Japan Sample Itinerary thread

[vbhelper]

Hakone has pass for 1 day only? I only see 2 or 3 days

 

[luvenergy]

hi..my humble opinion n based on my experience i feel day 3 quite pack n not on the way.maybe i travelled with kids..we spent at least half a day at Fushimi inari area..n spent whole day at Arashiyama (sagano train,bridge,temple,bamboo grove)..but i think u can group Arashiyama n Kinkakuji together.Suggest to start with Nara in the morning then kyoto.

Hi everyone, need some advice for my itinerary for my upcoming trip from 15 to 25 Oct
Will be arriving and departing from Narita Airport.

Day 1 Tokyo

Day 2 Tokyo

Day 3 Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Kinkakuji

Day 4 Kyoto
Day trip to Nara

Day 5 Kanazawa
Kenrokuen
Omicho Market
Kanazawa Castle
Higashi Chaya District

Day 6 Kanazawa -> Shirakawago -> Takayama

Day 7 Takayama
Day trip to Kamikochi

Day 8 Toyama
Day trip to Kurobe Gorge

Day 9 Toyama -> Dentetsu Toyama -> Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route -> Ogizawa -> Matsumoto

Day 10 Tokyo and Depart

Is the above itinerary feasible? Any suggestions?

 

[dngth]

Besides Otaru, are there other suitable day trips for young kids to visit from Sapporo during early to mid Dec?

Ive originally planned to visit Asashikawa but dont think we can see the Penguin march in the zoo during this period.

We will be using public transport coz not keen to drive during winter.

 

[Delardino]

Dont have, just get the 2 days 1 if u doing as daytrip from tokyo, still pay off overall for the classic round course.

Hakone has pass for 1 day only? I only see 2 or 3 days

 

[watery87]

Hi guys

Posted my itinerary earlier here is an update of the itinerary, appreciate for feedback and whether JR pass is needed

Arrival Kansai, Depart Narita

I have 2 free days for Osaka/Tokyo, appreciate feedback for any day trips if possible

Day 1:
Arrival at night
Day 2:
Fushimi Inari/Nishiki/Imperial Palace/Nanzenji/Kiyomizudera/Pontacho/Gion
Day 3:
Arashiyama/Togetsukyo Bridge/Iwayatama Monkey/Kinkakuji/Kodaiji/Yasaka
Day 4:
Nara/Todaiji/Kofuku-ji
Day 5:
Osaka Aquarium/Takoyaki/Osaka Castle/Dotonburi
Day 6:
Free day
Day 7:
USJ
Day 8:
Kinosaki Onsen
Day 9:
Travel to Tokyo/Shinjuku
Day 10:
Shibuya/Harujuku/Roppongi
Day 11:
Asakusa/Akihabara/Odaiba
Day 12:
Free Day
Day 13:
Home sweet home.

 

[Delardino]

@watery87

U staying at kyoto for the first few nights?

Day 2 seems pack, mayb Fushimi u can shift to Day 4 before ur daytrip to Nara or in e evening coming bck also ok, then gion can do at night.

Kodaiji and Yasaka Shrine group on the same day as Kiyomizudera seems a better option but is ur call.

Day 6 can consider daytrip to Himeji Castle n late afternoon to night in Kobe.


Spare day for Tokyo maybe daytrip to Kamakura/Enoshima?

 

[s_Toe_15385]

Good morning Folks, planning to have family holiday (2 adults and 2 years toddler) next april 2020 for 2 weeks. Will reach Tokyo airport and depart from Osaka airport.
Appreciate your advise on the suggested itenary, our first time here. Also please suggest area to stay as well for both Tokyo and Osaka

Should we aim for 7 days stay in Tokyo and 7 days stay in Osaka? Or should cater more days in either Tokyo and Osaka. Will prefer stay 2 places only, to avoid too much checking out and checking in.

Will prefer family-suitable outing and attraction, will avoid USJ, Disney Land as aim to go there again next time once our kid at least 6 years old.

Will buy 2 weeks Japan rail ticket.

Thanks !

