Hey everyone, I'm planning a trip to Japan in October of 2026, I really want to avoid crazy crowds. But I still do want to see some of the main touristy areas, I have 6 days I will be staying in or near Tokyo, with day trips to Saitama, to hopefully see the Spider Lillies, Hakone, and Lake Kawaguchiko. I figure that will give me 3 days to see everything I want to see in the city (I'm not a huge fan of large cities but do have some things I'd love to see).
After Tokyo I was planning on staying in Kanazawa, possibly taking a day trip to see Eiheiji Temple and Echizen. And possibly a day trip to visit Inami as well, I think it would be really cool to see the woodworking as a luthier and woodworker.
I also wanted to visit Kamikochi in Nagano and stay at an onsen in Kusatsu.
To round off the trip I was thinking of heading to Nikko to stay near Lake Chuzenji, go on hikes and look at the waterfalls that are near.
I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how much time I would need in each area. I was planning on a 14 day trip. I realize I may have to cut one area out but would love any input from anyone who's been around the areas before.
Thank you 🙂
by Chemical-Area-9869