – Day Trip to Nara
- Morning: possibly Fushimi Inari (if early), then Nara (Todaiji, Deer Park, Kasuga Taisha).
- Return to Kyoto afternoon.
- Dinner: final Kyoto dinner (izakaya or local favorite).
Day 12 – Kyoto → KIX Airport
- Morning: free time (Arashiyama bamboo grove if time).
- Afternoon: pack, relax.
- Evening: Haruka Express from Kyoto → KIX (aim for departure ~20:15‑20:30).
by No-Ideal681