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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Pawcifier59 on 2025-02-23 18:34:03+00:00.
I will be traveling to Japan from the US in early May with my college-aged daughter, it is the first time for both of us. We are fairly active and are hoping to balance nature travel and cultural touring while we are there. The itinerary is pretty full (moving around a lot) but I've tried to ensure that transit times are feasible and reasonable. Most of the travel is via public transportation (buses, trains) but I'm also open to hiring a car as needed. Specific places to visit within cities are somewhat flexible. I would love to know if this itinerary is doable and if anyone has suggestions for us.
Day 1 - Land in Narita, transfer to Nikko
Details of transfer still tbd, we are landing about 1PM so there should be time to do what we need to do at the airport and then travel by train to Nikko. Overnight in Nikko.
Day 2 - Nikko
Shinkyo Bridge, Rinnoji Temple, Nikko Toshogu, possibly Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Cascades. Can pare down as necessary. Will get early start to try to avoid some of the crowds.
Late afternoon - travel to Matsumoto via train (via Tokyo, essentially two Shinkasen segments). Overnight in Matsumoto
Day 3 - Matsumoto -> Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi
This is the most ambitious part, especially with so much travel at the start of the trip. I think it is doable as a day trip, I've checked the bus schedules. Overnight in Matsumoto
Day 4 - Matsumoto -> Alpine Route
Leisurely morning, visit Matsumoto Castle, then start Alpine Route at Shinano-Omachi. Do first half of the route. Overnight in Murodo.
Day 5 - Alpine Route/Murodo
Some hiking in the morning around Murodo, then finish the remainder of the Alpine Route. Once done, Shinkasen from Toyama to Kyoto. Settle in to lodging first day, possibly visit nearby Nishiki Market and/or gion ichiho.
Day 6 - Kyoto/Osaka
Visit Fushimi Inari early, possibly Higashiyama Ward. Then travel for 1/2 day visit to Osaka (possible stops include Umeda Sky Building, Kuchu Teien Observatory, Osaka Castle, late in the day/evening Shinsaibashisuji and Dotonbori. Return to lodging in Kyoto.
Day 7 - Kyoto
Visit West Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, take Sagano romantic train, then Hozugawa River Boat Ride, end with Monkey Park.
Day 8 - Kyoto - Hakone
Last day in Kyoto visit Hirano Shrine and Kinkaku-ji in the morning. Then travel to Hakone. Afternoon around Hakone, overnight in Hakone.
Day 9 - Hakone - Fuji Five Lakes
Hakone in the morning then hire a car to travel to FFL. Places to visit include Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Overnight at hotel on Lake Kawaguchi.
Day 10 - Fuji Five Lakes - Tokyo
Walk around Lake Kawaguchi, Travel by express bus to Tokyo. Check into Tokyo lodgings. If feeling up to it, possible activities include Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, Rikugien Gardens.
Day 11 - Tokyo
Asakusa Shrine, coincides with Sanja Matsuri festival. Senso-ji, Sumida Park, Nakamise-dori street, Kaminarimon, Kappabashi Street, possibly Tokyo Sky Tree in the evening.
Day 12 - Tokyo
See a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome (Yomiuri Giants). rest of day still tbd.
Day 13 - Tokyo
Explore Shinkjuku, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya.
Day 14 - Tokyo
TBD, possible day-trip to Kamakura.
Day 15 - Tokyo - Haneda
Return home!