JJapan Trips

First timer itinerary check

  • December 9, 2025

Hello everyone,

I am traveling to Japan for the first time on a solo trip from December 15th to December 23rd. I have drafted a preliminary itinerary based on recommendations I’ve found across various forums, but I would appreciate a sanity check from this community.

Since I have a limited amount of time (about 8 days) and a long list of places I’d like to see, I am worried I might have packed too much in. I am specifically looking for feedback on:

  1. Pacing: Is this itinerary too rushed for a solo traveler?
  2. Logistics: Are the travel times between cities (Tokyo -> Kyoto -> Osaka -> Tokyo) realistic?
  3. Must-sees: Are there any redundant stops I should cut to make the trip more enjoyable?

[made some adjustments based on initial feedback]

Here is my current day-by-day plan:

Phase 1: Tokyo Arrival (The West Side)

  • Mon, Dec 15 (Tokyo)
    • Meiji Jingu: Relaxing forest walk to beat jet lag.
    • Takeshita Street: Quick snack/walk-through (right next to Meiji Jingu).
    • Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko: Evening lights and the famous crossing.
    • Dinner: Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) near your hotel in Shinjuku.

Phase 2: The Kyoto "Double Header"

  • Tue, Dec 16 (Travel & Traditional Kyoto)
    • Morning: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (~2.5 hours).
      • Tip: Book Seat E (Right side) to see Mt. Fuji from the train.
    • Lunch: Near Kyoto Station or Gion.
    • Afternoon (South/East Route):
      • Fushimi Inari Taisha: See the red gates without the rush.
      • Kiyomizu-dera: Head here around 3:30 PM for that "Stunning at sunset" view you wanted.
      • Evening: Walk through Ninenzaka down to Gion/Kiyomotocho for dinner.
  • Wed, Dec 17 (Scenic Kyoto)
    • Morning (Start 7:30 AM): Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Tenryu-ji.
    • Late Morning: Taxi/Train to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
    • Afternoon: Nijo Castle (You now have plenty of time for this).
    • Evening: Kyoto Tower or relax near Shirakawa Canal.
  • Thu, Dec 18 (Nara Day Trip)
    • Morning: Train to Nara (~45 mins).
    • Sights: Nara Park (Deer), Todai-ji (Big Buddha), Kasuga Taisha.
    • Afternoon: Return to Kyoto OR head to Osaka early for dinner.

Phase 3: Osaka & Waterfall

  • Fri, Dec 19 (Move to Osaka)
    • Morning: Travel to Osaka. Check in: Hotel
    • Daytime: Osaka Castle.
    • Evening: Dotonbori (Glico Sign, Street Food).
  • Sat, Dec 20 (Nature & Views)
    • Morning: Mino-o Falls (Easy hike, great nature break).
    • Afternoon: Return to city, shopping in Umeda.
    • Sunset: Umeda Sky Building.

Phase 4: Return to Tokyo (The East Side)

  • Sun, Dec 21 (Back to Tokyo)
    • Morning: Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Check in: Hotel
    • Afternoon (East Tokyo Loop):
      • Asakusa (Senso-ji & Kaminari-mon): Great for souvenirs.
      • Nakamise Shopping Street.
      • Tokyo Skytree: Sunset/Night view (Book tickets in advance!).
  • Mon, Dec 22 (Shopping & Cleanup)
    • Morning: Ueno Park (Museums/Zoo if interested).
    • Afternoon: Akihabara (Electronics/Anime).
    • Evening: Tokyo Metropolitan Govt Building (Free view of city) or last-minute shopping in Shinjuku.
  • Tue, Dec 23 (Departure)
    • Fly out

by komandl