 

[thwysg]

Good morning Folks, planning to have family holiday (2 adults and 2 years toddler) next april 2020 for 2 weeks. Will reach Tokyo airport and depart from Osaka airport.
Appreciate your advise on the suggested itenary, our first time here. Also please suggest area to stay as well for both Tokyo and Osaka

Should we aim for 7 days stay in Tokyo and 7 days stay in Osaka? Or should cater more days in either Tokyo and Osaka. Will prefer stay 2 places only, to avoid too much checking out and checking in.

Will prefer family-suitable outing and attraction, will avoid USJ, Disney Land as aim to go there again next time once our kid at least 6 years old.

Will buy 2 weeks Japan rail ticket.

Thanks !

Flying into Tokyo and out from Osaka? The 14D JR Pass might not work if you’re just simply taking one Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka.

Please do up at least a skeleton of your preferred itinerary so that others would have a better idea what to advise you. We don’t know you and your family personally and we don’t know your interests, likes and food preferences. Check Japan Guide or JNTO for possible attractions and sample itineraries.

 

[twinman]

Itinerary for 1st trip to Japan

Planning a first trip to Japan for a family of 4 (2 Adults 2 teenagers). Trying to balance itinerary so that we are not too ambitious nor too slack in the term time we have for what we want to cover.

Seeking opinions or suggestions to fine-tune the itinerary and open for must-dos we might have missed if we are around the area to cover. Appreciate your comments/feedback.

#D1, Thurs

Arrive Narita @ 0830
Leave luggage/check-in at Accom for Day 1 – 5 @ Shinjuku

Buy Hakone Kamakura Pass for Day 6 – 8
Shinjuku
Shibuya

Sleep at Shinjuku

#D2, Fri

Asakusa

#D3, Sat

Not decided yet maybe Yokohama

#Day 4, Sun

Ginza
Harajuku

#Day 5, Mon

Disney SeaWorld
Is it better to do it on Day5 or Day2? (trying to avoid Sat & Sun)

#Day 6, Tue

Checkout
Start use of Hakone Kamakura Pass (leverage on trains/bus/tram rides for next 3 days)
Shinjuku -> Kamakura
Cycling around Kamakura attractions
Kamakura -> Hakone Yumoto
Sleep at Hakone Yumoto

#Day 7, Wed

Pirate Cruise (Moto Hakone -> Togendai)
Hakone Ropeway (Togendai -> Ubako)
Bus Rides from Ubako -> Gora (due to Ropeway disruption)
Hakone Open Air Musuem (Walk from Gora stn to museum)

Take Bus / Tram from Gora to Hakone Yumoto
Sleep at Hakone Yumoto

#Day 8, Thurs

Checkout
Hakone Yumoto -> Odawara -> Gotemba Outlet mall
Gotemba Outlet mall -> Odawara
Transfer train from Odawara -> Izu Kogen
Sleep at Ryokan in Izu Kogen

#Day 9, Fri

Explore Izu Pennisular (relax)
Mt Omaru
Kadowaki Bridge
Sleep at Ryokan in Izu Kogen

#Day 10, Sat

Checkout
Take train Izu Kogen -> Tokyo
Explore other neighborhood in Tokyo or visit places we missed during Day 1 - 4

Sleep at Asakusa

#Day 11, Sun

Checkout
1/2 day last minutes shopping
Depart Narita @ 1800

 

[thwysg]

Planning a first trip to Japan for a family of 4 (2 Adults 2 teenagers). Trying to balance itinerary so that we are not too ambitious nor too slack in the term time we have for what we want to cover.

Seeking opinions or suggestions to fine-tune the itinerary and open for must-dos we might have missed if we are around the area to cover. Appreciate your comments/feedback.

