This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Meadcookie on 2025-03-31 15:22:53+00:00.

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I'm traveling to Japan for my honeymoon and found this subreddit by chance, and really like the idea of people getting feedback on their itineraries. It'll be our first trip to Japan, and some of our plans are based on advice from close friends who went there last year. We're both quite active and healthy, so I don't expect any limitations regarding walking distances or stamina.

20/05 (Tue): Arrival at Haneda at 8 am. Money exchange, getting a Suica, activating our SIMs, all that. Transfer to our hotel in Asakusa (likely by monorail and Japan Railways, but I'm happy to hear your recommendations). In the afternoon, Ikebukuro and Nakano Broadway, assuming we are in good shape.

21/05 (Wed): Asakusa. Senso-Ji and the Asakusa shrine, then Tokyo Skytree and the nearby Sumida aquarium. If there's time, we'll explore Kappabashi at some point. Dinner at Ninja Tokyo.

22/05 (Thu): Morning: Explore Nippori fabric town until ~ noon. Then a guided tour of Akihabara, where we'll likely spend the rest of the day.

23/05 (Fri): Harajuku. Cosplay shops, Square Enix cafe, the national garden... then, in the evening/night, Yojogi Night Market and Kabukicho (assuming there is time for both - if not, Kabukicho will be explored another night).

24/05 (Sat): Shibuya. Shibuya crossing, then the Meiji shrine. Dinner in Ginza. I think this day still has plenty of time left for more program points, or just plain old free roaming.

25/05 (Sun): Toyosu market in the morning. Lunch somewhere nearby, then on to Teamlab Planets at ~ 1 pm. Some more exploration in that area (suggestions welcome!), then off to Kinshi park, where the Nikuon (a meat and music festival) will take place.

26/05 (Mo): Shinkansen to Kyoto, check-in at the hotel (~ 1 pm). Nishiki market, then Kiyomizu and its surroundings (assuming we have enough time until dinner at the ryokan...).

27/05 (Tue): Fushimi! Guided tour through a sake brewery in the morning, followed by a tasting and a brief stop at the Terada Inn. Then on to Fushimi Inari and Tofoku-Ji.

28/05 (Wed): Arashiyama. First, we'll head to Torokko for a roundtrip with the Romantic Train. Next stop is the bamboo forest, and nearby sights like Adashino graveyard and Tenryu-ji. On the way back, we'll explore Kyoto's main station and surroundings (the "ramen street" and the pokemon center for sure).

29/05 (Thu): Nijo castle and the imperial palace (assuming we get tickets that day!). If not, or if there's time, Imamiya shrine and the imperial gardens. In the afternoon, another guided tour through a sake brewery.

30/05 (Fri): Shinkansen to Osaka, check-in, yada yada. Free exploration in Osaka, focusing on Dotombori and Shinsaibashi. Would like to roam along the canal and see Tsutenkaku.

31/05 (Sat): Universal Studios! That'll take the entire day. Maybe there's time for the close-by takoyaki museum and Universal city.

01/06 (Sun): Nara! Will head there early in the morning and just explore. Likely going to see Todai-ji, Wakakusa, Naramachi, and whatever is in-between. No idea if this will take all day - if not, there's more nighttime Osaka exploration planned.

02/06 (Mo): Shinkansen back to Tokyo, where we booked a stay in a hotel directly at Haneda. Probably going to explore Haneda itself and/or the nearby seaside park. Or just kick back in the hotel.

03/06 (Tue): Flight back home at 10 am.

And that's it! I'd love to hear your feedback on what days may be unrealisticly full, or, for the opposite, more empty days, what other activities you would recommend.

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Routine-Race3913 on 2025-03-30 21:55:35+00:00.

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Hi everyone, my friend and I finally completed planning my itinerary for Japan! We chose to do only Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto because this is my first time, and I plan on returning eventually (I also love photography, so I will spend a lot of time snapping photos). This is pretty detailed and long so please forgive me lol. Feel free to critique or give advice!

Day 1: Arrive at Hotel in Ueno

• Combini run and then sleep because of jetlag

Day 2: Ginza, Roppongi, Tokyo Tower, and teamLab Borderless

• Tsukiji Outer Market

• Explore Ginza (Uniqlo, GU, Loft, Character Street)

• Head over to Roppongi Hills and explore

• The National Art Center

• teamLab Borderless

• Tokyo Tower at night

Day 3: Shibuya and Shinjuku

• Hachiko Memorial Statue

• Scramble crossing

• Mega Don Quijote

• Shibuya Hikarie

• Pokemon center and Nintendo store

• Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho

• Kabukicho

Day 4: Sensoji, Ueno, and Akihabara

• Sensoji temple

• Sumida River

• Ueno Ameyoko shopping street

• Ueno Park

• Akihabara exploration

Day 5: Yokohama day trip

• Red Brick Warehouse

• Cup Noodles Museum

• Yamashita Park

• Chinatown

Day 6: Kamakura day trip

• Garden House Kamakura

• Hokokuji temple

• Hokokuji Bamboo Forest

• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

• Hasedera

• Kotoku-in temple

• Kamakura Yuigahama Beach

• Inamuragasaki

Day 7: Shibuya/Shinjuku again OR somewhere else (for the food)!

• Meiji Jingu

• Yoyogi Park

• Takeshita Dori Street

• Harajuku

• Ometsando Crossing Park

• Head to Shinjuku for evening

Day 8: Restaurant reservations and very chill day

• Whatever we want to do between restaurant reservations, probably head back to somewhere we enjoyed

Day 9: Head to Osaka

• Explore surrounding area near hotel

Day 10: Osaka Day 1

• Osaka Castle

• Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

• Shintennoji temple

• Shin Sekai

• Abeno Harukas

Day 11: Osaka Day 2

• Minoh National Park

• Explore Dotonbori and eat great food

• teamLab gardens (maybe)

Day 12: Osaka Day 3

• Namba Yasaka Jinga

• Nipponbashi Denden Town

• Dotonbori again!

• Hozenji Yokocho

Day 13: Kyoto Travel

• Explore surrounding area near hotel

Day 14: Fushimi Inari, Gion and more

• Fushimi Inari Taisha

• Yasaka Pagado sight-seeing

• Kiyomizu-dera

• Nishiki Market

• Explore Gion

• Restaurant reservation

Day 15: Nara Day Trip

• Nara Park

• Todaiji temple

• Kasugataisha Shrine

Day 16: Arashiyama

• Togetsukyo Bridge

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu

• Monkey Park

• Explore Arashiyama

Day 17: Back in Tokyo to meet up with friends!

• Spend the day with other friends in Japan

Day 18: Flight back home

• Chill at hotel and head to airport for flight

Any advice or critique is much appreciated!

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/codymartinwilson on 2025-03-31 09:38:36+00:00.

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My girlfriend and I just got back from our Japan trip. I had posted our tentative itinerary before and I have to say the users who commented were right about it being ambitious. We had to cut a couple of things, below is what we did each day and some insights:

3/15: We flew from PBI to ATL, from ATL to HND

3/16: Stormy weather altered out flight and delayed our arrival from 2pm to 5pm, after picking up our pocket wifi and going through customs we didn't have time for our intended plans and settled for checking into our hotel in Shinjuku, seeing the Godzilla statue, and getting sushi.

3/17: We were up pretty early and made our way to Ikebukuro to find the Fullmetal Alchemist pop up Cafe and check out the Sunshine City Pokemon Center. The dishes and merch at the Fullmetal Cafe were a fanboys dream and we got some Pokemon merch as well. After that we went to the Kichioji Totoro Cream Puff Cafe (small location) and the Ghibli Museum. The cream puff were good and the museum was fun, but the merch didn't jump out at us. We met up with one of my Japanese teachers and his son afterwards and had some ice cream and played arcade games. We wrapped up the evening by going to Parco Shibuya and getting goodies from the Nintendo store. We were excited about the Pikmin selection!

3/18: We went on a Mt. Fuji day trip. We took a bus out to a park (the one with the five story pagoda), Lake Kawaguchi, and Lake Yamanaka. The views of Mt. Fuji were stunning! Other highlights include eating a Fuji apple in front of Mt. Fuji and the Kawaguchiko soft serve ice cream. In the evening we went to the Pokemon Store in Tokyo Station and the nearby Pokemon Center. They had a better selection including a limited edition ninja and cherry blossom Pikachu plush

3/19: We left in the morning for Izu to begin our pilgrimage based on Yuru Camp. We missed our intended train but had some help from a friendly local to get us back on track. We picked up our car near Ito station and drove to the Tombolo Land Bridge (luckily it was low tide and we walked across most of it), the Ryugu Sea Cave, and Cape Tsumeki. The sights were beautiful and the Tombolo Land Bridge was probably our favorite of the day. Driving on the opposite side of the road on narrow roads was a bit white-knuckle, but worth it! The cherry blossoms were also the fullest here.

3/20: We started our day by heading to the Orange Center where a small crowd was waiting for the store to open. Once we were inside we were delighted to see the Yuru Camp merchandise and signage. They really leaned into it! After that we went to the Izu Shaboten Zoo for the Capybara onsen. Pleasant surprise: there were many exhibits beyond the Capybara. Unpleasant surprise: by the time we got to the onsen the capybaras had relieved themselves in it. A lot. After that we did the lifts and walked around the summit of Mt. Omuro. We met a friendly family in line and had a nice conversation about anime and cherry blossoms.We returned the car and headed back to the hotel. The property manager picked us up from the station which had 1 IC card reader. Small town!

3/21: We headed for Kyoto and we're allowed an early check in. Almost wasn't early due to a bus mishap (eventually we got a better grip of the buses). We went to the Nishiki Market to get an engraved knife and enjoyed some of the good stalls. We were surprised to see that the Nintendo store had opened a location nearby and had fun with that, afterward we went to Kiyomizu-dera which was extra crowded but worth it. We got some nice souvenirs from a nearby vendor.

3/22: We started early with a hike up Fushimi Inari and then did the rest of the day in Arashiyama. We went to the monkey Park, the Rilakkuma cafe, and did the Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa Boat Ride. The staff at the train and Boat Ride were both funny and enjoyable. There was also a pop up store for Nikke that had nice souvenirs for a friend of mine!

3/23: We took an Osaka day trip for the USJ and Dotonbori. We could only get a 3:20 timed entry for Super Nintendo World so we spent most of our time at the rest of the park. I hadn't known USJ was collabing with Detective Conan, but was pleasantly surprised. The live show and roller coaster tie in were cute. We also did the Snoopy and Hello Kitty stuff, which had a festive Easter theme. As for Super Nintendo World we only had time for the new Donkey Kong ride, which was almost worth the 150 minute wait! The food at Dotonbori was great and we friended the guy sitting next to us at the okonomiyaki restaurant on Pokemon Go. Our phones were dying on the way back to the hotel, but we got some helpful pointers and made great conversation with a mother and elementary aged daughter on the train as we headed back. They gave us some cherry blossom sweets and we have them a plush from a Hamtaro gachapon machine.

3/24: We did a day trip to Nagoya for the Ghibli Park. I had a ticket mishap and didn't get to go a couple years ago. We had the premium passes which allow entry to each area of the park and they were totally worth it! We made in into most of the attractions. Some highlights include: the photo ops with the movie characters at the Ghibli Grand Warehouse, going into Satsuki and Mei's house, and the cooking experience in Mononoke village.

3/25: We made our way for Hiroshima on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen! The one we got seemed to be mostly converted from a regular train, but the back cars weren't done yet. The signage, photo op, and shop at the front were all worth it though. When we arrived in Hiroshima we didn't have time for much but we did the Bomb Memorial Museum and had Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The museum was powerful in a way similar to the Holocaust museum in Washington D.C. seeing what the city had been reduced to and hearing tales of the people who lived through it was heartbreaking, but seeing how the city has rebuilt itself provided a sense of hope. As okonomiyaki is concerned, we agreed that we like Hiroshima style better than Osaka style.

3/26: We took the ferry to Miyajima and did the circuit. We saw the shrines, temples, climbed the mountain and took the ropeway down. If I'm honest, I felt like Miyajima was overrated and would have probably liked another day in Hiroshima better. The mountain climb was quite a workout and the deer were cute.

3/27: We headed back to Tokyo intending to do the Snoopy Museum on the way back and going to Tokyo Tower and Lost (the Abroad In Japan bar) afterward. It turned out the Snoopy Meseum was fully booked, but we scored a reservation for out last day. Also, a friend scored us last minute reservations for the Pokemon Cafe (which is often booked way in advance) which we ended up doing instead of our Tokyo Tower reservation. The Pokemon Cafe was cute. They had some unique merch and the dining experience was complete with Pokemon placemats, Pokemon menu items, and a song and dance show with a giant Pikachu. It perfectly met expectations. Lost was nice as well! We had to wait a bit to get in, but we had friendly wait staff and enjoyed talking with other travelers about our trips.

3/28: Our last day began with getting our luggage into coin lockers, then heading for the Snoopy Museum. It was very charming! There was a room full of the varied Peanuts merchandise fans have shared over the years and detailed exhibits about the history of the characters and Charles Scultz, the author. We would have liked to eat at the attached restaurant, but that required a separate reservation. We went to Ueno Park to do cherry blossom viewing with another Japanese teachers of mine. The flowers were in almost full bloom and the food from the vendors was mostly good. After we said goodbye, we went to the airport and flew home.

Notes: Assume everything has a reservation until you have proven it doesn't.

Going to a smaller city (and driving in it) makes for a unique experience and is worth it!

If the JR calculator says you'll save money grab it! Beyond the bullet trains a lot of money could be saved in IC card fees in Tokyo for instance.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them as best I can!

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Bossball4 on 2025-03-29 16:23:54+00:00.

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After hearing about a future solo trip to Japan I had booked flights for, my parents (namely mother) wanted to join in. I begrudgingly agreed and was then tasked with making the whole itinerary. In trying to probe my parents for info, my mom wanted nature, to spend as little time in Tokyo as possible with a go-go-go itinerary, and to eat from the supermarkets almost every day when I said that “most meals being <$10 USD” was too expensive for her. My dad likes samurai and to just take it easy. I am more go than slow, mostly interested in food, and like anime. A train wreck of clashing ideals, if you haven’t picked it up. The short 8 days is due to flights from MSP to HND going down to only $890 nonstop!! I’ve never seen prices that low (usually $1,000-1,500 nonstop), so my parents pushed to make this trip happen.

