🇯🇵 First Japan Trip Itinerary (Nov 18–Dec 1, 2025) — Open to all ideas, feedback & suggestions!
Hey everyone! My wife and I are heading to Japan this November for our first international trip, and we’re beyond excited. We’ll be flying in and out of Tokyo (Narita), doing a self-drive trip across Kyushu, then exploring Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo by train. Would love your thoughts, advice, or any cool ideas to make it better! 🙏
🗓️ Itinerary Overview
Nov 18 – Arrive in Tokyo (Narita)
Land around 2 PM.
Staying in Narita to rest and recover from the long flight.
Nov 19 – Tokyo → Fukuoka → Iwakuni
Morning domestic flight to Fukuoka.
Pick up rental car at the airport.
Drive to Tsunoshima Bridge (2.5 hrs), spend some time there, then continue to Iwakuni for the night.
Nov 20 – Iwakuni → Beppu
Drive to Beppu (3–4 hrs).
Explore the Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) and enjoy a traditional onsen bath.
Staying in Beppu.
Nov 21 – Beppu → Mt. Aso → Takachiho
Visit Mt. Aso Crater, then drive to Takachiho Gorge for rowing and short hikes.
Staying in or near Takachiho/Kumamoto area.
Nov 22 – Takachiho → Fukuoka
Drive back to Fukuoka (around 3 hrs).
Return rental car.
Explore local spots like Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle, or Kushida Shrine.
Staying in Fukuoka city.
Nov 23 – Fukuoka → Osaka (Shinkansen)
Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Osaka.
Evening: Explore Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, and Umeda Sky Building.
Staying in Osaka (Namba area).
Nov 24 – Kyoto Day Trip
Guided day tour from Osaka to Kyoto (via Klook).
Nov 25 – Osaka Free Day
Using a Klook Pass for attractions, food, and sightseeing.
Nov 26 – Osaka → Tokyo (Shinkansen)
Early train to Tokyo.
Explore Ginza, Imperial Palace, and Akihabara.
Staying in Tokyo (Shinjuku area).
Nov 27–29 – Tokyo
Three days for Tokyo attractions + one Klook day trip (thinking Mt. Fuji, Nikko, or Kamakura).
Staying in Tokyo.
Nov 30 – Departure
Evening flight from Narita.
Looking for Advice On:
1. Is this pace realistic for a first-time Japan trip?
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Any must-see spots we’re missing between Beppu → Aso → Takachiho → Fukuoka?
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How’s driving and parking in Kyushu — any must-knows for first-timers?
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Should I book Shinkansen tickets in advance, or is buying them in Japan fine in November?
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Any rail or regional passes that suit this itinerary (Tokyo–Osaka–Kyushu mix)?
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Recommendations for food spots, local experiences, or hidden gems in these cities?
We’re open to all kinds of ideas — changes, hidden towns, food recs, scenic stops, anything!
Appreciate any insights from those who’ve done similar trips. 🙌
by robustashot