#D1, Thurs

Arrive Narita @ 0830
Leave luggage/check-in at Accom for Day 1 – 5 @ Shinjuku

Buy Hakone Kamakura Pass for Day 6 – 8
Shinjuku
Shibuya

Sleep at Shinjuku

#D2, Fri

Asakusa

#D3, Sat

Not decided yet maybe Yokohama

#Day 4, Sun

Ginza
Harajuku

#Day 5, Mon

Disney SeaWorld
Is it better to do it on Day5 or Day2? (trying to avoid Sat & Sun)

#Day 6, Tue

Checkout
Start use of Hakone Kamakura Pass (leverage on trains/bus/tram rides for next 3 days)
Shinjuku -> Kamakura
Cycling around Kamakura attractions
Kamakura -> Hakone Yumoto
Sleep at Hakone Yumoto

#Day 7, Wed

Pirate Cruise (Moto Hakone -> Togendai)
Hakone Ropeway (Togendai -> Ubako)
Bus Rides from Ubako -> Gora (due to Ropeway disruption)
Hakone Open Air Musuem (Walk from Gora stn to museum)

Take Bus / Tram from Gora to Hakone Yumoto
Sleep at Hakone Yumoto

#Day 8, Thurs

Checkout
Hakone Yumoto -> Odawara -> Gotemba Outlet mall
Gotemba Outlet mall -> Odawara
Transfer train from Odawara -> Izu Kogen
Sleep at Ryokan in Izu Kogen

#Day 9, Fri

Explore Izu Pennisular (relax)
Mt Omaru
Kadowaki Bridge
Sleep at Ryokan in Izu Kogen

#Day 10, Sat

Checkout
Take train Izu Kogen -> Tokyo
Explore other neighborhood in Tokyo or visit places we missed during Day 1 - 4

Sleep at Asakusa

#Day 11, Sun

Checkout
1/2 day last minutes shopping
Depart Narita @ 1800

I don’t know your travel period. But if you wished to avoid crowds at DisneySea, Tues to Thur would be better. Can use the crowd calendar (not sure how accurate this can be though) as a gauge.
http://en.disneyreal.asumirai.info/monthly/6month-expect.html

Asakusa for the whole day? Just Senso-ji area or including SkyTree Tower?

Think you meant Mt. Omuro at Izu-Kogen. Probably might complete the walk in less than 2hrs, unless you intend to play archery.

 

[twinman]

I don’t know your travel period. But if you wished to avoid crowds at DisneySea, Tues to Thur would be better. Can use the crowd calendar (not sure how accurate this can be though) as a gauge.
http://en.disneyreal.asumirai.info/monthly/6month-expect.html

Asakusa for the whole day? Just Senso-ji area or including SkyTree Tower?

Think you meant Mt. Omuro at Izu-Kogen. Probably might complete the walk in less than 2hrs, unless you intend to play archery.

sorry i forgot to mention in my previous post, this trip would in Nov 2019.
The crowd calender definitely is a good tool. thanks for sharing.

For Day 1 to Day 5, I am just parking the places to cover within Tokyo.
I would need to revisit and club places nearer together for easy transit.

Yes, Mt Omuro (typo in my post).
Is spending two nights at Izu-Kogen too much for too little to explore in Izu Pennisular?

 

[watery87]

@watery87

U staying at kyoto for the first few nights?

Day 2 seems pack, mayb Fushimi u can shift to Day 4 before ur daytrip to Nara or in e evening coming bck also ok, then gion can do at night.

Kodaiji and Yasaka Shrine group on the same day as Kiyomizudera seems a better option but is ur call.

Day 6 can consider daytrip to Himeji Castle n late afternoon to night in Kobe.


Spare day for Tokyo maybe daytrip to Kamakura/Enoshima?

Staying at osaka for first 7 days, and moving to tokyo thereafter.

am planning to visit fushimi early in the morning to avoid the crowds. But i am flexible on covering the order of the palaces.

As for kiyomizudera, i am on the fence on it, since it is undergoing renovation at the moment, may skip it altogether

Daytrip to Himeji is on the plans, but do i have to buy a JR pass for it though?

As for Tokyo free day, as we will be travelling with luggage (checkout), not entirely sure if it is feasible.

Thanks for the comments

 

[Delardino]

Staying at osaka for first 7 days, and moving to tokyo thereafter.

am planning to visit fushimi early in the morning to avoid the crowds. But i am flexible on covering the order of the palaces.

As for kiyomizudera, i am on the fence on it, since it is undergoing renovation at the moment, may skip it altogether

Daytrip to Himeji is on the plans, but do i have to buy a JR pass for it though?