Day 0: Landing in Haneda (HND) and using the QR codes went well! Next time I’m having my parents do their electronic forms on their own devices instead so I’m not holding my iPad to scan 3 QR codes. I never use my cell phone (I use TracFone and literally 1GB of data every 3 months), so a Pocket WiFi was the clear choice so my parents and I could stay connected as we travel as a unit (using <3GB data/day except one day where we used 4GB). Picking the PocketWiFi from NinjaWiFi went well, our Welcome Suica cards there + JR Rail Passes from the JR Travel Center too! Their line was shorter than the kiosk. Currency was exchanged at the airport.

Off to the monorail we went, with a smooth transfer to the JK Line to get to our hotel: JR Super Ueno Iriya Exit. It was a <5 min walk from that exit of Ueno Station and ~10 minute walk from all Ticket Gates to Hotel. I took a quick walk to Ueno Park to snag a Shrine Stamp Book, but it was too close to 5pm and was closed at the shrine I went to. We had a hearty FamilyMart supper since the one nearby had seats, before walking around the supermarkets in/near Ueno Station.

Day 1: Our hotel had free breakfast starting at 6:30 or 7. We walked around Ameyoko which is dead in the early morning by the way before heading back into Ueno Park. There were a few sakura trees in bloom at the south side, and I got my shrine stamp book.

Train to Shimbashi later, we went up to a building with fancy restaurants on the 46th+ floor. There, we got free views outside before heading downstairs into the small Oi Ocha museum. We took a bus to the Kill Bill restaurant for lunch, having decently valued set meals while my dad marveled at seeing a setting from a movie we watched earlier this year. One more bus takes us to Azabudai Hills for our time slot at Teamlab Borderless (reserved prior) which was cool! In lieu of the full senses of Planets, you get exhibits which transcend rooms (my favorite was the waterfall and fish tank where your drawing becomes a fish). We walk to see Tokyo Tower and Hie Shrine.

Supper has us at Iwashiya around 5pm or earlier? It was nearly dead empty and I had a good udon there! My dad got a tempura egg since neither of my parents were hungry. Afterwards, we ride all the way to Yokohama to stay at a capsule hotel (Yokohama Capsule+) before waking up early tomorrow.

17.3K steps

Day 2: By this point of the trip and until flying back, my lips were quite dry and were regularly bleeding. I drank some water and tea everyday, but didn’t have clutch vending machine drinks as much as maybe what was required for hydration. Our JR Rail Passes we reserved began today.

From another redditor, we found out that there was a bookable tour of Yokohama’s fish market which was a chilly time (and we were the only 3 on the tour that day). Due to bad weather earlier in the week, there were not as many fish, but we still got to see sea butterflies, tuna, their deep freezers, and more.

A train back to Shinjuku allows us to buy our Hakone Free Passes for tomorrow before heading to a perfectly affordable lunch w/ a view of Mt. Fuji at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building!

We rested at our hotel for the remainder of the day. Parents walked around the hotel while I went to a sento nearby.

22k steps.

Day 3: Today’s all about Hakone, with Amazake Chaya leading the snowy day. It hailed briefly, but it didn’t stop us from waiting in line to take pictures at the Hakone Shrine on the lake. 7-Eleven lunch. We pretty much did the Hakone Course clockwise, making sure to enjoy some black eggs at Owakudani. We also relaxed at Hakone Yuryo, where the outdoor baths with the light snow/slush was perfect for me! FamilyMart supper to end the day.

16k steps.

Day 4: An early Shinkansen takes us to Sendai, with the Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School being our first stop reminding us of how devastating nature can be. We had gyutan (beef tongue) at Gyutan Tsukasa Sendai East Exit with a short wait in line before enjoying a Zunda Shake (and buying Zunda Shake KitKats?!) inside Sendai Station.

We took a bus to a couple of Date Masamune things, but decided not to climb all those steps and head back to Tokyo early. We stop at the Daimaru Supermarket where I got 60% off on a singular white strawberry, a steal! Dad & I had Oysters, Sashimi, & Sake @ Uo Kusa for supper before eating our Half Priced Supermarket Haul (Hairy Crab, Sushi, Unagi) for Supper in our hotel room.

16k steps.

Day 5: We take a few trains to Mt. Takao before a bus to… the Kosegawa Plum Grove!! Only open 2 weeks of the year, it’s filled with blooming plum trees, filling the entire grove with the smell of plum (wine). A truly memorable experience if you are in Japan the first half of March. There was also a single guy at the top of the grove selling what appeared to be homemade Sakura mochi and other treats! Our family spent about ¥2000 on treats which were a delight! We went back and through to the base of Mt. Takao.

My dad has a bad knee so we didn’t hike up the mountain (or pay to take the cable car up it), so we explored: eating cremia ice cream, the 599 Takao Museum, and taking a break. Where? Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu! While it can be tricky to get to (nevermind a secret tunnel that's in the station), it's cozy and worth the visit thanks to its variety of baths. We go over to Eco Town, where I got some souvenir items for cheap (although Hard Off was partially closed). Then we had supper at Sushi-ro, which had a Haikyuu collab going on! I had a lot, plus some Suntory Sui gin, so something poisoned the water hole...

Day 6: We were supposed to go to Kanazawa, but due to something from Sushi-ro(?), I got food poisoning. I could not eat anything the whole day. I threw up my breakfast on the Shinkansen, and then threw up water in round 2. I was eventually able to keep water and hot tea down the whole day. Tragedy doesn’t end, though, and my dad lost his iPad on the train when we were turning around @ Itoigawa. To retrieve it, we take the next train forward to Kanazawa (I had enough energy to snag an eki stamp). Then we took the next train back to Ueno (losing 2-3 hours in the process).

I spent the rest of the day resting in the hotel room while my parents walked around Ueno Station… A total loss of a day.

Day 7: With my appetite returning, we head into Tsukiji Outer Market to buy cheap packaged scallops. Next is Ginza to walk through the UniQlo flagship store (no purchases made) before eating a cozy cheap beef bowl at the Yurakucho Yoshinoya for lunch. We Yamanote Line over to Shibuya Crossing before going back to the Tokyo National Museum (which my mother sat out for). I take a solo walk to Ocachimachi: found the canned drink with lemon slice & a milk vending machine!

Day 8: The last day! We go to Asakusa for walking & buying. In HND, we go to 7-Eleven to clean out our Welcome Suica cards. A string of curses hit: Flight delay & my mom forgot her backpack (jacket, thermos, iPad Mini cable), a minor loss but still a mood killer. We were unable to get it back before our flight back to USA left.

So, what have we learned? My mother thinks this was the worst family vacation we went on & that Japan was too expensive (food* + transportation + hotel). My dad thinks that it was alright (mostly dragged down by mom). I think the most important takeaways are:

• DRINK WATER / STAY HYDRATED
• Double check your belongings, always
• Sometimes we couldn’t sit together in a row of 3, so beware and be fast to get a non-reserved seat on the Shinkansen.
• The hot drinks are clutch for feeling better (I loved the honey lemon tea personally)
• You can get a green Suica card in other train stations by looking for “Commuter Pass” (at least in Ueno) to be listed at an electronic kiosk.

The trip could have gone better, but given everything that I had to plan for and deal with, it was still a great time for me! -v-

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/LAtrafficguy on 2025-03-29 00:21:20+00:00.

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My family and I just returned from a 12 day vacation to Japan. The following is a summary of our trip including recommendations and some advice for future travelers:

Day 0: Flew ZipAir from LAX to NRT. Experience is bare bones but airplane was clean, comfortable, and on time. At NRT, I pulled out ¥40,000 from an ATM, bought two Welcome Suica cards from the self-service machine at the JR station and loaded ¥5,000 on each (Note: children under 6 can ride pretty much all public transportation for free, so my daughter did not need a card). We then took the Keisei Skyliner into Tokyo. I bought the Keisei tickets online in advance to take advance of the discounted price, and the face recognition at the airport station which means not having to wait in line to get tickets. Note that children under 6 can also ride long-distance trains including the Shinkansen trains for free, but only in unreserved cars. Some trains are reserved cars only including the Keisei, and unless you want your kid in your lap, for reserved seat-only trains, get them their own seat (which is generally half the price of an adult ticket). We got off the train at Nippori station and rode the Nippori-Toneri Liner to Nishi-Nippori where we walked to our hotel: Fav Hotel Nishi Nippori. This is a pretty random area of Tokyo but it has plenty of stores nearby for essentials and sits at the crossroads of numerous train connections including the Yamanote and Chiyoda Line of the Tokyo Subway. I personally like staying in random neighborhoods that are well connected to other parts of the city where you are planning to go. This hotel was simple, room was compact but well appointed, clean, and modern, and the room featured a sort of mezzanine/bunk-bed which was perfect for the kid. After unpacking, we took the Yamanote to Ikebukuro and had dinner at Konana Lumine (Japanese-style pasta).

Day 1: This was the only bad-weather day of the trip. It was raining solid throughout the day but we opted to still go to Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple and despite the umbrellas, crowds were thinner than normal and it was enjoyable. We grabbed some matcha teas at nearby Hatoya (excellent) and then had French-Japanese fusion buckwheat pancakes and cider at Fleur de Sarrasin (delicious). We took taxis (generally using the apps but sometimes by just hailing) whenever we didn't feel like taking the train, if it was going to require lots of connections, if the kid fell asleep (we did not bring a stroller), or if the weather was bad, and I highly recommend this, as they are cheap for short rides (do not take them from one city to another or to NRT or some ridiculous distance as the price will then be equally ridiculous). We then headed back to the hotel to recharge. My wife went for a wood bath (one of three spa-type experiences) and we then all met at the Tokyo Dome to see Cubs vs. Yomiuri Giants as part of the Tokyo MLB series exhibition games. I highly recommend going to a baseball game if teams are playing during your trip.

Day 2: To take advantage of the jet lag and seeing as I wanted to get to DisneySea early to get in line, I decided to first head to Daiwa Sushi for a 6 AM sushi breakfast (excellent). I got to DisneySea around 7:30 AM and there were already pretty long lines. My wife and kid took a taxi to meet me in line around 8:30 (this taxi ride was semi-expensive but worth them having a one seat ride and sleeping in a little more). We got into the park and were able to pretty much ride anything we wanted to except Anna and Elsa. I think this is the only ride that really requires you to get there very very early if you want to ride it. I realize you won't need a pass to ride it starting next month but I imagine the standby line will have several hours-long wait times. We rented a stroller in the park which was well worth it as there is a lot of walking, standing, which is a lot for a 4 year old, especially after such a long journey a couple days before.

Day 3: We did TeamLabs Borderless in the morning, and had lunch at a spot in the sprawling Azabudai Hills complex which has many restaurant options. We then went over to nearby Roppongi to soak in the views from the Mori Tower observation deck (highly recommend it, and not crowded at all). We then went downstairs to explore Mohri Garden (small but very pretty) and nearby Sakurazaka Park (robot-themed). For little ones, it is especially beneficial to incorporate lots of park/playground time for them to stretch their legs, play, and interact with local kids or other travelers. My wife then went to get a head/scalp massage, and we all met up later in Ginza. We checked out the Sony Park Ginza space which is free but requires reservations. It was interesting but also a little weird. For dinner, we went to Shari in Ginza which was a great spot for a variety of Japanese food including some rolls and other fusion-y stuff.

Day 4: Took the Shinkansen to Kyoto. I booked unreserved seats (x2) in advance using the SmartEX app, and linked them to the Suica cards so we could just tap them at the fare gates. You do not need to reserve seats on these trains outside of some unique peak periods; this will save you some money. Buying the tickets in advance saves you having to wait in line at the stations and there are discounts (Hayatoku-21). You can then get on any train of the class you reserved for (I recommend Nozomi as these are the fastest and they basically run every 10 minutes). If you can't get seats together, just wait for the next one, it's that simple. Nozomis generally have two unreserved seat cars at the front of the train. Because we'd be walking a lot the next few days, we rented a stroller from MK Travel opposite Kyoto Station. We stayed at the Hyatt Place Kyoto (excellent and great point redemption value for WOH members), which is connected to Kyoto Station via the Karasuma Line subway. We checked in, dropped our bags off, and took a taxi to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. After exploring it, we walked down Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets and stopped at quieter Kodai-ji temple which has its own small bamboo forest. We then took a taxi back toward central Kyoto and saw the theater show Gear (highly recommend it and you need to buy tickets in advance).

Day 5: We did a day trip to Nara and Uji via trains which you can use your Suica cards to board. In Nara, we walked through the Nara Deer Park, visited Todai-ji Temple, and had lunch at Big Mountain Cafe and Farm (tasty). We then caught a train to Uji and walked down the small streets, sampling matcha tea and desserts. We then headed back to Kyoto where we had dinner at Futagoya in Pontocho alley.

Day 6: We forwarded our larger bags to the Hyatt in Kanazawa via the Hyatt in Kyoto. I highly recommend using bag forwarding to lighten your load whenever it makes sense (as you are thinning down your supplies, and when you have transit days where you don't want to haul all your bags, even if they are carry-on sized like ours were. We then took a day trip to Osaka where we started off with a visit to Kids Plaza Osaka (highly recommended, great for younger children). We had lunch in the nearby park where there were several food festivals happening at the same time, and then took the subway to the Aquarium (excellent and so cheap compared to those in the US). We then made a quick stop in Dotonbori for some photos and then took the subway back up to Umeda and had dinner at a restaurant inside the Grand Front mall (sprawling with many dining options, especially north tower, 6F).

Day 7: After a little park time at Umekoji Park (which is charming), we caught the Shinkansen train (with one transfer) to Kanazawa. I got a massage inside the Raffine store inside the station, and we then went to dinner at Coil which is an interesting minimalist restaurant where you can make your own maki rolls. We stayed two nights in Kanzawa at the Hyatt Centric.

Day 8: We explored Kanazawa and started with the famous Kenroku-en garden which is beautiful. We had lunch at the nearby charming Coffee Stand Hana and then walked over to Sofuan for a private tea ceremony, which was interesting and fun, even for the kid. After some more park/playground time, we headed back to the hotel and later on had dinner at Handmade Udon Kineya M'ZA.

Day 9: We again forwarded some of our luggage (what we no longer needed), this time straight to HND via our hotel. We took a taxi to the Nagamachi District to visit the Samurai Residence which is beautiful and interesting, including the small but spectacular inner garden, and then had gold leaf ice cream across the street (one of the things Kanazawa is known for). The gold leaf didn't really taste like anything but it was fun nonetheless. We then headed back to the station to catch the Shinkansen to Nagano. Kanazawa was probably my favorite city, just because of its overall vibe (more relaxed than Tokyo or Kyoto but still packed with fun and interesting sights, foods, etc.). After arriving at Nagano Station, we boarded the Snow Monkey express bus which would take us to the Snow Monkey Park entrance, steps away from our lodging. We stayed at the marvelous Hotarutei Villas for one night. I can't recommend this place enough. It is a splurge but the food, hospitality, and the villas themselves with their private onsens are well worth it. The stay included a fantastic Kaiseki dinner and breakfast.

