Hi everyone! I'm currently planning our trip to Japan and South Korea for April 11-29, 2026 and was hoping people could possibly give me feedback on the itinerary so far (below is just the Japan part, I'll request advice for the Korea part in a separate subreddit).
Last time we travelled internationally, the feedback I received from my family was that there was too much planned for each day, and it felt like we were constantly travelling from place to place without having time to walk around and explore. Keeping that in mind, I tried to structure an itinerary that wasn't too packed with "must-see stops" and gives plenty of time to just walk. However, now I'm unsure if this is underplanned, and if the days don't have enough to really fill them out.
My parents also can't really do super long days, so I'm planning a 8-10AM start and a 8-10PM end. No one in my family is an avid drinker, so while I'd like to sample some liquor, I'm not really vying too hard for a bar/nightlife scene.
Any feedback or guidance people have would be greatly appreciated!
Day 0
- Arrive at Narita (around 5PM)
- Relax and settle in
Day 1 (Harajuku & Shibuya)
- Morning
- Meiji Jingu and then hair salon appt
- Afternoon
- Go up to Harajuku and explore down to Shibuya Crossing (Cosme, Iyashi Cola, Tower Records, Jins)
- Evening
- Dinner then Shibuya Sky (for nighttime views)
Day 2 (Mt. Fuji)
- Book guided day tour
Day 3 (Asakusa & Ueno)
- Morning
- Senso-ji and explore nearby Asakusa
- Afternoon
- Glass-etching class at Sokichi
- Explore Ueno area and walk through Ueno park
- Evening
- Explore Tokyo Skytree area?
- Day 4 (Ginza)
- Morning
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Shopping around the area (WPC, Loft, Yurakucho Marui)
- Afternoon
- Try some cafes (Age.3 Ginza)
- More shopping (KITTE Marunuchi)
- Evening
- Maybe Tokyo Tower or Rainbow Bridge?
Day 5 (Gotokuji & Jiyagoaka)
- Morning
- Hie Shrine and Gotokuji Temple
- Afternoon
- Walk around Jiyugoaka
- Evening
- Maybe walk around an area we’d like more time in
Day 6 (Hakone & Kyoto)
- Morning
- Visit onsen in Hakone
- Afternoon
- Shinkansen to Kyoto
- Walk around central Kyoto (Nishiki market, Japan Blue Jeans)
- Evening
- Eat at Pontocho Alley
Day 7 (Arashiyama Area)
- Morning
- Otagi Nenbutsuji, Adanshino Nenbutsuji, Gioji Temples
- Afternoon
- Sagano Scenic Railway Trolley
- Hozugawa River Boat ride
- Walk around Arashiyaama area
- Evening
- Either stay in Arashiyama or walk around central Kyoto
Day 8 (Fushimi, Higashiyama, Gion)
- Morning
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kimono Tea Ceremony
- Afternoon
- Hokan-ji Temple and Ninenzaka (Mochi Mochi, Hayisa Kaede Kodaiji)
- Maybe visit Kiyomizu-dera
- Evening
- Walk around Gion
Day 9 (Kyoto to Busan)
- Morning
- Kinkaku-ji, then walking around the area
- Afternoon
- Shikansen to Kansai Airport, Flight to Busan
- Evening
- Dinner in Busan, walk around area
by dandylanie