I'll be in Japan for 15 days in October. am I biting off more than I can chew? I don't have to do every single thing listed, obviously, but i wanted a detailed outline to ensure I have options and don't suffer FOMO.
we're not early risers, although a couple early days is okay. we're good with walking. we want to hit the highlights, but want to enjoy things a bit less touristy as well. am I missing anything? anything you would actually say is overhyped?
suggestions? thoughts? things you would suggest swapping? (the days in each place cannot be changed). be ruthless, sure, but also kind, please, as I've worked hard on this, but have obviously never been to Japan yet. thank you
Tokyo – Day 1:
• Walk off the jetlag at Ameyoko Market (2min walk from hotel)
Tokyo – Day 2:
• Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast (worth it?)
• Senso-ji Temple + Nakamise Street + Asakusa Shrine
• Kappabashi Kitchen Street
• Ueno Park + Shinobazu Pond
Tokyo – Day 3:
• Todoroki Valley
• Gotokuji Temple (the Cat Temple)
• Daikanyama + Tsutaya Books
• Shibuya Crossing — cross it, then watch from above at Scramble Square or Shibuya Sky
• Nakameguro canal walk
Tokyo – Day 4:
• Yanaka Ginza + Yanaka Cemetery
• Toden Arakawa Tram
• Jimbocho Book Town
• Nezu Museum + bamboo garden
Tokyo – Day 5:
• Inokashira Park
• Ghibli Museum (if we acquire tickets)
• Kichijoji neighborhood
• Harmonica Yokocho
Tokyo –> Hakone – Day 6:
• Liturgy at Holy Resurrection Cathedral
• travel to Hakone ~3:30 PM — check into ryokan for kaiseki dinner + onsen
NIKKO or KAMAKURA — Optional Day Trip: either one can replace one of the previous Tokyo days
Hakone – Day 7:
• Ropeway to Owakudani
• Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise
• Old Tokaido Road walk
Hakone – Day 8:
• Sengokuhara pampas grass fields
• Hakone Open Air Museum
• travel to Kyoto
Kyoto – Day 9:
• Fushimi Inari (worth it?)
• Tenryu-ji garden + Adashino Nenbutsu-ji + Chikurin Bamboo Forest (or Kyoto City Bamboo Park?)
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Tea ceremony
Kyoto + Nara – Day 10:
• Nara Park
• Todai-ji Temple + Kasuga Shrine
• Murin-an + Philosopher's Path + Nanzen Okunoin
• Higashiyama slope streets
Kyoto –> Hiroshima –> Miyajima – Day 11:
• Early start to Hiroshima
• Peace Memorial Museum + A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)
• Travel to Miyajima, wander the island, & stay the night
Miyajima –> Osaka – Day 12:
• Torii gate
• Take the Miyajima Ropeway up and hike down
• Momijidani Park
• travel to Osaka – Dotonbori is a 5-min walk
Osaka – Day 13:
• Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street
• Nakazakicho
• Den Den Town OR Karahori OR Shinsekai? (which is your favorite?)
• Hozenji Yokocho
Osaka –> Tokyo – Day 14:
• Kuromon Ichiba Market
• Depachika: Takashimaya B1
• Bamboo massage?
• Nagai Botanical Garden
Tokyo – Day 15:
• Shinjuku Gyoen
• Homeward
by mommatribe23