Day 10: From the villa, we walked to the Snow Monkey park which is about a ...

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Monkeyfeng on 2025-03-28 19:07:48+00:00.

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The new Nintendo Museum in Uji was a huge disappointment. I recently visited, and honestly, I couldn’t believe how underwhelming the experience was. I went in expecting to learn more about Nintendo’s rich company history and the people who helped shape it into the powerhouse it is today. However, I left feeling like the entire place was pointless.

Instead of offering insights into the company’s evolution, its culture, or its products, the museum is simply a collection of glass displays featuring Nintendo’s various products. There are no information placards, explanations, or context next to the displays. It’s essentially a giant showcase designed solely to tap into nostalgia, with no substance behind it.

When I first entered and rode the escalator to the second floor, I was initially impressed by the product displays. But as I looked around, I couldn’t understand why there wasn’t any accompanying information. I assumed the historical context must be in another section, so I went downstairs, thinking the second floor might just be the display area. Unfortunately, downstairs is just a series of random interactive games—things like hitting wiffle balls in a living room or playing classic Nintendo games on an oversized controller.

Nintendo is a company that has been around for over 100 years, originally making playing cards and then transitioning into board games and video games. The company’s history is fascinating, but you won’t learn a single thing about it at this museum. If you want to know about Nintendo, you’re better off reading their Wikipedia page.

I’ve visited many other company museums in Japan, like those of Toyota, Kirin, and Asahi, all of which have detailed displays about their histories, leaders, and product development. The Nintendo Museum, however, has none of that. It left me wondering—does Nintendo not have a company historian? With the amount of security and staff present, I expected much more. The whole museum feels like a lazy cash grab. Sure, the gift shop had some cool souvenirs, but that's about it. Everything else was a huge letdown.

TL;DR: The Nintendo Museum has an impressive collection of products but offers no information about the company’s history, its people, or the development of its products. It's a waste of time for anyone hoping to learn about Nintendo. However, if you're just looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, you might enjoy it.

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/flan1337 on 2025-03-27 18:16:58+00:00.

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My personal planning Excel with Price/Item Breakdown and Hour by Hour Schedule can be found here: (Originally made in Excel so Google sheets broke the fancy picture banners I had for each day)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12LkC1n7ElYmZbg1ODdWNxykCj9-h0Bgw/edit?usp=sharing&amp%3Bouid=115524973516890033599&amp%3Brtpof=true&amp%3Bsd=true

Timeframe + Price Breakdown:

Trip Length: March 9/10th to March 21st

Total Spending: Approx. 6.5K USD(Pre-Trip Booking $4.5K, Day-to-Day $1.5k, Cash Spent $500)

Credit/Debit Card used: 99% on my American Express Platinum(Only 1 place didn't take amex which I then used my Chase Amazon Prime card), cash pulled at 7/11 ATMs with my Charles Schwabs debit card for 0 atm fees (It reimburses me).

The cash spent was only because I liked carrying cash for a few cash only places however it wasn’t that common – I ended up just randomly chose to pay in cash sometimes to not bring back any. Which was a bit of a mistake post trip as its harder to remember what that amount was spent on.

Total Hotel Cost:

2 Nights in Asakusa(Tokyo), Queen Bed - Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs - $152.49 per night, $338.38 Total.

5 Nights in Central Kyoto, Double Twin, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto - $144.49 per night, $808.09 Total.

4 Nights in Shinjuku(Tokyo), Double Twin, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku - $140.50 per night, $561.98 Total

Hotels booked November 2024 during Expedia Black Friday sales. Opted for twin beds for slightly more room space. I also choose these hotels because they had onsens, it was an experience I wanted and so I spent extra for it.

Total Flight Costs:

Roundtrip ANA SEA/Seattle to HND/Handea - $1,812.42(Total for both), Basic Economy 1 Carry on + 1 Checked Bag per person.

Flights booked October 2024 through AMEX travel to get free seat selection.

Total Shinkansen Costs:

2 Reserved Seat(Tokyo to Kyoto) - $187.46

2 Reserved Seat(Kyoto to Tokyo) - $187.46

2 Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass - $223.76

A lot of people will tell you to book your tickets in person but I am extremely happy to not follow that advice. Each Shinkansen we got in was extremely packed and even booking the tickets a week prior we saw that a lot of the seat selections was already taken. We DID NOT USE KLOOK, we used the official SmartEX app and paired our Apple Wallet Sucia cards to our Shinkansen tickets. Which allowed us to tap and go – only possible with SmartEX to my knowledge. I also noticed that Klook was more expensive than SmartEX. For the Kansai Pass, we also booked the seats a week prior and got the tickets along with the Area Pass when we picked it up in Kyoto.

Day 0, Monday: Seattle to Asakusa -

From the ANA Flight Review:

I didn't get on the Pikachu plane Sadly. This was my first international flight ever and the first time being on a plane this big (three rows wowed me) I was honestly shocked by how much space economy had compared to US domestic flights. Though, on the way back, I realized that space disappears fast when people actually recline their seats—something the passengers in front of us did not do on the way there.

Airport to Hotel:

I chose Asakusa for the first night because of the direct train from the airport and its relatively close distance to Tokyo Station. Since we had one day in Tokyo to settle in and do some pre-trip shopping, this made things easier.

Finding the right train line at Terminal 3 was a bit confusing. We found the ticket machine but kept walking down a pair of escalators, which was clearly wrong. Turns out, the turnstiles were right next to the ticket machine, but we missed them because a huge crowd of people was blocking the view. Thankfully, we had Suica pre-loaded on Apple Wallet, so it was just a tap-and-go situation (though I struggled to find where to my tap phone at first—a nice person helped me out).

We got off near Asakusa Station and took a short walk through the temple to our hotel, which was absolutely gorgeous at night. Checked into Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring, dropped off our luggage, grabbed the free hotel noodles, and immediately went to Donki to stock up on snacks. Ended the night with a soak in the onsen and a Lawson egg sando, which we did not not Like because of a weird mustard taste.

Day 1, Tuesday: Asakusa, Ueno –

I woke up an hour earlier than my girlfriend each day for some solo exploration, which worked out great for grabbing cash and a pre-breakfast snack. First stop: Feb's Coffee, where I finally got to try Japanese flan. It's a bit different from the Cuban flan I grew up with—more watery and jello-like.

Sensoji Temple – Holy shit. We absolutely loved this place. The whole experience—we did the full experience with the proper hand cleansing to the incense ritual and prayer—was super fun and immersive. We did omikuji (fortune slips), and I somehow pulled the best possible fortune (so obviously, I didn't do another fortune the rest of the trip LOL). My girlfriend, on the other hand, got the second-worst fortune which meant she had to tie hers down. We picked up some charms afterward—she got a bell for luck, and I grabbed a cool transparent blue one from the smaller temple next to Sensoji.

We strolled down Nakamise Street, which wasn't too busy, but a lot of the stalls were selling mass-produced junk, and some of the food vendors seemed kinda sketchy. However, we stumbled across Kibidango Azuma, and wow—soybean flour mochi shocked me with how good it was*.* Absolutely loved it, wish I had gotten more. Big fan of soybean flour.

At the end of the market, we went up to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Center Observation Terrace for a great panoramic view of the area. From there, we walked through the back streets to Nishi-Sando where we tried the viral melonpan and Giraffa Asakusa curry—both underwhelming. This kinda killed our appetite, so we skipped lunch and headed to Ueno early.

Before leaving Asakusa, I stopped by the hotel to grab our checked bag and planned to take it to a nearby Yamato store, but the front desk told me they could handle it for me instead—huge win, saved me time.

By the time we arrived, the weather started getting gloomy and drizzly, so we browsed some shops before strolling through Ueno Park. Came across some cool spots, like mini torii gates and a small temple. Originally, we planned to check out the National Museum, but we were too excited to keep exploring and decided to skip it. Looking back, I kinda regret that, since the weather got worse, and we didn't enjoy Ueno as much because of it(We didnt have an umbrella).

We ducked into Uniqlo/GU So I could grab a few basic items. Highly recommend the seamless boxers—so comfy and way better priced than in the US. The Uniqlo building also had a food court on the top floor, so we decided to rest our feet and get out of the rain. Unfortunately, BOTEJYU Okachimachi was a total miss—my okonomiyaki and highball were mid at best, which sucked considering there were much better food options nearby.

Asakusa Hotel Review – Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs: 8/10

Super fun hotel, and the free noodles was shockingly good. The whole "take off your shoes at the lobby" thing was cool at first, but the novelty wore off when I forgot something in the room or just wanted to step out for a second. Also, I was constantly paranoid about ruining the tatami mats. The queen-size room was spacious enough, and the onsen was great—though having some random tourists try to chat with me while I was trying to relax was awkward. That said, everyone followed the showering rules properly, which (as I later found out) wasn't always the case throughout my trip.

Day 2, Wednesday: Nara (omizutori fire festival)–

We had a bullet train scheduled for 7:30 AM to Kyoto, so we started the day early and checked out around 6 AM. Originally, I planned to use Uber to hail a taxi, but luckily, there was one waiting right outside the hotel. In the worst Japanese possible, I asked, "Tokyo Station okay?" “Card okay?” Which made the driver laugh. He got us there with 40 minutes to spare.

We considered getting ekibens, but we love our western carb-heavy breakfast, so we opted for McDonald's at the station instead. Of course, we had to try all the limited-edition breakfast items they had.

Navigating Tokyo Station wasn’t an issue since I had already marked the exact platform we needed and confirmed it using Navitime app. (Google Maps was unreliable and often failed to find the exact train.) Also, I highly recommend this PiQtour video, which made getting to the platform a breeze. We boarded and realized that we were the only foreigners in the cabin. What really shocked me was how Quiet The train was – I loved it.

Along the way, the clouds parted just long enough for us to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji! It reminded me a lot of Washington's Mt. Rainier. The 2-hour, 30-minute ride flew by—I was glued to the window the entire time.

Once we arrived at Kyoto Station, we picked up our Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass first. That turned out to be a smart move since, since the line moved very slow and grew. I felt bad for the staff be...

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/greyhounds1992 on 2025-03-26 05:04:27+00:00.

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First time to Japan solo wanting to see if I have missed anything in my itinerary, I am going to try to use Localized free walking tours a bit on my journey, I loved the free walking tours in Europe so hopefully they are as good in Japan

Bolded are the activities I had to book as they were filling up

• Tokyo - 31/03 - Monday - Arrive at 7pm then head to Galois Hotel Shin-Okubo
• Tokyo - 1/04 - Tuesday - Ueno Park and Akihabara walking tour in the morning either Shinjuku Night Tour or Asakusa Afternoon Tour. I don't know whether the night lights of Asakusa outweigh missing out on the local shops
• Tokyo - 2/04 - Wednesday - teamLab Borderless in the morning either Shinjuku Night Tour or Asakusa night tour which ever one I don't do on Tuesday
• Tokyo - 3/04 - Thursday - Harajuku Meiji Shrine walking tour in the morning and Imperial Palace Gardens in the Afternoon with a shorter Shibuya Night Tour (3 tours on this day are only 1.5 hours so they are much shorter)
• Tokyo - 4/04 - Friday - Kamakura Day Trip then head to the caves on Enoshima Island
• Tokyo - 5/04 - Saturday - Yanaka Tour with Cemetery then rest of the day is currently free maybe head to an observation tower or move the Shibuya Night Tour here
• Tokyo - 6/04 - Sunday - Making of Harry Potter then off to Kyoto depending on energy levels might see one of the temples lit up at night or just relax at accommodation (Hotel M’s Est Shijo - Karasuma)
• Kyoto - 7/04 - Monday - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest/Shokaku-ji Temple in the morning, then Sagano Railway and Hozugawa Cruise in the afternoon
• Kyoto - 8/04 - Tuesday - Fushimi-Inari Hike to the Top, Tea Ceremony in the Afternoon then a nighttime stroll around Gion
• Kyoto - 9/04 - Wednesday - Free Walking Tour around Kyoto (plus anything I have missed) then head to Hiroshima (Hotel Intergate Hiroshima)
• Hiroshima - 10/04 - Thursday – Miyajima Day Trip
• Hiroshima - 11/04 – Friday – Hiroshima Walking Tour, Peace Museum than Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience
• Hiroshima – 12/04 – Saturday – Himeji Castle might not get inside but happy to look around outside then either Kobe for the ropeway and herb garden or just head to Osaka (Vessel Inn Namba)
• Osaka – 13/04 –  Sunday - USJ Day (Cheapest Day on the Calendar) mainly HP world and I have 3 other rides I get express to
• Osaka – 14/04 – Monday – Half day Nara day trip then a food tour
• Osaka – 15/04 – Tuesday - Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Village Day Trip
• Osaka – 16/04 - Wednesday – Minoo Park than Cup Noodle museum plus noodle making experience
• Osaka – 17/04 – Thursday – Walking Tour of Osaka then flying home

Thank you so much

Kirk

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/AutoModerator on 2025-03-25 00:00:56+00:00.

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Are you traveling to Japan this month? Want to hang out with other Redditors while you navigate the country? Then this is the thread for you!

Please post any and all meetup requests here. Be sure to include:

• Your basic itinerary
• Dates of travel and cities you're planning to visit
• Your age and gender identity
• Your home country (and any other languages you might speak)
• OPTIONAL: Share some of your hobbies or interests!

We have a Discord server you can use to coordinate meetups and other activities. You can join the official r/JapanTravel Discord here! There are also monthly meetup/planning channels, so react accordingly, and you can create threads for specific dates/locations if you so desire.

In the past, people have used LINE to coordinate and plan meetups.

NOTE: Please only post meetup requests for this month. If you are traveling in the future, please reserve all meetup requests for the thread that corresponds with the month of your first date of arrival in Japan. This thread is automatically posted 7 days before the start of the month.

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Viperviolinist on 2025-03-24 19:55:44+00:00.

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Just got back this past weekend from my 16 day trip in Japan and wanted to share my experience with Willer Express - spoiler alert, it was horrible.

I had booked two tickets for me and my boyfriend to Tokyo from Kyoto. The day of, it was raining and very gloomy and we didn’t have anything specifically planned, so we actually stayed in the area, coincidentally at a net café right behind where the pick up was set to be.

