11 Day Itinerary for January

I have prepared this itinerary for my Japan visit (with help of Instagram and Gemini AI). This is our (2 of us) first time travelling so need advice if this doable and is good. If I need to change something. I am a vegetarian in food preference.

Tokyo Exploration and Arrival (Days 1-4)

The journey begins with arrival at Narita Airport (NRT) and transfer to Shinjuku via the NEX or Limousine Bus on Day 1. The morning is for travel, followed by an afternoon of checking into the hotel near Shinjuku Station and exploring the bright lights of Shinjuku or the rustic dining of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane).

Day 2 (Tokyo West) focuses on the western areas, using the JR Yamanote Line. The morning starts with a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a peaceful start and panoramic views. The afternoon takes you to Harajuku & Omotesando to explore Takeshita Street's youth culture and the upscale designer shops, followed by dinner at Shibuya Crossing and the Shibuya Sky for spectacular night views.

Day 3 (Tokyo East), utilizing the Metro (Ginza Line) & JR, is dedicated to the east. The morning is spent immersing in Old Tokyo at Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple) and walking through the Nakamise-dori market. The afternoon is reserved for culture at Ueno Park, visiting one of its major museums (e.g., Tokyo National Museum or Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum). The evening is for Akihabara, exploring electronics, anime, manga, and enjoying dinner at a themed café.

Day 4 marks the transition from Tokyo to Kyoto via the Shinkansen. After checking out of Shinjuku, the morning allows for some last-minute shopping in Ginza or a final stop at the Imperial Palace East Garden. The afternoon features the high-speed train journey (approx. 2 hrs 15 mins). Check into your Kyoto accommodation and head out for dinner near Kawaramachi/Gion.

Kyoto & Osaka Cultural Experience (Days 5-8)

Day 5 (Kyoto Culture Walkable) is a cultural immersion using Local Bus/On Foot. The morning is spent visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and walking down the famous wooden stage, exploring the scenic, preserved streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. The afternoon offers a traditional Tea Ceremony in the Higashiyama or Gion area. The evening is spent in the historic geisha district of Gion, enjoying the atmospheric alleys and dinner.

Day 6 (Kyoto to Osaka) transitions to Osaka via the JR Nara-Line & JR Sagano Line. The morning is dedicated to Fushimi Inari-taisha, viewing the iconic shrine with 10,000 red torii gates. The afternoon involves a scenic trip to Arashiyama, seeing the famed Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple, followed by a quick JR Special Rapid train to Namba for hotel check-in and dinner in Dotonbori.

Day 7 (Osaka Theme Park) is an exciting day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ), accessible via the JR Sakurajima Line. It's a full day to enjoy the park's attractions, including Super Nintendo World. The evening is spent having dinner at Universal Citywalk or returning to Dotonbori for local street food.

Day 8 (Osaka to Tokyo) is a travel day with a morning stop in Osaka. Take the Subway (Tanimachi Line) & Shinkansen to visit Osaka Castle, which is easily reached via the metro. The afternoon involves a visit to Kuromon Market to enjoy seafood and street food before heading to Shin-Osaka Station. Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, check into your second Tokyo hotel (Ginza/Tokyo Station area), and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Tokyo Relaxation & Departure (Days 9-11)

Day 9 (Tokyo Theme Park) focuses on fun and entertainment, using the Keiyo Line to Maihama. The entire day is dedicated to Tokyo DisneySea, enjoying the unique port-of-call themed areas. Stay until closing for the spectacular night shows.

Day 10 (Tokyo Onsen Day) is for light relaxation and shopping, using the Metro (Marunouchi/Namboku Lines). The morning offers relaxed light sightseeing or shopping near your hotel (Ginza). The afternoon is reserved for an Onsen Experience at Spa LaQua in central Tokyo, providing modern facility relaxation. The final dinner is enjoyed near Ginza or the Imperial Palace area.

Day 11 (Departure) involves a final Japanese breakfast and preparations before taking the NEX or Limousine Bus from your hotel back to Narita Airport (NRT) to depart from Tokyo.

by truthfully_fun