Hi everyone! 😊
I’d love some feedback on my Japan itinerary and whether it feels reasonable or too packed.

Context / constraints:
I’ll be attending a conference in Kyoto from May 25–29 with a colleague/friend. The hotel in Kyoto is already paid for during that time, so we’re based there. On May 29, my boyfriend and brother will join us in Kyoto, and that’s when our long-awaited Japan trip really begins (we had to cancel our November 2024 trip, so we’re very excited!).

Below is the rough plan — please let me know if anything looks unrealistic, overkill, or if you’d suggest changes.

May 22

• Arrive in Osaka, then travel to Kyoto
• Easy day to settle in and soak up the Japan vibe

May 23

• Day trip to Amanohashidate

May 24

• Day trip to Kibune & Kurama

May 25–29

• Conference days
• Afternoon of May 28 free (not sure what to do yet)
• Afternoon of May 29 thinking about TeamLabs
• Boyfriend and brother arrive on the 29th

May 30 – June 1: Kyoto

Three full sightseeing days. Tentative breakdown:

Day 1 – Eastern Kyoto:
Ginkakuji, Philosopher’s Path, Nanzenji, Keage Incline, Heian Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, Kodaiji, Higashiyama Streets, Kiyomizudera

Day 2 – Arashiyama:
Monkey Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji, Bamboo Grove, Jojakkoji, Gioji, Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, Otagi Nenbutsuji, Daikakuji

Day 3 – Northern Kyoto (half day?):
Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji

➡️ Questions:
• Is 3 full days in Kyoto too much given I’ll already be there for the conference?
• Am I missing anything major?
• Should I move to Osaka on June 1 instead of sleeping another night in Kyoto?

June 2 – 4: Osaka

• First day includes travel from Kyoto
• Second full day in Osaka
• One full day trip to Nara

Osaka Day 1:
Shinsekai, Nipponbashi (Den Den Town), Kuromon Market, Doguyasuji Shotengai, Hozenji Yokocho, Dotonbori

Osaka Day 2:
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, Osaka Castle, Osaka Museum of History, Shitennoji, Sumiyoshi Taisha

➡️ Thinking it might be better to sleep in Osaka on June 1 to maximize time — thoughts?

June 5

• Travel to Hiroshima
• Stop at Himeji for half a day
• Hiroshima sightseeing: Peace Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden
• Sleep in Hiroshima

June 6

• Full day Miyajima
Omotesando Arcade, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in, Mt. Misen, Momijidani Park, Senjokaku
• Sleep in Hiroshima

June 7

• Travel to Nagoya
• Stops along the way: Kurashiki & Okayama (half day), then Kobe
• Sleep in Nagoya

June 8

• Full day Kiso Valley
• Sleep in Nagoya

June 9

• Full day Takayama
• Sleep in Nagoya

June 10

• Travel to Hakone
• Full day + ryokan stay

June 11

• Fuji Five Lakes
• Travel to Tokyo, sleep there

June 12–15: Tokyo

• 3 full days + half day
• Flight departs Narita at 5:40 PM

➡️ Final question:
Do I have time to add a day trip to Kamakura (or another nearby area), or are all 3 full days needed just for Tokyo?

Thanks so much in advance! Any feedback, pacing advice, or “you’ll regret doing this” warnings are very welcome 😄🇯🇵