Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27)
Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet).
Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba.
Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals.
Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28)
Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities:
Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms)
Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
Activities:
Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go.
Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house).
Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts.
---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3)
Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara:
Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4)
Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle.
Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle.
Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6)
Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Just to note, I also considered another scenario that meets these goals: seeing cherry blossoms, freedom to move around by car to see Japan’s must-sees without driving too much, pleasant weather, and avoiding Golden Week to skip the crowds and high prices. I’d love your thoughts on these two trips and if you spot any tweaks to make:
Day 1 – Friday, April 11 – Arrival in Tokyo
Arrival in Tokyo (Haneda or Narita).
Check into your hotel (recommended areas: Shinjuku, Ueno, or Asakusa).
Rest after your flight.
Relaxing option: stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen or dinner at an izakaya.
Day 2 – Saturday, April 12 – Traditional & modern Tokyo
Asakusa: Sensō-ji Temple, walk along Nakamise-dori.
Cruise on the Sumida River to Odaiba (views of Tokyo Bay).
Late afternoon in Odaiba: TeamLab Borderless Museum (if reopened) or seaside walk.
Evening in Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko, urban vibe).
A smooth day—2 to 3 major sights + a relaxed stroll.
Day 3 – Sunday, April 13 – Culture & nature
Ghibli Museum (Mitaka) – booking required (1/1.5-hour visit).
Meiji-jingū (Shinto shrine in a forest at Tokyo’s heart).
Stroll through Harajuku/Omotesandō (fashion & architecture).
Evening in Shinjuku: izakaya or observation deck at the Metropolitan Government Building.
Day 4 – Monday, April 14 – Free day in Tokyo or excursion
Options based on your mood:
Excursion to Nikko (day trip possible but long; better later in the trip),[/li>
or rest + parks and museums in Tokyo (Ueno, Nezu Museum, Imperial Palace Gardens).
Last night in Tokyo before hitting the road.
Day 5 – Tuesday, April 15 – Tokyo → Mount Fuji / Kawaguchiko (2.5 hrs)
Pick up rental car in the morning.
Drive from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko (2.5 hrs).
Activities:
Chureito Pagoda (iconic view of Fuji + possible late cherry blossoms 🌸).[/li>
Walk around Lake Kawaguchi.[/li>
Check into a ryokan with onsen (views of Mount Fuji).[/li>
Night at the ryokan (Kawaguchiko).
Day 6 – Wednesday, April 16 – Hakone & relaxation
Short drive to Hakone (1.5 hrs).
Activities:
Hakone Open-Air Museum.[/li>
Lake Ashi, cruise, and ropeway for Fuji panoramas.[/li>
Onsen and traditional dinner.[/li>
Night in Hakone.
Day 7 – Thursday, April 17 – Hakone → Takayama (4.5 hrs)
Scenic drive through the mountains.
Day 8 – Friday, April 18 – Takayama & Shirakawa-go
Day 9 – Saturday, April 19 – Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa (2 hrs)
Day 10 – Sunday, April 20 – Kanazawa → Kyoto (2.5 hrs by train or 4 hrs by car)
Option 1: Return the car in Kanazawa and take the train to Kyoto (more relaxing).
Option 2: Continue by car (well-maintained roads).
Day 11 – Monday, April 21 – Classic Kyoto
Day 12 – Tuesday, April 22 – Spiritual Kyoto
Day 13 – Wednesday, April 23 – Nara (1-hr round trip)
Day 14 – Thursday, April 24 – Kyoto → Osaka (1 hr)
Short train or car ride.
Day 15 – Friday, April 25 – Osaka → Nikko (4 hrs by train or 6 hrs by car)
Train option: Osaka → Tokyo → Nikko (fast and relaxing).
If keeping the car, a full day of driving with stops.
Check into Nikko.
Night in Nikko.
