Thoughts on 3 Weeks Itinerary Japan

Cacao on 03/06/2023 - 21:43

Hi all
Thanks much for your help so far. We have a draft itinerary below. Could you please share your thoughts. My husband is a bit concerned that we might be doing too much specially with an 11 mo baby. Also I just don’t know if we are making most of our time and not wasting time back tracking.. also what travel pass to buy. Dont know if its worth getting the JR Pass.. Ty

Day 1
Our flight lands in the late afternoon at Haneda

Day 2
Take it easy check out the zoo and perhaps science museum

Day 3 and 4
Disneyland both parks possibly

Day 5
Train to Osaka/Kyoto, haven’t decided where we want to be based at whatever is cheaper and more convenient

Day 6 and 7
Kiyamiju-dera, Fushimi Inari, Nishiki market and perhaps kinkaku-ji

Day 8
Nara half day then Osaka at night

Day 9
Himjeji Castle then Osaka at night

May be one more day in Kyoto?

Day 10, 11, 12
Train to Takayama.
Their autumn festival is on at that time. We can’t decide if it’s a good idea to be there for that. We’d like to be there to witness it but not a big fan of crowds… How crazy does it get? It might be the first one after covid too.

We also would like to see Shirakawa-go, kamikochi perhaps. Would like to go an onsen around here.

Day 13, 14
Bus to Kanazawa

Day 15
Kawaguchiko via Nikko? Is that possible?
Feels like it might be too much.
In that case we’d go to Kawaguchiko directly
Also, should we stay in Hakone?

Day 16
Explore Kawaguchiko

Day 17
Daytrip to Hakone

Day 18
Hakone or Kawaguchiko? Would like to visit an onsen.

Day, 19, 20, 21
Back to Tokyo
Shibuya, Shinjuku, Sensoji, Tsujiki fish market

Day 22 flight in the late afternoon

Does this make sense? Ideally we would like to minimise travel times, moving hotels as much as possible.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Specially would love suggestions around train passes, other transport options and accommodation.

If we give the autumn festival a miss then we need to go to Takayama directly from Tokyo then Osaka/Kyoto.. appreciate your help

Poll Options expired

  • 15
    Doing too much
  • 5
    Not doing enough
  • 3
    More time in Kyoto
  • 2
    More time in Kanazawa
  • 2
    Less time in Tokyo
Travel Asia Japan

Comments

  • Wiadro on 03/06/2023 - 21:45
    +4

    thanks for this, im going japan for 3 weeks too

    • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2023 - 21:48

      Do you also have an 11 month old baby?

      • Wiadro on 03/06/2023 - 21:53
        +17

        no i wouldnt put myself through that

    • Cacao on 03/06/2023 - 22:40

      Haha no worries

  • sumyungguy on 03/06/2023 - 21:50
    +4

    That must be one good baby. I'd suggest trying to fit in a day trip to Hiroshima.

    • Cacao on 03/06/2023 - 22:41

      She’s alright as long as she’s with mummy and daddy

    • AaronRain on 04/06/2023 - 16:15

      I would skip Hiroshima unless it's for a stopover on the way to Miyajima or Nagasaki, there isn't really that much there, having say that the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was quite the experience.

      • sumyungguy on 04/06/2023 - 16:18

        Travel broadens the mind

  • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2023 - 21:50

    lol

    You initially wanted to know whether a 2 week trip in Japan would be too much for a baby and here you post a 3 week itinerary.

    • jjjaar on 03/06/2023 - 22:09
      +9

      So… they’ve gathered information and updated their plans accordingly? I know, seems too logical for a forum post here…

      • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2023 - 22:46
        -2

        Yet now the husband seems concerned that 3 weeks is too long travelling with a baby. Seems quite illogical.

        I've commented on these type of travel posts before. Even if you're not a parent, the constant & repeated references to the number of children travelling and their individual ages is actually creepy.

        • Cacao on 03/06/2023 - 23:07
          -1

          Sorry you are quite wrong. Husband wanted to extend the trip as he has lots of annual leave saved up he wanted to see more plus its his first time in Japan. He’s a little worried how much we can do at each of those places with a baby. We have recently traveled with the baby and had to adjust our expectations massively plan things around nap times etc.
          If you cant be helpful I’d rather you not comment at all. Thank you!

          • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2023 - 23:15
            -5

            @Cacao: You need to double check your post before you comment unless you simply cannot be bothered to maintain the ruse.

          • Clear on 04/06/2023 - 08:11
            +2

            @Cacao: Seems a lot of people aren't capable of changing their minds. I'm with you on this one. Plans change.

            I'm doing 3 weeks in Japan and it's still not long enough.

  • jjjaar on 03/06/2023 - 22:04
    +1

    I personally prefer being based in Osaka and visiting Kyoto from there. Kyoto has more tick box touristy things, but Osaka just has a nicer vibe to be in.

    Also, why bus to Kanazawa? There’s a train you can take from Osaka. I forget the duration, somewhere between 4-6 hours, but it’ll be more comfortable than a bus.

    Kanazawa was nice - but there’s not that much to do. I was there for two nights, arriving around 2pm and leaving around noon two days later, and I was pretty much done within 24 hours.

