Hi everyone! My partner and I (both from Germany) are planning our first trip to Japan this November. It’s also our first long-haul trip!...
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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Extension-Worth1896 on 2025-04-13 10:50:05+00:00.

Hi everyone!

My partner and I (both from Germany) are planning our first trip to Japan this November. It’s also our first long-haul trip! We’ll be staying for 22 days and would really appreciate any feedback on our itinerary.

A few notes about us:

  • We’re not planning to rent a car or take domestic flights

  • We want to see a lot, but without stressing ourselves

  • Nightlife is not important to us

  • We’re interested in nature, history, culture, anime, and some unique experiences

  • We plan to use luggage forwarding from Osaka to Kyoto and travel to Miyajima/Hiroshima with just backpacks

I’m especially unsure whether our time in Kyoto is too long, considering we’re only visiting a few sights there. On Miyajima, we’ll stay in a regular hotel. At Lake Kawaguchi, we’re planning to treat ourselves to a more comfortable room with half board and an onsen.

Here’s our draft itinerary:

11/08 – Arrival in Osaka (KIX)

  • Arrive 12:50

  • Check-in at hotel in Shinsaibashi-suji

  • Explore the area, eat, and try to stay awake

11/09 – Osaka

  • Katsuō-ji

  • Shinsekai

  • Harukas 300 Observatory

11/10 – Osaka & Surroundings

  • Minoh Park (waterfall trail)

  • Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda

11/11 – Day trip

  • Himeji Castle

  • Koko-en Garden

11/12 – Miyajima

  • Travel to Miyajima & hotel check-in

  • Momijidani Park & area exploration

11/13 – Hiroshima > Kyoto

  • Check out Miyajima hotel

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park + Museum

  • Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden

  • Travel to Kyoto (Ebisuyacho) and check-in

11/14 – Kyoto

  • Nijō Castle

  • Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

11/15 – Kyoto

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha

  • GEAR non-verbal theatre show

11/16 – Day trip from Kyoto

  • Amanohashidate

11/17 – Kyoto

  • Philosopher’s Path

  • Eikando Temple

  • Tenjuan Temple

11/18 – Kyoto

  • Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka

11/19 – Lake Kawaguchi

  • Check out from Kyoto

  • Travel to Kawaguchi

  • Check-in + explore Great Bridge and Maple Corridor

11/20 – Day trip to Fujiyoshida

  • Chureito Pagoda

  • Arakurayama Sengen Park

11/21 – Tokyo (Taito)

  • Check-out Kawaguchi

  • Travel to Tokyo & check-in

  • Explore area

11/22 – Tokyo

  • Akihabara Electric Town

11/23 – Day trip to Kawasaki

  • Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum

  • Traditional indigo dyeing workshop

11/24 – Day trip to Kawagoe

  • Wood Works Kawagoe

  • Explore the area

11/25 – Tokyo

  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

  • Nakano Broadway

  • Omoide Yokocho

11/26–11/27 – Tokyo (open days)

  • No fixed plans yet

11/28 – Departure

  • Check-out and head to Narita Airport

  • Flight around 11:00 PM

We’d love feedback on:

  • Whether we’re over- or under-planning some days

  • If we’ve missed any must-sees near our locations

  • How to make Kyoto or Tokyo time more balanced

Thanks so much in advance for your help!