Hi everyone! I’m planning my first trip to Japan (coming from India) from Oct 30 to Nov 12, and I’d really appreciate feedback on my itinerary. This is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time, and I want to make the most of it ,without burning out.

Please let me know:

• Is the pacing realistic?
• any other recommendations for 7, 8,9?
• Any days that seem too rushed or too light?
• Is Kamikōchi worth visiting in early November?
• Open to any improvements or suggestions!

✈️ Trip Overview

• Total Days: 14 days, 13 nights
• Arrival/Departure Airport: Tokyo Narita (arrive Oct 30 @ 3:00 PM, depart Nov 12)
• JR Pass: Planning to get a 7-day pass starting Nov 4
• Accommodation: Mostly hotels near stations (Shinjuku in Tokyo, central Kyoto, Takayama, etc.)

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Oct 30 (Thu): Arrival in Tokyo

• Land at Haneda (4:00 PM)
• Check in at hotel near Shinjuku
• Light dinner, rest and adjust to time zone

Day 2 – Oct 31 (Fri): Tokyo – City Sights (Day 1)

• Start at Meiji Shrine (morning)
• Walk through Harajuku → Omotesando → Aoyama
• Explore Shibuya Scramble & Hikarie
• Try local food around Shibuya or Ebisu

Day 3 – Nov 1 (Sat): Tokyo – City Sights (Day 2)

• Explore Asakusa: Sensō-ji, Nakamise-dōri
• Walk to Sumida River / Tokyo Skytree area
• Optional: Ueno Park or Tokyo National Museum
• Evening in Akihabara or Ikebukuro (anime shopping & arcades)

Day 4 – Nov 2 (Sun): Day Trip to Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi)

• Early bus/train to Lake Kawaguchi
• Explore Chureito Pagoda, lakeside walk, Mt. Fuji views
• Possibly rent a bike or visit Oishi Park
• Return to Tokyo by evening

Day 5 – Nov 3 (Mon): Day Trip to Kamakura

• Morning train to Kamakura (~1 hour)
• Visit Hasedera, Great Buddha (Daibutsu), and Hōkoku-ji (bamboo temple)
• Walk the Komachi Street for snacks/souvenirs
• Return to Tokyo, dinner near hotel

Day 6 – Nov 4 (Tue): Tokyo → Kyoto (Start JR Pass)

• Take morning Shinkansen to Kyoto (2.5 hrs)
• Drop bags at hotel
• Explore Nishiki Market, walk around Gion in the evening
• Dinner near Pontocho or Kawaramachi

Day 7 – Nov 5 (Wed): Kyoto (Day 2)

• Fushimi Inari Taisha (early morning)
• Tofukuji Temple for fall foliage
• Nijo Castle or Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Optional: Tea ceremony in the evening

Day 8 – Nov 6 (Thu): Kyoto (Day 3)

• Kiyomizudera → Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka walk
• Visit Kodai-ji or Maruyama Park
• Explore the Philosopher’s Path
• Evening stroll along Shirakawa Canal

Day 9 – Nov 7 (Fri): Kyoto → Takayama

• Morning bus or train to Takayama (~3.5–4 hrs)
• Explore Takayama Old Town, Miyagawa Morning Market
• Try Hida beef, stay in a ryokan if possible

Day 10 – Nov 8 (Sat): Day Trip to Shirakawa-go

• Morning bus to Shirakawa-go
• Explore the gassho-zukuri houses and viewpoints
• Return to Takayama in the evening
• Light dinner, rest

Day 11 – Nov 9 (Sun): Kamikōchi → Matsumoto

• Early bus to Kamikōchi
• Scenic hiking (Taishō Pond → Kappa Bridge loop)
• Evening transfer to Matsumoto
• Overnight stay near Matsumoto Station

Day 12 – Nov 10 (Mon): Matsumoto → Tokyo

• Visit Matsumoto Castle in the morning
• Explore Nawate-dori Street or local cafés
• Afternoon train back to Tokyo
• Check-in at Tokyo hotel

Day 13 – Nov 11 (Tue): Free Day in Tokyo

• Flexible day: Shopping (e.g., Nakano Broadway, Shimokitazawa)
• Museums, local neighborhoods, or day spa (e.g., Ooedo Onsen Monogatari)
• Farewell dinner

Day 14 – Nov 12 (Wed): Departure

• Check out and head to Haneda for 10:00 AM departure