As for Tokyo free day, as we will be travelling with luggage (checkout), not entirely sure if it is feasible.

Thanks for the comments

Oh, staying in Osaka, then make sense to go Fushimi before moving upwards to cover the eastern side of Kyoto.

Actually i feel Kiyomizudera is overrated also but the streets leading to it got quite alot of things to see/look.

1 day Kansai Area Pass will do for Himeji, forget is 2.2 or 2.3k yen.

Last day check out then better don't go too far, stay within the city.

 

[LifeIsJinHappy]

sorry i forgot to mention in my previous post, this trip would in Nov 2019.
The crowd calender definitely is a good tool. thanks for sharing.

For Day 1 to Day 5, I am just parking the places to cover within Tokyo.
I would need to revisit and club places nearer together for easy transit.

Yes, Mt Omuro (typo in my post).
Is spending two nights at Izu-Kogen too much for too little to explore in Izu Pennisular?

It's to relax if you're staying in a ryokan anyway. I went to visit the one at DHC which has pretty good view but maybe a little far if no transport. The ryokan owner sent me there but i missed the last bus coming back which I ended up walking on desolated roads for maybe 30 minutes.

There is also diving but not sure if suitable for your family.

 

[thwysg]

sorry i forgot to mention in my previous post, this trip would in Nov 2019.
The crowd calender definitely is a good tool. thanks for sharing.

For Day 1 to Day 5, I am just parking the places to cover within Tokyo.
I would need to revisit and club places nearer together for easy transit.

Yes, Mt Omuro (typo in my post).
Is spending two nights at Izu-Kogen too much for too little to explore in Izu Pennisular?

I went during sakura season in winter. Not sure about November.

Started the morning early, around 8.30am from Izu-Kogen station. Took the bus to Izu Sea Park, did the coastal hike at Jogasaki, went to the other end, lunched at Boranaya. Headed back to the bus stop at Sea Park, then to Mt. Omuro. Went to Teddy Museum after that - there was a Studio Ghibli exhibition then. Stayed until it closed at 5pm. Hung around the area near the station to take pictures of the sakura trees and headed back to my ryokan before it got dark.

You can check if there are any events for autumn colors. Shaboten Zoo?

 

[luvenergy]

Good morning Folks, planning to have family holiday (2 adults and 2 years toddler) next april 2020 for 2 weeks. Will reach Tokyo airport and depart from Osaka airport.
Appreciate your advise on the suggested itenary, our first time here. Also please suggest area to stay as well for both Tokyo and Osaka

Should we aim for 7 days stay in Tokyo and 7 days stay in Osaka? Or should cater more days in either Tokyo and Osaka. Will prefer stay 2 places only, to avoid too much checking out and checking in.

Will prefer family-suitable outing and attraction, will avoid USJ, Disney Land as aim to go there again next time once our kid at least 6 years old.

Will buy 2 weeks Japan rail ticket.

Thanks !

Travel within Kansai does not really need JR pass esp u will fly in Tokyo n fly out Osaka. Depends on ur preference, can stay in Osaka (Umeda) or Kyoto as a base to other Kansai places. My kids enjoyed running, walking to the temples and they have even more energy than the adults. In Osaka can visit Kids Plaza,Tempozan giant ferries wheel and Osaka Aquarium.

 

[s_Toe_15385]

feedback

thanks @Luvenergy and @Thwysg for the feedbacks.

I finally created some skeleton and appreciate some feedbacks. and finally booked my Tokyo return tickets, decided not to off from Osaka

2 adults + 1 toddler (2 medium baggage and 1 baby troller)

Day 1 - arrived at Narita 3PM, take Skyliner and change Train to Shinjuku. Note: will exchange 7D Japan Rail ticket in airport but will not activate first
Day 2 - roaming around Tokyo - Shinjuku/Shibuya. For day 1 & 2, any good 48 hour pass that covers Skyliner, Metro and Subway? or just use PASMO will do?
Day 3 - Activate Japan Rail, will go Little Edo maybe
Day 4 - planning for 1 day trip
Day 5 - Morning train to Osaka (Stay @ Umeda). Buy Osaka pass? any recommendation?
Day 6 - tour around Kyoto/Osaka
Day 7 - tour around Kyoto/Osaka
Day 8 - Nara
Day 9 - Train back to Tokyo - Narita to catch 6PM plane. Will it be too rush?

