I am traveling to Japan for the first time with my fiance during Cherry Blossom season. Here is my revised itinerary after your initial feedback. I cut a bunch tourist spots, and removed a location entirely. Admittedly, I didn't do as much research as I should have the first time around. Thanks for your feedback.
To recap, I am most interested in food, culture, and nature. I don't want to spend loads of time waiting in long lines or in overly touristy areas only to snap a picture of a landmark. I am hoping to not feel rushed even though it's a relatively short trip. Can you critique my itinerary? Anything you would do differently, or something you would recommend that we see / experience? I would greatly appreciate any food suggestions! We are so excited about the food in Japan.
Tokyo
Day 1
- Check into Hotel in the evening in Shinjuku
- Walk around Shinjuku and have casual dinner (Fūunji Shinjuku ramen?)
Day 2
- Breakfast and coffee somewhere in Shinjuku. (Start early)
- Shinjuku Gyoen (10AM entry)
- Explore a Depachika. (Isetan Shinjuku)
- Head to Ebisu. Walk around, get coffee.
- Dinner at Ebisu Yokocho
Day 3
- Explore Cat street and walk around Shibuya. Breakfast and shopping.
- Nezu Museum
- Tsutaya Books Daikanyama
- Tokyo City View and Sky Deck for sunset (time permitting)
- Drinks in Ginza (optional)
- Omakase sushi dinner reservation in Ginza at 8PM
Day 4
- Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Market tour (5am)
- Hamarikyu Garden. Visit the Tea House
- Walk around Ginza for coffee and food
- Back to hotel to recharge
- Head out for dinner somewhere.. (GOKU wagyu sukiyaki, Yakitori Haretsubame Shinjuku, Tonkatsu wako)
- Park Hyatt Bar OR Sky Bar & Dining Stellar Garden OR The Jade Room + Garden Terrace
Day 5
- Gotoku-ji Temple in the morning.
- Breakfast and coffee and walk around Setagaya neighborhood
- Travel to Kanazawa in the afternoon
- Check in to hotel and have casual dinner nearby
Kanazawa
Day 6
- Omicho Market (Ike Ike Tei Sushi)
- Oyama Shrine Garden
- Hokusando on Hirosaka Street
- Shabu Shabu dinner reservation at 6:30 PM
- Kazuemachi Chaya District in the evening
- Jazz Spot Bokunen
Day 7
- Grab coffee at Kanazawaya Coffee Shop
- Kenrokuen Garden
- Fancy tempura restaurant reservation at 12PM
- Kanazawa Castle? Higashi Chaya geisha district? Or could just wander..
- Head back to hotel and do laundry if needed
- Casual dinner of Jibuni
Day 8
- Relaxed breakfast at hotel
- Could walk around the train station if there’s time.
- Travel to Kaga Onsen
- Check into Ryokan
Kaga Onsen
Day 9
- Ryokan day
Tokyo (again)
Day 10
- Check out of Ryokan and return to Tokyo
- Walk around Daikanyama and have casual dinner
- Wine or cocktail bar afterward? Karaoke??
Day 11
- Coffee and relaxed morning
- Head to airport
by sitkasprucey