I’ve used a mix of YouTube, TikTok, Facebook groups, and r/japantraveltips, to put together a Japan itinerary that skips Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Does this plan seem reasonable, or am I repeating too many activities? I’d really appreciate any suggestions or constructive feedback. I know the classic Tokyo → Kyoto route involves minimal transit, but with this version it feels like I might be spending more time on buses and trains. Am I missing anything that most people will definitely see on a repeat trip?
Day 1–2: Tokyo (2 nights)
Already familiar with Tokyo — no planned sightseeing list here.
Transit to Nikko: JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya (~50 min) → JR Nikko Line (~45 min). Total ~1h50.
Day 3: Nikko (1 night)
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kanmangafuchi Abyss.
Transit to Kanazawa: JR Nikko Line to Utsunomiya (~45 min) → Shinkansen to Omiya (~20 min) → Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (~2h45). Total ~4h15.
Day 4–8: Kanazawa (5 nights)
Activities: Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, Nagamachi Samurai District, 21st Century Museum.
Day trip options: Shirakawa-go (~1h15 bus each way), Kaga Onsen, or Noto Peninsula (private car).
Transit to Gifu Alps: Shinkansen to Toyama (~20 min) → local train/bus to Okuhida region (~1–2 hrs). Total ~2–3 hrs.
Day 9–10: Gifu Alps (2 nights)
Activities: Shinhotaka Ropeway, Hirayu Onsen Town, light hiking in the Northern Alps.
Transit to Takayama: Local bus or train (~1.5–2 hrs).
Day 11–13: Takayama (3 nights)
Activities: Takayama Old Town, Kitchen Hida, Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama Jinya, Hida Folk Village.
Transit to Matsumoto/Kamikochi: Direct bus (~2.5 hrs; seasonal Kamikochi access).
Day 14–16: Matsumoto/Kamikochi (3 nights)
Activities: Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi hiking (Azusa River → Myojin Pond), Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, Nakamachi Street.
Transit to Tokyo: Azusa Limited Express (~2.5–3 hrs).
Day 17–18: Tokyo (2 nights)
Open schedule: shopping, museums, or day trips (Yokohama, Kamakura).
Depart from Tokyo.
Transit Summary:
Longest leg: ~4h15 (Nikko → Kanazawa).
Most travel days: ~1.5–3 hrs.
All major intercity travel on Shinkansen or limited express trains; occasional direct buses in Alps areas.
by flippingnoob