Day 16 – Saturday, April 26 – Nikko
Day 17 – Sunday, April 27 – Nikko → Kamakura (3.5 hrs)
Drive to Kamakura (or train via Tokyo).
Day 18 – Monday, April 28 – Kamakura / Enoshima
Day 19 – Tuesday, April 29 – Return to Tokyo (1 hr)
Day 20 – Wednesday, April 30 – Free day in Tokyo
Day 21 – Thursday, May 1 – Departure
[li>Free time based on flight: morning walk or last onsen.[/li>
[li>Transfer to the airport (Haneda/Narita).[/li>
Hi everyone,
We’ve finally booked our tickets from April 8 to 25!
I used AI to tweak the itinerary with three goals in mind: seeing Japan’s must-see spots, catching the cherry blossoms, and having the freedom of a car for a little road trip during the trip.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—does this trip feel balanced? Are there any tweaks you’d suggest?
For example, would it make sense to keep the car longer, or not?
This is our first trip to Japan, so we’re all ears for your advice. Feel free to ask if you have any questions about our plans!
April 8 — Arrival in Tokyo (Haneda)
06:00 Arrival at HND, go through formalities.
07:30–09:00 Transfer and check-in at the hotel (drop off your large suitcase in storage if you’re not heading straight to your room). Rest / shower.
09:00 Official wake-up (short nap possible after the flight).
10:30 Leave hotel → Shinjuku Gyoen (1.5-hour stroll).
Trip: 20–30 min depending on your hotel.
12:30 Lunch: Tofuya Ukai (refined Japanese meal / tofu) — peaceful, beautiful presentation. (~1h15)
14:00 Asakusa: Senso-ji, Nakamise-dori (1.5 hours).
16:00 Free time, coffee.
18:30 Dinner: Imahan (sukiyaki / beef) — warm Japanese experience. (~1h30)
20:30 Return to hotel, unpack, early night.
---
April 9 — Tokyo: Ueno / Ameyoko / Skytree
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Ueno Park (1.5 hours) + optional museum visit or park stroll.
12:30 Lunch: Ameyoko (street food) — lots of small stalls / bento boxes / seafood. (~1 hour)
14:00 Stroll through Ameyoko Market for 1 hour.
15:30 Tokyo Skytree (view + shopping) — allow 1.5 hours.
17:30 Return to hotel / rest.
19:00 Dinner: Sushi Zanmai (Shibuya or elsewhere) — great sushi at a good price. (~1h30)
21:00 Bedtime.
---
April 10 — Tokyo: Culture & Ghibli / Meiji / Harajuku
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Ghibli Museum (Mitaka) — visit (reservation required) 1–1.5 hours.
Trip: ~30–45 min from central Tokyo.
12:30 Lunch: Kintan (Parco Shibuya) — modern grills/BBQ (if nearby). (~1 hour)
14:00 Meiji-Jingū (shrine) and stroll through Harajuku / Omotesandō (2 hours).
17:00 Return to hotel, free time.
19:00 Dinner: Tsuta (famous ramen) or another well-known ramen spot — try a Michelin-starred ramen if you’re up for it. (~1 hour)
21:00 Bedtime.
---
April 11 — Pick up car — Tokyo → Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji region)
(START OF CAR RENTAL — pick up map/insurance/license/Japanese translation if required)
09:00 Wake up, partial check-out. Retrieve your large suitcase from the hotel to put it in the trunk (or arrange for it to be delivered to the parking lot/car).
10:00 Arrive at rental agency, complete rental formalities (allow 30–45 min). Activate GPS in English.
11:00 Depart Tokyo → Kawaguchiko (~2h20 without stops).
13:30 Lunch: Kawaguchiko Houtou Fudou — local specialty houtou (~1 hour).
15:00 Chureito Pagoda (photo spot with Mount Fuji + cherry blossoms) — 1.5 hours (hike, photos).
17:00 Stroll around Lake Kawaguchi + pier (1 hour).
18:30 Check-in at ryokan / hotel, onsen.
