Japan tickets purchased a itinerary help needed
May 5th, 2016, 10:28 AM
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Japan tickets purchased a itinerary help needed
Yeah...airline tickets are booked! Below is our itinerary after a great deal of reading, but I'd appreciate feedback and suggestions of possible changes. In particular, please advise if certain day trips would be better as overnights. We are still debating the ryokan issue as floor level beds and tables are not ideal. If we do not do a ryokan in hykone, are we better doing it as a day trip? Also, I was uncertain as to how many days to stay in Osaka. Are we missing anything?
1) Oct 18 (tues) depart miami 8:58 am on AA#1564 arrive Chicago at 11:20 am seats 13A.13c
depart Chicago on JA #9 at 12:35 pm to arrive Narita at 3:35 pm (next day) 26H,26K
depart Narita on JA #3005 at 4:55 p.m. arrive Osaka at 6:20 pm at Otami airport
2) Oct 19 (wed) – arrive Osaka at 6:20 p.m. NIGHT IN OSAKA
3) Oct 20 (thursday) – Osaka – NIGHT IN OSAKA
4) Oct 21 (friday) Osaka- NIGHT IN OSAKA
5) Oct 22 (Sat) – Osaka – day trip to Mt Koya – NIGHT IN OSAKA (START RAIL PASS)
6) Oct 23 (sun) – train to Hiroshima –stop in Himeji - tour – NIGHT IN HIROSHIMA
7) Oct 24 (mon)- Hiroshima – NIGHT IN HIROSHIMA
8) Oct 25 (tues) – Hiroshima – day trip to Miyajima – NIGHT IN HIROSHIMA
9) Oct 26 (wed) – train to Kyoto – tour – NIGHT IN KYOTO
10) Oct 27 (thurs) - Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
11) Oct 28 (fri) Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
12) Oct 29 (sat) Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
13) Oct 30 (sun) Kyoto –NIGHT IN KYOTO
14) Oct 31 (mon) Kyoto – day trip to Nara – NIGHT IN KYOTO
15) Nov 1 (tues) Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
16) Nov 2 (wed) train from Kyoto to Takayama –NIGHT IN TAKAYAMA
17) Nov3 (thurs) takayama – NIGHT IN TAKAYAMA
18) Nov 4 (fri) takayama – day trip to Shirakawa – NIGHT IN TAKAYAMA
19) Nov 5 (sat) train to Kanazawa – NIGHT IN KANAZAWA
20) Nov 6 (sun) Kanazawa – NIGHT IN KANAZAWA
21) Nov 7 (mon) train to Hakone – NIGHT IN HAKONE
22) Nov 8 (tues) train to tokyo – NIGHT IN TOKYO
23) Nov 9 (wed tokyo – day trip to Kamakura -NIGHT IN TOKYO
24) Nov 10 (thurs) tokyo – day trip to Yokohama -NIGHT IN TOKYO
25) Nov 11 (fri) tokyo – day trip to Nikko -NIGHT IN TOKYO [rail pass stops at midnight]
26) Nov 12 (sat) tokyo – NIGHT IN TOKYO
27) Nov 13 (sun) tokyo – NIGHT IN TOKYO
28) Nov 14 (mon) tokyo –- NIGHT IN TOKYO
29) Nov 15 (tues) tokyo –- NIGHT IN TOKYO
30) Nov 16 (wed) depart Tokyo (narita) at 11:00 am
1) Oct 18 (tues) depart miami 8:58 am on AA#1564 arrive Chicago at 11:20 am seats 13A.13c
depart Chicago on JA #9 at 12:35 pm to arrive Narita at 3:35 pm (next day) 26H,26K
depart Narita on JA #3005 at 4:55 p.m. arrive Osaka at 6:20 pm at Otami airport
2) Oct 19 (wed) – arrive Osaka at 6:20 p.m. NIGHT IN OSAKA
3) Oct 20 (thursday) – Osaka – NIGHT IN OSAKA
4) Oct 21 (friday) Osaka- NIGHT IN OSAKA
5) Oct 22 (Sat) – Osaka – day trip to Mt Koya – NIGHT IN OSAKA (START RAIL PASS)
6) Oct 23 (sun) – train to Hiroshima –stop in Himeji - tour – NIGHT IN HIROSHIMA
7) Oct 24 (mon)- Hiroshima – NIGHT IN HIROSHIMA
8) Oct 25 (tues) – Hiroshima – day trip to Miyajima – NIGHT IN HIROSHIMA
9) Oct 26 (wed) – train to Kyoto – tour – NIGHT IN KYOTO
10) Oct 27 (thurs) - Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
11) Oct 28 (fri) Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
12) Oct 29 (sat) Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
13) Oct 30 (sun) Kyoto –NIGHT IN KYOTO
14) Oct 31 (mon) Kyoto – day trip to Nara – NIGHT IN KYOTO
15) Nov 1 (tues) Kyoto – NIGHT IN KYOTO
16) Nov 2 (wed) train from Kyoto to Takayama –NIGHT IN TAKAYAMA
17) Nov3 (thurs) takayama – NIGHT IN TAKAYAMA
18) Nov 4 (fri) takayama – day trip to Shirakawa – NIGHT IN TAKAYAMA
19) Nov 5 (sat) train to Kanazawa – NIGHT IN KANAZAWA
20) Nov 6 (sun) Kanazawa – NIGHT IN KANAZAWA
21) Nov 7 (mon) train to Hakone – NIGHT IN HAKONE
22) Nov 8 (tues) train to tokyo – NIGHT IN TOKYO
