Help pls with Japan 9 night itinerary

For the first few days, you'll be in Tokyo, hitting up the cool modern spots and the old-school vibe. Then on day three, you could do a day trip from Tokyo, lots to see like Hakone for nature or Kamakura for chill temples. After that, hop on the bullet train over to Kyoto. You'll spend a few days there, exploring old streets, golden temples, red gates, and the bamboo forest. From Kyoto, maybe another day trip, could be Nara to see the deer, or perhaps Hiroshima for some history. Then it's back to Tokyo for a last chance at souvenirs or favorite spots before you fly home.

Well, I am going ahead of you.

I am going to go to Tokyo late September to take a 14 day cruise to Seoul.

This will be my first time in Asia and I did feel overwhelmed in the beginning but this forum has really helped along with a lot of research.

I have spent hours and I mean hours watching you tube videos and they have been very helpful.

Besides this forum, there are helpful facebook pages if you are on facebook. and I have also used the Trip Advisor forum which can seem a little complicated in the beginning .

Try searching Japan on this forum. There are some questions and answers as well as trip reports. Go to Beyond Europe and there is a Search at the top. Just type in Japan.

But I am also expecting other forum members are going to jump in and respond to this discussion.

Myself, I am choosing to stay in Yokohama because my ship sails from Yokohama.

I am hoping to be be able to post reviews as I go along and then a trip report after getting home.

I am not one for guidebooks but I think a guidebook would be. a big help for you.

And check out Japan Visitor Information online. There is an official one but also some very good unofficial ones.

I may be among the first to answer you but I know that other members are right behind me.

Here is a thread that was begun over. year ago. It piqued my interest in Japan and now I am leaving in less than 3 months

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/beyond-europe/japan-5af6c49f-5393-499f-b2aa-6cf6b4392ecb

Be aware that Cherry Blossom season begins in late March and runs through May. While it makes everything beautiful, it also brings big crowds and higher prices.

Plan early.

With nine nights, I wouldn't plan to move around much. Like most first time visitors, you'll probably want to focus on bases in Tokyo and Kyoto,

From each, you could also plan to do some day trips. Perhaps even a one night stop in Hakone enroute to Kyoto to experience a relaxing ryokan. (The area is beautiful.)

Two pieces of advice I would give--make sure you have cash as Japan is not all credit card yet...and....learn the unwritten rules of behavior.

Once outside the modern cities, Japan is a beautiful country that is run very efficiently.

While English is not as widely spoken as it is in much of Europe, signs in train stations are in Japanese and English. Announcements are also made in both Japanese and English.

Japan Guide, with which I am not affiliated, is an excellent free resource to help you plan your trip. They have itinerary suggestions, a bit fast-paced to my liking, but a good starting point nonetheless!

In general:

• If you land early enough, ideally in Haneda, you can take the train straight to Kyoto and start there for 3-4 nights
• Then you can spend 1-2 nights somewhere between Kyoto and Tokyo, such as Hakone or Kanazawa
• And finish with 4-5 nights in Tokyo

Google “Japan Golden Route”. The basic is Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka with some variations possible. Generally these are Hakone, Hiroshima, and/or Kanazawa. Popular first timers’ route.

Some examples of hits below, you might also find packaged tour itineraries helpful.

https://www.japan.travel/en/in/itineraries/golden-route/

https://blog.gaijinpot.com/the-golden-route-the-best-itinerary-for-first-time-travelers-to-japan/

My take on this route - Osaka is commuting distance from Kyoto. Not my favorite stop in Japan although Dontonbori for street food is worthwhile to many. With nine days, I would stick to Tokyo and Kyoto with a possible overnight in Hakone when traveling between the two. Lots of day trip possibilities from Tokyo and Kyoto. You really don’t have a lot of time.

Day trip examples-
Tokyo - Nikko, Kamakura, Kawagoe
Kyoto - Nara, Fushimi Inari, Himeji Castle, some do Hiroshima - longer but doable thanks to bullet trains, Osaka

Train routes and times are easy to check in the Jorudan and Navitime apps.

This website is very useful.
https://www.japan-guide.com/

Also, if you use the search function, there are a number of Japan posts on this board with detailed info and suggestions. I find guidebooks easier to flip through than websites when first starting research - my library is great for these. Websites often make better sense after I’ve perused a few standard guides. But, maybe I’m just old-fashioned!

Edit - I just noticed that Balso and I, along with others, agree on a lot…. I should have read more thoroughly before replying rather than repeat the good advice. Haneda airport is closer to central Tokyo than Narita. However, I always fly into Narita by choice. Transport is not hard from either airport.

We were just in Japan this past March/April for 3 weeks. Here’s some tips -

You need just 2 nights in Osaka - the draw here is the food scene. Your son will love it. We saw a Sumo Show here too which was fun! We also did a wonderful food tour in the evening.

Kyoto is more traditional Japanese, or what we think of when thinking of visiting Japan. This is Geisha territory. During the month of April is when they have the geisha dance shows. Google to check the dates. Check Midori Odori on the internet.

