Japan rough itinerary
 

Hello,

I'm thrilled that we'll be going to Japan in July for about a week and a half (I know it's not ideal weather wise and it's a short time) However, we're working in a "Japan sampler" as part of a business trip.

Roughly, I'm thinking

4-5 nights in Tokyo (with a day trip somewhere)
3 -4 nights in Kanazawa (professional reasons)
3 nights in Kyoto
Return to Tokyo to fly out or fly out from Osaka if it doesn't change the cost too much.

What do you think?

It depends on your interests!

Since you must be in Kanazawa, you might consider adding a couple of nights for Takayama instead of visiting Kyoto. There are a LOT of ways in which I can't believe I just said that, as I adored Kyoto! But Kyoto is much easier to reach for most Westerners than Takayama (or Kanazawa), and Kyoto / Nara easily merits 5 or 6 full days for a first visit....

If you do retain Kyoto in this plan -- and there are a LOT of reasons to do so! -- be sure to consider the costs, in time and money, of returning to Tokyo for a flight. In most cases, I think you will find that flying out of Osaka is close enough in price to make sense.

Good luck!

Thanks KJA! I never even considered skipping Kyoto. Let me explore Takayama. Thanks for the tip about Osaka too.

I know it is on the other side of the country, but what do you think of replacing Kyoto or Takayama with Koyasan? It seems amazing.

Koya-san IS amazing -- but it takes a lot of time to get to and from. (The scenery is stunning, though, so I didn't feel like all of that time was "wasted.") I like to maximize the time I have on the ground while minimizing the time I spend in transit, so I would wait to see Koya-san until you are in that part of the country -- JMO. IF you decide to go there, note that the experience seems to be heavily depending on one's selection of temple. I had a great experience at Shojoshin-in, which still gets great reviews:
https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/...n=Shojoshin-in
The other temple that I see getting routinely positive reviews is Eko-in. (That doesn't mean there aren't other great options -- I'm just commenting on my observations.)

Again, IF you go, I strongly recommend around Okuno-in, particularly around dawn or dusk:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4901.html

The question you might want to ask yourself is how much of traditional Japan you wish to see. There's relatively little of that in Tokyo, mostly around Asakusa; there's some in Kanazawa. Takayama and Kyoto each offer a wider selection of traditional Japanese shrines and temples and other structures. Takayama also offers a great outdoor museum showing traditional buildings of the region and -- if you are interested -- an extraordinary small museum featuring art nouveau and art deco glass and interior design.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5900.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5901.html
http://www.htm-museum.co.jp/english.php

Koya-san will also offer you an experience of traditional Japan, but perhaps a more narrow one. Again, JMO.

Kja, I so appreciate your sharing your insight and wisdom. You were so right about looking into flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka. It is not that different!

There are so many great choices, I feel like the more I research the harder it is to narrow things down. How would you compare Takayama's outdoor museum to Hokane's?

Kja is spot on, and has given you great advice.
Like her, I adore Kyoto but agree that given your limited time and existing itinerary, Takayama may make more sense than Kyoto for this trip. Certainly it's often combined with Kanazawa because of proximity. And it's a wonderful place to visit, with some wonderfully well-preserved historical districts and lovely morning markets too as well as the attractions you'll have already looked up now.

Koyasan is wonderful but yes, I think combines best with an itinerary in Kansai - Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, maybe Kobe and Uji... and Hiroshima and Miyajima are easy to reach from there too. So you could readily leave this region for a future trip. In that case, I don't know whether you are better to fly home from Tokyo or Osaka, would need to investigate transport links.

It's so hard narrowing down for Japan, and the best advice I can give is not to try and cram too much in but to really give yourself time to experience and enjoy the places you do visit!

Wherever you choose, you'll likely love it!

Sorry, I can't compare the outdoor museum in Takayama to the one in Hakone, as I haven't been to Hakone yet. That said, I believe the one in Hakone is for art:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5208.html
while the one in Takamaya shows traditional buildings, implements, etc.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5901.html

Maybe you should also think of how you would go from Kanazawa to Kyoto.. If using train, then maybe you might want to visit the places that you may pass through instead..

Kanazawa is called little kyoto and you might find geisha there too (just like in Kyoto)..

I personally like Gifu prefecture, which includes Takayama and the famous Shirakawago.. So going to these places could be another option..

Sorry, I was traveling and haven't looked at this. So much to sort through. Should just work with a travel agent or local guide? The advice here is terrific. The more I read, the more I want to see and do.

As you are learning, Japan has a lot to offer! You have some difficult choices to make.

