My fiancé and I are planning a trip to Japan late February and it's both of our first time. I'll be sure to return and write a review of what we actually did.
I've been scrolling through this sub and there is just so much information that every time I look things up I end up with more questions than answers. If you guys could help me out, with any part of the itinerary, or any recommendations. I know that there's so much to see and do but If I missed anything let me know!
Here's some background about us, were both love to drink, we like night life (unique bars, not clubs). Absolutely love food and are not picky or allergic to anything. Definitely a matcha drinker. Some must eats are Ramen, Sushi, Kobe or Wagyu, and of course tempura. We love spicy food and also have a tradition of trying Mexican food in every country we can (not texmex). We're pretty active. As far as fandoms go we're fans of Pokemon, Zelda, and most Nintendo stuff. We don't really watch anime, but enjoy the Studio Ghibli films. We love to explore, talk to new people. As far as snowboarding ability, I'd say I'm an advanced rider on technical terrain and intermediate in powder. My fiancee is on the upper end of intermediate and hasn't ridden a ton of powder. Our home mountains are Big Bear and Mammoth and there's not really anywhere on the mountain we can't ride. We're Ikon pass holders so lift tickets for Niseko and Furano are covered. Here's some general questions followed by our itinerary. All of our hotels are booked. If you have any questions please ask Thank you so much
General questions
- Based on itinerary what's best rail pass for Tokyo/Tokyo to Kyoto is there two different that we have to purchase?
- We are trying to keep daily spend while we're there under 200 but this is flexible, is this a reasonable budget (excluding hotels, cars, and Disney tickets)
- We want to splurge on a meal or two where do you recommend that money goes, Sushi or Kobe beef? an omakase would be nice
- Should we hire a snowboard guide and if so where
- How is the weather during the end of feb/early march in Tokyo/Kyoto is it snowing, raining or just colder?
Itinerary
Tokyo
Day 1: Land in NRT (late afternoon) – ship snowboards to hotel in Hokkaido
Do I have to prebook the shipping or can I find a counter in the airport?
-Checking into the Godzilla Hotel in Shinjuku
– Eat street food in Golden Gai, go out to bars around there Any recs?
Day 2
– Culinary Backstreets food tour Is this worth it, or should we explore on our own?
– Go out drinking in a different area of town (maybe Shibuya crossing)
Day 3
-Pokemon Cafe
-Explore a different neighborhood – Ginza?
-Imperial Palace Do I need to make reservations
-4 Seasons Bar Virtu next to palace
Day 4
-Tokyo Disney
Start at Disney Sea, buy fast passes for everything
Eat at magellens
Finish at Tokyo Disneyland and ride beauty and the beast
Day 5
-Mt Fuji day trip?
-TeamLab Borderless
– Teptito Mexican restaurant (We eat Mexican food in almost every country we go to)
Kyoto
Day 6
– Early Start travel to Kyoto by train
What's the best ticket to buy for my whole trip? or do I buy the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto separately?
– Check in Ace Hotel
– Gion District
– Dinner There or in town
– Explore nightlife if any Bar recommendations?
Day 7
– Fushimi Inari
– Kiyomizu-dera
– Nishiki Market for lunch Recs?
– Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
– Dinner at Hotel? Kosa
We have dining credits so we want to eat at the hotel night one or two if anyone has eaten that would be great
Day 8 Hokkaido
– Fly to Sapporo arrive 2-3ish
– Rent a car What are some car recommendations? Should we rent from CTS or in Sapporo and have lunch there?
– Check in Park Hyatt Niseko
– Dinner in the hotel most likely
– Onsen (If tattoos are allowed)
Day 9-10
– Snowboard Niseko Lunch and Dinner Recommendations
Day 11 Rutsuru/Furano
– Check out
– Snowboard Rutsuru Lunch recommendations?
– Travel to Furano
– Check in to Hotel Edelwarme In Furano
Dinner Recommendations
Day 12
– Snowboard Furano
Day 13
– Asahidake or Furano (weather Dependent)
Day 14 Forza
– Leave Furano to Sapporo
– Check in Hotel Forza
– Do beer Museum
– Dinner
Day 15
Fly to Korea afternoon
by dracoandy