Tokyo would be where I would spend most of my time. It’s amazing and wonderful and fun.

The trains between each are quick. Read up about the local customs and get ready to stand in line. The Japanese people are very patient. The subway system is easy to use, all signage is in English. Google translate was our friend the entire trip.

We wasted one day going to see Mt Fuji and Hakone. There was still snow at Mt Fuji so we could not get anywhere near it, just saw the top from a parking lot. Unless you are going to spend a few days in Hakone, with such a short amount of time I would take a pass.

Have fun, Japan is so interested and fun and overwhelming and we would go back in a minute.

Mt Fuji is not close to Hakone. Hakone was developed as a resort area where, on good days, one might get a beautiful view of Fuji from the Lake Ashi area or Owakudani. (Or for those wanting to enjoy a view while shopping, from the Gotemba Outlets reached by bus from the Hakone region).

The area referred to as “Hakone” is hilly/ mountainous with hiking, onsen, volcanic tourism at Owakudani with good potential Fuji views, Ropeway sites, Lake Ashi cruises, museums and spots of historical interest. Mt Fuji is not visible even on a good day from much of the region because of terrain.

For many, the reason for a Hakone overnight stay is to try an onsen. A day trip from Tokyo is often presented as a way see Mt Fuji. The literature advertising the route explains the special train, ropeway, tram, lake cruise etc. In my experience, it makes everything appear more relaxed than the reality. The transit routes can be absolutely packed - worse than a Tokyo subway at rush hour. However, still a popular day trip from Tokyo.

https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/

For closer proximity to Fuji, Kawaguchiko and the Five Lakes area are better for tourists.

I have also had views of Mt Fuji on the airport bus going into Tokyo from Narita and from the upper floors of the Tokyo Hilton. I understand that the Government Buildings have free viewing from the upper floors, but haven’t tried this myself. Probably the Tokyo Skytree has views on a clear day, but that is another site I have not visited.

Thank you to everyone who have jumped in with their suggestions - very helpful.

I had started doing some research myself:

Was thinking 3 nights Tokyo - Osaka/Kyoto 5 nights, then circle back to Tokyo.

Based on mostly everyone's suggestions, seems like everyone is favoring Kyoto over Osaka? I would prefer a traditional Japan experience so seems like Kyoto will tick off this requirement. And as a history buff, I would be doing Hiroshima from Kyoto.

As 9 nights is not a lot of time, I would limit our base to Tokyo and Kyoto.

Where would I be able to fit Mt Fuji, logistics wise?

I would vote with you - more time in Kyoto over Osaka if you are interested history. You will have no lack in places to explore. Osaka is a vibrant, but quite modern city.

My suggestion is to also consider further away day trips from Kyoto to Himeji Castle, Hiroshima as you've noted, Nara and/or Fushimi Inari (half day possible here), and Osaka if Dontonbori street food appeals (perhaps late afternoon into early evening). You won't have time for all, but looking at those spots as well as in Kyoto at temple options, Geisha area of Gion, Arashiyama (bamboo forest, temples), Nijo Castle, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets will give you a wide range of differnt types of venues to explore. Nishiki Market gets suggested a lot - I have never been there when it wasn't packed and un-enjoyable, but if markets are new to you or a favorite, that is another stop to consider. There are some good walking maps on line for Kyoto temple areas if you google.

Mt Fuji is not highly accessible for those who hope for a sighting with limited time. You may be able to see Fuji from the train en route to Kyoto - depends on weather. I have been lucky on several trips. As I noted above, free views from the Government Buildings in Tokyo (google for specifics) or pay for view at Skytree. Or, stay at the Tokyo Hilton and use the Executive Lounge.

If you wanted to try Hakone for an overnight and possible sighting, it is en route to Kyoto from Tokyo with one simple train change at Odawara. Five Lakes for Fuji access is not as convenient for onward to Kyoto. People do both these locations as day trips from Tokyo - check weather first. There are bus trips and DIYs. I gave a link above to the Hakone advertising/promotional literature. Take it with a grain of salt......

I (60F) spent 14 nights in Japan with my 2 adult sons (30, 27) in May, 2024.
You can read my trip report by clicking on my name and looking through my threads.

I agree with not moving around too much during your 9 nights.

A few comments:

Think about staying in Asakusa neighborhood in Tokyo. It is quiet with traditional buildings and the beautiful Senso-ji temple. Then you can take day trips into the other neighborhoods.

It is true that Kyoto has a lot of history. My favorite part of visiting Kyoto was wandering through the neighborhoods east of the river and seeing as many shrines and temples as possible. They are everywhere. We enjoyed the smaller, less known shrines the best.
Kyoto is spread out. I would recommend using the taxis when needed. They aren't expensive.

Consider getting a goshuincho. It is a book that you take to each shrine and temple and collect a calligraphy "stamp" that is unique to each temple and shrine. Now I have a personalized piece of art on my bookshelf at home.

