First Time Solo Traveller - Japan 16 Days. Feedback Welcome

sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 16:19

Hi guys, first time solo traveller here..kinda nervous but excited at the same time.

4 nights in **Tokyo **

  • one day to Mt Fuji
  • one day to Kamakura
  • one day shopping
  • one day Team Lab/Fish market

2 nights in **Kanazawa **

  • Higashi Chaya District
  • Kenroku-en
  • Omicho market
  • 21st century museum

2 nights in Takayama (wondering if I should go Shirakawago?)

  • Sanmachi Historical Houses Preserved Area
  • Takayama Jinya
  • Miyagawa Morning Markets

2 nights in **Hiroshima **(Might go Onomichi for a day?)

  • Shukkeien Garden
  • Peace memorial park
  • Miyajima

4 nights in Osaka with a night in Kyoyasan to stay at a temple. Might do a half day trip to Kobe.

  • Haven't planned anything yet in Osaka. Not sure what to do there tbh…some suggestions will be great

Thanks guys!

Travel Asia Japan

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 07/01/2024 - 16:20
    +10

    I have nothing to add other than it sounds awesome. Have a super holiday.

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 16:21

      šŸ™ thank you!

  • sumyungguy on 07/01/2024 - 16:23
    +1

    First time visitor should consider Kyoto

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 16:38
      +1

      Iā€™ve been Kyoto :) my second time in Japan. First time travelling by myself.

      Kyoto is actually one of my fav places.

      • sumyungguy on 07/01/2024 - 16:44
        +1

        Second visit… that accounts for your ecelectic itinerary. Have you done Himeji Castle? I day-tripped to Hiroshima from Kyoto, didn't need to overnight there but I didn't rate a visit to Miyajima.

        • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 00:17

          Really is it that bad my travel plan? Apart from the Hiroshima long trip I donā€™t think thereā€™s any wrong with the cities I will be visiting. I find it interesting to see other places rather than the classic Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka route

          • sumyungguy on 08/01/2024 - 00:23
            +5

            @sauce2k: Apologies, that wasn't in any way intended as a negative comment. Eclectic isn't bad - it means mixed, diverse.

  • onetwothreefour on 07/01/2024 - 16:26
    -1

    There's so much to see and do in Tokyo, 4 nights might not be enough there considering one of those days won't actually be in Tokyo.

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 17:53

      yeh I get what you are saying, last time i was in Tokyo for 3 nights I wish I did more.

      I'm travelling by myself this time, so I wanted to explore a few more smaller cities hence why I'm going all the way to the West.

      • onetwothreefour on 07/01/2024 - 18:28
        +1

        Ok that makes sense if you have been before. Have fun!

        • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 18:41

          Thank you! Next time I will probably do like a week in Tokyo ahha

  • Ryk on 07/01/2024 - 16:31
    +2

    nights in **Tokyo **
    one day to Mt Fuji
    one day to Kamakura

    stay closer to Fuji, in Hakone, or Kamakura, particularly if also doing kamakura before or after. no point spending an extra hour/two each day on trains.

    Shirakawago? yes.

    2 nights in **Hiroshima **

    long way to go for two nights. save it for the next trip, next year. or
    scratch 2 nights from Osaka and add nights further south, or in Tokyo.
    kyoto and koyasan, yes.

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 17:56

      Thanks legend.

      I have already booked accommodation but most of them are free to cancel except for the one in Osaka, so makes it a bit hard to adjust the dates.

  • node modules on 07/01/2024 - 16:43
    +1

    which season/month?

