Hello!
My soon-to-be husband and I got engaged during our first trip to Japan last year, so of course we're going back on our honeymoon.

After months of planning we're finally getting close to both the wedding and the trip, so we're ready to wrap things up and book whatever we need to book in advance – luckly it's not too much, as we did most of those experiences last time.

We're focusing seeing and exploring as much as we can – relaxation is nice, but we just love Japan and would rather spend a day out and about. A few of these places we have visited already, but we were in May – so we're hoping to catch a different view.

Please do tell me if you see any issues!

Day 1: October 31 – Tokyo

• Arrive at Haneda at 7am, forward luggage to the hotel and start exploring right away.
• Hie Shrine, Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, and Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden (lunch inside New Otani).
• Check in at hotel near Iidabashi, quick nap to beat jet lag.
• Late afternoon Rakugo show at Suehirotei.
• Evening in Shinjuku (Kabuki Hall, Golden Gai, Hanazono Shrine).

Day 2: November 1 – Tokyo

• Nezu Shrine, stroll Yanaka Ginza, visit Tennoji Temple, and Yanaka Cemetery.
• Walk through Ueno Park to Asakusa.
• Explore Kappabashi, then Senso-ji around/after sunset. Dinner in the area.

Day 3: November 2 – Enoshima + Yokohama

• Enoshima: shrines, caves, observatory, and Fujimi Beach at sunset.
• Stop in Yokohama on the way back. Evening in Chinatown.

Day 4: November 3 – Nikko

• Focus on temple grounds, Kanmagafuchi Abyss, and, if time allows, Tamozawa Imperial Villa.
• Dinner back in Tokyo, around Yurakucho.

Day 5: November 4 – Tokyo

• Morning at Gotokuji Temple and the nearby area, then lunch and exploring the neighborhood in Shimokitazawa.
• Afternoon in Shibuya (mainly Loft & Shonen Jump Store @ Parco). Return to hotel, drop bags, and forward big luggage to third hotel.
• Dinner at Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo (Kanda). Evening in Akihabara for arcades & karaoke.

Day 6: November 5 – Kanazawa

• Early Shinkansen, aiming to arrive around 10am. Drop off luggage at the hotel.
• Morning & lunch in Nagamachi Samurai District, afternoon in Higashi Chaya.
• Dinner TBD.

Day 7: November 6 – Kanazawa

• Castle area: Oyama Shrine, Gyokusen-inmaru Garden, and Kanazawa Castle (outside only).
• Explore Kenroku-en, then stop at Ishiura Shrine.
• Evening in Kazuemachi Chaya, dinner at Barrier.

Day 8: November 7 – Shirakawa-go

• Bus to Shirakawa-go with carry-ons (store them at Tourist Association).
• Explore village, lunch, stroll around.
• Evening bus to Takayama. Lazy night at our machiya (Hida beef dinner).

Day 9: November 8 – Takayama

• Morning at Miyagawa Morning Market. Visit Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and Showa-kan Museum.
• Walk through Sanmachi-dori, then short trip to Hida-Furukawa (Setogawa canals & storehouses).
• Evening by Miyagawa River and our machiya.

Day 10: November 9 – Takayama → Nagoya

• Check out – forward big luggage to fifth hotel, store carry-ons.
• Visit Nakabashi Bridge, Takayama Jinya, Hida Kokubun-ji, and Hie Shrine.
• Noon & eary afternoon at Hida-no-Sato.
• Scenic train to Nagoya, check in, dinner around Osu.

Day 11: November 10 – Ise (day trip)

• Early train to Ise Jingu. Visit Geku and Naiku.
• Lunch in Okage Yokocho.
• Train to Meoto Iwa for sunset.
• Back to Nagoya, dinner and night view around Mirai Tower.

Day 12: November 11 – Kyoto

• Early Shinkansen, drop off carry-ons at hotel.
• Visit Tenjuan Garden, Shoren-in Temple, and Shirakawa Canal.
• Pontocho Alley and Takashimaya (especially Nuunu Kyoto, hoping to buy some art for our new home!). Back to the hotel to check-in and have dinner nearby.
• Night illuminations at Nijo Castle.

Day 13: November 12 – Uji (day trip)

• Arrive in Uji around 9:30am.
• Genji Monogatari Museum, Uji Shrine, Kosho-ji, Kisen Bridge.
• Byodo-in Temple & lunch in Omotesando.
• Afternoon at Nintendo Museum.
• Evening/night stop at Fushimi Inari, dinner in the area.

Day 14: November 13 – Kyoto

• Morning experience at Saiho-ji (Kokedera) Temple.
• Arashiyama: Okochi Sanso, Nison-in, Gio-ji, Hokyo-in.
• Night illuminations at Rokuo-in or Hogon-in (or both!?). Dinner in the area.

Day 15: November 14 – Kyoto

• Komyo-in Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple, Shorin-ji Temple, Sanjusangen-do Hall.
• Afternoon: cultural workshop or café hopping near Kiyomizu-dera.Visit Kiyomizu-dera at sunset.
• Evening illuminations at Kodai-ji Temple, then Yasaka Shrine. Dinner in the area.

Day 16: November 15 – Hiroshima

• Forward big luggage to last hotel, take Shinkansen around 8:30am (arrive ~10:30).
• Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Castle (outside), Gokoku Shrine.
• Atomic Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument, Memorial Hall, Peace Memorial Museum.
• Dinner TBD (likely Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki).

Day 17: November 16 – Miyajima (day trip)

• Early ferry to Miyajima – hopefully still catching the Torii with water (high tide should be at 6:30am so that’s definitely too early).
• Momijidani Park, Miyajima Ropeway, Mt. Misen shrines and observatory.
• Hike down, visit Daisho-in Temple.
• Return to Itsukushima Torii Gate at low tide (~12:40).
• Rest at Senjokaku Pavilion, then Omotesando Shopping Street.
• Evening back to Osaka by Shinkansen.

Day 18: November 17 – Osaka

• Sleep in a little more (finally!). Breakfast at Sakimoto Bakery (Namba).
• Sennichimae Doguyasuji, quick street lunch at Kuromon Market.
• Shopping in Shinsaibashi, drop bags at hotel.
• Evening at Abeno Harukas (night view) and Shinsekai (dinner).

Day 19: November 18 – Minoo + Osaka

• Morning: Katsuo-ji Temple, then taxi to Minoo Falls. Walk down the park, have lunch, visit Ryuan-ji Temple.
• Afternoon return to Osaka: Nakanoshima Park, Sukunahikona Shrine.
• Evening: Yodoko Sakura Stadium (Cerezo store), dinner at Kitchen Katakura, then visit TeamLab Botanical Garden.

Day 20: November 19 – Kurashiki + Okayama

• Shinkansen to Kurashiki (arrive ~10am). Try to book boat ride.
• Explore Bikan Quarter, Denim Street, Ohara Museum of Art.
• Afternoon in Okayama: Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden (sunset & illuminations).
• Dinner near station or ekiben on our way back.

Day 21: November 20 – Osaka (final day!)

• Early morning at Sumiyoshi Taisha.
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan + Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
• Evening at Osaka Castle (illuminations), walk through Mido-suji Christmas lights.
• Dinner & drinks in Dotonbori.
• Karaoke send-off if time allows!

Thank you!!