Japan Adventure Itinerary Help

Replies: 7 - Last Post: Oct 10, 2012 8:01 AM Last Post By: SingObserver

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Oct 3, 2012 7:21 AM
Posts: 2

Japan Adventure Itinerary Help

Hi Everyone!

I'm relatively new to the forum, and looking for some help planning my first trip to Japan. I only have 6 days, but my goals are to get a good taste of the country while keeping a moderate budget. I'd like to see some big city, ancient culture, and possibly take a hike in the mountains.

I fly into Osaka on Nov 4th at 7pm and depart from Tokyo on Nov 11th at 7pm, so that gives me 6 full days. Here's what I'm thinking roughly: 2 days in Kyoto/Nara, 2 days in Takayama/kamikochi, and two days in Tokyo. Is this feasible? Are there better places to spend my time? What are the must sees and dos?

Thanks so much!
Alex

Edited by: frederick7

SingObserver

Oct 3, 2012 7:53 AM
Posts: 400

Your idea is feasible, but you will spend a relatively long time on trains and other transport. With only 6 days, I would recommend dropping Takayama and Kamicochi (longer transport times in rural areas), and concentrating on Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (worth a half day and night to see the castle and the urban glitz), then Tokyo with a day trip to either Hakone or Nikko.

bamse

Oct 3, 2012 11:13 AM
Posts: 1,338

I'd also skip Takayama/Kamikochi as Kyoto deserves more than one day. Also early November in Kamikochi might be past autumn foliage, so I would expect vegetation to be rather bleak. If you absolutely have to hike, perhaps better to look for a lower altitude hike. Kawaguchiko might be a good place to catch foliage at that time of the year (but check the forecasts/reports) and has opportunities for hiking.

Fieldgate

Oct 3, 2012 5:37 PM
Posts: 2,781

Arriving to Osaka and leaving from Tokyo, you'll have time for Osaka (1/2 day), Kyoto (2 days), Nara (1-2 days), and the remaining time for Tokyo.
Remember you need some time for travel between the places. Osaka-Nara-Kyoto are close to each other. For Tokyo you might be better to take night bus.

mvic

Oct 5, 2012 11:57 PM
Posts: 2

For the trip you outlined, you would need twice the time. I loved Takayama, but you will not have enough time to include it. I would suggest that you stay in Kyoto, day trip to Nara, a day trip to Hiroshima, one day in Kyoto then on to Tokyo for the remainder.

frederick7

Oct 9, 2012 1:26 PM
Posts: 2

How about this? Does this make the itinerary look more or less feasible?

Sunday 11/4 - Arrive Kyoto PM
Monday 11/5 - Kyoto
11/6/2012 - Kyoto
11/7/2012 - Nara & Kyoto
11/8/2012 - Travel to Takyama. Explore Takyama
11/9/2012 - Travel to Toyama. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. PM Bus/Train to Tokyo
11/10/2012 Tokyo.
11/11/2012 Tokyo. Depart for USA

bamse

Oct 9, 2012 2:45 PM
Posts: 1,338

That's basically the same as your first itinerary and my comment (#2) still applies:

Feasible, and if you don't mind the long time on transport, you might enjoy it.

Personally I'd focus on Kyoto + Tokyo (either could easily fill 3 days) and some attractions close by.

SingObserver

Oct 10, 2012 8:01 AM
Posts: 400

Have you checked the train times? (www.hyperdia.com) It's do-able but, for example, you are giving yourself all of a half day to see Takayama -- and that assumes you get out of bed very early to take an early train from Kyoto.

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