Hi everyone!
My girlfriend and I are planning our first trip to Japan in May 2026. We’ve put together this 12-day itinerary and would love some feedback on the flow, especially the Fuji/Osaka logistics. We are from Brazil, so driving is not an option for us.
May 13: Arrival
• Arrive at Narita (~1:00 PM).
• Check-in at our hotel near Higashi-Shinjuku.
May 14:
• Asakusa, Jimbocho, and Akihabara.
May 15:
• Setagaya (Gotokuji Temple), Harajuku, and Shibuya.
May 16:
• Tokyo Station, Ginza, and Akasaka.
• Logistics: Forwarding most of our luggage directly to our hotel in Osaka (Takkyubin).
May 17:
• Travel from Tokyo to Gotemba for the Fuji Safari Park.
• Reason 1: My GF really wants to see the red pandas. We heard the experience here is great.
• Reason 2: Checking in near Kawaguchiko Station to be ready for an early start the next day.
May 18:
• 4:00 AM: Quick breakfast at Lawson (for the sunrise view).
• 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Chureito Pagoda (aiming for clear views before the clouds roll in).
• Afternoon: Travel to Mishima Station for the Shinkansen to Osaka (~1:00 PM).
• Evening: Dinner at Dotonbori.
May 19:
• Full day at USJ.
May 20:
• Focus on the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
• Note: Skipping Miyajima (the island) to ensure we are back in Osaka by the afternoon to explore Umeda or Namba.
May 21:
• Katsuoji Temple and Shinsekai area.
May 22:
• Morning: Forwarding bags to KIX airport (or leaving them at the hotel).
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
• Evening: Final lunch and heading to Kansai Airport (KIX) for a 7:00 PM flight.
by GTG_99