Hello everyone, I will be going to Japan from October 17th to November 1st. This is my current itinerary. I love the beach, and going to Okinawa and the surrounding islands is important to me. My friend told me that it is not worth staying overnight in Fuji or Hakone. Could you review my itinerary and let me know if you think I should remove a night in Fuji and spend an additional night in Okinawa instead? I love Matcha and temples, which is why Kyoto has been chosen as my base, but I will stop in Osaka on the way back from my flight. My friend also mentioned that it is difficult to eat at many places without a reservation… Is this true? Please give me any tips/advice and restuarant reccomendations. I appreciate you all!!
| Date | City (Sleep) | Main Activities | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17 (Fri) | Tokyo | Arrive 2 PM. Check into Asakusa/Ueno. Evening stroll: Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori. | Airport → hotel ~1 hr |
| Oct 18 (Sat) | Tokyo / Kawagoe | 🚆 Kawagoe Matsuri Festival: <br> – Late morning: Train from Tokyo (Ikebukuro → Kawagoe, 30–40 min). <br> – Afternoon: Kurazukuri Street floats, Candy Alley, Hikawa Shrine. <br> – Evening: Lantern-lit floats + Hikkawase battles (music competitions). Return to Tokyo ~9 PM. | ~1 hr each way |
| Oct 19 (Sun) | Okinawa (Naha) | ✈️ Fly Tokyo → Naha (~3 hrs). Evening explore Shuri Castle + Kokusai-dori street. | Flight 3 hrs + transfers 1.5 hrs |
| Oct 20 (Mon) | Okinawa | Cape Manzamo cliffs, Hiji Waterfall hike, Emerald Beach. | ~3 hrs bus/car + hiking |
| Oct 21 (Tue) | Okinawa | Ferry to Tokashiki (Kerama Islands) → snorkeling + beaches. | ~3 hrs transport |
| Oct 22 (Wed) | Kyoto (via Osaka) | ✈️ Naha → Osaka Itami (~2.5 hrs), train to Kyoto (~1 hr). Evening Gion + Pontocho stroll. | ~4 hrs total |
| Oct 23 (Thu) | Kyoto | Uji (Byodoin Temple + matcha tasting). PM Fushimi Inari Shrine hike (red torii gates). | JR ~30–40 min |
| Oct 24 (Fri) | Kyoto | Philosopher’s Path (hidden temples), Nishiki Market, Kiyomizudera sunset. | Local JR/subway ~1 hr |
| Oct 25 (Sat) | Kyoto | Day trip to Nara: Todaiji Temple, Deer Park, Mt. Wakakusa hike. Return to Kyoto. | JR ~45–60 min each way |
| Oct 26 (Sun) | Fuji (Kawaguchiko) | AM Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Monkey Park. PM Kyoto → Mishima (2 hrs Shinkansen), bus to Kawaguchiko (1.5 hrs). | ~3.5 hrs |
| Oct 27 (Mon) | Fuji (Kawaguchiko) | Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchi autumn walk, Momiji Tunnel. Optional trip to Obuchi Sasaba tea fields (tea + Fuji view). | Local bus ~1–2 hrs |
| Oct 28 (Tue) | Hakone | Kawaguchiko → Hakone (~2.5 hrs). Explore Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Shrine, ropeway. Stay in ryokan with onsen. | ~2.5 hrs |
| Oct 29 (Wed) | Kamakura → Tokyo | AM Hakone → Kamakura (~1.5 hrs). Visit Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, Enoshima coastal walk. Evening train to Tokyo (~1 hr). | ~2.5 hrs |
| Oct 30 (Thu) | Tokyo | Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando. Evening TeamLab Planets. | Subway/JR ~1 hr |
| Oct 31 (Fri) | Tokyo | Free exploration: Ginza shopping, Akihabara, Daikanyama cafés. Final sushi dinner. | ~1–2 hrs |
| Nov 1 (Sat) | Tokyo | ✈️ 5:30 pm Departure day. | Tokyo → Airport ~1–1.5 hrs |
Thanks so much again!!!
by SelectionOpening9978