12D11N Osaka_Kanazawa_Tokyo and Hokuriku Arch Pass

Question

Hi TA members. We have finalized our 12D Japan trip in Dec 2024 as below:

Day1 - Day3 : Stay in Osaka (Visit Osaka,  Kobe, Kyoto, Himeiji)

Day4 - Day5 : Stay in Kanazawa (Visit Shirakawago / Takayama)

Day6 - Day7 : Stay in Tokyo (Visit Tokyo)

Day8  : Stay in Kawaguchiko (Visit Mount Fuji)

Day9 : Stay in Hakone

Day10 - Day12 : Stay in Tokyo (Visit other places nearby Tokyo)

1. Planning the above route in view of ease of transportation. We were thinking of using the Hokuriku Arch Pass (Day1-Day7). Is this the most optimal approach?

2. For day8 and day9, we were thinking of traveling with only a backpack to Kawaguchiko and Hakone - Is there any way we can keep our luggage in Tokyo? Will it be too risky to book accommodation up front not knowing the weather condition? Our main aim is Mount Fuji. Or should be continue to stay in Tokyo and make day trip instead?

3. May I please ask if anyone has any good experience with AirBnb in Tokyo which is around the Shinjuku area?

Thank you.

DLi_hk · Accepted Answer

D1 - D3 - doable though quite a rush. If this is your first visit in Kyoto consider at least 2 days. Add 1 more day in Osaka for day trip to Nara.

D4/5 - I usually recommend 2 days in Kanazawa, a few hours in Shirakawa-go and o/n in Takayama. A round trip from Kanazawa to Takayama takes over 4 hours by Nohi express bus alone. Not a good idea to spend most of the day travelling on the road. Sunset is before 5pm in Dec.

Hokuriku Arch Pass - it does NOT payoff by simply travelling from Osaka to Tokyo via Kanazawa. Note that it does NOT cover any bus service. Buying single train/bus tickets would be cheaper.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_arch.html

2. it's indeed a bet though chances are higher in winter for clear days. In Japan, send luggage to hotels 1 day in advance, or 2 days to airport.

3. ensure AirBnB is within 10-15 min walk from major train/subway stations, convenience stores etc.

Edited: 8:51 am, April 28, 2024

JuneLow · Answer

Dear DLi_hk

TQ for the advice.

D1-3 : Noted with thanks. We have visited Nara / Kyoto before hence this trip will be focusing on Kobe, Hemeiji or any other places nearby which we have not visited before.

D4/5 : THanks for the advice. I have yet to calculate the total transportation by individual ticket purchase hence though the Arch Pass is worth the journey. Will reconsider this. As for Takayama, noted on the remarks. I have missed out the 4hrs consideration. In this case, we can skip Takayama as we have been there before, just that the earlier trip we missed the Shin-hokata ropeway and thought of going for it this trip.

AIrbnb : TQ and i will search in the Airbnb platform again.

June

12D11N Osaka_Kanazawa_Tokyo and Hokuriku Arch Pass - Japan Forum

12D11N Osaka_Kanazawa_Tokyo and Hokuriku Arch Pass

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