TL;DR: We have a 14 day trip to japan with the first 10 days being: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Kagoshima. Should we spend the last 3 days in Yakushima? Or is that too much moving around etc.
- Dates: October 14th – 28th
- Group: 6 adults (3 couples)
- Two parents with their two children and the children’s significant others
- Parents – 60yo
- Children – 30yo
- Interests: Outdoors, nature, food, art.
- Dislikes: Tourist traps
- The group is very active and the parents are extremely fit for their age. Typical trips include a lot of hiking, walking, surfing, other activities etc. The group has traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America, and the Caribbean but this will be the first trip to Asia.
Reason for post: The 4 kids will be leaving on day 10 and the parents (2 60yo) will be staying for an extra 4 days. They would like to end their trip with a “off the beaten path” experience. The current idea is to explore yakushima but we are wondering if this is feasible given the timeframe and current itinerary.
Any other comments/feedback/recommendations on the itinerary are welcome 😄
Outline of Itinerary:
Day one: Tokyo
- Arrive in Tokyo, pick up suica card/cash
- Uber to vrbo in Shinjuka
- Easy stroll( Shinjuka Gyoen or Kiyosumi Garden)
- Simple dinner
- Bed by 9 – 10
Day two: Tokyo
Shibuya
- Morning:
- Meiji Shrine
- Yoyog Park
- Walk to Harajuka – Takeshita Street
- Evening:
- Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Sky #(prebook)
- Tiny alleys like Nonbei Yokocho
Day three: Tokyo
Asakusa and Skytree
- Morning: Senso-ji Temple (explore back alleys)
- Stroll through historic district
- Walk to Sumida River
- Evening: Akihabara(electronics, anime) or Skytree
Day four: Hakone
- Morning: Train to Hakone
- Hakone sightseeing Lake Ashi cruise and ropeway
- Evening: Kaiseki meal at ryokan
Day five: Kyoto
- Morning: Train Hakone to Kyoto
- Afternoon: Philosopher’s Path
- Evening: Gion at dusk
Day six: Kyoto
- Morning:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Tenryu-ji Garden
- Afternoon: Nishiki Market
- Evening: Book special dinner
Day seven: Osaka
- Morning: train Kyoto to Osaka( 15 minutes)
- Kutoman market
- Explore Dotonbori lights
- Explore Osaka
- Evening: return to Kyoto
Day eight: open day
- Evening train to Fukuoka
Day nine : Kagoshima
- Morning: train Fukuoka to Kagoshima (one and a half hours)# reserve seat in advance
- Afternoon: explore Kagoshima
- Hotel: Sheraton Kagoshima
Day ten: Yakushima
- Morning Jetfoil ferry Kagoshima to Yakushima( 2 hours)
- rent car
- Afternoon: hike Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine(2-4 hours)
Day eleven:Yakushima
- Hike Yakusugi Land and Ohko Falls
Day twelve:Yakushima
- Three hour drive around island
Day thirteen: Tokyo
- Flight Yakushima to Tokyo(3 hours)
Day fourteen: Tokyo
- Return flight home
by Minnesotamead