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 16:49

      Feb/March

      • Lord Fart Bucket on 07/01/2024 - 17:27

        Hope you got your team lab ticket then…

        • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 17:32

          Why now? I looked canā€™t book yet

          • node modules on 07/01/2024 - 22:22

            @sauce2k: teamlab planets is bookable

            teamlab borderless is bookable from 16/1 as they're opening their new location in azabudai hills on 9/2

      • node modules on 07/01/2024 - 22:26

        one of my regrets travelling in winter is not making the most of the daylight (because we weren't morning people)

        • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 00:15

          Haha I wake up at 6 everyday, body clock and Iā€™m a morning person

  • dtc on 07/01/2024 - 17:43
    +1

    Takayama to Hiroshima is a pretty long trip (over 5 hours). You may prefer to go to Osaka first, or 3 days Osaka, 2 Hiroshima, back to Osaka. See Himeji on the way or way back.

    You can see Shirakawago on the way to Takayama if you are catching the bus from Kanazawa. Just stay for 1/2 day or even overnight and then the next day to Takayama

    You might find the JR West All Area Pass to be worthwhile, although I havenā€™t done the maths (however it does make the Takayama to Osaka leg longer as you canā€™t go via Nagoya)

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 17:55

      Thanks for this. That was actually one of my biggest concerns, but I think there is an early morning train that arrives Hiroshima just under 5 hrs, the 630am train.

      Planning to take the bus from Takayama to Shirakawago since I'm taking the train from Kanazawa to Takayama

      • node modules on 07/01/2024 - 22:25
        +1

        i hope you get them thicc slabs of snow on the shirakawago roofs

        • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 00:14

          I hope so too. Might miss it because itā€™s the tail end of their snow season I think

  • Cluster on 07/01/2024 - 18:20

    Since it's your first time alone in Japan you're likely to have been following others who organized things and knew which transport to take. I know I was in that position before I went by myself.

    Make sure your mobile works in Japan, and use Google Maps to navigate. Superb service.

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 18:40

      Legend thanks for the heads up.
      Tbh Iā€™m somewhat confused with the train lines going to smaller cities. I canā€™t find how to book online -.-

      I got my SIM card already :)

      • Cluster on 07/01/2024 - 21:49
        +1

        Have a practice on your phone before going. Current location to wherever. Select public transport and get to know the service. I've navigated around Japan by both car and train and have yet to be let down by Google Maps.

        It can also be valuable in planning your trip. Use your PC to load the site, and set the From and To locations in Japan, the time and date, and see what transport options are available.

        • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 00:14

          Thank you. I will spend a bit of time doing this in the next week or so. Toughest thing is knowing which line to use given Iā€™m not using a JR pass

  • thekow on 07/01/2024 - 19:06

    If you are travelling soon just check with the hotels and transport in kanazawa it was one of the places affected by the earthquake.

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 19:11

      Thanks mate. Not travelling until towards end of Feb.

      Horrible starting of 2024 for Japan, hope all goes well after these incidents.

      • thekow on 07/01/2024 - 19:12

        I'll be there about the same time. Good luck with it all. What travel insurance did you use just out of interest?

        • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 19:23

          Awesome! Hope you enjoy your trip.

          I just used Cbaā€™s credit card insurance. Should be enough as far as I concerned.

  • Clear on 07/01/2024 - 19:23
    -1

    one day Team Lab/Fish market

    Team Lab Planet if you enjoy walking through dirty water that smells of feet. Tsukiji is super touristy now and severely crowded like a lot of Kyoto. Get there at 8am and it'll be more enjoyable.

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 19:30

      Thanks mate.
      Lmao is TeamLab that bad!!??? Iā€™ve always wanted to check it out šŸ˜‚

      Is 8 am too early for fish market? I thought most stalls wonā€™t open until like 9/10?

      • Clear on 07/01/2024 - 21:37

        Considering everything has to go barefoot in water that's never changed it doesn't take long for things to go bad. I believe Borderless is back at least.

        Tsukiji on weekdays from 8am is fine. Weekends from 10am.

        • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 00:13

          Ok Arigato :)

          I thought they give u soemthing in Japan when u walk in water

      • thekow on 08/01/2024 - 07:07
        +1

        TeamLab borderless should be open soon again near tokyo tower. Edit: Feb 9th it opens, so i would recommend that one :D

        • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 07:31

          šŸ’Æ

          • Clear on 08/01/2024 - 10:58
            +1

            @sauce2k: Yep do that one. No smelly feet infections.

