Initial help with 2 week itinerary

Question

Hello, Japan experts!  I am at the very beginning of booking a trip for my partner and I with our two college-age nieces, arriving May 21, leaving approx. June 4 (to go to Seoul for a couple of days, then home).  We have nothing booked except flight into Tokyo and home from Seoul (June 7).  So... I now have to figure out our ground trip and honestly I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I'd appreciate your help first in just deciding where we want to go, before I even get to how long in each spot and how to get from place to place. I've been to Japan before (just to Tokyo and Kyoto, many years ago) but no one else has - this needs to be an introductory tour to the places we shouldn't miss, not really the "off the beaten path" type places.  So:  Obviously Tokyo and Kyoto.  I'd like to try to see Mt. Fuji (Hakone?).  Hiroshima seems like a must-do.  My brother says do a day trip to Nara. Other than that I see "introductory" itineraries online that include Koya-san, Himeji, Miyajima, Takamaya... what should we do?? We love history, Japanese design, beautiful nature -- I mean, all the usual things people who go to Japan love.  Help!  Thank you in advance!

Shibuyakko · Accepted Answer

A sample itinerary:

May 21, 22, 23: Tokyo

May 24: Hakone

May25,26,27,28: Kyoto One day to Nara in the morning and evening in Osaka.

May29,30: Hiroshima/Miyajima. Stop at Himeji Castle on the way from Kyoto to Hiroshima.

May 31, June 1: Kanazawa

June 2, 3: Tokyo.

If you're a fast traveler and don't mind changing hotels one more time, alternate May 31-June 3 as follows.

May 31: Takayama

June 1,2 Kanazawa. Stop at Shirakawago in between Takayama and Kanazawa.

June 3: Tokyo.

Both Kanazawa and Takayama from Hiroshima will be a long journey. I omitted Koyasan as it's not a very easy place to access. But If you want to go to Koyasan, drop Kanazawa/Takayama.

Shibuyakko · Answer

The 14-Day JR Pass will be well worth it with the above itinerary.

rebecca100 · Answer

Thank you so much, Dr. Shibuyakko, your recommended itinerary is so helpful! And we will be sure to get the JR pass ahead of time. I am sure I'll be back with lots more specific questions as I continue to work on this tirp!

rebecca100 · Answer

One follow-up question - I think we could fly out of Osaka to Seoul, meaning we would not have to get back to Tokyo. Would you then plan one more day in Tokyo at the beginning of the trip? And Do you think it would make sense to to then do Tokyo - Kyoto - Miyajima/Hiroshima - Kanazawa - Osaka? thank you again!

SammyFD · Answer

If you can fly out of Osaka at the end:

21-24 Tokyo

25 Kanazawa

26 Kanazawa, afternoon bus to Shirakawago (must reserve online), bus to Takayama for overnight

27 Takayama, late train to Kyoto

28-30 Kyoto

31-1 Hiroshima, Miyajima

2 Himeji in the morning on the way to Osaka, then Osaka rest of the day

3 Nara day trip then more Osaka

4 Depart

Some other issues to consider:

--Ideally, I suggest giving Tokyo at least 3 full days but 4 days are better. It does mean you will have to drop something though such as Takayama or make a quicker trip out of Hiroshima/Miyajima.

--You might also be able to find the extra day depending on when you fly out on June 4. Of course, if you fly out late, you end up with less time in Seoul.

Edited: 1 year ago

Initial help with 2 week itinerary - Japan Forum

Initial help with 2 week itinerary

5 replies to this topic