23) Nov 9 (wed tokyo – day trip to Kamakura -NIGHT IN TOKYO
24) Nov 10 (thurs) tokyo – day trip to Yokohama -NIGHT IN TOKYO
25) Nov 11 (fri) tokyo – day trip to Nikko -NIGHT IN TOKYO [rail pass stops at midnight]
26) Nov 12 (sat) tokyo – NIGHT IN TOKYO
27) Nov 13 (sun) tokyo – NIGHT IN TOKYO
28) Nov 14 (mon) tokyo –- NIGHT IN TOKYO
29) Nov 15 (tues) tokyo –- NIGHT IN TOKYO
30) Nov 16 (wed) depart Tokyo (narita) at 11:00 am
May 5th, 2016, 11:44 AM
#2
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I have not been to Osaka or Mt. Koya, but have been to all the other places on your itinerary. Knowing what I know from my previous trip. I would take one of your days away from Takayama and add it to Kanazawa.
Also, we visited Hakone as a day trip, and that worked well for us, but we did not have time to go to the open air museum. We were able to do everything else I had wanted to do in Hakone, including walking in the volcanic area, which I believe is closed at times because of the toxic fumes being emitted.
I think it is interesting that you are planning to go to Mt. Koya as a day trip. I look forward to the feedback from Fodorites on doing Mt Koya this way. We are going back to Japan in Nov. and I was thinking of going to Mt. Koya as a day trip because we did not want to sleep on the mountain.
Also, we visited Hakone as a day trip, and that worked well for us, but we did not have time to go to the open air museum. We were able to do everything else I had wanted to do in Hakone, including walking in the volcanic area, which I believe is closed at times because of the toxic fumes being emitted.
I think it is interesting that you are planning to go to Mt. Koya as a day trip. I look forward to the feedback from Fodorites on doing Mt Koya this way. We are going back to Japan in Nov. and I was thinking of going to Mt. Koya as a day trip because we did not want to sleep on the mountain.
May 5th, 2016, 11:55 AM
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I, too would add time to Kanazawa, though I'm not sure where to take time from. It's hard there is so much to see and do! We spent 2 nights in Hakone at the end of our trip and thought it was a great way to finish our time in Japan.
Enjoy your time in Japan!
Enjoy your time in Japan!
May 5th, 2016, 12:51 PM
#4
I would definitely do a night in Nikko, maybe up at Lake Chusenzi. Go up on the 10th and spend the night so that you'll still have your railpass.
Yokohama is really more like another district of Tokyo; less than a half hour away from central Tokyo, so you can choose any of your Tokyo days to do it.
I'd keep the night in Hakone. It really takes a full day to get to Hakone and enjoy it's attractions without rushing. I don't think you need to stay in a ryokan in that area at all; there are lots of other styles of accommodations there that are perfectly lovely and comfortable.
Even though I'll always choose a Japanese room over a western one, I prefer to spring for a ryokan in places where the ryokan itself is the main attraction.
Have you thought about going straight from the Hakone region straight to Nikko? You will pass back through Tokyo, but you'll be on the trains and in the stations anyway and it's only about 3 hours. It will save you having to check into your tokyo hotel, then go back to the station another day. If you spend the night there, it won't matter if you get into Nikko later in the day. You can then head back to Tokyo on a late train (with all the day-trippers) the next day. Then you can settle into Tokyo and do your Yokohama & Kamakura visits later.
Yokohama is really more like another district of Tokyo; less than a half hour away from central Tokyo, so you can choose any of your Tokyo days to do it.
I'd keep the night in Hakone. It really takes a full day to get to Hakone and enjoy it's attractions without rushing. I don't think you need to stay in a ryokan in that area at all; there are lots of other styles of accommodations there that are perfectly lovely and comfortable.