  • Tech5 on 07/01/2024 - 20:16
    +1

    Shirakawago is a must. There is a bus that goes between kanazawa and takayama. Get off half way and then get on the next bus a few hours later.

    Team lab borderless > planets

    My path was tokyo —> takayama —> shirakaqa —> kanazawa —> kyoto —> osaka

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 10:08

      Thanks for this! On hindsight your route looks to be better but a bit late for me to change my plans. I will definitely consider doing what u did next time!

  • Dank Memer on 07/01/2024 - 20:41

    Did the stay at Mt Koya and we really liked it. Would recommend doing a walk through the graveyard at night.

    Your itinerary looks great. I dono if I would say 2 nights in Takayama - maybe one is fine as long as you have a full day. I really liked Miyajima as well (2 days in Hiroshima is good imo).

    For a day trip out of Tokyo check out Nikko as an option as well - I also really liked it there.

    Kobe is a good day trip for Osaka if you run out of things to do - if you do a lunch menu for the Kobe beef it will be cheaper (worth the cost to try imo). There is also a cool European (I think dutch) style place on the hill with botanical gardens that was nice to walk through.

    Seeing Mt Fuji can be hit or miss with visibility so try to allow flexibility and check the forecasts. Lake Kawaguchi has a cable car that has a good view (assuming it's not covered by clouds).

    Travelling solo is great - just be sure to put in effort to meet and interact with people it will make your trip much more enjoyable. There are moments on my solo travels where I wished I could have shared it with someone else.

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 21:00

      awesome tips thanks so much.

      Wondering how did you meet up with people during your solo trip?

      • Dank Memer on 07/01/2024 - 21:22
        +1

        I stayed in hostels and did free walking tours (Europe trip) - I don't know if Japan has stuff like that but I would give it a go.

        You could meet people out at bars as well - maybe look at forums or whatever for other solo travelers are doing/recommending.

        There's probably some Air bnb hosts that do a tour kinda thing as well - that could be good to try?

        Unrelated give a capsule hotel a try if you haven't already - I don't know if people will be as social here vs a hostel but it was a good experience for a night and cheap.

        • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 10:08

          Haha thought about staying at a hostel but itā€™s really not my thing.

          Iā€™m even planning to go to a late Izakaya bar to meet local Japanese and drink with them šŸ˜‚

  • field1985 on 07/01/2024 - 20:55

    How long until you go?

    I note Kanazawa and the Ishikawa prefecture are still repairing damaged infrastructure (roads, pipes, landslides) from the Jan 1 earthquake.
    https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/01/02/japan/noto-peniā€¦

    • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 21:00

      Thank you :) about a month and half away. Hopefully all good by then

      • field1985 on 07/01/2024 - 21:18

        Yeah, it'll be fine by then. If it was next week maybe not.

        Would recommend getting up early in Hiroshima. The Peace Clock Tower (near the T-bridge) at northern end of the peace park tolls everyday at 8:15am, time the bomb went off. Standing there, hearing the bell and looking around imagining that moment so many lives were vaporised will never leave you.

        The museum there is also worth the 45 minutes it takes.

        • sauce2k on 07/01/2024 - 21:19
          +1

          wow great tips, I didn't know about the clock ringing. Thanks so much.

          I'm an early bird even when travelling, so I will definitely go there. :)

  • Nutrino on 07/01/2024 - 23:17

    How are you not counting travel days?…. ive been to japan, some destination can take half a day or more. And if its your first time, Add even more time.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 00:12

      Hmm itā€™s my second time. Iā€™ve gone to many places last time.

