I am heading to Japan for the second time at the end of February into March.
My first time in Japan was last year but only for 3 days as a short trip extension from a longer trip to South Korea. I was able to see Tokyo in full cherry blossom glory, and did a day trip to Kyoto which was also in full bloom. I was only able to walk the Philosopher's Path and visit Kinkaku-ji on this day trip. My base was Asakusa. I did visit Shibuya to totally nerd out (JJK fan here).
For my second time around, I have 9 nights. My original plan was to visit Atami, Tokyo with day trip to Kamakura, Fujikawaguchiko, Kyoto and then Osaka. I also have flights planned for end of October into November, and my thinking was I'd really like to see Kyoto and surrounding areas in the fall. My friends are trying to be able to join me on that one. So I went into an incredibly long rabbit hole of research (about 12 additional hours), realized it is whale watching season, and completely flipped my itinerary to a more coastal exploration vibe.
The only thing of note is that I wanted to hit Osaka for Universal Studios Japan as they have a special exhibit for JJK during their "Universal Cool Japan" collab until summer…. any anime fans out there – is it worth it? If so should I cut one day from Okinawa to get in a day at Osaka?
Nights 1-2: Atami
Nights 3-4: Tokyo
Nights 4-7: Naha, Okinawa
Nights 7-9: Hiroshima
Day 1: Travel Day
Arrive 4:50 PM at HND. Train to Atami, check-in to hotel, get dinner, take advantage of in-room onsen.
Day 2: Izu Exploration
I have a private day tour planned to explore central and eastern Izu. Includes Mount Drama, waterfalls, wasabi fields, local restaurants, Mount Omuro, Jogasaki Coast.
Day 3: Atami Exploration, Train to Tokyo
Atami Ropeway, Atami Castle, Atami Pudding, Itokawa Promenade, Kinomaya Shrine, possibly Atami Plum Garden
Going to take the early evening train to Tokyo, staying in Shinjuku for proximity to station.
Day 4: Kamakura + Enoshima Day Trip
Hokokuji Bamboo Forest, Genji Pond, Komachi-dori, Hasedera and the Great Buddha, Enoden to Enoshima, Enoshima Sea Candle for sunset, Iwaya Cave
Romancecar back to Tokyo in the evening
Day 5: Semi-Leisurely Morning in Tokyo, Travel to Naha
late morning flight to Naha, get settled into hotel, explore city.
Day 6: Full day tour exploring central Okinawa: Southeast Botanical Gardens, Cape Zanpa, Kadena Michi-no-Eki, Aeon Mall Okinawa
Day 7: Full day boat tour for snorkeling and whale watching
Day 8: Explore city more, late afternoon flight to Hiroshima
Day 9: Explore Hiroshima, take vintage streetcar/tram and stop along the way, ultimately arriving at Miyajima Ferry. Explore Miyajima Island, take ropeway, see Torii gate, some shrines. Ferry back to Hiroshima. Not sure if I'll have dinner on island or in city.
Day 10: Leisurely morning, train to Tokyo midday to head home 🙁
What are your thoughts? Any suggestions? Probably a little more travel time on planes/trains than originally intended but I think it's a pretty solid itinerary. Appreciate your feedback/thoughts/suggestions!
EDIT: Should I shelf the Kamakura day trip and save that for fall? What would you recommend in place? Stay another day in Atami? Or keep days in Okinawa and use extra day to get to Osaka?
by OnCloud_90