 

[thwysg]

thanks @Luvenergy and @Thwysg for the feedbacks.

I finally created some skeleton and appreciate some feedbacks. and finally booked my Tokyo return tickets, decided not to off from Osaka

2 adults + 1 toddler (2 medium baggage and 1 baby troller)

Day 1 - arrived at Narita 3PM, take Skyliner and change Train to Shinjuku. Note: will exchange 7D Japan Rail ticket in airport but will not activate first
Day 2 - roaming around Tokyo - Shinjuku/Shibuya. For day 1 & 2, any good 48 hour pass that covers Skyliner, Metro and Subway? or just use PASMO will do?
Day 3 - Activate Japan Rail, will go Little Edo maybe
Day 4 - planning for 1 day trip
Day 5 - Morning train to Osaka (Stay @ Umeda). Buy Osaka pass? any recommendation?
Day 6 - tour around Kyoto/Osaka
Day 7 - tour around Kyoto/Osaka
Day 8 - Nara
Day 9 - Train back to Tokyo - Narita to catch 6PM plane. Will it be too rush?

Curious. Why SkyLiner and not Narita Express? Are you doing a budget travel? First time with luggage and a toddler. Either take Narita Express for comfort or take direct airport limousine to Shinjuku station. If your hotel is in the list of the hotels served by airport limousine, take that since it would bring you to the entrance of the hotel.

https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/areas/detail/nrt/shinjuku/dep

If you don’t want to queue at the airport to change your Pass, you can also do it at Shinjuku station. JR East Travel Center is located on the side of the station facing Takashimaya/ Odakyu Southern Tower.

You can use Hyperdia to check the timings of the trains from Osaka to Narita Airport and reserve your seats for all long distance train journeys when you collect your passes.

Both Pasmo and Suica work. Just tap and go.

 

[s_Toe_15385]

Skyliner was suggested by our BNB host, but will check out those 2 options that you mentioned. Noted on the pass changed, will skip and do it later in Shinjuku, this should save our time. Thanks for the tips, will book Osaka to Narita train directly once we got our JR pass.

So better use POSMO than getting the 1 day or 2 day pass? Can POSMO be used in Osaka/Kyoto? Or better buy day pass there ?

Curious. Why SkyLiner and not Narita Express? Are you doing a budget travel? First time with luggage and a toddler. Either take Narita Express for comfort or take direct airport limousine to Shinjuku station. If your hotel is in the list of the hotels served by airport limousine, take that since it would bring you to the entrance of the hotel.

https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/areas/detail/nrt/shinjuku/dep

If you don’t want to queue at the airport to change your Pass, you can also do it at Shinjuku station. JR East Travel Center is located on the side of the station facing Takashimaya/ Odakyu Southern Tower.

You can use Hyperdia to check the timings of the trains from Osaka to Narita Airport and reserve your seats for all long distance train journeys when you collect your passes.

Both Pasmo and Suica work. Just tap and go.

 

[thwysg]

Skyliner was suggested by our BNB host, but will check out those 2 options that you mentioned. Noted on the pass changed, will skip and do it later in Shinjuku, this should save our time. Thanks for the tips, will book Osaka to Narita train directly once we got our JR pass.

So better use POSMO than getting the 1 day or 2 day pass? Can POSMO be used in Osaka/Kyoto? Or better buy day pass there ?

Ah you’re staying airbnb. Then probably it might be one of the local subway stations within Shinjuku ward instead which explains why the host suggested that.

Places to collect your passes.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/sphone/en/exchange.html

For me, I’m a little lazy to search for subways only or JR trains only to get to my destinations with special travel passes. Pasmo and Suica are like ez-link cards, no discounts but just the ease of travel within the city. You can use these in Osaka/Kyoto and convenience stores too. Just look for kiosks saying IC card charge stations or single trip ticketing machines.

Suica - https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
Pasmo - https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/charge/