19:30 Dinner: Fujiyoshida Yamaguchi-ya (local meat / izakaya style) or dinner at the ryokan (often included).
Stay overnight in Kawaguchiko (ryokan recommended).
---
April 12 — Kawaguchiko → Hakone (scenic route and views)
09:00 Wake up, ryokan breakfast.
10:30 Depart Kawaguchiko → Hakone (~1h30).
12:00 Lunch: K’s House Restaurant & Bar (casual) or another lakeside café. (~1 hour)
13:30 Hakone Open-Air Museum (1h45).
15:30 Lake Ashi: cruise (45–60 min) + ropeway / view (1.5 hours total if combined).
17:30 Check-in at hotel / onsen. Relax.
19:00 Dinner: Sakana Cuisine Ryo (seafood / sushi) or ryokan dinner.
Stay overnight in Hakone.
---
April 13 — Hakone → Matsumoto → Takayama (lovely mountain stop)
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Depart Hakone → Matsumoto (~2h30)
12:45 Lunch: Omicho Shokudo (if available) / local restaurant in Matsumoto — quick lunch (~1 hour).
14:00 Visit Matsumoto Castle (1h15).
15:30 Depart Matsumoto → Takayama (~2 hours).
17:30 Arrive in Takayama, check-in. Stroll through the old town (Sanmachi Suji).
19:00 Dinner: Maruaki (Hida beef specialty) — perfect for trying the local specialty.
Stay overnight in Takayama.
---
April 14 — Takayama & Shirakawa-go (traditional villages)
09:00 Wake up.
09:45 Takayama Morning Market (30–45 min) + old town (1.5 hours).
12:30 Lunch: Suzuya (ramen) or another local bistro. (~1 hour)
14:00 Depart → Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) (~1 hour).
15:00 Visit Gassho-zukuri village (1.5–2 hours).
17:30 Return to Takayama (~1 hour).
19:00 Dinner: Heianraku or a local izakaya — local products (Hida beef, fish).
Stay overnight in Takayama.
---
April 15 — Takayama → Kanazawa — return car
09:00 Wake up, check-out.
10:00 Depart Takayama → Kanazawa (~2 hours).
12:30 Lunch: Mori Mori Sushi (Omicho Market) — fresh seafood at the market. (~1 hour)
14:00 Stroll through Omicho Market + Kenroku-en (garden) (2 hours).
16:30 Return car at Kanazawa rental agency (formalities). SEND your large suitcase: when returning the car, ask the rental agency / hotel to arrange a takkyubin delivery to your Tokyo hotel (specify desired delivery date, e.g., April 22). It’s reliable and convenient.
18:00 Check-in at Kanazawa hotel.
19:00 Dinner: Omicho Shokudo or a local izakaya.
Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
---
April 16 — Kanazawa → Kyoto (train) — arrival and Gion
09:00 Wake up.
10:30 Last short stroll / optional museum visit (1 hour).
12:00 Train Kanazawa → Kyoto (shinkansen / Limited Express ~2h10–2h30).
14:30 Arrive in Kyoto, check-in. Light lunch if hungry.
16:00 Stroll through Gion / Ponto-chō, explore traditional streets (1.5 hours).
19:00 Dinner: Musashi Sushi Kyoto (affordable sushi) or Gion Nanba if you want kaiseki.
Stay overnight in Kyoto.
---
April 17 — Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Nijo, Philosopher’s Path
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) — 1 hour.
11:30 Ryoan-ji Zen garden — 1 hour.
13:00 Lunch: TAKAYAMA (Kyoto / Good Nature Station) — fusion/quality cuisine (~1 hour).
14:30 Visit Nijo Castle (1h15).
16:30 Stroll along Philosopher’s Path (1 hour).
19:00 Dinner: Kaiseki / Ponto-chō (traditional experience) — I recommend Gion Nanba if available (reservation recommended).
