My partner and I will be going to Japan for the first time in mid to late September 2026 (possibly into beginning of October). We are very excited and wanted to get a check on the itinerary we have put together based on what was found online. We are both in our mid-twenties and comfortable walking for quite some time. Any advice and thoughts are welcome!
Day 0 – Arrival in Osaka (Afternoon)
- Land in KIX around noon
- Check into hotel (Namba or Dotonbori area ideal)
- Evening:
- Explore Dotonbori (street food, neon lights, canal views)
- Casual dinner or mini food crawl (takoyaki, okonomiyaki)
Day 1 – Osaka Exploration
- Morning:
- Visit Osaka Castle
- Afternoon:
- Kuromon Market (“kitchen of Osaka”)
- Namba Yasaka Shrine
- Evening:
- Guided or self-led Osaka food tour
- Return to Dotonbori for nightlife vibes or sumo show?
Day 2 – Osaka → Kyoto
- Morning:
- Finish anything missed (optional shopping or café stop)
- Late morning train to Kyoto (~30 min)
- Afternoon:
- Nishiki Market
- Walk through Gion district
- Evening:
- Early stroll through Ninenzaka (beautiful at sunset)
Day 3 – Kyoto (Eastern Kyoto Focus)
- Morning:
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Walk through:
- Higashiyama District
- Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka streets?
- Afternoon:
- Nanzen-ji
- Eikan-do
- Evening:
- Traditional Kyoto dinner?
Day 4 – Nara Day Trip
- Morning train to Nara (~45 min)
- Visit:
- Todai-ji Temple
- Nara Park (deer)
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Optional:
- Kofuku-ji Temple
- Afternoon:
- Return to Kyoto
- Evening:
- Relax / explore
Day 5 – Kyoto (Arashiyama + Northern Kyoto)
- Early morning:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (go early to avoid crowds)
- Nearby:
- Tenryu-ji (Zen temple)
- Afternoon:
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Philosopher's Path
- Evening:
- Tea experience?
Day 6 – Kyoto → Hakone
- Morning:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha (go early!) (maybe too rushed? Wonder if can fit in different day)
- Get food/bento box for train
- Late(r) morning:
- Train to Hakone (~2.5–3 hrs)
- Afternoon:
- Check into ryokan
- Evening:
- Onsen experience
- Traditional dinner
Day 7 – Hakone → Tokyo
- Morning:
- More onsen?
- Hakone sightseeing loop (Lake Ashi, ropeway, views of Mt. Fuji if clear)
- Afternoon:
- Train to Tokyo (~1.5 hrs)
- Evening:
- Check into hotel (Shibuya/Shinjuku ideal)
- Explore Shibuya crossing and get yummy dinner
Day 8 – Tokyo (West Tokyo)
- Morning:
- Yoyogi Park
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Walk to:
- Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
- Afternoon:
- Pokémon Center (Shibuya)
- Evening:
- Tokyo food tour
Day 9 – Tokyo (Asakusa + Culture)
- Morning:
- Senso-ji Temple
- Explore Asakusa
- Afternoon:
- Team labs
- Optional: Tokyo Skytree or Sumida River walk, shopping
- Evening:
- Dinner in Ginza or Shinjuku
Day 10 – Tokyo (Departure Day)
- Morning:
- Free time (shopping, café, souvenirs)
- Last-minute exploring (Shibuya, Shinjuku, or nearby neighborhood)
- Afternoon:
- Fly out of NRT in afternoon (2:30 or 4)
by AppropriateCheek7397