This is my second trip to Japan and I’m going solo. I mainly vibe in cities and lively areas with lots to eat, though I am also looking for some variety in landscape and architecture as well as some nature and traditional Japan sprinkled in. I also love gaming, arcades, saké, and anime. Feel free to suggest accessible places or activities or critique my itinerary !
Day 1 (Osaka)
Land in Osaka at 4pm, checkin to hotel in Namba and wander around.
Day 2 (Osaka)
Free day in Osaka, revisit old favorites (Kuromon market or Shinpachi shokudo for breakfast, Teppenyaki, arcade)
Day 3 (Osaka -> Hakone)
Travel to Hakone early for about 1pm
Do the ropeway to Okudani
Optional : art museum
Relax in hotel onsen
Day 4 (Hakone -> Tokyo)
- Travel to Asakusa for around 2pm
- Saké tasting + walk around near hotel
Day 5 (Tokyo)
- Ghibli museum or Nikko? I haven’t decided yet, it’ll be Nov 19th and I’m unsure whether foliage will still be nice in Nikko and whether it’l be worth it, but also a huge ghibli fan. Asakusa is direct to Nikko.
- Asahi sky tower at sunset
Day 6 (Tokyo)
Stuff I missed last time..
– Tsukiji market for sushi
– TeamLab borderless
– Rikugien gardens autumn illumination if open
(Forward luggage to Kyoto)
Day 7 (Tokyo -> Kanazawa)
- Sensoji and nearby shops for breakfast
- Travel to Kanazawa
- Visit Kenrokuen then checkin to hotel
- Have sushi for dinner / chill around for nightlife
- Hotel Onsen
Day 8 (Kanazawa -> Kyoto-Kawaramachi)
- ryokan breakfast
- Free morning in Kanazawa (samurai district or Higashichaya)
- Leave at midday for Kyoto / arrive at 3pm
Explore Teramachi shops/food
Day 9 (Kyoto – Kawaramachi)
- day trip to Arashiyama : hire a bike and cycle around + shop/eat
- evening illumination eikandocho temple
Day 10 (Kyoto Kawaramachi/Higashiyama)
- breakfast at Nishiki
- go to Higashiyama hotel
- café hop / shop around Higashiyama
- kiyomizudera or Kodaiji temple illumination
Day 11 (Kyoto – Higashiyama)
- hike Kurama to Kibune
- lunch in Kibune
- return to hotel for free time evening
Day 12 (Kyoto – Higashiyama)
- free day to shop or go somewhere new depending on energy, any suggestions?
Day 13 (Kyoto -> Osaka)
- optional : Fushimi inari early
- travel to Osaka
- standing bar / karaoke
Day 14 (Osaka – Namba)
- Minoo Park hike
Day 15
- Return to Nara
OR - Hiroshima/Miyajima day trip
Day 16
- final shopping in Osaka
Day 17
- Universal studios and Super Nintendo world
Day 18
Fly home at 9am
by ariastark96