No need to work with a travel agent unless that’s your preference. And no need to hire a guide unless that is your preference. You might, however, consider taking advantage of an occasional local “goodwill guide” – The Japanese National Tourism Organization coordinates free "volunteer guides who are knowledgeable and happy to guide you in return for practicing their English – which can be excellent!
www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/trav…
You pay any entrance fees and his/her meal if your time with the guide includes one. Do NOT tip these guides, or anyone else in Japan.

IMO, japan-guide.com is the single best source of on-line information about traveling in Japan. JNTO also has some great information.

The volunteer guide sounds great! Thank you all for all your tips The Japan Guide is a great resource!

My husband really doesn't want to miss Kyoto and I know we'll only scratch the surface, but...

Revised itinerary mid July

Tokyo (five nights)--Hotel Claska which I know is far but I love the look and the idea of being in a cool little neighborhood. Flights into NRT arrive mid day and into HND around 10:PM. The price is close so I'm not sure which is better.

Activities- Fish Market Tour for sure--other things are still uncertain but perhaps Ginza exploration, Imperial Palace, with a volunteer guide,

Dinner with a local family? I've read about this and wondered if anyone here has participated in this program.

Hakone -- day trip or one less night in Tokyo and a night here in a ryokan with onsen experience? Outdoor sculpture garden

Kanazawa (three nights) Seems like it's much easier to get here from Tokyo than from Hakone. Is that true?

Kyoto-- (four nights) one night in ryokan if we don't do an overnight in Hakone. Other nights TBD.

Fly out in the evening from Osaka (KIX or ITM?)

I know it's not ideal, but what would you adjust?

So appreciate the way everyone's input has already shaped this trip for the better.

For your transportation options, you can check routes on hyperdia:
http://www.hyperdia.com/
Here’s some information about how to use hyperdia:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2323.html

If the Imperial Palace is a priority, consider making an advance reservation.

Thanks!

That itinerary is fine.

>>Kanazawa (three nights) Seems like it's much easier to get here from Tokyo than from Hakone. Is that true

It is easier from Tokyo, but I would not say "much" easier. From somewhere-Tokyo you take train/subway to Tokyo and then the shinkansen to Kanazawa. From somewhere-Hakone to Odawara, then short shinkansen to Tokyo then Kanazawa.

HND or NRT? I'd prefer HND because it is faster/cheaper to get to Tokyo. But it would depend somewhat on connections and aircraft type.

ITM or KIX? This would depend on flight connections, departure times. From Kyoto, getting to ITM would be a shorter trip and less expensive than KIX. But the flight options from KIX might be better.

So, do your flight search using TYO and OSA.

Oh, Hotel Claska, then it is Shibuya to Kanazawa, so you might get on the shinkansen at Omiya.

The Hakone you want at hyperdia is HAKONE-YUMOTO. Your actual departure point would depend on where you stay in the Hakone area (e.g. Gora).

Thanks! I'll have to figure out more about hyperdia.

I provided a link to information about how to work with hyperdia upstream....

Yes! Thanks. That's how I knew about it.:)

It may not be your intent but don't sell Kanazawa short as a travel destination by saying "business reasons". It's a beautiful city. 3 nights is sufficient for a very busy 2+ days. 4 nights allows for a much more leisurely place. Your business obligations, of course will dictate the needed time. But like I said, it's an upscale, sophisticated city.

Thanks MinnBeef. I hadn't focused on it and am excited to explore now.

Thanks to all for your help I have a plan that is more fleshed out but would love feedback.

Tokyo- Prince Gallery,Sheraton Collection -open to suggestions but would like to take advantage of points/mile throught Marriott/SPG/Hilton

Fish Market
Food Tour or Cooking Class (will choose and do the other in Kyoto)
Pop culture (?) exploration maid cafe/cosplay/robot(?)
Gardens/museum/Imperial Palace (mixed reviews)

I have to decide whether to stay in Tokyo 3 nights or 4. Staying 3 nights will allow for a day trip to Takayama from Kanazawa or an extra day in Kanazawa. Thoughts?

Hakone-(possibly Gora Hanougi)
Open Air Museum
Cable Car etc

Overnight in Ryokan to celebrate my husband's birthday or could just do a day trip and experience a Ryokan en route to Kanazawa.

Kanazawa
Three nights or four (depending on Tokyo decision).

Kyoto--possible splurge (points etc.) for the Ritz Carlton) or Solaria Nishitetsu-- four nights

Kinkaku-ji
Ryoan-ji
Bamboo Forest
Geisha experience
Fushimi Inari
Nishiki Market
Crafts tour?

Return to Tokyo for an evening flight.

What do you think? I would be so grateful for any input. Thanks!

