Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Japan this May, just after Golden Week. This is the first time I'm visiting Japan. 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 – Land at Haneda Airport
Day 1 – Tokyo
Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita, Zojiji Temple, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree (in the evening), Akihabara
Day 2 – Tokyo
Shibuya Cross, Tokyo Sky, Team Labs, and Shinjuku Shopping Street.
Day 3 – Kawaguchiko
Start early in the morning to Hakone and complete the loop and then proceed to Kawaguchiko. If time permits, complete the Oishi Park.
Day 4 – Kyoto
Start early in the morning to complete Churieto Pagoda, Oishi Park and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, by afternoon proceed to Kyoto – checkin at hotel and complete Nara(Nara Deer Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine). At night, Gion Street
Day 5 – Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Nijō Castle, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama
Day 6 – Osaka
Osaka Castle, Kobe, Umeda Sky building, Dotonbori
Day 7 – Osaka
Universal Studios
Day 8 – Day trip to Hiroshima
Hiroshima and Miyajima. Return back to Osaka by night.
Day 9 – Tokyo
Return back to Return to Tokyo and leave the day for shopping
Day 10 – Nikko
Day trip to Nikko
Day 11 – Return flight from Haneda
Any suggestions on where I can stay in a ryokan during my trip.
For the last two days, one day I'm leaving for travel to Tokyo and shopping. On the other day, should I have Nikko, or can I extend my stay in Osaka and go to Beppu.
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 bullet train. Is this a good idea, or are there downsides I should consider.
by bottokker