      The travel days are ok. Iā€™m an early bird so the days that Iā€™m travelling to a different place I will be up early to get the most out of it. The longest journey will be Takayama to Hiroshima. Others are manageable. :)

  • Nutrino on 07/01/2024 - 23:26

    oh, and book any attraction at least 1-2 months ahead of time. i told you so.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 00:12

      Thanks. A lot of them donā€™t open until a month ahead :)

  • Cohey on 08/01/2024 - 08:18
    +3

    Leave yourself open to doing random things with other travellers. Your itinerary of cities almost matches my first trip to Japan expect I had Kyoto in there as well during a 3 week solo trip.

    You've crammed a lot of sights in, you might find yourself getting over sight seeing by the end so remember to relax.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 10:07

      Hi thanks for this! šŸ˜‚ I hope to meet random travellers and Iā€™m ok to change my plans depending on if I vibe with them.

      Another reason why Iā€™m staying more than one night in some of the smaller cities is that I want to leave myself some extra time to relax and do random stuff. :)

  • ForkSnorter on 08/01/2024 - 08:25

    Sure you want to go all the way to Mt Fuji and back in one day? That sounds like a busy day. The buses around Mt Fuji can be very packed depending on the day/season. I'd prefer to stay one night near Lake Kawaguchi. At least then you will double your odds of seeing Mt Fuji without clouds covering it.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 10:01

      Thanks for the heads up. Iā€™m going late Feb so itā€™s not really a busy season as far as Iā€™m aware but again itā€™s Japan lol busy all the time!

      I actually thought about hiring a car once I get to Kawaguchiko Station, still deciding if I do this or not. Iā€™ve got a decent good idea where I wanna go once I get there so hopefully ok!

  • TheRealCher on 08/01/2024 - 08:52
    +2

    Only suggestion for what sounds like an incredible trip is when is your down time? In the sense that Japan is a place that can be moved through, but also you can pick one small part and just relax there for the entire day and suddenly find yourself eating beautiful food, watching people, walking in the city or in nature or in nature in the city, and breathing. I know our impulse is to cram…maybe that's what Osaka is for?
    It all depends on your energy/what you've got happening before and after the trip as well, and what gives you energy. I found long train trips were really good for me, but if I needed to be somewhere, Shinkansen were a good option.
    Enjoy, and don't forget to say onigashimasu and arigato gozaimasu… In a country that runs on social grace and so many levels of intricate communication, this alone will go a long way. Japanese folk are some of the most helpful and considerate that you'll encounter. Oh, and wear a mask on public transport. You might not like it but as a means of showing respect, it works.
    If you already knew this, apologies.
    And don't forget to go to the onsen.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 10:04
      +1

      Hi legend thanks for replying!

      You are spot on - thatā€™s what Osaka is for. I will have some downtime in Kanazawa and Takayama as well. Tokyo is definitely go go go for me this time.

      The 5 hour train ride to Hiroshima will be my relaxing time as well, planning to either book Green car or the GranClass.

      Appreciate the reminder for being polite and respectful! Iā€™ve always respected the Japanese culture and really loving the people there. I should mention that Iā€™ve been there once a few years ago (pre Covid), always bow whenever I can haha

  • KaraZorEl on 08/01/2024 - 09:45

    Any feedback on Geisha performances, like the annual dance in Kyoto (https://miyako-odori.jp/english/), Sumo wrestling matches or Kabuki theatre? Kyoto seems to be the obvious choice for first but which is the best city catch a performance of other two. Are there any other cultural activities/events that are highly recommended? We are travelling in Mid April.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 10:05

      Canā€™t comment on them so hopefully someone reading this will. What I do know is that you must must go to a sumo tournament, I heard itā€™s absolutely amazing!

    • dtc on 08/01/2024 - 10:58
      +1

      If you think a geisha performance is your think then Kyoto is the best place (as well as for tea ceremonies). Personally a short (not the full on) tea ceremony is worth while but geisha performances and kabuki are not for me. However, thats me; obviously plenty of other people find it interesting. I'm sure you can catch kabuki in Tokyo as well

      There arent any sumo tournaments in mid April but there is an exhibition 'tournament' in Tokyo https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/sumo-at-yasukuni-shrine/294ā€¦ However you wont be able to find the exact date until much closer - for some reasons its never published far in advance.