As it was a night bus, the departure time was at 11:40 PM. At around 10:50 PM we grabbed our bags from the Kyoto station, coin lockers, and made our way to the designated pick up spot, which was G2. We arrived at that spot at 11:20 PM (had our bags in a farther coin locker and had to go under the station). There was a woman in a pink Willer Express jacket stationed there making “announcements”; she was talking pretty fast and trying to talk over the rain, but there was no microphone or auxiliary system, so it was hard to hear anything super clearly. However, I had my reservation email up and ready as advised by it.

Shortly after 11:30 PM, a pink Willer bus blasts past G2 and goes right to G1, even though there was no bus at G2. The staff lady runs over to it and we follow along with some other people. We thought it was weird because I had not gotten any kind of notification that our bus pick up location had changed, but we wanted to double-check just in case.

She was yelling something that we couldn’t hear over the noise of the road, rain, and people running, and was in fast Japanese anyway, so I didn’t catch most of it. I had received an email for my booking and it had a section in Japanese that we were supposed to show to either the bus driver or a staff member upon boarding. Other people were showing her this as well so I went up and showed her it and very impatiently she said “no, next bus, second stop, not your bus” and directed us back to the stop we had been waiting at.

My boyfriend and I thought this was very weird, but we followed her direction as she was wearing the uniform of a staff member for Willer Express. The bus at G1 stayed there until the time that ours was supposed to depart; multiple times we looked at each other and said “maybe that is our bus”, but we heard her come and say names of people that were missing and she did not call my name which the booking was under. During this time, other buses came to G2, but all of them refused us saying they weren’t our bus either. Every single staff person or bus driver was extremely rude to us.

At about 11:45 PM, five minutes after the bus that we thought might be ours left, we saw the woman that had turned us away, walking towards our direction, past G2. We went up to her, and she seemed to get visibly nervous, but pretended that she didn’t know us, and told us our bus had already left and then pulled out her phone to translate that she “wasn’t supposed to be there” and a whole bunch of other excuses.

My boyfriend told me to just let her go and try to contact support, but due to the time, support wasn’t available and literally nothing could be done. We were completely abandoned in Kyoto with no accommodations or any alternative way to get to our destination that we were supposed to be in the next day. We ended up having to pay for a hotel that night and then also shinkansen tickets the following day, which we had been hoping to save the cost of on our trip since we had already been on the shinkansen twice (couldn’t do the rail pass due to itinerary). In total, beyond the $80 that these tickets were, we were out an extra $252.

I contacted Willer Express support via email since it was the only way I could reach out. We got the most uncaring response along with them blaming us, saying that there was an announcement that the bus had changed to G1 and since other people had gone on the bus, they didn’t give a shit basically. (The “announcement” being Japanese yelled while she was running in the rain). They claimed every single inquiry about the bus was answered; yet if that was true, we would have been on that bus. They also say that they can’t verify our claims that the woman denied us because of course she freaking wouldn’t admit to it!

They also refused to give anything more than a 50% refund; i’m taking this to my bank and also letting everyone know how they treat foreigners and people who literally follow their own instructions.

Night buses are already not a great way to travel; I’ve used this service before back when I was studying abroad in a small town in Japan, and it wasn’t great before, but it was better than having to spend an exorbitant amount of money. If you think you’re gonna save any money or time, I would say skip it, especially Willer Express (though the other buses were assholes too). It’s also better to be well rested for vacation anyway.

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/SeaTree8731 on 2025-03-23 11:23:28+00:00.

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Watadzumi Shrine of Tsushima's instagram post

As of today, Sunday, March 23, we hereby prohibit entry to the shrine grounds to all individuals except registered parishioners (*ujiko*) and devoted worshippers (*sūkeisha*). This includes strict prohibition of all photography, video recording, and live streaming of any shrine buildings, structures, and objects, including the torii gate in the sea.

Furthermore, we will no longer permit entry for sightseeing purposes, including participation in domestic or international bus tours.

On Saturday, March 22, at around 4:00 PM, an extremely serious and unacceptable act of disrespect was committed within the sacred grounds by a foreign visitor.

Despite repeated consultations with the City Hall, the Tourism and Local Products Association, and the Nagasaki Prefectural Police, no resolution has been reached. Shrine staff have endured immense psychological distress from the repeated desecration of the sacred area, in addition to frequent verbal abuse and even acts of violence, leading us to a grave sense of crisis regarding the continued operation of this shrine.

The way in which inbound tourism is destroying the places, things, and people that Japanese have long cherished is nothing less than the erosion of Japanese culture itself.

We hereby express our deep regret and have decided to take this action to protect the shrine and the hearts of those who hold it sacred.

March 23, 2025 (Reiwa 7)  

Chief Priest: Shizuki Hirayama  

Senior Priest: Yuichi Hirayama  

  

It’s sad that a few disrespectful tourists have caused things to come to this

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/PetersMapProject on 2025-03-21 16:42:13+00:00.

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Travellers: two adults in their 30s, no kids. One pescetarian (no meat, fish is ok) and one eats everything. On a bit of a budget, but willing to spend a bit more where it represents good value for money.

Dates: late October

Interested in: food, Pokémon, Nintendo, sightseeing, vintage shopping (homeware not fashion), railways, Japanese gardens and architecture

Not interested in: anime, manga, Studio Ghibli, maid cafes, animal cafes (for welfare reasons).

Day 0

• Arrive in Tokyo from London (time tbc). Chill a little bit, deal with jetlag, wander a little.

Day 1 - Tokyo

• Tsukiji Market (closes at 2pm)
• Lunch at Seagen (10am-3pm, closed Weds and Thurs)
• Hamarikyu Gardens, with a stop at the Nakajima Tea House (9am-4.30pm)
• TeamLab Planets (book ahead)
• Dinner TBC

Day 2 - Tokyo

• Imperial Palace and Gardens (open 9.00-11.15 and 13.30-14.45)
• Lunch TBC
• Afternoon in Shibuya - Pokémon and Nintendo centres, a quick stop at Hachiko Dog Statue and a bit of exploring.
• Sunset either at Shibuya Sky or Mag's Park Rooftop (the latter is cheaper and lower - my partner isn't good with heights)
• Dinner at Zauo Fishing Restaurant

Day 3 - Tokyo

• DisneySea - note the need to arrive early. We will make this a weekday in the hope it's slightly less busy.

Day 4 - Tokyo

• Morning - Senso-ji Temple
• Lunch & Afternoon - tbc and open to suggestions
• Dinner - around Ebisu Yokochō

Days 5 & 6 - Hakone

• Purchase the Hakone Freepass and travel from Shinjuku station
• Stay at a ryokan that's willing to cater for a pescetarian and has private onsens that can be hired (one traveller has tattoos). Fukuzumirō and Mount View are possibilities
• See the usual sights - the volcano, open air museum, Fuji (if it's a clear day!), ropeway, boat trip etc. etc.

Return to Tokyo at the end of day 6, for one night.

Day 7 - Tokyo to Osaka

• Morning: take the Shinkansen to Osaka. Book seats E and F for a Fuji view, and probably the outsized baggage. Purchase an ebiken at Tokyo station for brunch.
• Afternoon: drop bags at hotel, and a little exploration near the hotel
• Evening - 5.30 to 8.30pm - Backstreets Osaka Tour

Day 8 - Osaka

• Universal Studios

Day 9 - Osaka / Nara

• Day trip to Nara - Lonely Planet suggests a route that takes in the deer and Todai-ji - covering Isui-en, Nandai-mon, Daibutsu-den, Nigatsu-dō, Hokke-dō, Mizuya-chaya, Kasuga-taisha, Wakamiya-jinja, Ni-no-torii, Ichi-no-torii and the Five Storey Pagoda

Evening - dinner in Dōtombori and a walk around the area seeing some of the local landmarks

Day 10 - Osaka

• Morning - Osaka Castle ground - I understand it's not worth going inside
• Afternoon - Shinsekai (and Amerika-mura, if there's time)
• Evening - travel to Kyoto (approx 30 min train journey)

Day 11 - Kyoto

• Morning / Lunch at Nishiki Market
• Afternoon - explore Gion following the Lonely Planet suggested route including Yasaka-jinja, Hanami-kōji, Kiri-dōshi, Tatsumi-bashi, Shimbashi, Nawate-dōri, Shijo-ōhashi
• Dinner and drinks around Ponto-chō / Kiyamachi-dōri.

Day 12 - Kyoto

• Nijō Castle
• Kodai-ji Temple - there is an evening light festival starting in late October, dates tbc, that we hope to catch.

Day 13 - Kyoto / Arashiyama

• Bamboo Grove
• Sagano Romantic Train
• Boat ride for the return from the Sagano Romantic Train
• Monkey Park
• Kimono Forest (might skip this tbh)
• Tenryu-ji Temple

Day 14 - Return leg

Depart from either Osaka or Tokyo back to London, depending on what's cheaper.

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Artistic-Constant-78 on 2025-03-18 09:48:04+00:00.

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Hi guys! This will be our second trip to japan (and probably not the last). We wanted to visit other places a bit off the tracks and less touristy while including some of the places we loved the first time (Tokyo/osaka). We will go there mid october and we will engage in the booking process soon. Need some advice on our itinerary, is it too much? Have you some other ideas that we should consider? Any insight is very welcome.😁🙏

On our first trip we did : Tokyo,Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima and Osaka.

⸻

25-Days Japan Itinerary

Tokyo – 5 Nights

Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo • Morning: Arrival in Tokyo, check-in at accommodation. • Afternoon: Light exploration of local area and adjust to jetlag. If energy allows, visit Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue, and Shibuya Sky for panoramic views. • Evening: Enjoy dinner in Omoide Yokocho

Day 2 – Tokyo • Morning: Explore Asakusa, visit Senso-ji Temple, and walk along Nakamise Street for local snacks. • Afternoon: Take a walk along the Sumida River towards Tokyo Skytree, visit its observation deck. • Evening: Dinner in Akihabara and explore electronics stores, anime shops etc…

Day 3 – Tokyo • Morning: Walk through Harajuku, visit Meiji Shrine, and explore Takeshita Street. • Afternoon: Stroll through Omotesando and visit Shinjuku Gyoen for a peaceful break. • Evening: Head to Shinjuku, visit Golden Gai for drinks and explore

Day 4 – Day Trip to Yokohama • Morning: Take 30-minute train to Yokohama. Visit Minato Mirai, walk along the waterfront, and explore the Cup Noodles Museum. • Afternoon: Visit Sankeien Garden, then head to Chinatown for lunch. Finish at the Gundam Factory or Yokohama Landmark Tower for sunset views. • Evening: Return to Tokyo.

Day 5 – Free Exploration & Ghibli museum • Ghibli Museum • Evening: Prepare for next day’s long journey.

⸻

Tanabe / Kumano Kodo – 3 Nights

Day 6 – Travel to Tanabe • Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (2.5h), then Limited Express Kuroshio to Tanabe (2.5h). • Afternoon: Check in, visit Tokei Shrine, and explore the town. • Evening: Relax and prepare for the hike.

Day 7 – Kumano Kodo Hiking (Nakahechi Route) • Morning: Take a bus to Kawayu Onsen (2h) • Afternoon: Reach a traditional guesthouse, soak in an onsen, and enjoy the small village.

Day 8 – Kumano Hongu Taisha • Morning: Bus to Hosshinmon-oji (~30 min) • Walk from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu Taisha (~7 km, ~3 hr) and explore the shrine • afternoon/evening : Bus from hongu Taisha to Kii-Katsuura (~1.5 hr) relax in our accommodation and explore

Day 9 – Travel to Nachi Taicha • Morning: Bus from Kii-Katsuura to Daimon-zaka (~20 min), Walk Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka (~1.5 km, ~1 hr) explore the shrine.

• Afternoon: Bus from Nachisan to Kii-Katsuura (~30 min) the Train from Kii-Katsuura to Shin-Osaka (~4 hr)
• Evening: Soend the night in Osaka, have dinner in Dotonburi. 

⸻

Himeji – 1 Night

Day 10– Travel to Himeji & Castle Visit • Morning: Train to → Himeji (1h). • Afternoon: Visit Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden. • Evening: Walk around the castle at night.

⸻

Kurashiki – 2 Nights

Day 11 – Travel to Kurashiki & Bikan District • Morning: Train from Himeji to Kurashiki (~1h). Check in. • Afternoon: Explore the Bikan Historical Quarter with its old houses, museums, and canal. • Evening: Dinner in a local izakaya.

Day 12 – Kurashiki Exploration • Morning: Visit the Ohara Museum of Art and local craft stores. • Afternoon: Optional cycling to surrounding areas or a visit to Kojima Jeans Street. • Evening: Relax and prepare for the next journey.

⸻

Fukuoka – 4 Nights

Day 13 – Travel to Fukuoka • Morning: Train from Kurashiki to Fukuoka (~2h). • Afternoon: Visit Kushida Shrine and explore Nakasu Yatai Stalls for street food.

Day 14 – Dazaifu Day Trip • Morning: Train to Dazaifu (30-40 mins), visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and the Kyushu National Museum. • Afternoon: Return to Fukuoka, explore Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins.

Day 15 – Shopping & Beaches • Morning: Shopping in Tenjin or Canal City Hakata. • Afternoon: Relax at Momochi Seaside Park.

Day 16– Free Exploration

⸻

Matsue – 3 Nights

Day 17– Travel to Matsue & Castle Visit • Morning: Train to Matsue (~4h). • Afternoon: Visit Matsue Castle & Samurai District.

Day 18 - Excursion to Izumo Taisha • Morning: Train to Izumo Taisha Shrine (~1h). • Afternoon: Visit the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo.

Day 19 – Lake Shinji & Relaxation • Morning: Walk around Lake Shinji, visit Adachi Museum of Art. • Afternoon: Relax before the next journey.

⸻

Osaka – 5 Nights

Day 20 – Travel to Osaka & Dotonbori • Morning: Train to Osaka (~4h). • Afternoon: Walk around Dotonbori, visit Shinsaibashi for shopping.

Day 21 – Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building • Morning: Visit Osaka Castle and Osaka Museum of History. • Afternoon: Enjoy views from Umeda Sky Building.

Day 22 – Day Trip to Universal Studios Japan • Morning: Full day at Universal Studios Japan. • Evening: Return to Osaka.

Day 23 – Free exploration and relax

Day 24 – Kobe Day Trip or Free Exploration • Train to Kobe (~30 mins), visit Kobe Chinatown & Mount Rokko.

Day 25 – Departure from Osaka • Morning: Last-minute shopping before heading to Kansai airport.

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

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Are you traveling to Japan this month? Want to hang out with other Redditors while you navigate the country? Then this is the thread for you!

