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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Misterchief92 on 2025-06-06 08:40:49+00:00.
Hi everyone!
My girlfriend and I are visiting Japan for the first time this July–August (16 days total). We’re aiming for a good mix of cities, nature, food and some downtime. I’m wondering if this plan is too packed – especially considering the summer heat – or if anything stands out as worth skipping or changing.
A little about us – we’re not usually planning that much beforehand, but since we're coming from Switzerland and won't be able to go on a vacation like this anytime soon again, we want to make the best out of it. We are passionate to explore the surrounding by foot if possible. We love nature, culture, and good food, and we’re always up for stopping by a local bar or two for a beer.
What kind of feedback I would highly appreciate:
- Adjusting the pace?
- Swapping days / more resting days?
- Smart transport choices?
Day 1 – Osaka (Arrival at 12:00)
• Easy walk near hotel (if we feel up to it)
• Dotonbori street food
• Shinsekai area in the evening
Day 2 – Osaka
• Osaka Castle (only garden)
• Museum of History
• Amerikamura
• Don Quijote (optional)
• TeamLab Botanical Garden (evening)
Day 3 – Day Trip to Nara
• Isuien Garden, Nara Park, Tōdai-ji
• Kasuga-Taisha if there’s time
• Dinner in Nara or Osaka
Day 4 – Day Trip to Minoh Falls
• Katsuo-ji Temple, walk to the falls
• Yamamoto Coffee
• Optional: Umeda Sky Building
Day 5 – Day Trip to Wakayama
• Wakayama Castle, Momijidani Garden
• Marina City (theme park)
• Kimi-Dera Temple or Toshogu Shrine
Day 6 – Osaka (rest/freestyle)
• Open day to recharge / explore nearby
Day 7 – Hiroshima (Start 2-day trip)
• Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome
• Optional: Hiroshima Castle
• Gyoza dinner + arcade stroll
Day 8 – Miyajima
• Ferry to island, hike down from ropeway
• Daisho-in Temple
• Sunset at Torii Gate
• Return to Hiroshima
Day 9 – Fukuoka (maybe?)
• Ohori Park by bike
• Beach & Yatai food stalls
• Return or overnight in Fukuoka
Day 10 – Kyoto (Arrival ~15:00)
• Kiyomizu-dera + Otowa waterfall
• Sannenzaka at sunset
• Dinner in Pontocho
Day 11 – Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari
• Optional detour to Uji
• Philosopher’s Path in the evening
Day 12 – Amanohashidate (maybe)
• Considering car rental – too long by train?
• Would you skip this and stay in Kyoto instead?
Day 13 – Ine or stay in Kyoto
• Depending on how Day 12 goes
Day 14 – Travel to Tokyo
• Freestyle day, explore the city
Day 15 – Day trip to Nakatajima Sand Dunes
• Beach time, maybe Lake Hamana cruise
Day 16 – Tokyo
• Shimokitazawa for vintage shopping
• Freestyle / rest
Day 17 – Departure
I'm not sure if this seems realistic. Do you have any tips on what you’d cut/change based on the season!
Thanks a lot in advance