Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Japan this May, just after Golden Week. I’ve done quite a bit of research and finalized the itinerary below. I know it’s a bit ambitious, but I’m trying to make the most of my time. I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
Itinerary:
Day 0: Arrive Haneda
Day 1 – Tokyo: Meiji Jingu, Takeshita St, Zojo-ji, Senso-ji/Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree (evening), Akihabara
Day 2 – Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Shinjuku
Day 3 – Hakone → Kawaguchiko: Early start, complete Hakone loop, continue to Kawaguchiko (Oishi Park if time allows)
Day 4 – Kawaguchiko → Kyoto: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko/Oishi Park, afternoon travel to Kyoto; evening Nara (Deer Park, Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha), Gion
Day 5 – Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Nijō Castle, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama
Day 6 – Osaka: Osaka Castle, Kobe, Umeda Sky Building, Dotonbori
Day 7 – Osaka: Universal Studios Japan
Day 8 – Hiroshima (day trip): Hiroshima & Miyajima, return to Osaka
Day 9 – Tokyo: Travel back, shopping
Day 10 – Nikko: Day trip
Questions:
Is there a good place in this itinerary to stay at a ryokan?
I’m planning to forward my luggage from Tokyo to Kyoto on Day 3 morning and travel with just a backpack for one day. Will my luggage likely arrive in Kyoto by Day 4?
For the last two days, would Nikko be better, or should I extend my stay in Osaka and visit Beppu instead?
Would a JR Pass make sense for this itinerary, or should I use regional passes (e.g., Kansai–Hiroshima Area Pass) or just buy individual tickets?
I’m considering flying from Osaka to Tokyo (Narita) since it’s about ¥4,000 cheaper than the Shinkansen. Is this a good idea, or are there downsides I should consider?
Thanks a lot for any feedback!
by bottokker