Please post any and all meetup requests here. Be sure to include:

• Your basic itinerary
• Dates of travel and cities you're planning to visit
• Your age and gender identity
• Your home country (and any other languages you might speak)
• OPTIONAL: Share some of your hobbies or interests!

We have a Discord server you can use to coordinate meetups and other activities. You can join the official r/JapanTravel Discord here! There are also monthly meetup/planning channels, so react accordingly, and you can create threads for specific dates/locations if you so desire.

In the past, people have used LINE to coordinate and plan meetups.

NOTE: Please only post meetup requests for this month. If you are traveling in the future, please reserve all meetup requests for the thread that corresponds with the month of your first date of arrival in Japan. This thread is automatically posted 7 days before the start of the month.

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/MagazineKey4532 on 2025-03-17 04:59:48+00:00.

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To all those planning to climb Mount Fuji this year, Shizuoka prefecture will begin collecting 4,000 yen. Climbers without hut reservation will also be restricted from 2 pm from climbing. Shizuoka side is Gotemba, Fujinomiya, and Sunabashiri routes.

Not sure if Yamanishi side is going to change the rules too. They were collection 2,000 yen + 1,000 yen for maintenance fee and restricting climbing without hut reservation from 4 pm.

On March 17, the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly passed a bill to collect 4,000 yen per person from climbers of Mt. Fuji. This will be the first time that an "entrance fee" will be charged to climb Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. The bill was passed on the last day of the February regular session, which was held on the same day.

The ordinance abolishes the previous optional conservation contribution of 1,000 yen per person, and will station staff on three routes in Shizuoka Prefecture - Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri - to collect an "entrance fee" of 4,000 yen per person. It will also restrict access to the mountain from 2:00 pm to 3:00 am the following day for climbers who are not staying overnight in a mountain hut.

Regarding climbing restrictions on Mount Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture has already imposed restrictions such as making the collection of a 2,000 yen toll mandatory from the summer of 2024, and prohibiting access to the mountain after 4:00 pm, except for those with reservations to stay at a mountain hut.

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Senior-Salad4327 on 2025-03-17 00:04:19+00:00.

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My family and I recently returned from an incredible trip to Japan. Although two of my children were born overseas (one in Japan!) and my husband and I lived in Japan for 3 years, this was my kids’ (ages 7, 12 & 14) first big international trip since they were babies. It was very special for us to return to Japan and a trip that truly had something for everyone. So much has changed in the 14 years since we lived there and I was grateful for all the trip reports from families that traveled before me.

Day 1: We arrived at 2:30 pm and it took a long time to get through Haneda. It was strangely disorganized and unprofessional. We had our QR codes ready, but never knew that we needed to scan them at least 3 times. It honestly might be easier to skip that part and just fill out the forms. It used to be much easier to get out of the airport.

We got IC cards for my kids at the airport and cash from the atm. My husband and I put money on our Suica cards on our phones. It was super easy.

I had activated an eSIM ahead of time through airalo, but struggled to get it working correctly for a few hours. Tip: make sure you have data roaming on.

We used google maps to find a train route to our station in west Tokyo. I highly recommend searching for train routes that don’t go through major stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Shinagawa or busy lines like the yamanote with all of your luggage. Pay attention to the walking time for transfers - that’s what is most challenging with kids and luggage and navigating when you are jet lagged. As long as you don’t rush and stress, you will find your way. We asked for help frequently despite having navigated those trains for years on our own. People are happy to help and we even had one man carry my son’s suitcase up the stairs for us.

That night we stayed with friends and went for dinner at a local pizza place. We all crashed around 9:00 pm and mostly slept until 6:00 am. My kids had zero issues with jet lag and the adults were generally over it by day 3.

Day 2: We were up early to explore the neighborhood and the quiet, quaint shrines and temples around us. Later we took the train to Shibuya. A visit to Hachi-ko, the 3d billboard and the gachapon shops were highlights. My teen and tween boys loved the Nintendo and Pokémon Shops and Jump Shop. I loved visiting Loft for Japanese housewares and stationary. After a walk through harajuku to Kiddy Land (4 loud and tightly crammed floors of every toy under the sun) we were tuckered out and took dinner from the prepared options at the grocery store and ate at our friend’s house.

Day 3: We explored Jiyugaoka for ramen, a trip to Bookoff (for switch games and manga for my anime-loving son) and MUJI and then trained with just our backpacks to Shinjuku station where we picked up the Hakone free pass. I had booked the front observation car seats in the romance car and my kids loved this experience. We took bento on the train and reminisced about how we used to live on the Odakyu line.

Arriving at Hakone Yumoto on a Sunday was the first time we encountered insane crowds. It was unbearable and was too packed to walk down the shopping street. We got some mochi and snacks and got on the train for Gora.

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Gora. It was a lovely experience except for the less than timely shuttle schedule. We had arranged to be picked up in Gora but they never saw our email and we were unable to call. We ended up hiking 30 minutes up hill with all of our luggage — the only really challenging part of our trip for my kids that wasn’t that bad.

The hotel room and onsen and breakfast experience was stunning. Truly the best breakfast ever. My 7 year old daughter took a risk and used the onsen with me, but my boys weren’t interested. We loved trying all the lovely hair and skin care products.

Day 4: After a delicious western and Japanese breakfast, we took the train to the Hakone Open Air Museum. I’ve visited 2 times prior and it never disappoints. My 7 year old spent hours playing at the woods of net. My 12 year old budding artist took photos of the sculptures and enjoyed the stained glass tower. We spent hours just exploring every corner and soaking our feet in the onsen. It was a favorite day.

My boys went back to the hotel to chill (teenagers like their downtime and it allowed those of us who wanted to see more to do so) while the rest of us took the cable car and ropeway to Owakudani for black eggs. The crowds in all these places (on a Monday) were much more manageable. We had dinner and a visit to the onsen at the hotel and were asleep early.

Day 5: After breakfast we waited for a shuttle to Gora station and took the train to Odawara. Unfortunately the shuttle didn’t start until 9:45 which didn’t leave us much time for exploring Odawara castle before our 1:00 Shinkansen tickets to Osaka. We caught a glimpse of the impressive castle and some gorgeous ume blossoms before rushing for our train. It was stressful and I wish I had just rebooked our tickets.

My number 1 tip: there is no need to rush through train stations with kids —there is always another train and waiting 10-20 minutes on the platform is far better than stressing about everyone getting there safely. While my kids LOVED riding the trains, they HATED transferring trains and always asked how many trains a destination would take. We live in a very car-centric area of the US, so their stamina for this was low. But they managed it all well and truly never really complained as long as I had novelty shaped gummies to keep them moving forward.

After a few transfers in Osaka, we arrived at Hotel Universal Port and Universal City. It’s loud, American style and overwhelming and my kids loved it. We booked two rooms for the 5 of us and it was honestly nice to spread out a bit. We slept well and did laundry and enjoyed a dinner at Shake Shack. Bonus points for the minions themed hotel.

Day 6: We woke up early to get into Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios by 7:00 am. Even though the park didn’t officially open until 8, the lines started moving at 7:15. It was mid-March and it appeared that many high schools were on class trips — it was packed!! We ran to SNW but did not make it in time. We did however secure an 8:00 am entry via the app.

I’m so glad we started early — the kids could get a wrist band and play all the games without long lines. They LOVED the games and the whole place. None of them are particularly keen on roller coasters, so we only rode on Yoshis ride and played games and ate snacks. The lines for the donkey king ride were up to 200 minutes by noon.

We booked lunch at Kinopios Cafe (via a QR code and the line app) and it was honestly very disappointing food wise—the kids meal hamburgers were disgusting but the experience was fun. The teriyaki chicken and rice was edible. We realized we paid for a themed place to sit, so that was fine, but I wouldn’t eat there again. We spent about 5 hours in SNW just exploring and playing games.

We loved Harry Potter world and bought a wand to do the magic tricks. We aren’t even HP super fans but really enjoyed this whole area. The minions area was also a fun place to explore and my 7 year old daughter loved the Hello Kitty themed stuff. Trying all the different foods and snacks was my 14 year old’s favorite part.

We left the park at 5:00 and ate dinner in Universal City. Lots of options for everyone!

Day 7: We took the Shinkansen to Tokyo station. Unfortunately we had to wait on the tracks near Kyoto due to “flying objects” and “an obstacle”. We didn’t tell the kids what happened. My kids loved that they had wifi on the Shinkansen and seeing Mt Fuji out the window.

That evening we returned to our friend’s house and had a big party with other people we had worked with in Tokyo 17 years ago.

Day 8: My kids were beginning to tire this day, so we planned to divide and conquer and it worked out great. My 12 and 7 year old toured an international school with a friend and then visited ghibli studios. They said it was amazing and spent 2 hours enjoying the exhibits. Both kids love Totoro & Ponyo and my 12 year old loves drawing, so this was a core memory for him.

My 14 year old and I went out with our friend and her 14 year old to Odaiba. We played laser tag at Diver City, shopped and took pictures with the giant Unicorn Gundam. Then we went to the Mirai Science Museum. It’s a beautiful museum (and affordable —only 900 yen for both of us) with cool robots and exhibits. I don’t know if it blew my mind, but it was a nice day out overall and I really enjoyed that there was plenty to entertain everyone. The cafe and view from the balcony was lovely.

That night we all met back up for dinner in Nishi-Azabu at Gonpachi with more friends. The ambience and setting is super cool, the food was good, and the room we reserved for 15 was perfect for our rowdy bunch with 5 kids.

Day 9: I spent the morning packing and rearranging our luggage to accommodate for our souvenirs. Then I went out and bought more. I did a little shopping at Daiso and MUJI and took my kids to another gachapon shop while my husband did some shopping in Shibuya with a friend (which he, of course, managed to leave on the train on our way to the airport. TBD if it gets found by the meticulous lost and found station crew).

We watched a darling Beyblades competition happening in a park between ...

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/weenokerlund on 2025-03-14 22:24:38+00:00.

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Personal background:

47M traveling solo. First trip to Japan: October 31-November 16, 2024. Practice Zen Buddhism in Soto tradition. Studied tea ceremony in Urasenke tradition. Lifelong record collector. Clothes horse. Fan of 1980s-1990s “strong style” puroresu.

TOKYO

October 31

Steps: 11,766

Arrive at Narita Airport via Japan Airlines flight from Seattle. Subway to Nihonbashi, a business district where traditional stores continue to flourish. Unpack at Hotel Nihonbashi Seibo, which is basic and well located. Dinner at the charming yakitori restaurant Edoji.

November 1

22,637 steps

Early morning walk around Ningyocho station. Nico’s Cafe is a quaint coffee shop that feels like a grandparents’ kitchen. The owner likes to talk about Shohei Otani. 

Souvenir shopping at centuries-old Edoya (brushes) and Ozu Washi (paper). Witness centerpiece of the Mitsukoshi department store—the breathtaking Magokoro Tennyo statue. Nearby is Nihonbashi Bridge, historic point zero of Japan’s highway system.

Cross the bridge to arrive in Ginza. Matsumoto Shoeido and Choondo are small galleries of Buddhist antiques. Closing weekend at Seikado Bunko Museum of a wonderful teaware exhibit, including the cosmic Inaba Tenmoku  chawan (tea bowl), a National Treasure.

Tradman’s sells well-developed examples of bonsai, while Ginza Uchiku-an concerns itself more with the tools and practice of bonsai cultivation. S.Wantabe Color Print Co. sells ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), some contemporary and many dating to the 19th century.

Inside the Imperial Hotel is the preserved Old Imperial Bar, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This space is elegant, and the Mount Fuji cocktail is delicious. After dinner at Sushizanmai, a relaxing scrub and plunge at Konparu-yu sento (public bathhouse), hidden amid a bustling block of businesses. 

November 2

15,288 steps

Timed-entry ticket for Nezu Museum near Shibuya and breakfast at their cafe. The grounds contain a number of tea houses and winding paths. Morning rain only adds to the contemplative atmosphere. Main exhibit and other galleries are all well conceived and worth exploring.

Pass the iconic Prada building while walking down Minami-Aoyama, a bustling shopping street of luxury retailers. Arrive at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, which specializes in ukiyo-e. Exhibits rotate monthly to protect the fragile prints. Downstairs is a nice gift shop.

Alter E Go, Desolation Row, and The Real McCoy’s sell men’s clothing inspired by American fashion of the 1940s-1960s, whether military or workwear. Staff at all three stores are helpful and engaging. Comfort food at Pizzanista while rain continues to pour.

November 3

18,184 steps

First temple of the trip: Korin-in (Rinzai), a sprawling complex nestled among quiet streets of Hiroo in Shibuya. Goshuin available here. Happening this weekend at EBiS303 is Inspiration Tokyo, a market for vintage-clothing sellers and buyers. Purchases from the delightful husband-and-wife duo of Ooe Yofukuten and a conversation with Larry of Heller’s Cafe.

Train to suburb Higashimurayama. Beverage break at Midikana Coffee, which operates out of an old home with tatami mats. Baigan-ji (Soto) is famous for its ancient twin zelkova trees. Goshuin available. Tokuzo-ji (Rinzai) features a display of Jizo statues and a small museum of local artifacts.

The Jizodo (a National Treasure and Tokyo’s oldest building) at Shofuku-ji opens to the public only for an hour on Culture Day at 1500. This time constraint along with the numerous attendees prohibits a contemplative atmosphere. Goshuin sold out, alas. 

November 4

24,365 steps

Sengaku-ji (Soto) in Minato is the resting place of the famous 47 ronin. To receive a goshuin, you must copy a sutra. Not to be missed is the statue of “Homeless” Kodo Sawaki, the priest credited with revitalizing Soto Zen in the 20th Century. 

Tozen-ji (Rinzai) is a national historic site for its Japanese vs. British conflicts. An attempt to communicate with the groundskeeper is met with an X of his arms. Route of backstreets passes by neighborhood temple Enpuku-ji—ceremonial sounds of a makugyo (fish drum) and chanting.

Arrive at Ribera Steakhouse, a restaurant famous for attracting American pro wrestlers touring Japan, and its facade of photographs. The exhibits at Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art feature several nice pieces of tea ware, calligraphy, and some beautiful Noh costumes.

After lunch at Mos Burger in Ebisu, a return to Shibuya. Coffee at Sputnik and later Coffee or Beer. Shopping at Dry Bones and Trophy General Store; again, staff is helpful and inquisitive. Dinner near the hotel at CoCoICHI. The level 5 curry is plenty spicy.

