Hello folks,
Traveling to Japan on a family vacation for the first time.
Will be there for 11 days. Flying into and out of Tokyo.
Any suggestions on an itinerary? We're currently thinking 4 nights in tokyo, then 3 nights kyoto, 3 nights osaka, then back to tokyo for a night before our flight the next day.
Is 11 days too long? Our tickets are on hold so can still reduce if needed...
Things are easy - ( New Window )
Just joking never been to that part of the world. Enjoy it.
1. consider a Shinkansen (bullet train) pass, I think they have a couple week pass.
2. a trip to an traditional hot spring is great family fun.
3. Hiroshima is very powerful for obvious reasons.
4. Seeing a Japanese baseball game is a unique experience worth doing
5. Tokyo Disney is an interesting experience for the family
6. Kobe and Kyoto are cool with old city experiences
Anyway, National Geographic has a better top 10, and you would be hard presses to do all in 11 days.
top 10 - ( New Window )
If you are into temple hopping and seeing the historical cultural hub of Japan, Kyoto is the place. Side trips to Kobe and Nara are also easy via the train. Going to the Osaka shopping district at night is a must. Osaka Castle is also a fun trip.
While not the cheapest, shuttling between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto via the shinkansen is definitely a worthwhile experience.
I would also recommend a traditional japanese meal at geisha/geiko restaurant while in Kyoto. I'll try to get the list of some of temples we visited while there.
We adored the time we spent there. Beware the natto.
Eat street food (takoyaki and okynomaki in Osaka ).
Interact and talk to the locals - it's a very interesting country and really a lot of fun!
Eleven days will be fine.