Background: I have visited Tokyo before (in 2019). Planning to visit again later this year (from Nov 28th to Dec 2nd). I haven’t had much time to plan because I didn’t even know I’d be traveling a couple of weeks back.
Looking for unseen neighborhoods, some relaxation, nature, shrines, temple stay, hikes, local cuisines, cafes, craft beer, etc. Fine with having evenings with not much to do, okay with just kick back and relax with some reading.
Here is my rough draft of itinerary, let me know what you think:
Day 0: 27th Nov : Arrival
– Land at Narita international around 8 PM
– Just get out of the airport to accommodation for the night (yet to find: mostly some capsule/ cheap hotel in Tokyo)
Day 1: 28th Nov : Tokyo (Nezu, Yanaka, Kagurazaka)
– Explore these neighborhoods
– Nezu shrine, Yanaka cemetery, Yanaka Ginza, shrines and temples in Kagurazaka
– Just stroll around, checkout cafes, bakeries, places to eat.
Day 2 & 3: 29th-30th Nov : (Stay at Mt. Mitake)
– Head to Mt Mitake on Day 2 morning, temple stay (shukubo) that evening, head out of the area on Day 3 evening
– 2 days of hikes around the area, Mitake Musashi shrine, Rock garden trail, enjoy temple stay, kaiseki, bath, relax in the evening
– Need to flesh this out more. Let me know if any suggestions you have on this area.
Day 4: 1st Dec : (Yokohama)
– Sankeien garden
– Checkout Chinatown
– Cup noodles factory
– Again, look for interesting cafes/bars/places to eat
Day 5: 2nd Dec : (Kamakura)
– Check out the shrines and temples (Tsurugaoka hachimagu, Myohonji, Hasedera, etc) in Kamakura during the day
– End the day at beach
– Hope to catch the glimpses of Fuji-San ( I doubt if the season permits it)
– Head out in the evening and find some cheap accommodation near Narita.
Day 6: 3rd Dec: (Head out)
– Head to Narita airport and hangout there before catching an early afternoon flight out
Some Questions:
– Day 1: Having been to other neighborhoods in Tokyo like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Kabukicho, Ginza, etc. I want to explore the other side of Tokyo which is not that touristy. I had considered Todoroki valley as well but on some post I saw it mentioned that it is more of a cute local spot but not worth visiting on a limited international travel. My concern: does it also apply for the neighborhoods I have chosen here? Any other recommendations?
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Day 2-3: Good for what I’m looking for in this trip? Any suggestions around this area if you have been there?
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Day 4-5: you think if I should give 2 days to Kamakura instead? Nikko was also under consideration for day 4-5, let me know if you think I consider doing that instead.
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General: How does it look? Am I missing on some obviously better alternatives?
Anyways, Thanks in advance! Any honest feedback/suggestions are really appreciated!
by Lone-Farter