November 5

19,171 steps

A fantastic diner near Ningyocho station is Coffee Embassy. Accentuating the throwback atmosphere is the shop’s “smoking allowed everywhere” rule. Before leaving the neighborhood, time at small yet dense Okannon-ji, which abuts the lovely Kogiku-dori, or Geisha Alley.

With its myriad alleys and quiet demeanor, Jimbocho, Tokyo’s neighborhood of bookstores, has a vibe similar to Nihonhashi. Alas, Buddhist bookstore Toyodoshoten is closed this day. The owner’s sweet note on the door: “Although I am selfish, we will be temporarily closed.” 

Nearby is a dizzying consolation prize. Bunken Rock Side specializes in pop culture magazines, especially rock music. Also in the neighborhood is an all-genre Disk Union record store.

Tenmo, a tempura restaurant in Nihonbashi, features a long history and a tiny interior. The chef is the grandson of the restaurant’s second owner. The taste of items such as parsley or eel tends toward the subtle, hence concentrate to savor each bite.

A spontaneous evening at disappointing Golden Gai and nearby, where several heavy metal bars are to be found. The Godz soundtrack is disagreeable this night. Mother is too cramped and too loud. Rockaholic proves to be just right: excellent playlist and goofy bartenders. 

November 6

11,704 steps

Slow to begin the day due to last night’s drinks and thoughts of the U.S. presidential election today. Subway to Sugamo and its pleasant shopping street. Wander through back streets and find Shinsho-ji (Shingon) along with its giant Jizo statue.

The main feature at Kogan-ji (Soto) is a Jizo statue that can be bathed in exchange for relieving one’s ailments. After receiving the temple’s goshuin, an invitation to sit on the altar for a memorial ceremony. The drumming and chanting are propulsive and energetic.

Also in Sugamo is Toudoukan, a sprawling store that specializes in pro-wrestling merchandise: magazines, programs, posters, books, records. The depth and variety of goods is intoxicating.

Feeling uneasy by initial election returns, solace is found in Ochanomizu, a neighborhood resplendent with businesses selling musical instruments, and two Disk Union stores: one focuses on hard rock/metal, the other sells jazz and soul albums. 

Following the heartbreak of the election results, dinner at Kokoro, a small chain specializing in mazesoba. Upon sliding open the door, AC/DC’s For Those About to Rock album blasts out of the restaurant speakers. How soothing and familiar at that moment of distress!

November 7

15,844 steps

Breakfast at Kissako Kaiseiken, a coffee shop in operation since 1919. Pleasant interior, but the better experience is at Coffee Embassy.

Chinmi, or “rare tastes,” are regional, antiquated foods or dishes featuring unusual flavor. In Tokyo, Suragaya Kahei specializes in shiokara—fermented fish viscera. The taste and texture—salty and slick—is not off-putting! This restaurant is located in a grocery store that sells foods from throughout Japan. Down the street is RECOfan, an excellent record store.

Asakusa overflows with tourists. Glimpses of Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree prove satisfactory. A walk to nowhere on the neighborhood’s outskirts helps to wind down the afternoon. After a ramen dinner at Tsujita across the street from Ningyocho station, travel to famous Korakuen Hall next to Tokyo Dome. Although not familiar with the Dragon Gate promotion, witnessing any pro wresting in Japan fulfills a “bucket list” experience.

KYOTO

November 8

24,396 steps

Ride an early morning Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. Somehow miss Mount Fuji despite being in a window seat.

From busy Kyoto Station to Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto, near City Hall, to drop off luggage with staff. Walk through quiet backstreets and the spacious grounds of Kyoto Imperial Palace to arrive at Yamadamatsu, an incense shop in business since 1772. In addition to a range of items to purchase, there is a small exhibit of artifacts related to kodo—incense ceremony. 

From here, the Shokoku-ji (Rinzai) complex is a short walk back through the palace grounds. The most significant monastic building—the hatto, or dharma hall—is available to tour; the guide today spoke excellent English. A giant dragon is painted on the ceiling, and when striking a strong clap in a certain location underneath, the subsequent echo “rains” over the...

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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Brilliant_Bag_8583 on 2025-03-14 17:03:24+00:00.

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It's our first time in Japan, just me, and my two 12 & 14 year olds. We've changed our itinerary a lot, ruling out Hiroshima, Shirakawago, Kamakura & Enoshima for budget reasons, and because I didn't think we'd enjoy cramming so much in. I'd love your opinion on the new plan, if you think I've taken too much out... Our itinerary is focussed on only Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, with quick visits to Nara & Osaka. What do you think? Also I'm not sure if we should swap the first night in Kyoto for a second night in Hakone.

April 2 (Arrival in Tokyo - DDD Hotel 2-6)

• Akihabara: 🎮 Super Potato 🎰 Gachapon Kaikan 🃏 Yodobashi Camera
• 🍜 Dinner options: Depachika (food basements) in department stores or ramen spots.

April 3 (Tokyo - Asakusa & Ueno)

• Morning: Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street) & Sumida River park.
• Afternoon: Ueno Park & Ameya-Yokocho.

April 4 (Friday - Tokyo: TeamLab Planets at 3:30 PM)

• Morning: Eggs 'n Things 9am
• Shopping at DiverCity Plaza.
• Travel to Toyosu for TeamLab Planets at 3:30 PM.

April 5 (Saturday - Tokyo: MiPig Café at 1:20 PM in Harajuku)

• Early morning: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park.
• Takeshita Street. 1:20 PM: MiPig Café.
• Afternoon: Omotesando, Shibuya (Shibuya Scramble, Shibuya Sky).
• Evening: Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Mega Don Quixote).

April 6 (Sunday - Tokyo to Hakone - Laforet Hakone Gora Yunosumika

• Morning: Travel to Hakone early and do the Hakone Loop (Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Ropeway, Owakudani, Open-Air Museum).
• Stay overnight in Hakone.

April 7 (Monday - Hakone to Kyoto - Momijiya Honkan Takao Sanso)

• Hotel breakfast and stroll around Hakone.
• Travel to Kyoto (Shinkansen). Store luggage at station.
• Afternoon: Sanjūsangendō Temple, Fushimi Inari.
• Check in to ryokan.

April 8 (Tuesday) Kyoto - Minn Shimizu Gojo 8-12

• Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji
• Check-in to hotel
• Gion streets

April 9 Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji

• Bamboo forest walk & monkey park
• Gion temples & sights

April 10 Kyoto: Nara Trip

• Feed bowing deer with special crackers! Todai-ji Temple - Buddha statue & Buddha’s Nostril
• Kasuga Taisha - Lantern shrine, Nakatanidou - Mochi shop
• Osaka Castle & Dotonbori for dinner

April 11 Kyoto: Free day

• Pug cafe ‘Living Room’
• Nishiki market

April 12 (Saturday) - 9am Kyoto to Tokyo - Hotel Wing International Premium Tokyo Yotsuya 12-15

• Travel back to Tokyo. Store cases at Tokyo station.
• 12-12:30 Team Lab Borderless.
• Check into Hotel Wing International Premium Tokyo Yotsuya
• Dinner in Shibuya.

April 13 (Sunday - Ghibli Museum at 4 PM)

• Morning/Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen, Koenji/Nakano, or other areas missed.
• 4 PM: Ghibli Museum.
• Evening: Harajuku

April 14 (Monday - DisneySea, staying near Haneda Airport)

• Full day at DisneySea including 7am-9pm.
• Home to bed.

April 15 (Tuesday - Fly home early)

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/totalnewbie on 2025-03-15 16:05:11+00:00.

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I kept telling my mom I'd take her to Japan whenever she wanted to, to just let me know, and she let me know she wanted to go bird watching so I took her. Late Feb 2025.

Kushiro is a city surrounded basically by marshland and in that marshland lives the red-crowned crane, called tancho / タンチョウ in Japanese, though tsuru / ツル (鶴) is the generic word for cranes. They're big birds and like to stand around a lot, and then occasionally will do some mating rituals that people especially like. These were endangered in in the 50s until the local residents began a conservation program and now people from all over the world go there to take pictures of birds.

The general outline of the trip was to fly to Kushiro (KUH) from Tokyo and rent a car for the duration. It is much too time-consuming to take the train there (but if you must, there is a limited express Ozora that runs between Sapporo and Kushiro, taking about 4 hours). Flying is much faster and cheaper. I also strongly, strongly recommend that you rent a car. Alternatively, you can rent a taxi for about 3600 JPY/30 minutes. This is much more expensive than just renting a car. Finally, you could take the bus the busses were not common at all. I strongly recommend against trying to rely on public transportation for your birdwatching activities. When I went, an ETC card was not needed if you were sticking to eastern Hokkaido.

All told, the rental for the car was just under 500 USD (not including the single tank of petrol for the week) for 5? 6? days. Sunday evening to Saturday morning.

Although the roads were generally clear of ice and snow, especially the shaded areas of the sidewalks were still covered in ice, making walking potentially hazardous.

We stayed in Kushiro city itself, in what probably qualifies as downtown Kushiro, the north side of Nusamai Bridge. There were plenty of restaurants though some of the higher rated ones do seem to fill up very quickly, so I suggest either going there when they open or making a reservation. But there's lots of restaurants so if you're not picky then there's plenty of options. We stayed at the Dormy Inn where the breakfast was absolutely phenomenal. If you end up staying there and wonder if you should get the breakfast, do it.

We also visited the Kushiro WASHOU Market, a sort of food market where you can shop for cooking at home, for your restaurant, or prepared food. You could get a kaisendon, which is basically your choice of seafood over rice, or various types of crab (steamed to order) and other sorts of food. For the kaisendon, there is a stall that sells rice, so you go there, get your bowl of rice (whom you pay), and then take it to one of the stalls with the actual seafood, where you pick out the seafood and they add it to your bowl. You can keep it modest or go absolutely ham, up to you. You settle up your bill and then eat at one of the community tables.

Anyway - on to the birdwatching.

In no particular order -

The Kushiro Marsh Observatory - this is not so much a birdwatching location as it is a high spot from which you can look out onto the marsh. Really nice view of the surrounding area. There's a very small museum inside about the local environment. There's a small entrance fee. It is quite a nice view but if that doesn't interest you then feel free to skip it. If you do want to go though, it's pretty easy to miss if you're heading out from the city, as it is around a curve on the road so make use of GPS.

On'nenai Visitor Center - There is a large parking lot at the side of the road with steps leading down to the visitor center. Again, it's not exactly large, but it's a decent size for what's essentially a visitor center for a park. There is a raised walkway that goes out into the marsh but it was entirely covered with snow and ice. I brought removable crampons just in case and my mom made use of them here. It was fine for me but the conditions were pretty perfect for small crampons to be useful. We walked out about 1.5 or 2 kilometers to the viewing terrace (which is basically just a raised step with a railing to keep you from falling backwards). We did not see any birds, though we did see plenty of deer. We found out later that people went there more to look for the shima-enaga / シマエナガ, a small white bird that is also endemic to the area and quite famous, rather than cranes. We were a little early for it, though, as they do their nest building during the spring months.

Tsurumidai Crane Observatory - This is the main place everyone goes to look at the cranes. It's generally a large open field where 150 or so cranes hang out all day. There is a small parking lot on the same side of the road as the field and the viewing area, which itself is basically just a sidewalk and goes a little further along a fence as an unpaved path. There is a larger parking lot across the street where the tour buses stop, along with a building with what I assume is a gift shop and basically some sort of welcome center. I did not go inside the building. Unfortunately, there are some buildings and power lines behind the field which may ruin, for some of you, wider shots of the cranes.

Otowa Bridge - Apparently, the cranes like to go stand in the water and you can see them from this bridge. It's clearly in demand because there are two huge (relatively speaking) parking lots on either side of the bridge, which itself has a separate walking bridge so you're not standing next to traffic (not that there's much traffic). It is only a few minutes drive from the crane observatory, where we spent the majority of the time, which is good because my mother insisted that we return repeatedly, despite the fact that the cranes were very, very, very far off in the distance. I think you'd need an 800mm lens with extender to get any sort of actual picture of the cranes. Maybe they sometimes venture closer but I never say them as anything but a speck in the week we were there.

Tsuru-ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary - this is apparently another popular spot for looking at cranes. We didn't go to this one as I left it to my mother to say where to go and I'm not sure why this didn't show up on her radar. I suspect because she mainly gets her information from random Chinese SNS and this is not on the list of stops for the tour companies. It looks like it's very similar to the crane observatory in that it's basically a big open field where cranes hang out. But, it looks like the backdrop is mainly just woods so might make for better pictures here. There was also mention of feeding at 9 AM or so which might make for some good photos. I suggest you go check it out.

Akan International Crane Center - there are actually two buildings to this, the old one and a pretty new one. There's a small admission fee but it covers both. The new building has a small museum exhibit about the cranes and local conservation efforts. There is also a theater-like room to watch an old documentary video about the cranes and the surrounding area of eastern Hokkaido in general. These are both, again, generally an open field with a (very) small pond and cranes just stand around doing crane things. These both had woods as the backdrop so that was nice, but there were not as many cranes here (though still plenty) as at the observatory.

Kushiro City Tanchozuru Nature Park - this is much more of a traditional sanctuary, as it was mainly comprised of injured or otherwise in need of care cranes in netted enclosures, though I think the tops were open. Not all the enclosures had cranes and I'm not sure if it's just because they weren't being used or because they were free to fly in and out. Each enclosure only had one or two cranes in it but that felt reasonable given it felt much more like a rehabilitation facility. Given that it felt much more like a rehabilitation facility, we didn't spend much time here.

That's about it for the crane watching we did. We went back to the observatory repeatedly (and then the bridge, but that never panned out). The crane center was also pretty good so we went there twice as well. I really think she would have liked the Tsuru-ito tancho crane sanctuary and if I'd realized it was there, I would have taken her.

Next up, we went to look at some eagles. The Steller's Sea Eagle is apparently one of the biggest eagle species and they live in northeast Hokkaido and Russia. We drove up to Rausu, a town consisting only of fishing and nature cruises, to get ready for an early morning boat cruise. It's on the east side of the Shiretoko peninsula, also home of Shiretoko National Park. We booked with Shiretoko Nature Cruise and there are some other companies running the same nature cruise as well. I'm fairly certain they're all exactly the same thing.

Anyway, driving up there, we stopped at the Michi no Eki - basically a travel center. It had a small shop...

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This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/4tune96 on 2025-03-09 10:34:38+00:00.

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Hello there!

First of all sorry for the long text.

My Brother and I are going to Japan from 28.05.2025 to 25.06.2025.

Its the very first time we do a Trip this big and we are complete idiots when it comes to planning.

We did our best to make a Route that could work with all we think we want/need to see.