Even though I'll always choose a Japanese room over a western one, I prefer to spring for a ryokan in places where the ryokan itself is the main attraction.
Have you thought about going straight from the Hakone region straight to Nikko? You will pass back through Tokyo, but you'll be on the trains and in the stations anyway and it's only about 3 hours. It will save you having to check into your tokyo hotel, then go back to the station another day. If you spend the night there, it won't matter if you get into Nikko later in the day. You can then head back to Tokyo on a late train (with all the day-trippers) the next day. Then you can settle into Tokyo and do your Yokohama & Kamakura visits later.
May 5th, 2016, 03:42 PM
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I too would add another day to kanazawa, one also to hakone (we are staying 4 nights next spring).
i'd love some Tokyo hotel suggestions... citidines is full for our dates. we'd love a hyatt, but the hotel prices just seem so outrageous.
june, treat yourselves to the hakone hyatt---just fab
i'd love some Tokyo hotel suggestions... citidines is full for our dates. we'd love a hyatt, but the hotel prices just seem so outrageous.
june, treat yourselves to the hakone hyatt---just fab
May 5th, 2016, 06:17 PM
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I'm sure you will have a great trip! Just a few comments:
I, personally, would not try to visit Koya-san as a day trip -- too much travel time, and worse, it would mean skipping the most magical moments (IME) of visiting that place. Staying there overnight was, for me, among the highest highlights of a highlight-filled trip. FWIW, my understanding is that the experience of Koya-san differs greatly with the actual temple. I was very well pleased with Shojoshin-in, which still gets great reviews.
https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/...n=Shojoshin-in
and be sure to visit Okuno-in at dusk or dawn (or both):
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4901.html
Consider staying in Miyajima rather than Hiroshima. It is a delightful place, especially once day-trippers leave.
I was glad to have 2 full days in Nara, but otherwise think the allocation of 6 days to the combination of Kyoto and Nara a good one for a first trip to Japan.
I agree that it makes sense to add time to Kanazawa.
Although it is certainly possible to visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo, I was glad that I choose to spend a night in Nikko -- it gave me time to visit Kegon-no-Taki
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3812.html
and a bit of Lake Chuzenji -
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3806.html
Hope that helps!
I, personally, would not try to visit Koya-san as a day trip -- too much travel time, and worse, it would mean skipping the most magical moments (IME) of visiting that place. Staying there overnight was, for me, among the highest highlights of a highlight-filled trip. FWIW, my understanding is that the experience of Koya-san differs greatly with the actual temple. I was very well pleased with Shojoshin-in, which still gets great reviews.
https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/...n=Shojoshin-in
and be sure to visit Okuno-in at dusk or dawn (or both):
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4901.html
Consider staying in Miyajima rather than Hiroshima. It is a delightful place, especially once day-trippers leave.
I was glad to have 2 full days in Nara, but otherwise think the allocation of 6 days to the combination of Kyoto and Nara a good one for a first trip to Japan.
I agree that it makes sense to add time to Kanazawa.
Although it is certainly possible to visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo, I was glad that I choose to spend a night in Nikko -- it gave me time to visit Kegon-no-Taki
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3812.html
and a bit of Lake Chuzenji -
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3806.html
Hope that helps!
May 5th, 2016, 07:28 PM
#7
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Thank you all for your suggestions. Icy - the suggestion to go straight to Nikko makes a lot of sense. Trying to figure out where to cut a day to make room for other suggestions. I have not heard many people mention there time in Osaka - is this a place to cut a day from?
May 5th, 2016, 08:16 PM
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A few observations...the first is that while everywhere has something to see, Osaka is mostly a clone of Tokyo and your time could be better used elsewhere. I didn't see Nara in your itinerary, and if you haven't seen it before it is well worth your attention. It is one of the crown jewels of traditional Japan and the Todaiji Temple especially is an unforgettable place you have to see.
https://goo.gl/Aw1y2o
You could also spend a half day to see Kobe - it is an interesting and international place, but there is a hot spring there too and a great place to relax.
For Koyasan it is certainly worth an overnight stay. There are many temple lodgings there (and no, you aren't sleeping on a cement slab or anything like that) and there is enough to keep you busy the whole time. Besides, the whole area takes on a totally different vibe when all the day tourists are gone. BTW if you didn't know, a JR Pass is of very limited help in getting there. You should look into getting a Koyasan World Heritage Ticket.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_012.html
For Oct 23, you can make a full and rewarding day at Himeji. The castle is Japan's best and the big star, but don't miss the Kokoen Garden next to it, and the big temple complex on Mt Shosha (reportedly they filmed some of the movie The Last Samurai there) is very impressive.
