JJapan Trips

First time in Japan. Thoughts?

  • October 8, 2025

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 10-day trip to Japan during the Sakura season (March 22–31, 2026).

We’re two travelers in our mid-20s.

We love anime, games but we also want to experience traditional temples, shrines, food, and nature.

I’d really appreciate feedback or suggestions — especially if something feels rushed, or if we’re missing a “must-see”.

Day 1 – March 22 (Saturday): Arrival in Tokyo – Shinjuku / Kabukicho

• Arrive Haneda around 16:00

• Transfer to Shinjuku (Tokyo Monorail → JR Yamanote)

• Check-in, explore Kabukicho, Don Quijote, arcades, Godzilla Head

Day 2 – March 23: Meiji Shrine → Harajuku → Shibuya

• Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street

• Afternoon: Shibuya PARCO (Pokémon Center, Nintendo, Jump Store)

• Evening: Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky at sunset

Day 3 – March 24: Day Trip to Kawaguchiko (Fuji View)

• Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku (~2h)

• Sightseeing Boat, Oishi Park, Kachi-Kachi Ropeway

• Return to Tokyo in the evening

Day 4 – March 25: Asakusa → Akihabara (Classic & Otaku Tokyo)

• Morning: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street

• Afternoon: Akihabara – Super Potato, Mandarake, Animate, Sega Arcade

Day 5 – March 26: Tokyo → Osaka (Dotonbori)

• Shinkansen Tokyo → Shin-Osaka (~2h45m)

• Metro to Namba, check-in

• Explore Kuromon Market, Shinsaibashi, Hozenji Yokocho, Dotonbori

Day 6 – March 27: Osaka Castle → Denden Town → Shinsekai

• Morning: Osaka Castle & Park (sakura season!)

• Afternoon: Denden Town (anime/game shops), Shinsekai retro area
Day 7 – March 28: Nara Day Trip → Kyoto (Gion)

• Train Osaka Namba → Nara (~40 min)

• Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha

• Lunch near Higashimuki Shopping Street

• Afternoon train to Kyoto (~45 min), check-in at Gion

• Visit Yasaka Shrine & Gion District at night
Day 8 – March 29: Kyoto Highlights – Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera → Gion

• Early morning at Fushimi Inari (before crowds)

• Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka / Ninenzaka

• Nishiki Market for lunch

• Evening: Eikan-do Zenrin-ji (spring illumination)

Day 9 – March 30: Kyoto → Tokyo (Ginza & Shinjuku)

• Shinkansen Kyoto → Tokyo (~2h15m)

• Afternoon: Ginza Six, Uniqlo, Itoya, Shinjuku Gyoen (cherry blossoms)

Day 10 – March 31: Departure

• Narita Express or Haneda Monorail (leave 3h before flight)

• Last-minute shopping: Tokyo Banana, matcha snacks, Ghibli souvenirs

EDIT : I wont buy JR Pass, thank you for comments

by BodybuilderAgitated1