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Which itinerary for Japan 12 days in winter?

Posted by (nc) on

OPTION 1
Dec 21 - Land NRT 340P, Shibuya Crossing & Sky, TOKYO

Dec 22 - Senso-Ji, Imperial Palace, then nighttime Kabukicho, TOKYO

Dec 23 - Harajuku/Shinjuku, TOKYO

Dec 24 - DisneySea full day, TOKYO

Dec 25 - Shinkansen to Kyoto, Ariyashima Bamboo Garden, KYOTO

Dec 26 - Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-Ji, KYOTO

Dec 27 - Gion morning, afternoon Nara/Uji daytrip, KYOTO

Dec 28 - Shinkansen to Hakone, Hakone Ropeway, HAKONE (RYOKAN)

Dec 29 - Chureito Pagoda, Mishima Skywalk, HAKONE

Dec 30 - Train to Tokyo, Ginza shopping, TOKYO

Dec 31 - Explore Akhiabara, what's best to do on New Years?, TOKYO

Jan 1 - Last day in Tokyo, relax and enjoy, TOKYO

OPTION 2

Dec 21 - Land NRT, see Shinjuku by night, TOKYO

Dec 22 - Shibuya/Harajuku, Kabukicho, TOKYO

Dec 23 - DisneySea full day, TOKYO

Dec 24 - Old Tokyo/Asakusa, TOKYO

Dec 25 - Shinkansen to Hakone, Chureito Pagoda, HAKONE RYOKAN

Dec 26 - Hakone Ropeway/Skywalk, Train To Kyoto, Gion KYOTO

Dec 27 - Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku Ji, KYOTO

Dec 28 - Arayishima Bamboo Forest, Uji, KYOTO

Dec 29 - Full Day Trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima (is this achieveable?), KYOTO

Dec 30 - Day trip to Nara or Osaka, KYOTO

Dec 31 - Train to Tokyo, Explore Akhiabara, what's best to do on New Years?, TOKYO

Jan 1 - Last day in Tokyo, Japanese car experience, Ginza shopping, TOKYO

What's the best way to sort this? Is it better to be in Kyoto for New Years for the spirituality? Is shibuya nye cool or noteworthy? Should I spend the night in Hiroshima so I can see Himeji as well? Overall help appreciated.

Posted by
355 posts

I'll touch on a couple of points in the itinerary.

On January 1, most attractions and stores will be closed. The Tokyo National Museum, for example, is closed Dec 23rd-Jan 1st. In your second itinerary you have Ginza shopping planned on Jan 1 - be sure you confirm that places will be open. If you are in Tokyo, I'd go to Sensoji that day to join the crowds making their first temple visit of the New Year. It will be mobbed, but in a fun way (to me). If you want to actually see the temple and grounds, I'd advise still visiting it early in the trip.

I don't think a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima is feasible. Just to Hiroshima would be a long day and adding in Miyajima makes it too much. As you mention, staying in Hiroshima (or on Miyajima?) makes stopping at Himeji on the way back to Kyoto possible, depending upon how much time you spend at various sites (it would still be fast for my taste). I visited Miyajima as a day trip from Hiroshima and wished I'd had more time there.

Posted by
16403 posts

I don't think a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima is feasible.

I agree. There is much to see in Hiroshima. Miyajima is worthy of a few hours. Try to do an overnight if you can.

Posted by
1638 posts

This is a very tough call. For Option 2, I'd cut Osaka. Nara is beautiful and less hectic than Kyoto, but if you feel tired on that day, then stay in Kyoto. There is so much to see.

In general, Shibuya is more fun at night than during the day, esp. the Shibuya Crossing.

For Dec 31-Jan 1, be sure to find out if any restaurants you like are open. If so, book a table in advance.

Also, if you aren't a big Disney fan, I suggest you cut Disney Sea, esp. if your date for DS falls on a weekend.

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