We are just starting to plan a trip to Japan on our own. Looking at 5-6 days in Tokyo, 3-4 days in Kyoto and 4 days in Osaka. We have a very flexible schedule since we're retired. Looking at mid March. Since we've never been, am not sure what area would be the most convenient in each city to see the main sites. The metro system looks easy but would like to get feedback on some of the areas that offer access to the metro and offer a good area to stay with restaurants, etc. around.
Thanks!
Since you are traveling so far to experience Japan, I highly recommend that you also include visits to Hiroshima,, and Miajima.
I second the suggestion to visit Hiroshima & Miyajima Island which is a short ferry ride from Hiroshima. Getting to Hiroshima is about 2 hours on the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto. If you don't want to go that far, consider at least doing a day trip to Himeji castle, one of the few original castles still standing and fascinating!
Kyoto and Osaka are very close to each other as well. I would take a couple of days from Osaka to visit Hiroshima or Himeji. You can also just be stationed in one place (either Kyoto or Osaka) and travel to the other as day trips so you don't need to move hotels. I would vote for staying in Kyoto and doing a day trip to Osaka. But you know best how you travel and your preferences.
Once we get closer to winter, visit a Dollar Store and get yourselves some gripper slipper socks. You will need to remove shoes for visiting temples and Himeji, and the floors are very slippery. I wouldn't want to be on my regular socks or barefoot. I brought a couple of slipper socks with grippers that I tossed at the end of the trip.
Being close to a major train station in Tokyo is nice. Not only is it a transport hub, but a shopping hub as well. Think about which airport (Haneda or Narita) that you will be flying in or out of. Haneda, I can recommend Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata. This is just a few stops on a direct train from the airport and the hotel is about 1 block from the station. A 7-11 on the corner and multiple stores, including a grocery with restaurants as part of the station complex.
In Tokyo don’t miss Team Lab Planets. Advance ticket purchase a must. Train stop adjacent so easy to get to.