During your Hiroshima stay, if you can squeeze it in, go see Iwakuni for a few hours. The bridge is famous and one of the best in Japan, and taking the cable car up the mountain to the castle at the top gives a tremendous view.
You give some good time to Kyoto, but be sure to throw in some variety in it too, otherwise you'll likely end up with temple burn out, and everything turns into a blur at the end of the day. The Nishiki Market, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Shugakuin & Katsura Villas, aquarium, new railway museum, Kibune, Kurama, etc can keep the monotony away. The Honganji Temples open at the crack of dawn, and Fushimi Inari is open 24/7, so it's easy to fit those into your schedule. After 5 PM you can also see Osaka at night - Dotonbori is terrific with great food, and the views from atop the Umeda Sky Bldg and Abeno Harukas Bldg are different from each other but still mind blowing.
https://goo.gl/glc1A9
For Takayama, some say it's just getting too touristy - you might want to spend some time also in Furukawa nearby. It gives a lot of that old fashioned feel, without most of the crowds. BTW an overnight at a farmhouse in Shirakawago is highly recommended.
Regarding Hakone, you can't get there by a JR Pass, so you should look into getting a Hakone Free Pass.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Finally, it seems to me that 3-4 days in Tokyo is plenty. You have some good day trips, but you could plan more. Karuizawa would make an excellent outing and you can increase your savings from your rail pass. You'll be there when the autumn colors are starting and it should look beautiful.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6030.html
You could go there on Nov 9th, using your pass, and for Kamakura go during Nov 12-14 and use a Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/f...hima_kamakura/
If you start early in the morning, you can include Enoshima, and also walk on the beach which is very nice. And if you like, on another day take a few hours and go see the Kairakuen Garden in Mito (one of Japan's Top 3) and the real gem, the Hitachi Seaside Park. It is absolutely gorgeous.
http://en.hitachikaihin.jp/
Enjoy your trip!
https://goo.gl/Aw1y2o
You could also spend a half day to see Kobe - it is an interesting and international place, but there is a hot spring there too and a great place to relax.
For Koyasan it is certainly worth an overnight stay. There are many temple lodgings there (and no, you aren't sleeping on a cement slab or anything like that) and there is enough to keep you busy the whole time. Besides, the whole area takes on a totally different vibe when all the day tourists are gone. BTW if you didn't know, a JR Pass is of very limited help in getting there. You should look into getting a Koyasan World Heritage Ticket.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_012.html
For Oct 23, you can make a full and rewarding day at Himeji. The castle is Japan's best and the big star, but don't miss the Kokoen Garden next to it, and the big temple complex on Mt Shosha (reportedly they filmed some of the movie The Last Samurai there) is very impressive.
During your Hiroshima stay, if you can squeeze it in, go see Iwakuni for a few hours. The bridge is famous and one of the best in Japan, and taking the cable car up the mountain to the castle at the top gives a tremendous view.
You give some good time to Kyoto, but be sure to throw in some variety in it too, otherwise you'll likely end up with temple burn out, and everything turns into a blur at the end of the day. The Nishiki Market, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Shugakuin & Katsura Villas, aquarium, new railway museum, Kibune, Kurama, etc can keep the monotony away. The Honganji Temples open at the crack of dawn, and Fushimi Inari is open 24/7, so it's easy to fit those into your schedule. After 5 PM you can also see Osaka at night - Dotonbori is terrific with great food, and the views from atop the Umeda Sky Bldg and Abeno Harukas Bldg are different from each other but still mind blowing.
https://goo.gl/glc1A9
For Takayama, some say it's just getting too touristy - you might want to spend some time also in Furukawa nearby. It gives a lot of that old fashioned feel, without most of the crowds. BTW an overnight at a farmhouse in Shirakawago is highly recommended.
Regarding Hakone, you can't get there by a JR Pass, so you should look into getting a Hakone Free Pass.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Finally, it seems to me that 3-4 days in Tokyo is plenty. You have some good day trips, but you could plan more. Karuizawa would make an excellent outing and you can increase your savings from your rail pass. You'll be there when the autumn colors are starting and it should look beautiful.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6030.html
You could go there on Nov 9th, using your pass, and for Kamakura go during Nov 12-14 and use a Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/f...hima_kamakura/
If you start early in the morning, you can include Enoshima, and also walk on the beach which is very nice. And if you like, on another day take a few hours and go see the Kairakuen Garden in Mito (one of Japan's Top 3) and the real gem, the Hitachi Seaside Park. It is absolutely gorgeous.
http://en.hitachikaihin.jp/
Enjoy your trip!