      In mid April you will be hitting peak cherry blossom season (and hanami season), so there will be lots of activities around the blossoms, particularly in places like Ueno, Shinjuku gyoen etc. Not necessarily 'culture' but you might enjoy wandering around, eating at the little stalls and looking at whats going on. The main places will be crowded though.

      As a 'cultural' experience, highly recommend stating in a ryokan for at least one night and having a kaiseki meal (and going to the onsen if the public nature of it doesnt freak you out). Its pretty expensive but definitely memorable. You dont need to go to the top top places ($$$$$) but look for somewhere that at least has good reviews for the meal. Kyoto is also a great place to do this, but there are many others and you can find something in most locations.

  • Clear on 08/01/2024 - 11:31

    On Google Maps find places you like now and Save them as they'll show up as little pink hearts. Then when you're over there you'll be able to see if you're near a favourite sight. Makes everything so much easier.

    Here's mine of Akihabara for example

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 13:46

      thanks you , yes I've been doing that. :)

  • AaronRain on 08/01/2024 - 13:37

    My last solo trip to Japan was pretty similar to yours except it was for 3 weeks (Around March - great time as most place was pretty empty) and I went all the way to Nagasaki (spent a day stopover in Hiroshima/Miyajima) then took an even longer train ride from Nagasaki all the way to Takayama almost 10 hours (575 Minutes with an hour stopover at Osaka).

    Pro-tip if you plan to do the Higashiyama Walking Course in Takayama, once you hit snowy mountain area you have gone too far, either turn back or go down the mountain toward the main road and make a right all the way back to the station. Have fun and remember getting lost is one of the fun thing about Japan.

    I also recommend staying at a Ryokan, I went from Osaka to Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan for a night and it was a nice relaxing experience, the only one that beat it was the Enoshima spa from a day trip from Tokyo.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 13:48

      Thanks for the tip, yes I will most likely do the Walking Course.

      I have already booked all my hotels, although I can cancel and change not planning to do it this time

      I'm actually going to be staying at a temple in https://www.ekoin.jp/en/, it's similar to Ryokan.

      • AaronRain on 08/01/2024 - 14:29

        You can visit the Enoshima spa on your day trip to Kamakura since they are right next to each other (I took the scenic tram from the Buddhist statue along the coast to Enoshima), not sure if it's still the same but they have a huge discount for the spa if you go in the evening (I think it was 6pm - 10pm) which was fantastic cause by the time I went to the onsen at the end there was literally nobody around and I have the huge onsen all by myself with a fantastic view at night.

  • Spending2Much on 08/01/2024 - 17:21

    I'm a solo/single traveller, and Japan is next on my list.
    Commenting to stay in the loop and piggy back with your itinerary for ideas and suggestions.
    Thanks

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 18:14

      No problem. Feel free to Pm me if u have questions. Happy to share how my trip went at the end haha

  • DingoBilly on 08/01/2024 - 18:36

    If you're going to Takayama you need to 100% go to the Hida open air museum. It was the highlight of my trip there and of my entire trip to Japan over 3 weeks. Best signposted tourist attraction around.

    Oh and Takayama Jinya we found quite lacking… Not worth the entry imo but you may be more interested in it than I.

    Kanazawa looks good as does Hiroshima.

    Be aware with Koyasan there is a tonne of travel. So the day after will take some time just to return.

    I personally found Osaka a bit boring and would probably go Kyoto again or somewhere like Okayama/Beppu for something different if you're already around Hiroshima and have seen other parts of Japan before.

    Otherwise in Osaka, Universal Studios is pretty fun, make sure to stay for evening activities. If you can stay near Dotonbori district then you'll have access to lots of food. Osaka Castle is there as well but it's similar to Himeji castle. I can't think of much else there to visit as such. It's good for foodies but not so much for touristy things.