First of all some background Informations:

Budget: 5.000 € each (if that is enough for what we have planned?!)

Preference: we would like to eat as much cultural food as possible, we want to see many temples, want to visit onsen, and all the stuff we wrote about. For the evening, we would like to visit bars, restaurants and maybe some clubs, we want to experience the nature, history and nightlife of Japan.

We are not sure if we should buy the JR-Pass or buy the Tickets for Bus/Train individually. We thought it would be better - since we are not staying in one place, to just travel with a bagpack each and not bring a suitcase.

We are very very unsure about our Trip-Planning. We pretty much used google maps to see if all the Attractions for one day are somewhat near so that we can do more things in one day at one place. Since we never been to japan, we are afraid that we have planned too many attractions for one day or maybe too less attractions for one day - so we could use a little help with that.

Also we are open for recommendations in regard of attractions that are missing in our list that we should definitely visit or maybe some attractions that we have in our list but are not that necessary. Anything in particular, where we have to be early for tickets?

Moneywise - we read that we would need cash but also the suica card right?

For Okinawa, we wrote a little text since we are not sure where exactly to stay.

For Accommodations - we dont expect something fancy or else. Just something clean and cheap to sleep, nothing less or over - probably some AirBnB´s?!

So here is our List - we are really looking forward for some help and experienced recommandations via comments or private messages:

I.                    Tokyo (7 Days)

Departure 28.05 -> Arrival 29.05 Narita, 13pm

Day 1     29.05: Check In AirBnB 14:30pm (Tripstart 15pm)

1.       Asakusa Shrine

2.       Ueno Park

3.       Ginza District & Restaurant for Dinner

4.       Back to AirBnB

Day 2     30.05

1.       Teamlab Planets Tokio (9am)

2.       Joypolis Tokio

3.       Yoyogi-Park + Mejii Shrine in Shibuya

4.       Back to AirBnB/Clubs & Bars in Tokio

Day 3     31.05 (Shinjuku)

1.       Gyoen Garden

2.       Kabukicho (Entertainment District – Bars, Clubs, Restaurants)

3.       Omoide YokochoAlley (Food & Bars)

4.       Back to AirBnB

Day 4    01.06

1.       Daytrip to Kamakura (Hachimangu Shrine, Hasedera Temple, Komachi Dori Street Hokokuji-Temple)

Day 5     02.06.

1.       Spare-Day for booking AirBnBs in Kyoto and exploring the city

Day 6      03.06

1.       Daytrip to Mount Fuji Yoshida Route with Overnight Stay in Taishikan

Day 7     04.06.

Leaving Mount Fuji after Sunrise -> Trainride to Kyoto

 

II.                  Kyoto (5 Days)

Day 1     05.06. (Arrival in Kyoto)

1.       Philosophers Path-> Ginkakuji Temple -> Nanzenji-Temple -> Heian-Jingu Temple -> Pontocho Alley

Day 2 -> 06.06.

1.       Kyoto Samurai Ninja Museum

2.       Nishiki Market

3.       Kiyomizu-Dera

4.       Higashiyama-District

5.       Gion Street

6.       Kennin-Ji Temple

Day 3 -> 07.06.

1.       Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

2.       Tenryuji Temple

3.       Sagano Railway Train Ride -> Hozugawa River Boat Ride

4.       Arashiyama Onsen Hotel

Day 4 -> 08.06.

1.       Daigoji-Temple + Mountain Hike

2.       Fushimi-Sake-District Tour with Guide

Day 5 -> 09.06

1.       Kurama to Kibune Hike to Shrines and Temples

2.       Kinkakuji Temple

3.       Ryoanji Temple

4.       Leaving Kyoto -> Train to Osaka

 

III.                Osaka (5 Days)

Day 1 -> 10.06 (Arrival in Osaka)

1.       Minoo-Park

2.       Shitennoji Temple mit Tennoji Shopping Malls

3.       Teamlab Botanical Garden Osaka (Evening)

Day 2 -> 11.06

4.       Shinsaibashi/Shinsekai-District + Dotonbori + American Village

5.       Ajinoya Restaurant + Hozen-ji Temple

6.       Den Den Town -> Nightlife Namba

7.       AirBnB/Nightstay in Namba

Day 3 -> 12.06

1.       Universal Studios/Nintendo World

2.       Nightlife Namba

3.       AirBnB/Nightstay in Namba

Day 4 -> 13.06

1.       Osaka-Castle Park Museum and Garden

2.       Tenmangu Shopping Street + Shrine

3.       Kuromon-Market (Streetfood, Fish)

4.       Nightlife Namba

5.       AirBnB/Nightstay in Namba

Day 5 -> 14.06

1.       Expo-Park + Shopping Mall

2.       Asahi Beer Suita Brewery Tour

3.       Leaving Osaka

 

IV.                Hiroshima (1 Day)

Day 1 -> 15.06

1.       Peace Memorial Park + Museum

2.       Hiroshima Downtown (Hondori Street)

3.       Hiroshima Castle

4.       Itsukushima-Temple + Daisho-In Temple (Miyajima)

5.       Hotel in Miyajima with private Onsen (Grand Hotel Arimoto)

Day 2 -> 16.06

1.       Airport Hiroshima in Mihara (Flight to Okinawa)

 

V.                  Okinawa (7 Days)

Day 1 -> 16.06

1.       Arrival at Airport in Okinawa Naha

2.       Transfer to a Hotel, maybe

-   The Senagajima Storyline (seems to be the nearest to Naha for a Daytrip, cheap, many beaches nearby)

-   Hotel Nikko Alivila (close enough to Naha for a daytrip, expensive, dont know if we can get to any bars, clubs, restaurants nearby)

-   Hotel Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort (beautiful Resort, expensive, farest away from Naha)

-   Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort (expensive)

Day 2 -> 17.06.

Daytrip to Naha:

1.       Japanese Navy Underground HQ

2.       Kokusaidori Street

3.       Shikinaen Garden

Day 3 to 6 (18.06. – 22.06.)

Nothing at all - relaxing

Day 7 -> 23.06.

Flight back to Tokio

 

We dont really know where to stay in Okinawa, the Possibilities and the many beaches are pretty overwhelming.

We want a nice Resort where we can just chill, lay on the beach and swim. A Daytrip to Naha should be possible.

We only want Breakfast in the Resort, we would like to go to Bars and Restaurants in the Evening, so that would be important.

 

VI.                Tokio (2 Shopping Days)

 

Day 1 (24.06)

1.       AirBnB in Shinjuku

2.       Golden-Gai

3.       Naka-Ikebukuro Park with Toshima Civic Center + Animate-Center

4.       Nakano-Broadway

Day 2 (25.06)

1.       Daytrip to Akihabara

2.       Last Stops for Souvenirs & Flight back to Germany

 

1 Day left

We have one Day left. We thought about adding it to Tokio at the end, but since our flight is in the late Evening, 24.06. + 25.06. should be enough for Shopping. So maybe you could give as a hint where we could use this one more day – maybe somewhere, where its too much for one day to visit all the attractions we planed for that day or else.

 

Missing Attractions:

Ghibli-Museum

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/CriticalInflation598 on 2025-03-08 19:10:14+00:00.

---

Hello! After looking through many itineraries and a lot of research, I created this 2 week itinerary focusing on Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Tokyo again. We're prepared for long days and I tried to keep most things closer together as we don't expect to do everything. Currently, I'm undecided on whether to use day 3 to explore a new area, or to split one of the Tokyo days. I figured firsthand experience would help a lot. Of course, any other recs are much appreciated. We have some special occasions happening during the trip so any must eat at restaurants or special activities we missed would make those days even better.

Day 1 - Narita > Tokyo

• Arrival in Narita in the afternoon, pickup luggage and take train to Tokyo
• Get any travel/sim essentials
• Get in hotel in Shibuya, enjoy the night life or rest

Day 2 - Tokyo - Shibuya

• Explore Harajuku(Takeshita)
• Meji Jingu Shrine
• Walk through Shibuya scramble
• MEGA Don Quijote
• Shibuya Parco
• Shibuya Sky(opens at 10am)
• Kareoke bar at night

Day 3 - Tokyo

Day 4 - Tokyo - Ginza and Shinjuku

• TeamLab Planets(opens at 9am) - go when it opens
• Train to Ginza
• Tsukiji Market Shopping
• Ginza Uniqlo(big)
• Gyoen National Garden
• Kabukicho(evening/night time)
• Hanazono Shrine(evening/night time)
• Golden Gai(evening/night time)

Day 5 - Tokyo - Akihabara and Ueno

• Travel to Akihabara explore
• Explore Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum
• Explore Senso-Ji and surrounding streets
• Kapabashi

Day 6 - Tokyo - Kamakura and Enoshima

• Komachi-dori street
• Tsurugoaka hachimangu
• Zeniarai Benten Shrine
• Hokokuji temple
• Hasadera temple
• Kotoku-in
• Schirigahama beach
• Go to Enoshima Island and explore(watch sunset here)

Day 7 - Tokyo > Osaka

• Check out and travel to Osaka in the morning
• Osaka Castle

Day 8 - Osaka

• Kuromon Ichiba Market
• Namba Yasaka Jinja
• Nipponbashi
• Shin sekai
• Tsutenkaku
• Day 9 - Osaka - Nara day trip
• Nara Deer Park
• Visit Todai-ji Temple
• Kofuku-ji Temple
• Nakatanidou mochi

Day 9 - Osaka - Nara day trip

• Nara Deer Park
• Visit Todai-ji Temple
• Kofuku-ji Temple
• Nakatanidou mochi

Day 10 - Osaka - Kyoto

• Check out and travel to Kyoto in the morning
• Nijo Castle
• Kyoto International Manga Museum
• Pontocho Street

Day 11 - Kyoto

• Bamboo Forest
• Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu(eat there?)
• Katsua River and cross Togetsukyo Bridge
• Monkey Park Iwatayama
• Kyoto Arashiyama Rankyo Boat ride
• Arashiyama Street Food

Day 12 - Kyoto > Tokyo

• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka
• Walk along Philosopher's Path
• Ginkakuji Temple
• Check out and travel to Tokyo at evening/night

Day 13 - Tokyo

• Do anything we missed

Day 14 - Tokyo > Narita

• Head home

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/aqab18 on 2025-03-07 16:12:35+00:00.

---

Hello,

I am going to Japan with my wife in April (next month). Just wanted to ask for any feedback/advice on this itinerary, if its too much,etc. This is our first time going and the things that have been booked have been mentioned below (just havent booked shibuya sky/skytree/shinkansen tickets/pokemon cafe as they not available yet.) Also we are muslim so any muslim friendly/halal places in these areas would be appreciated. I am a gamer, so might explain some of the places below and want to do some shopping for vintage items (bags) as well. These are the main places and areas we would like to hit hopefully.

I've also given some rough timings as to when we would like to go to certain places.

Hotels are boked in the following areas:

Tokyo - 1 min from ueno station

Kyoto -20 mins up from Kyoto station (walk)

Osaka - 10 mins from Osaka Umeda station (walk)

Tokyo - 2 mins from Shinjuku station

Day 0

Flight to Haneda Airport, landing the following day (23:00 ish)

Day 1 - Tokyo

• Shinjuku Gyoen Park (10 a.m)
• Sunshine city (13:00 ish, Pokémon Centre, Daiso)
• Shibuya crossing, Parco, Loft (15:00-15:30 ish)
• Shibuya Sky (Book for sunset time, 17.30)
• GU (19:00)
• Mega Don Quijote

Day 2 - Tokyo

• Kitchen Street (10 a.m)
• Uniqlo Asakusa store
• Asakusa Sushi ken (12:30 Reservation)
• Harajuku (15:00, Vintage shops)
• Shibuya center gai/yoyogi park

Day 3 - Tokyo

• Sensoji (7-8 a.m)
• Sumida park
• Nakamise dori
• Skytree (Book for 15:00)/Pokémon centre,
• Akhihabra (17:00)

Day 4 Tokyo -> Kyoto

• Teamlab PLanets (10:00 booking)
• Ueno Park
• Tokyo Station (17:00)
• Shinkansen to Kyoto (7:00-7:30)

Day 5 - Kyoto

• Kiyomizudera (7-8 a.m)
• Explore these area (Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka)
• Kimono booking (11:30 booked),
• Kodaji Temple
• Tea ceremony (near kiyomizudera, booked for 14:00)
• return kimonos before 5pm
• Gion(Nintendo Kyoto, Pokemon Centre)
• Nijo Castle

Day 6 - Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari Shrine (7-8 a.m)
• Tofuku-ji Temple
• Kamo river
• Takase river
• Philosopher path
• Higashiyama jisho-ji
• Nanzen-ji
• Keage Incline
• Kyoto station (14:00 ish) -> Osaka
• Shinsaibashi area (Vintage shops)
• Sennichimae Doguyasuji
• Taito Station Namba
• Back to Kyoto

Day 7 - Kyoto

• Arashiyama Bamboo forest
• Adashino Nenbutsuji
• Monkey park
• Kinkaku-ji
• Nishiki market

Day 8 - Kyoto -> Osaka (Arrive for 12)

• Umeda sky building
• Pokémon centre Osaka
• Pokémon café (need to book)
• America mura
• Dotonbori

Day 9 - Osaka - Nara day trip (Arive for 8 a.m)

• Nara park
• Todai-ji
• Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museuem,
• Kofuku-ji
• Nakatanidou
• Nasugataisha shirine
• Mount Wakakusa
• Back to Osaka (4 p.m)
• Denden town

Day 10 - USJ

Day 11 - Back to Tokyo (Arrive for 12 ish)

Nakano broadway

Ginza (about 16:00 ish, Uniqlo, Itoya, Muji)

Kabukicho (or something else)

Day 12 - Mount Fuji Day trip

• Street kart in shibuya (19:45 booked)

Day 13 - Tokyo (Return)

• Teamlabs borderless (10:00 booked)
• Haneda airport (19:00 for flight at 23:00)

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/spydervenom on 2025-03-06 19:55:03+00:00.

---

Let me know if you think this itinerary is a little too unstructured and if I should include more things to do. Additionally, let me know if you think this is a good use of our time. If you think I'm missing something important in any of the places we are staying, please let me know. I'll take any recommendations you are willing to give.

