Does this itinerary for 2 weeks in Japan make sense?

Question

Hi,

My partner and I are going to Japan for the first time. We live in NYC so are not huge city fans, and would rather see the historic/traditional side of the country. But we know we will fly in and out of Tokyo and will be going in June. Is this itinerary doable? Is there anything you would add or remove?

Day 1-5 (4 nights) Tokyo (day trip to Nikko, day trip to Kamakura)

(need hotel or neighborhood recommendations)

Day 4-6 Kanazawa (2 nights staying in a traditional Machiya Townhouse)

Day 6 - visit Shirikwa-go village on the way to Takayama

(one night in Takayama

Day 7-10 (3 nights) Kyoto

Day 10-12 (2 nights) Nara

We are skipping Osaka unless someone feels it is worth the trip!

Day 12-14 Hakone (for nature and onsen) - but is 2 nights here too much?

Day 14 back to Tokyo and fly home.

We realize this is a lot of traveling from place to place, but feels like it could give us a good glimpse of castles, temples, nature, old and new cities, and historic villages.  What do you think?

mamajelli · Accepted Answer

You need to take into account that it takes time to travel from one destination to the next.

Day 6. If you are going from Shirakawago on your way to Takayama from Kanazawa, you won't get to Takayama until late afternoon. One night there means you'll check out in the morning. You won't be there for even 12 hours! Stay another night to explore the town. If you get bored, you can go to Hida Furukawa.

https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2032/

If you like nature, have you considered Kamikochi? You can get there from Takayama. https://www.kamikochi.org

One night in Hakone should be enough, unless you're planning to walk around Sengokuhara. The pampas grass in June will just be a wild green leaves, so nothing breathtaking. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5218.html

Personally, one night in Nara would be enough. It's close enough to Kyoto that you can get there in the morning, explore the area, spend the night, and explore some more the next morning.

Be sure visit "old town" (Naramachi), https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10331

Just a heads-up. June is the beginning of the rainy season throughout Japan. You probably won't see Mt. Fuji. Be sure to wear waterproof, lightweight walking/hiking shoes. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2277.html

DLi_hk · Answer

Overall your itin looks fine.

Nara can be visited fairly easily from Kyoto as a day trip in less than 1 hour direct by frequent commuter trains. From Kyoto, consider also Himeji Castle, Omihachiman as day trips. The former is an original castle. There is no original castle with a main keep along your current itin.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html

Hakone - an o/n would suffice for most visitors. Add 1n if interested in museums.

In Tokyo, consider hotels in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shimbashi/Ginza etc for easy daily commutes on city subways, commuter trains.

C9202AJgillians · Answer

Thank you for your suggestions! Sounds like we should cut Hakone to one night and maybe bump up Takayama to two nights. We are torn on how long to stay in Nara (if staying at all) since it seems an easy day trip, but everyone we know has wished they spent more time there... Thank you again, especially for suggestions of day trips, places to see, and places to stay!

SammyFD · Answer

Bus Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama: make sure you reserve online in advance. Allow roughly 2-3 hours at Shirakawago itself. The reservation window opens 30 days in advance. June is probably not the most crowded month to go but it still pays to reserve.

https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/kanazawa_en/

As suggested by DLi, visit Nara as a day trip instead of moving around unnecessarily.

You you can spend two nights at Hakone and take a day trip to Kawaguchiko for the more iconic Mt. Fuji view. Another option is to split your stay between these two over two nights. To avoid the hassle of dragging any heavy bags around, send your large luggage from Kyoto or Nara to your Tokyo hotel for your last night or direct to the airport (2 days in advance if going to the airport). You can then use an overnight bag to move around.

angelina1813 · Answer

Stay the night in Nara. It is worth it and I will be doing that the next time I come back. It’s so beautiful.

Kanazawa was absolutely gorgeous too

The lovely thing about Japan is that while there are bustling cities, there is a juxtaposed synergy with nature. It’s just part of the culture.

I would probably skip on of your day trips out of Tokyo.

It will be very tiring in the beginning g of your trip.

Spend a few days getting on Japanese time and schedule. Then chose 1 day for a day trip. Probably day 3

Have a wonderful time

Does this itinerary for 2 weeks in Japan make sense? - Japan Forum

Does this itinerary for 2 weeks in Japan make sense?

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