Hey

I (f/45) have fulfilled my dream and already bought flights for a 16-day trip to Japan in May 2026 🙂

It's my first time, I'm travelling alone and my Japanese is just enough to ask for directions (I hope )

Since I'm a nerd, I'd like to capture all the scenes that were so iconic in some films/games etc. (unfortunately, the Park Hyatt is out of the question, it's beyond my budget… unless I find a sponsor haha)

Before I start booking hotels/accommodation etc., are there any other tips? Nice ryokans, where to go in the evening, etc.

I find starting in Yokohama (price-wise) exciting, I like to use public transport and plan to walk a lot, which is what I do in everyday life.

Days 1–5 → Yokohama (Base)

• Hotel: Minato Mirai (bigger rooms, easy Tokyo access).
• Day 1 (Arrival): Minato Mirai skyline, Landmark Tower, harbor walk, Chinatown at night.
• Day 2: Straight into Tokyo → Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku/Kabukichō (cyberpunk night photos).
• Day 3: “Like a Dragon” day in Yokohama (Chinatown alleys, Red Brick Warehouse, Bay Bridge car ride -Fast and Furios, Ferris wheel optional).
• Day 4: Tokyo → Imperial Palace, Ginza, Marunouchi.
• Day 5: Tokyo → Asakusa (Senso-ji), Ueno, Akihabara (nerd/otaku shops).

Days 6–7 → Tokyo (Stay inside the city)

• Hotel: Shibuya or Shinjuku.
• Day 6: Techno night (WOMB, VENT, Contact).
• Day 7: High-class night → Ginza/Roppongi bars, maybe a host club, finish with karaoke.

Days 8–11 → Kansai (Kyoto + Osaka)

• Days 8–10: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Gion, Philosopher’s Path, wisteria stop in Uji or Nara).
• Day 11: Osaka (Dotonbori neon lights, Osaka Castle, one night, cheaper stay).

Days 12–13 → Hiroshima & Miyajima

• Shinkansen from Osaka (~1h30).
• Day 12: Hiroshima Peace Park, museum, castle.
• Day 13: Miyajima (Itsukushima Torii shrine, ropeway, nature).

Days 14–15 → Onsen + Sea

• Return towards Tokyo (~4–5 hrs).
• Goal: Atami, Ito/Izu, or Kamogawa.
• Ryokan with sea view + onsen, 2 nights relax.

Days 16–17 (May 31 – June 2) → Tokyo Finale

• Back to Tokyo.
• Shopping (Ikebukuro, Akihabara reload, Ginza), maybe Ghibli Museum, Golden Gai night, TeamLab or Odaiba.
• June 2: Last evening → rooftop bar farewell.

Day 18 (June 3) → Departure

• Morning Narita Express → flight home.