Hi everyone!
My partner and I are planning a trip to Japan from March 21 to April 8, 2026 (18 days), and we’d love your thoughts on our itinerary. We’re aiming for a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. We’ll only stay overnight in Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, and do day trips from there.
We had no idea where to start, so we used ChatGPT to help us build a first draft of the plan – and now we’d love to hear from real travelers to refine it further!
Here’s our current itinerary:
Osaka (2 nights – Mar 21–23)
Arrival in Osaka (Mar 21), explore Dotonbori
Day trip to Himeji Castle and Kobe (Mar 22)
Visit Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market before heading to Kyoto (Mar 23)
Kyoto (5 nights – Mar 23–28)
Fushimi Inari & Gion (Mar 24)
Rest day with tea house, river walk, maybe an onsen (Mar 25)
Arashiyama bamboo forest & monkey park (Mar 26)
Day trip to Nara (Mar 27)
Travel to Hiroshima (Mar 28)
Hiroshima (1 night – Mar 28–29)
Peace Memorial Park & Museum (Mar 28)
Visit Miyajima Island (Mar 29), then travel to Tokyo
Tokyo (10 nights – Mar 29–Apr 8)
Explore Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine (Mar 30)
Rest day in Ueno Park (Mar 31)
Visit Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (Apr 1)
Day trip to Kawaguchiko for Mt. Fuji views (Apr 2)
Asakusa & Tokyo Skytree (Apr 3)
Day trip to Kamakura (Apr 4)
Visit Miraikan – National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Apr 5)
Free day for shopping or gardens (Apr 6)
Optional day trip to Yokohama or final Tokyo highlights (Apr 7)
Fly home (Apr 8)
What we’re hoping for:
Is this pacing realistic and enjoyable?
Any tips for the Kawaguchiko day trip (transport, views, onsen)?
Suggestions for quiet nature spots or hidden gems in Tokyo or Kyoto?
Thoughts on the Ghibli Museum and Miraikan – worth it?
We're unsure about staying one night in Hiroshima – worth it?
Where would you recommend we stay in Tokyo to reach all these places easily and still have a relaxing experience?
We're traveling as a couple and prefer peaceful areas with good access to transport.
Thanks so much in advance! 🌸
by Maiko90