Hi all,
Traveling out to Japan for the first time on my honeymoon. We both love to travel, although he's never left the US before. We're super stoked about going to Asia for the first time! We want a mix of city and nature, plus getting off the beaten path a little. What are we missing? Is this logistically sound?
I'm particularly looking to check my Kii itinerary, and wonder if driving the coast is a better way to use our time. We do want to hike.
Phase 1: Tokyo Part 1
Day 1:
4:00 PM: Land at Haneda (HND).
Evening: Check-in and head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for sunset/night views from the observation deck.
Day 2:
Morning: Coffee shop start, then head to Shimokitazawa for vintage thrifting
Evening: Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views
Day 3:
Morning: Ghibli Museum (Mitaka)
Evening: Dinner at Kobayashi Youkei
Phase 2: Kyoto
Day 4:
Morning: Bullet train to Kyoto; check-in at hotel.
Afternoon: Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, temples, and galleries) plus Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Day 5:
Morning/Afternoon: Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera, and wandering the streets of Gion
Late Afternoon: Fushimi Inari. Hike the upper loops during sunset to avoid crowds. Hike Mt. Yoshida for tea at Mo-an
Phase 3: Kii Peninsula
Day 6:
Morning: Train to Nara Park, spend time with deer and temples.
Evening: Pick up rental car, drive toward Mt. Odaigahara, stay in hotel.
Day 7:
All Day: Hiking Mount Odaigahara
Day 8:
Morning: Scenic drive through the mountains, stay in temple like Kongobu-ji
Evening: Explore Okunoin Cemetery
Phase 4: Tokyo Part 2
Day 9:
Morning: Drive to Osaka; drop off car, shinkansen back to Tokyo
Afternoon: Check into hotel, dinner
Day 10:
Morning: Tokyo National Museum and Imperial Palace East Gardens.
Afternoon: Book hunting in Jimbocho (Bohemian’s Guild).
Night: Shinjuku Ni-chome for gay bars.
Day 11:
Morning: Asakura Museum of Sculpture
Night: Dancing/Drinks at Dragon Men and King Tokyo
Day 12:
Morning: Last-minute gift shopping.
Afternoon: Shibuya Sky for one last "evening breeze" view.
4:00 PM: Train to Haneda
7:00 PM: Departure Flight
by xaviershorts