First-timer Japan trip with my fiancé – roast our itinerary? (Sept-Oct 2025)
Hey everyone!
My fiancé and I are planning our first trip to Japan and we're looking for some feedback on our itinerary.
We're spending about a month there and want to get a good mix of city life, nature, and culture.
Let us know what you think :))
Trip Dates: Thu, 11 Sep – Wed, 8 Oct
Part 1: The Golden Route + Fuji
Sep 12 (Fri): Tokyo
* Arrive NRT.
* Check in at APA Hotel Sugamo Station.
* Afternoon/Evening: The plan is to get settled, maybe explore the local Sugamo area (Jizo-dori shopping street looks cool). We're thinking of a chill, no pressure first night. Any good ramen spots or cozy izakayas in the area for a nice first dinner as a couple?
Sep 13-15 (Sat-Mon): Tokyo
* We have three full days to explore Tokyo. Here's our rough plan:
* Day 1 (Sep 13): East Tokyo. A classic day trip to Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple), Ueno Park for the museums, and then a romantic evening view from the Tokyo Skytree.
* Day 2 (Sep 14): West Tokyo. Exploring the iconic Shibuya Crossing, strolling through Harajuku for some trendy fashion (and Meiji Shrine for a peaceful moment), and then grabbing a drink in the charming Golden Gai in Shinjuku.
* Day 3 (Sep 15): Central Tokyo/Flex Day. Imperial Palace East Garden and maybe a bit of upscale window shopping in Ginza. We're open to other suggestions for a more unique couple's experience. Maybe a TeamLab exhibit or a visit to the Ghibli Museum if we can get tickets!
Sep 16 (Tue): Tokyo to Kawaguchiko (Fuji)
* 11:00: Check out of APA Hotel.
* Travel to Kawaguchiko. (Thinking bus from Shinjuku, seems the easiest).
* 15:00: Check in at Kawaguchiko Business & Resort SAWA Hotel.
* Afternoon: Hoping for good weather to get our first amazing view of Mt. Fuji! A walk along the lake or visiting Oishi Park for that classic photo op.
Sep 17 (Wed): Kawaguchiko
* Full day to explore the Fuji Five Lakes area.
* Ideas: We'd love to get that iconic shot of Fuji from Chureito Pagoda. Also thinking about the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and renting a bike to cycle around Lake Kawaguchi for a bit of a romantic, scenic activity.
Sep 18 (Thu): Kawaguchiko to Kyoto
* 11:00: Check out of hotel.
* This is a big travel day. We'll be taking a bus to Mishima and then the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
* 15:00: Check in at SMART PLACE INN Kyoto Shijo Omiya Station.
* Evening: Settle in and explore the area. We've heard Pontocho Alley is a great spot for dinner and a romantic walk.
Sep 19-20 (Fri-Sat): Kyoto
* Two full days in the ancient capital.
* Day 1 (Sep 19): Southern & Eastern Kyoto. Fushimi Inari-Taisha (planning to go early to beat the crowds and for some cool pictures!), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and strolling the historic streets of Higashiyama (Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka).
* Day 2 (Sep 20): Western & Northern Kyoto. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (again, early for photos!), Tenryu-ji Temple, then maybe Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). We're thinking a romantic rickshaw ride in Arashiyama could be a fun splurge.
Sep 21 (Sun): Kyoto to Osaka
* 11:00: Check out of hotel.
* Quick train ride to Osaka.
* 15:00: Check in at Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka Namba.
* Afternoon/Evening: Time to dive into Osaka's amazing food scene! Dotonbori is a must for the Glico Running Man and all the street food.
Sep 22 (Mon): Osaka
* Ideas: Osaka Castle in the morning. We've heard great things about the food at Kuromon Market for lunch. Maybe an evening view from the Umeda Sky Building for a romantic city skyline.
Part 2: The Adventure Continues
Sep 23 (Tue): Travel Day
* 11:00: Check out of Osaka hotel.
* This is where we need help! We're heading to Kyushu for a week. The plan is to travel from Osaka to Kyushu (Fukuoka?).
Sep 23-30: Kyushu (7 Days)
* General Plan: We want to explore a few of the prefectures. Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto are on our radar. We'd love to see some nature and try all the local food. I'm thinking of getting a JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
* Day by day:
* Sep 23: Arrive in Fukuoka, check in, and explore the city.
* Sep 24-29: Open to suggestions! What's the best way to structure 6 days? Should we use Fukuoka as a base for day trips or move around? We're interested in the volcanic landscapes (like Mt. Aso or Sakurajima) and the history of Nagasaki. Any romantic spots in Kyushu?
Sep 30: Travel from Kyushu to the start of the Alpine Route.
Sep 30 – Oct 4: Japan Alpine Route (5 Days)
* General Plan: We want to do the full Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. We're thinking of starting from Matsumoto or Nagano and going all the way through to Toyama. We're giving ourselves a few days for this to not rush it and maybe see some other spots nearby.
* Day by day:
* Sep 30: Travel from Kyushu to Matsumoto/Nagano. Overnight there.
* Oct 1-2: Do the full Alpine Route. Is it possible to do in one super long day, or is it better to stay a night somewhere in the middle? Maybe Murodo?
* Oct 3: Explore the area on the other side, like Kanazawa or Shirakawa-go.
* Oct 4: Travel back to Tokyo.
Oct 4 – Oct 8: Tokyo (4 Days)
* Back in Tokyo for the final leg.
* General Plan: This is our wind down period. We'll likely stay somewhere near Narita or a major station. We want to do some last minute souvenir shopping and revisit our favorite spots. Maybe hit up some places we missed the first time, like Odaiba or a TeamLab exhibit.
* Day by day:
* Oct 4: Arrive in Tokyo, check into a new hotel. Maybe a chill evening in a cool neighborhood like Shimokitazawa.
* Oct 5-7: The final 3 full days. We're thinking of dedicating one day to shopping, one to a museum/cultural day, and one to just wandering and eating.
Oct 8 (Wed): Departure Day
So, that's our whole plan. It's a lot, we know! We'd love some advice on:
* Pacing: For a couple on their first trip, is this too much travel?
* Kyushu: How would you structure a 7 day trip here? What are some great experiences for a couple?
* Alpine Route: Is our timing for this realistic? Any tips for doing it as a duo?
* Tokyo: Any suggestions for our first and last days? What are some underrated, romantic spots?
* General Advice: Anything we're completely overlooking?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
by yoyene