Before I went to Japan, someone here on the forum stated they loved Osaka and would skip Kyoto. It made me mad. But after going, I must say I nearly agree with him. If I go back for a second trip, I would go back to Osaka and not Kyoto. Or at least, I would stay in Osaka and visit Kyoto as a day trip. I believe that your son will really love Osaka. The people are more outgoing and it is fun just to wander the streets. Perhaps my favorite activity was going to a baseball game. It was a terrific experience being with so many Japanese people in an arena at one time. You can really feel Japanese society in that way.

If you have any specific questions, ask away!

Another thing.

Some of the best times we had were just setting off randomly on foot. See as many neighborhood as you can.

There are two excellent reddit forums for Japan travel. r/JapanTravel and r/JapanTravelTips. JapanTravel is a great place to submit potential itineraries for comments and to check other's plans for idea. JapanTravelTips is a more general Q&A forum.

A great day trip from Tokyo is Nikko, you see mountains and temples and rivers. The "real" Japan.

The mood seems to be against guidebooks, they have been helping people plan trips since long before the intergoogles. Get a Fodors and a Frommers, it's a small amount of money well spent. And of course they have suggested itineraries.

You'll also need to research the rail pass which you need to buy beforehand to see if it pencils out for you, it may not.

There are Japan-centric travel agencies in SF, LA and Seattle if you need/want assistance.

I enjoyed Kyoto (a number of years ago).
Here's another opinion - Zero Zen - How Kyoto, Japan Became the World's Loveliest Tourist-Trap

If you are thinking about a Tokyo and Kyoto trip, consider using Osaka for one of your international flights. That will save you having to go back to Tokyo. We flew into Osaka and out of Tokyo for our first Japan trip.

If being on Mount Fuji is really important to you, it can be done as a day trip from Tokyo but is a bit challenging. I did it while living in Tokyo with friends who really wanted to go during their brief visit; my own (earlier) tourist trip to Fuji involved staying a couple of nights in Fujikawaguchi (highly recommended). Keep in mind being on Mount Fuji doesn't give you the classic views of Mount Fuji. ORDTraveler gave you the advice for that.

The best routing is to reserve the Keio highway bus from Shinjuku in advance. That takes you directly to the Fifth Station (more or less halfway up the mountain). From there you can hike to the Sixth station or hike around the mountain with less elevation gain. I've done both and thought the hike around the mountain was more interesting. There are lots of places to eat at the Fifth Station and it is an interesting cultural experience in itself.

If the bus is sold out, you can also take the train but it takes longer. Take the JR Chuo line to Otsuki and then the Fujikyu Railway. I believe the Fujikyu Railway also runs an express on that route that doesn't require the change of trains. The express train requires a separate, higher priced ticket. From the train station, we took a local bus up to the Fifth Station.

We loved every…single…thing about our visit to Japan. We have such great memories. Favorites are: staying at a Buddhist monastery (the one closest to the cemetery entrance) on Mt. Koya and walking through the cemetery, Koyasan Okunion, at night; the Torii gates in Kyoto; everything Kanazawa; and, unexpectedly, Tokyo. Koyasan is what stands out most. If you can trek from Kyoto, or Osaka, for an overnight there, it will be well worth it. Travel via public transportation in Japan, train and bus, was easy. Have a great trip!

I know you mentioned that you have 9 nights, but may I ask that you extend your trip???? Japan has tons to offer and trying to jam too much into 9 nights means you will spend much time in transit and little in relaxing and enjoying.

If you cannot extend your stay, then just do Tokyo (with day trip to Hakone) and Kyoto. Late Mar - early Apr is sakura season. It's very scenic, romantic, and, unfortunately, crowded.

Thank you for all the inputs.

I know public transport in Japan is highly reliable. But would it be pushing it if we stayed in Kyoto the night before our 5pm fight in Narita?

I wish I could do the trip longer but for now, it is our only available time, it being spring break.

Speaking as one who has done this route, I personally, would not be comfortable with a long train ride before catching an international flight. Japan trains are highly reliable, just a risk that would be out of my comfort zone. Others do as you suggest - personal preference.

On several occasions, I have left Kyoto (or other cities) on a later in the day train from Kyoto to Narita Airport and spent the night at the Narita Hilton - my personal go to, there are a number of other area hotels. There is a convenient shuttle to/from the airport. With your schedule, it might be more "hanging around" an airport hotel than you want. For international flights out of Narita, arrival 2 hours in advance is probably recommended by your airlines.

With more time to play with as you have, I might do Kyoto to Tokyo and spend the night there, then train or airport bus to Narita in time for my flight. This option is good if you want one last Tokyo night experience and a bit of AM time. I've done this also.

Additionally, Narita city is a delightful little town. There are many hotels. Access to airport is convenient. These sightseeing options are walkable from the train. The temple complex, with a beautiful park, is one of my favorites in all I've visited in Japan. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6401.html Something new to explore?

The airport hotel shuttle also goes to Narita city. Take airport hotel shuttle to Narita city, luggage can be stored at Narita train station (2 stations across the street from on another), spend time exploring the temple complex and shopping street, then train to Narita for flight. I've done this also.