    The katsu curry is the best there though. Worth the trip. And the market has some great food too.

    • Cacao on 03/06/2023 - 22:38

      Thank you. I meant bus to Kanazawa from Takayama. I thought theres no trains.
      Would definitely prefer trains over buses where available.

      I’m thinking Osaka too as I have been to Kyoto before.

      • Cohey on 04/06/2023 - 09:10
        +1

        There's a train option between Kanazawa to Takayama (I did it years ago), think you need to swap lines half way through but you should be able to figure it out pretty easily.

        • AaronRain on 04/06/2023 - 15:57

          Yep, I did the same also, not sure if it's still the case but it was take the JR Takayama Line to TOYAMA and then jump on the LTD. EXP THUNDERBIRD 18 to KANAZAWA (the Kenrokuen Garden and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art are recommended).

      • jjjaar on 04/06/2023 - 11:16

        I meant bus to Kanazawa from Takayama.

        Oh whoops I skipped a whole stop on your itinerary.

  • Albert10 on 03/06/2023 - 22:29
    +1

    Hanada is a nightmere. it took us 5 hours to go through; 3 hours for customs and 2 hours for a taxi. it was total chaos, we couldn't believe it was Japan. I don't think I will use Henada again. Narita and Kansai are much better.

    • Cacao on 03/06/2023 - 22:39

      Oh god that’s frustrating.. hope they are doing something about it!

    • Cohey on 04/06/2023 - 09:07
      +3

      Haneda has always been smooth and quick for us. Get to the city in a much shorter period of time as well via train.

      Always prefer Haneda over Narita. I guess everyone has different experiences.

  • AustriaBargain on 03/06/2023 - 22:51
    +1

    I'd visit a bathhouse. I'd personally visit a gay bathhouse, but I mean you should visit a normal one and relax, get a massage, and such. Japanese take bathhouses pretty seriously.

    • Cacao on 03/06/2023 - 23:08

      Love this. Any particular one you would recommend?

      • AustriaBargain on 03/06/2023 - 23:51

        You probably want one that is clean, affordable, and accomodating to non Japanese.

  • Caped Baldy on 03/06/2023 - 23:21
    +1

    Looks pretty good and relaxed. You can do Himeji and Nara in one day. I would recommend Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.

    Disneyland/sea opens at 8am despite website saying 9am. Also, get the loop daily ticket for the monorail.

    I went to Kanazawa. I only really remember the garden and it didn't blow me away.

    I recommend visiting the Hakone Open Air Museum. Maybe stay in the area overnight at a place with an onsen.

    Use a fare calculator to check if the JR pass is worth it. Mostly likely yes if you travel in the next couple months as the cost is going up like 50%. You will also need to arrange IC cards.

    Lastly, I'd recommend getting accom close to train stations. Worth paying a bit more for the convenience and not stuffing around.

    • Cacao on 04/06/2023 - 11:16

      We thought about doing Himeji and Nara in one day but felt like it would be too much walking in one day.
      Good tip about Disney.
      Ty

    • try2bhelpful on 05/06/2023 - 07:58

      The “opening early” is a trait of Disney theme parks. We had a book that told us the most efficient order to do the rides in Orlando and it said to get there early because they open the park early.

  • payless69 on 04/06/2023 - 03:13

    looks like all sorted

    • Cacao on 04/06/2023 - 11:12

      Haha I wish.. still so many questions…

      • payless69 on 05/06/2023 - 12:42

        We took an 11 mo old to NZ and she was our anchor.
        Beware that the majority nappy sales in Japan are for old people thave incontinence. Double check before buying. Food has an 8% GST so life is not cheap. We railed Japan in 07 and it was mega fun. 3 weeks and all 4 main islands.

  • Ocker on 04/06/2023 - 08:00
    +3

    JR Rail pass prices are due to increase by approx 70% in October.

    • Cacao on 04/06/2023 - 11:11

      I am aware of this just dont know if we need one.
      I found hyper dia a tad confusing 😖

      • DazMon on 04/06/2023 - 20:39

        I think you need one.

  • Hamish125 on 04/06/2023 - 08:53

    Haven’t got much input on itinerary except be comfortable with the idea you may need to cancel or change things last minute.

    I think a key thing travelling with kids (especially if you have an 11 month old) is to book comfortable and well located accommodation. You can almost guarantee there will be one or two days you have to cancel your plans for the day due to kids/parent exhaustion. For those days it’s good to be in a nice hotel/accom where there’s good eating nearby

    • Cacao on 04/06/2023 - 11:12

      Yes thats the plan ty

  • ForkSnorter on 04/06/2023 - 11:26
    +1

    Keep in mind, September-October is the 2nd rainy season in Japan after June-July. For example, according to the internet, "September is the wettest month in Tokyo". September is also the third wettest month in Kansai after June and July. You may be lucky, or you may not.

    Dont know if its worth getting the JR Pass.

    If you're travelling every day, the pass would be worth it, even just to save a lot of hassle buying tickets.