    • sauce2k on 08/01/2024 - 18:45

      Hi thanks for all the tips. I went Osaka last time and I gotta say I didnā€™t find it very interesting too!

      This Hida Open Air Museum, I have not seen it on any YouTube videos. I just googled too and nothing is coming up. Do you have a link?

  • altomic on 08/01/2024 - 19:30

    My last trip to japan i was flying in and out of Narita so i did tokyo , kyoto/osaka, Hiroshima, fukuoka, kagoshima, flight to narita , hung out in Narita for 2 days, and then flew out .

    Internal flight with jetstar was $85.

    I used 3 overnight buses for tokyo to osaka, and osaka to hiroshima, hiroshima to fukuoka.

    Rented a car for fukuoka to kagoshima ( having a car in southern kyushu was awesome)

  • Autonomic on 08/01/2024 - 21:42

    If you're going to Takayama I highly recommend Kamikochi for a daytrip (or even stay overnight). I would pick Kamikochi over Shirakawago which is pretty much just a picturesque village.

  • kaleidoscope on 09/01/2024 - 10:27

    That looks great. I have 2 questions.

    1 - When you do your shopping on first few days, you will be carrying them everywhere else you go, is that okay?

    2 - What sort of things to consider for a large group trip with kids (about 8 adults, 3 younger kids (4-5 yr), 2 infants). As in hire a larger van or bus with a driver or etc… Would love to know some thoughts around this.

    • sauce2k on 09/01/2024 - 10:37

      Thanks!

      1. I will be shipping my big luggage straight to the Osaka hotel (last leg) I will be staying at. :)

      2. Mt Fuji I would definitely recommend you to hire a car and drive. You could look into hiring a driver, plenty options but it's not cheap.

      When are you going? I will find some other activities to suggest

      • kaleidoscope on 09/01/2024 - 15:02

        feb-apr 2025

        šŸ™

        • sauce2k on 09/01/2024 - 15:15
          +1

          oh plenty of time. if you want, set a reminder to ask me aroudn mid -march i will let u know a few places. Happy to share my planning as well.

          • kaleidoscope on 09/01/2024 - 15:20

            @sauce2k: Thank you!, I've toured Japan with some of my friends (all guys trip) few years ago and we used to stay at hostels and smaller apartments and used public transportation.

            The trip was absolutely amazing but at the same time was very very tiring with all the non-stop walking. This time around it'll be with families and kids, so most of the things we did would not be possible without alternative transportation methods / accommodation and allowing plenty of time in between attractions for all the kids troubles / needs etc…

            Enjoy your trip!

            edit:
            capsule hotels were a unique experience :)

            • sauce2k on 09/01/2024 - 15:53

              @kaleidoscope: I remember when I was in Japan I averaged 20k steps per day, minimum. This is why I'm staying at good hotels and decent locations this time so I can just wind down at night.

  • wackedupwacko on 12/01/2024 - 14:22

    Tokyo feels a bit short - I could take people around to very interesting and different parts of tokyo for 4 days. (Shimokitazawa, Odaiba, Skytree area, A few other parks / musuems) to name some of the places that aren't the glaringly obvious tourist places.

    Fuji for a day doesn't necessarily feel worthwile unless you stay overnight somewhere in Hakone or Fuji five lakes. You'd be travelling may or may not see Fuji depending on the weather then travel back to tokyo. Best to add it to the option when you leave.

    Takayama / Kanazawa

    Go through Takayama on your way to Kanazawa (it's on the way). Consider renting a car at Takayama to visit shirakawago. I would highly recommend that over public transport - it gives you a lot more flexibility.

    Do also note that Kanazawa is right by the earthquake affected area and there are quite a few disruptions right now (not sure if they will be fixed in a month or two).

    Personally If you're not sure on Osaka, I'd chop a day off there and add to Tokyo.

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