May 6th, 2016, 06:05 AM
#9
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Adastra - thank you for your greatly detailed suggestions. We are taking notes and considering tweeking our itinerary per your suggestions as well as those given by other posters. You may note that we did not forget Nara - it is included as a day trip. Thanks again.
May 6th, 2016, 06:38 AM
#10
Note that the Furukawa mentioned above is Hida Furukawa, or HIDAFURUKAWA on www.hyperdia.com
You can take a day from Osaka to add to Kanazawa.
You won't need your JR Pass for Koyasan. Most of the trip is on Nankai Railways, not JR, and you very likely just use the Osaka subway to get to Nankai Namba station.
You could visit Shirakawago on the way between Takayama and Kanazawa.
Going to Kanazawa before Takayama would be a bit more efficient.
Nov 13 - visit Meiji Shrine and get Shichi Go San and weddings as bonus.
You can take a day from Osaka to add to Kanazawa.
You won't need your JR Pass for Koyasan. Most of the trip is on Nankai Railways, not JR, and you very likely just use the Osaka subway to get to Nankai Namba station.
You could visit Shirakawago on the way between Takayama and Kanazawa.
Going to Kanazawa before Takayama would be a bit more efficient.
Nov 13 - visit Meiji Shrine and get Shichi Go San and weddings as bonus.
May 6th, 2016, 06:50 AM
#11
Adding the night to Kanazawa means that you would go to Koyasan on a Friday. That might be better than going on a Saturday when the place might have more visitors. Then you start your JR Pass on Saturday when you go to Hiroshima.
May 7th, 2016, 03:06 AM
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Hi.
You have been given really good advice. I would consider adding one night in Miyajima as someone suggested. You will still be able to fully explore the Hiroshima complex in its entirety, but also add a truly enchanting place to your itinerary. If you are worried about the ryokans, don't be. Just select a western bed and still enjoy the peaceful and traditional experience, while eating truly delicious food. The island is a unique experience well worth the time. And it does get better once the tourists leave.
I love the pace of your trip. You are really going to experience every place you visit.
Enjoy.
You have been given really good advice. I would consider adding one night in Miyajima as someone suggested. You will still be able to fully explore the Hiroshima complex in its entirety, but also add a truly enchanting place to your itinerary. If you are worried about the ryokans, don't be. Just select a western bed and still enjoy the peaceful and traditional experience, while eating truly delicious food. The island is a unique experience well worth the time. And it does get better once the tourists leave.
I love the pace of your trip. You are really going to experience every place you visit.
Enjoy.
May 9th, 2016, 09:41 AM
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I would take a night out of Kyoto and add it to Kanazawa. I would take a night from Tokyo and add it to Hakone so you dont rush through it. I would leave my nights in Osaka as is its perfect actually. I am one who loves Japan's kitchen (Osaka)which is not at all like Tokyo imho. An overnight on Miyajima as suggested is magic as the place becomes deserted after the last ferry departs.
Looks like a lot of thought went into this plan, bravo. Get in touch with your local JTB travel agent in your town and let them know your needs in a ryokan. Also Japan Guest Houses and Japanican.com will help if you contact them directly.
Aloha!
Looks like a lot of thought went into this plan, bravo. Get in touch with your local JTB travel agent in your town and let them know your needs in a ryokan. Also Japan Guest Houses and Japanican.com will help if you contact them directly.
Aloha!
May 10th, 2016, 08:43 AM
#17
This site: http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/
May 12th, 2016, 01:11 PM
#18
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one of my favorite websites for specific areas in Japan and itineraries in different sections of Japan. Also a good source for hotel and ryokan information. Like I mention get a hold of a JTB agent in your area.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/index.html
Aloha!
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/index.html
Aloha!
May 21st, 2016, 07:38 AM
#20
Just noticed this. I would put in a vote for an overnight on Koya-san, but ONLY in the right temple. Mine was the Rengejo-in, which I cannot recommend (see https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...e-at-koya-san/ )
In Takayama I thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected Art Nouveau museum - http://www.htm-museum.co.jp/english.php And I highly recommend a night in Shirakawa-go.
I will be in Japan about the same time - I fly home from Narita Nov 17th, but I haven't got my itinerary sorted out yet - except I expect to start in Kyoto and finish on Okinawa.
In Takayama I thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected Art Nouveau museum - http://www.htm-museum.co.jp/english.php And I highly recommend a night in Shirakawa-go.
I will be in Japan about the same time - I fly home from Narita Nov 17th, but I haven't got my itinerary sorted out yet - except I expect to start in Kyoto and finish on Okinawa.