Day 1: Monday November 3 - Tokyo

• Arrival in Tokyo around 8 pm local time
• Evening: Explore the local area and have dinner

Day 2: Tuesday November 4 - Tokyo

• Morning: Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and Ueno Park
• Afternoon: Explore Tokyo National Museum, Ameya-Yokocho Market and Asakusa
• Evening: Akihabara

Day 3: Wednesday November 5 - Tokyo

• Morning: Explore Shinjuku Gyoen Garden and Meji Shrine
• Afternoon: Harajuku and Yoyogi Park
• Evening: See Shibuya Crossing, Experience Shibuya Sky and explore Shibuya

Day 4: Thursday November 6 - Tokyo -> Hakone

• Morning: Teamlabs Borderless and explore the surrounding area
• Afternoon: Travel to Hakone by train
• Evening: stay at Hakone Ginyu ryokan

Day 5: Friday November 7 - Hakone -> Kyoto

• Morning: Hakone loop
• Afternoon: Travel to Kyoto
• Evening: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and explore Gion District

Day 6:  Saturday November 8 - Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and/or Ryoan-ji Temple
• Afternoon: Explore Nijo Castle
• Evening: walk along the Philosopher’s Path

Day 7: Sunday November 9 - Kyoto

• Morning: visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and/or Tenryu-ji Temple
• Afternoon: Explore Iwatayama Monkey Park and/or Togetsukyo Bridge
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner

Day 8: Monday November 10 - Kyoto

• Morning: travel to Nara
• Afternoon: Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple
• Evening: Return to Kyoto

Day 9: Tuesday November 11- Kyoto

• Morning: travel to Osaka
• Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and/or aquarium
• Evening: visit Umeda Sky Building and explore Dotonbori

Day 10: Wednesday November 12- Kyoto -> Tokyo

• Morning: Imperial Palace & Gardens
• Afternoon: Ginza
• Evening: explore the surrounding area

Day 11: Thursday November 13 - Kyoto -> Tokyo

• Last minute shopping and seeing sights
• Head to airport to leave at 2:30pm local time

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/foxko on 2025-03-07 14:51:19+00:00.

---

Hey team,

Last November I traveled to Japan for the first time after what felt like a lifetime of dreaming. Safe to say I had the absolute best time. To combat my back-to-reality post-travel blues I immediately started soft planning a November 2025 trip. Soft planning has now turned into hard planning since I recently booked my flights.

On my last trip I stayed 6 nights Tokyo, 3 nights Kyoto, 1 night Hiroshima with a day trip to Miyajima and 4 nights in Osaka.

This trip I've planned 7 nights in Tokyo, 3 nights Yokohama, a day trip to Kamakura/Enoshima, 2 nights Kanazawa, 2 nights Kyoto and 3 nights in Osaka with a day trip to Kobe.

I know the two trips looks very similar but I have tried to really balance revisiting some spots that I loved from my previous trip along with exploring lots of brand new places. It's about 20% revisit and 80% new and that feels pretty good to me.

I would love a sanity check on this. I feel like this trip is a little more ambitious than my last but nothing too wild - still with a little chill time.

Day 1: Tuesday - Tokyo

• Arrival in Tokyo around 5 pm
• Evening: Check in Ikebukuro, get provisions

Day 2: Wednesday - Tokyo

• Morning: Nakameguro cafes and chill
• Afternoon: Daikanyama galleries and book stores
• Evening: Ikebukuro Sunshine City

Day 3: Thursday - Tokyo

• Morning: Kichijoji strolling and art supply stores
• Afternoon: Nakano Broadway
• Evening: Koenji dinner and drinks

Day 4: Friday - Tokyo

• Morning: Ueno Park stroll around
• Early Afternoon: Yanaka
• Late afternoon: Shibamata. Visit Suikeien
• Evening: Back to Ueno

Day 5: Saturday - Tokyo

• Morning: rainbowholic文具喫茶 Bungu Kissa
• Afternoon: Harajuku. PopMart, Tokyu Plaza
• Evening: Shibuya. Village Vanguard, LAMMFROMM, Tatsuya

Day 6: Sunday - Tokyo

• Morning: Todoroki Ravine (I know its small, likely closed and just a burb in the city)
• Afternoon: Gakugei-daigaku. Cafes galleries and chill. Himonya Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
• Evening: A couple of drinks in Gakukgei-diagaku

Day 7: Monday - Tokyo

• Strongly considering Tokyo DisneySea but not sure.

Day 8: Tuesday - Tokyo >>> Yokohama

• Morning: Drop bag at accom
• Afternoon: Red Brick Warehouse and 7/11 Hammerhead
• Evening: Cosmoworld

Day 9: Wednesday - Kamakura/Enoshima Day Trip

• Morning: Kamakura. Komachi Street.
• Early Afternoon: Haseadera
• Late afternoon: Enoshima
• Evening: Enoshima and back to Yokohama

Day 10: Thursday - Yokohama

• Morning: Motomachi and shopping street
• Afternoon: China town food
• Evening: Nogecho drinks

Day 11: Friday - Yokohama >>> Kanazawa

• Morning: Travel Yokohama to Kanazawa
• Afternoon: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Kenrokuen
• Evening: Explore food and drink east of accomodation

Day 12: Saturday - Kanazawa

• Morning: Nagamachi. Coffee
• Early Afternoon: Omicho
• Late Afternoon: Kazuemachi Chaya

Day 13: Sunday - Kanazawa >>> Kyoto

• Morning: Gyokusenin Maru Garden
• Afternoon: Travel Kanazawa to Kyoto
• Evening: Check in accom and Nishiki for dinner

Day 14: Monday - Kyoto

• Morning: Philosophers Path
• Late Afternoon: Gear
• Evening: Pontocho

Day 15: Tuesday - Kyoto >>> Osaka

• Morning: Fushimi Inari
• Afternoon: Umeda and Nakazaki
• Evening: Check in to accom and Dontonbori

Day 16: Wednesday - Kobe Day Trip

• Morning: Kobe Ninobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway
• Afternoon: Kitanocho
• Evening: Kobe Harborland and Chinatown

Day 17: Thursday- Osaka

• Morning: Americamura
• Afternoon: Namba Walk
• Evening: Shinsekai

Day 18: Tuesday - Osaka >>> Home

• Morning: Cry while I desperately stuff my face with konbini egg sandwiches and onigiri
• Afternoon: Start mentally justifying and consequently planning a 2026 trip
• Evening: Be looking forward to a sleep in my own bed

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Peartreepuff on 2025-03-05 17:45:13+00:00.

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This is a trip report for the trip me (31) and a friend (28) did in October 2024. We focused on a pretty equal mix of nature/hiking vs city stops. Apart from hiking our interests shaping the trip were Ghibli, temples, strolling around, climbing, and some shopping (esp. vinyls, knives, Nintendo and stationary). 

Day 1-3: Tokyo

• Stayed in Kichijoji, both to explore the area and be close to the Ghibli museum
• Ghibli museum
• Corn Barley Cafe - a Ghibli themed restaurant with a set menu. Both the food and decor are themed around Ghibli - so you eat the ramen from Ponyo for example. The food was nice, but pretty simple for the price, and without the decor it’s not really worth it. I thought it was a fun little experience, but my equally Ghibli-fond friend thought it was too expensive.
• Meiji Jingu
• Second hand shopping in Shimokitazawa
• Explored arcade halls in Shinjuku

Day 4: Mitake 

• Rented a car in Hachioji (to avoid having to drive too much in Tokyo proper) and drove to Mitake for a day of climbing. Beautiful place that I highly recommend for non-climbers as well - it’s a great day trip from Tokyo if you want to experience some nature. Can easily be accessed by train.
• In the evening we drove to our hotel by Lake Shoji in the Fujikawaguchiko area.

Day 5: Fujikawaguchiko 

• Breakfast by the lake, with a view of Mt Fuji. Super lucky with the weather and could see her the whole morning. Best view I’ve ever had from a hotel, and probably ever will haha.
• Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba - an open air museum modeled after a traditional village, with lots of cute craft stores.
• Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine - basically in the woods, the trees were so majestic and made the shrine feel really serene and holy. Bought a shrine stamp book (goshuin-cho) to collect stamps during the trip, a great “investment” that made for one of my favorite souvenirs.

Day 6-9: Hiking in Kamikochi

• Drove to Matsumoto and took a bus to Kamikochi. We had pre-booked the bus since we heard they easily filled up and it did seem really full.
• 4day, 3night hike in the mountains around Kamikochi. Best part of the trip, easily.
  • Day 1: Walked to Dakesawa-goya, was a pretty easy walk although steep by the end. Very cold in the hut at night, but the food was nice.
  • Day 2: Dakesawa-goya to Hotakadake-sanso, via Maehotaka and Okuhotaka. The steepest hiking I’ve ever done. It was mad. I kept thinking it would be over soon but it just kept climbing. Not necessarily a “difficult” climb, but you have to be reasonably fit to do it. Luckily the weather was amazing and we could see for miles at the summits. We even saw Mt Fuji again, which is super far away! Slept at Hotakadake-sanso, which is a much bigger mountain station than Dakesawa. Great place to stay and excellent food - their ramen was some of my favourite of the whole trip.
  • Day 3: Hotakadake-sanso to Shinhotaka onsen. All that time spent going up yesterday we now had to descend. First half of the hike was quite bad, 2 straight hours of descending through a rock slide. But after that the forest and valley was lovely.
  • Day 4: Shinhotaka Onsen to Kamikochi. Up a mountain and then down the other side. More lovely forrest.
• In general I loved our hike, it’s one of my strongest memories from the trip. If I did it again I might have swapped the 3rd and 4th day for more time in the mountains. We mostly did it to get to Shinhotaka Onsen, but honestly it wasn’t that nice, at least not where we stayed (Yukimurasaki Onsen). So staying in the mountains and going for a 3rd mountain hut would probably have been my choice today.
• Direct bus to Kyoto on day 9 (day 4 of the hike).

Day 10-12: Kyoto

• Shopping (Nintendo store, chopsticks, donburi republic for Ghibli stuff, random walking around)
• Okochi Sanso garden, their zen garden is beautiful and really serene.
• Adashino Nenbutsi-ji temple, was nothing super special apart from a more secluded and less visited bamboo grove than the main one in Arashiyama.
• Visited several jazz bars whose names I can’t remember, but that was good fun and is recommended for some live music.
• We did a pottery experience through Zuikou Kyoto-Kiyomizy Studio which was so much fun. Can’t really say I learned anything about throwing pottery (but that’s to be expected after all of 50 minutes) but I did get a lovely mug and bowl out of it and it was fun to do something with your hands.
• Fushimi Inari - as crowded as they say. Super rainy and damp, and with all the people it was pretty miserable.
• Tenjuan in Nanzenji - One of my favourite temples from the whole trip. My friend was really tired so he took a nap on the veranda looking out over the zen garden, while I walked several times around the small pond and then sat and contemplated the zen garden. Such a nice oasis of calm in an intense city like Kyoto.

Day 13: Bus to Imabari

Day 14: Shimanami Kaido

• Cycled the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari to Onomichi in one day.
• Due to a bit of hübris we didn’t start until 10 am, and then took our sweet time cycling, stopping for photos and such. This meant we had very little time at the end and had to cycle for our lives to make the bike rental cut off at 7 pm in Onomichi. Luckily we did make it. Would recommend e-bikes, starting earlier or splitting over two days. It’s not super far but very hilly, so that takes it out of you even if like us you’re pretty fit.
• Ate lunch at Keishoku Tatara - a tiny tiny place run by this old woman, who makes excellent okonomiyaki. Can recommend!

Day 15: Onomichi

• We had no real plans for Onomichi, just walked around, exploring the main shopping street and small alleyways. Bought knives in one of the stores, really happy with them even after we compared with other shops in Kappabashi street in Tokyo.
• Stayed in Guesthouse Hostel Miharashi-tei which is an old traditional building that has been lovingly restored by a small foundation. It was so great. Fantastic view of Onomichi and the islands outside the coast, and the building itself was so atmospheric with its old wood floors and tatami mats. They warned excessively about how long the stairs up to the hostel are, but honestly it wasn’t that bad. They were right about how much sounds travelled between the rooms though, but luckily we could sleep without issues.

Day 16: Halfday in Onomichi, then bullet train to Mojiko.

Day 17-18: Mojiko

• Two-day woodworking course with a Japanese carpenter (Hiroshi) outside Mojiko in Maple Modulo Studio. E-mail him (can be found on his website) if you want to book a shorter course, he mostly does courses over several months for Japanese people, but is happy to accommodate tourists for a couple of days.
• Super fun experience, we learned a lot and had a blast talking to Hiroshi about Japan and Sweden and many other things.

Day 19: Train to Kagoshima, then ferry to Yakushima island

• We were going to take the overnight ferry to Yakushima but it was cancelled, so we had to book the fast one instead. Worked out well though.

Day 20-23: Yakushima

• Explored the island, went on hikes, snorkled, tried outdoor onsen bathing.
• Rented a car, can recommend because otherwise it gets hard to move around the island. Really fun to drive the whole way around and see the wildlife: monkeys and tiny deer!
• In hindsight would’ve maybe had one day less here? It wasn’t bad or anything, but I guess we were a bit hiked out, and there’s really nothing else to do on the island.
• Flew to Tokyo late on day 23.

Day 24-27: Tokyo

• Stayed in Asakusa, which was great since we had several things on or to-do in walking-distance.
• Shopping (Kappa-bashi street, several record stores, Loft, Uniqlo, Donqi)
• Senso-ji
• Bouldering at a small climbing gym in Asakusa
• Tokyo Metropolitan Building for views, really great even though I know it’s not the highest in Tokyo. You still see really far - we even got lucky and saw Mt Fuji for the third time!
• Tokyo National Museum - fantastic museum to get a fix of historical Japanese culture practices. Some beautiful calligraphy, kimonos and pottery.
• Karaoke in Akihabara with some friends who happened to be in Tokyo as well. Best choice ever, we had a blast. They had loads of songs in English so that was no problem at all
• Finished off our last night by going to a baseball batting center. Neither of us have ever played, but it was good fun!

Day 28: Flight home. 

Reflections:

1. Plan your route but not your days! We were in Japan for nearly a month, and as you can see we moved around quite a bit. I never felt stressed out or like we had planned too much though. I think that was partly because we had some days that had nothing planned except travel (like day 13 and 19), and partly because once we were at a city location where there was lots to do (Tokyo x2, Kyoto, Onomichi) we had no exact plan, only ideas. So in the mornings we could sketch out a plan depending on what we felt like doing and didn’t have to feel stressed about fitting everything in.
2. Flying domestically is great. Everyone lauds the bullet train, and it is nice. But for longer journeys flying is super sweet. Japanese domestic flights are pretty cheap, and very efficient. Like, we boarded 15 minutes before take-off!
3. How much Japanese do you need? Not a lot, but the basics help. Having google lens installed makes looking over menus super easy, so don’t bother tryin...

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