    Day 2
    Take it easy check out the zoo and perhaps science museum

    Which zoo? Ueno Zoo isn't that great in my experience. But if you're going to Ueno, the Tokyo National Museum is bloody amazing, and one of the best things to do in Tokyo (especially if you're interested in history).

    Day 3 and 4
    Disneyland both parks possibly

    No idea, never been. Sounds a bit hard work with a toddler.

    Day 5
    Train to Osaka/Kyoto, haven’t decided where we want to be based at whatever is cheaper and more convenient

    You should be based in Kyoto. After a long day seeing amazing temples, it would be so relaxing just to walk home to your hotel/airbnb instead of getting on a busy train for 40 mins, potentially having to change trains once or twice. There is not that much to see in Osaka. I did a day trip from Kyoto to Himeji, it was super easy.

    Day 6 and 7
    Kiyamiju-dera, Fushimi Inari, Nishiki market and perhaps kinkaku-ji

    Some other temples worth seeing in Kyoto are Ryoanji, Tenryuji, Nanzenji, Ninnaji, Byodoin, and many more.

    Day 10, 11, 12
    Train to Takayama.
    Their autumn festival is on at that time. We can’t decide if it’s a good idea to be there for that.

    I haven't done that, but sounds nice as long as weather is good.

    We’d like to be there to witness it but not a big fan of crowds… How crazy does it get?

    No idea, but surely Tokyo/Osaka would be far more crowded?

    Day 15
    Kawaguchiko via Nikko? Is that possible?

    No. Nikko is a full day trip and not near Kawaguchiko.Nikko is overrated in my opinion.

    Day, 19, 20, 21
    Back to Tokyo
    Shibuya, Shinjuku, Sensoji, Tsujiki fish market

    You can surely do more than that in 3 days in Tokyo. Traveling around Tokyo is very quick/easy. Learn the Yamanotesen (loop line) route, and there is heaps you can see in one day.

    Does this make sense? Ideally we would like to minimise travel times, moving hotels as much as possible.

    Sounds like you're aiming for: few days in Tokyo, few days in Kyoto or Osaka, few days in Takayama, few days in Kanazawa, few days in Kawaguchiko, few days in Tokyo again.

    Sounds a bit much for 2 weeks, but probably ok for 3 weeks.

  • AaronRain on 04/06/2023 - 16:07

    Gero Onsen is a famous hot spring resort (one of the 3 best), there are a lot of free open onsen for you to dip your toe into (literally, there are hot foot bath soak along the footpath) if you not planning to stay you can take a side trip there as I did, from Takayama, you can reach Gero by limited express (45 minutes, about 2000 yen, departures every 1-2 hours) or local train (1 hour, 950 yen, departures every 1-2 hours), I also came back and stay at a ryokan (Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan) overnight. Keep in mind this was back almost 9 years ago.

  • DazMon on 04/06/2023 - 21:01

    Have you got Hiroshima in mind?
    You need a whole day there.
    Tram around the place, wherever.
    Miyajima.

    With Kyôto most people try to pack too much in.
    Just do 4 temples and I'd recommend Kiyomizudera like you mention, Kinkakuji, and definitely Ryôanji.
    Have time set aside for Gion and Kyôto city.
    You will be all templed out after 4.

    Ôsaka is always the underrated city, everyone who goes there wishes they would have devoted more time to it.
    A lot of these cities that you have chosen/overlooked can be attractive by their cuisine, and Osaka is a powerhouse in this regard.

    Shirakawa you need a full day there, stay overnight, we stayed at a Ryôkan and walked around absolutely everywhere.
    After a while all the tourists piss off and its great.

    Most people have this set itinerary mentality for Japan with a list of essential attractions,
    what happens is you get sidetracked with I want to go to that shop, whats that place over there, this shopping strip looks great,
    where can we get this precise item. Me myself I need to spend an hour in HMV, then hour in each Book Off, then hour for Curry lunch, then hour for 中古.
    Then get lost which is not so bad.
    This is my sort of trip these days.

    • DazMon on 04/06/2023 - 21:02

      also I didn't mention places like Kyoto & Nara have queues for everything and those queues are made up of tourists from 'a certain country with ¥ to burn'.

  • monky on 04/06/2023 - 21:04

    Many people have already mentioned it, but Osaka really is great: Bike tours are a cheap and fun way to kill a day and sample some of the prefecture's amazing sake.

    • DazMon on 04/06/2023 - 21:34

      Osaka is great but people don't scratch the surface I have found.
      Okay so the tourists will be flooding Dotombori with all the unique sights it has,
      but I will be the only gaijin in Amerikamura, Namba, Shinsekai which are essential destinations in their own right.

  • eathb on 05/06/2023 - 17:02

    Hello,

    Just came back from 2 weeks in Japan.

    You're going to be walking a lot and it's going to be crowded. That's how Japan is that you'll get value out of a JR pass but best to use the calculator.

    In regards to hotel and luggage, do recommend luggage forwarding to the next hotel. It's about $20 per luggage and I think it's worth it.

  • Diminuendo on 14/06/2023 - 01:32

    Depends what you want to do. Wanna eat the best steak in the world? Kobe. Wanna ride a 4 island bike path? Shinanami Kaido.

    What are your interests>

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