Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Japan and would really appreciate your feedback.
We’re a couple who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, food, and relaxed moments.
We don’t want to rush, but we do want to see a lot 🙂
The Sightseeing Stops are not fixed and completed.(Its just for an orientation)
Here’s my current day‑by‑day itinerary:
DAY 1 – Tokyo
Arrival
Explore the area
Easy first evening
DAY 2 – Tokyo
Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine
Evening in Shinjuku
DAY 3 – Tokyo → Nikko → Tokyo
Day trip to Nikko
Toshogu Shrine, nature, waterfalls
Return to Tokyo
DAY 4 – Tokyo → Fuji → Tokyo
Day trip to the Fuji / Kawaguchiko area
Viewpoints, maybe Chureito Pagoda
Return to Tokyo (This Fuji day is flexible — I’ll pick the day with the best visibility.)
DAY 5 – Tokyo
Free day
Shopping / museums / neighborhoods
DAY 6 – Tokyo → Kaga Onsen
Shinkansen to Kaga
Onsen & relaxation
DAY 7 – Kaga → Kanazawa → Shirakawa‑gō → Kanazawa
Samurai district & Kenroku‑en
Day trip to Shirakawa‑gō
Back to Kanazawa
DAY 8 – Kanazawa → Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto
Evening in Gion
DAY 9 – Kyoto
Fushimi Inari early
Nishiki Market
Evening in Pontocho
DAY 10 – Kyoto
Arashiyama (bamboo grove, Tenryu‑ji, river)
Optional Monkey Park
Relaxed evening
DAY 11 – Kyoto → Himeji → Hiroshima
Stop at Himeji Castle
Continue to Hiroshima
Evening: Peace Park & A‑Bomb Dome
Okonomiyaki dinner
DAY 12 – Hiroshima → Museum → Miyajima → Kurashiki
Peace Memorial Museum in the morning
Ferry to Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine
Optional: Mount Misen
Travel to Kurashiki
DAY 13 – Kurashiki → Osaka
Slow morning in the Bikan District
Canal walk
Travel to Osaka
Dotonbori in the evening
DAY 14 – Osaka → Nara → Osaka
Day trip to Nara
Todai‑ji, Nara Park
Evening in Osaka
DAY 15 – Osaka
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building
Last night in Japan
DAY 16 – Osaka → Airport
Departure
My questions for you:
Does the pacing make sense, or would you adjust anything?
Any tips on how to save money on transportation?
Anything you would add or remove?
Thanks so much for any feedback!
Best regards 😊
by Sun_is_shining_1234