I'm partial to Takayama and you could stay at a ryokan there. As far as the hotels in Kyoto, look at their locations and see whether they're convenient. I know some of the more upscale hotels (I'm thinking of the Hyatt) are not in locations that I'd want to stay, but maybe others could weigh in on that.

For Kyoto, there is a Goodwill Guide group that focuses on crafts. We went with our guide to a place where they hand wove material for obis to be used in the Noh plays. We also visited a place that did Japanese style batik (I forget the name of the craft). We also went to a textile place to see a kimono fashion show. It was really a special experience.

What a great tip! I'll look into the Goodwill Guide Group. Any particular ryokan in Takayama that you loved?

Thanks

I loved Takayama, but thought 1.5 days there insufficient. I think that I, personally, would find a day trip there very frustrating. I think it's difficult to fit Kanazawa and Takayama into just 4 days (I think 5 days is more reasonable for that pair). Perhaps it depends on whether you think you will return to any of these cities. If returning to Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto are among the easiest to reach and so, from my perspective, the ones that I would consider giving a bit of a short shift. JMO.

Kja, that's a really good point. Thanks.

Internetwiz, thanks again for the information. I had read several posts on TA that the guides are very kind but that very often, as volunteers, may be less than engaging or knowledgeable. Goodness knows that I couldn't do what a professional in my home town could manage. Sounds like your experience was excellent though. Correct?

Oops. Sorry internetwiz. I posted a question here that was inspire3d by your comment on my other post. Kja, to clarify--you think it would be better to cut off one night in Tokyo (good point about being more likely to return there), skip Takayama all together and add a night in Kanazawa?

Goodwill guides are luck of the draw, but I have always found them knowledgeable. I have had two in Japan. One, an elderly man, was unwilling to make allowances for my sprained ankle. The other, a young woman, went out of her way to do so. She took me to a moon-viewing ceremony, which was a highlight of my visit.

Re: your schedule: First and foremost, there are no right or wrong answers, IMO, just choices that YOU have to make, without all the facts you might like, based on your best estimate of what will suit you best. With that context, here are my thoughts:

• Some people like, and even prefer, “sampling” or “tasting” visits for a first trip – just enough time, say a day or two in each location, to learn enough to decide whether to return for a more extended visit at a later date. I am NOT one of those people. If I’m going to make time to visit something, then I want to give myself sufficient time to see / experience the things that I want to see / experience in those locations. At this point in my life, I know myself well enough, and do enough research, that I can ususually (with Fodorites’ help) come up with a plan that approximates my desires. I also know myself well enough to know that I am unlikely to return to a place to “sweep up” what I missed the first time. I’m not saying that my approach is the RIGHT one – it might be the one that suits me best, but we all travel for different reasons and with different preferences, and thank goodness for that, as the world would be pretty boring, IMO, without individual differences! There are LOTS of good reasons for different approaches.

• I think many people prefer an approach that’s between the two extremes I just outlined: Plan on enough time for the highlights, then return as possible depending on what one learns the first time around. From this perspective, IMO – and it is just an opinion – a first visit to Tokyo calls for at least 3 or 4 nights, more if you want to add a day trip or two, and MUCH more if you have a sincere interest in exploring Tokyo’s modern venues. A first visit to Kanazawa and Takayama calls for 5 nights, probably split 3 K and 2 T, but arrival and departure times matter. A first visit to Kyoto calls for at least 6 or 7 nights and includes Nara, whether as a day trip or 2nd location.

• So IMO, you don’t have enough time to visit what I would consider the highlights of Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, whether you add Takayama or not.

• As I understand it, you MUST be in Kanazawa. If I were planning such a trip, I would make sure to have sufficient time to visit Kanazawa and Takayama (and Shirakawa-go) while in that area and I would shortchange either Tokyo or Kyoto (or both) to make that possible. As already noted, when I must shortchange something, I try to make it one of the places that is easiest to reach and most likely to work with a future trip. Again, that’s just my preference; YMMV.

• NONE of us can say what YOU want to see and experience; you have to make a best guess. I’m not sure that asking all of us what we think is the best way to do that. A better way, IME, is to do enough research to identify what YOU want to see and experience and plot those things on a calendar, with attention to when you can actually see and experience them (e.g., opening hours, sunset/sunrise, etc.), how long it will likely take you to meet these goals, and how long it will take to get from place to place. When planning for a change in city, remember to leave to time for getting to/from your lodging, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, getting lost/oriented, etc.

Again, no right or wrong decisions here, just difficult ones. Hope that helps!

Kja--thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I know I need to figure out what we want to focus on. It's just so hard when there's so much stuff. The research continues. Thanks!