Hello folks,

My wife and I are going to Japan from November 4 to November 19. Since this will be our first time there, I’d really appreciate some feedback.

A few disclaimers: we’re very into tech, anime, and good coffee. It’ll also be our first time visiting parks like Disney and Universal, so I’d be grateful for any tips you might have.

Our trip is divided into three base camps. We arrive in Tokyo and spend 8 days there. After that, we’ll head to Osaka for 4 days, and then return to Tokyo for the final 4 days. We haven’t decided on accommodations yet, so I’d also appreciate any advice on that.

Itinerary

Nov. 4 – Arrival

• Land at 2:30 PM
• Rest, have dinner, and get ready for the first full day

Nov. 5 – First Day

• Morning: Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street
• Afternoon: Tsukiji Fish Market (arrive before 12:30 PM for lunch)
• Afternoon: Hamarikyu Gardens
• Evening: Ginza – walk around shops and coffee spots

Nov. 6 – Shinjuku Area

• Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Morning: Takeshita Street
• Afternoon: Omotesando
• Afternoon: Cat Street
• Evening: Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue
• Night: Shinjuku – Godzilla Head and a local bar

Nov. 7 – Alternate Plan
This is my wife’s birthday. I had planned to go to Warner Bros. Studio since she’s a huge Harry Potter fan, but it will be closed. I’ll need to come up with a different plan for this day.

Nov. 8 – TeamLab & Odaiba

• Morning: TeamLab Planets
• Afternoon: Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai
• Afternoon: Odaiba
• Afternoon: teamLab Borderless
• Evening: Azabudai Hills

Nov. 9

• Morning: Ueno Park
• Afternoon: Yanaka Ginza
• Afternoon: Akihabara
• Evening: Marunouchi – sunset views

Nov. 10

• Morning: Inokashira Park
• Morning: Jindaiji Temple
• Afternoon: Musashino Jindaiji Kiln (ceramics workshop)
• Evening: Shibuya Sky – sunset views
• Night: Nakano Broadway

Nov. 11 – Tokyo Disney

• Full day at Disney

Nov. 12 – Trip to Osaka

• Planning to buy the Osaka Amazing Pass and follow its suggested tour

Nov. 13 – Exploring Osaka

• Continue using the 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass

Nov. 14 – Universal Studios

• Full day at Universal Studios Japan

Nov. 15 – Nara & Return to Tokyo

• Morning: Todai-ji Temple
• Afternoon: Nara Park
• Afternoon: Kasuga Taisha
• Afternoon: Naramachi
• Evening: Return to Tokyo

Nov. 16 – Yokohama

• Morning: Cupnoodles Museum
• Afternoon: Ramen Museum
• Evening: Explore the city

Nov. 17 – Free Day

• No set plans, just exploring Tokyo

Nov. 18 – DisneySea

• Full day at DisneySea

Nov. 19 – Departure Day

• Spend the day exploring Tokyo before leaving at 6:30 PM

That’s it! I know the itinerary includes quite a few shopping areas, but we’re not really into that kind of activity. If you have suggestions for alternatives, I’d love to hear them.

Am I forgetting anything? Is there any must-see spot that I shouldn’t miss?

We decided to leave Kyoto out because nothing there really stood out to us—it felt more like a tourist trap. Is that impression accurate?