Stay overnight in Kyoto.
---
April 18 — Kyoto: Arashiyama (bamboo grove + Tenryu-ji)
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Depart for Arashiyama. Bamboo Grove (1 hour) — tends to be quieter early, but by 10:30/11:00 it’s still very busy.
11:30 Tenryu-ji (1 hour).
13:00 Lunch: Arashiyama onsen area café/restaurant (relaxing lunch).
14:30 Option: Monkey Park Iwatayama (1.5 hours) or boat ride on the Hozu River (1 hour).
17:00 Return to Kyoto.
19:00 Dinner: TAKAYAMA (or another recommendation based on budget) or an izakaya near the station.
Stay overnight in Kyoto.
---
April 19 — Nara (day trip)
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Train Kyoto → Nara (~45 min).
11:00 Todai-ji (Great Buddha), Nara Park — visits 1.5 hours.
13:00 Lunch: restaurant near Nara Park (local dishes, udon / soba).
14:30 Visit Kasuga Taisha (1 hour) + stroll.
16:30 Return to Kyoto (train ~45 min).
19:00 Dinner: Musashi Sushi or a local izakaya.
Stay overnight in Kyoto.
---
April 20 — Free day in Kyoto (shopping / remaining temples)
09:00 Wake up.
10:30 Option: Nishiki Market (1 hour) + shopping.
12:30 Lunch: Musashi Sushi or a small local restaurant (yakitori / ramen).
14:00 Free time (remaining temples, museums, rest).
19:00 Dinner: TAKAYAMA or another choice (depending on your mood) — maybe a quieter dinner.
Stay overnight in Kyoto.
---
April 21 — Kyoto → Himeji (castle) → Kyoto
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Shinkansen Kyoto → Himeji (~1 hour).
11:45 Visit Himeji Castle (1.5–2 hours).
13:45 Lunch: Egret Himeji or a restaurant near the castle (~1 hour).
15:00 Visit Kokoen Garden (1 hour).
16:30 Return to Kyoto (train ~1 hour).
19:00 Dinner: Gion / Ponto-chō (if you want to end your Kyoto stay in style).
Stay overnight in Kyoto.
---
April 22 — Kyoto → Tokyo (shinkansen) — day in Tokyo
09:00 Wake up, check-out.
10:30 Train Kyoto → Tokyo (shinkansen ~2h30).
13:15 Arrive in Tokyo, check-in at hotel (retrieve your large suitcase if the takkyubin delivery has arrived; otherwise, pick it up the next day depending on delivery time).
14:30 Lunch: Tofuya Ukai (if you didn’t go at the start) or a nearby bistro.
16:00 Relaxing afternoon: Nakameguro stroll / Ginza shopping.
19:00 Dinner: Imahan (or a recommended izakaya in Tokyo) — final Tokyo evening.
Stay overnight in Tokyo.
---
April 23 — Nikko day trip (option: stay overnight in Nikko)
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Train Tokyo → Nikko (~2 hours).
12:30 Lunch: local restaurant near Toshogu (regional dishes).
13:30 Toshogu Shrine (2 hours).
16:00 Lake Chuzenji / Kegon Falls (1.5 hours).
18:30 Check-in at ryokan / onsen in Nikko.
19:30 Dinner: ryokan dinner or a local inn (traditional meal).
Stay overnight in Nikko.
---
April 24 — Nikko → Kamakura (via Tokyo) → Tokyo (overnight)
09:00 Wake up.
10:00 Morning in Nikko: short stroll / final onsen (1 hour).
11:30 Depart Nikko → Kamakura (train via Tokyo ~3 hours total).
15:00 Arrive in Kamakura, light lunch if hungry: Gomadare Ya Hasedera (local specialty) — or a café by the sea.
16:00 Visit the Great Buddha (Kōtoku-in) & Hase-dera (1.5 hours).
18:30 Return to Tokyo (~1 hour).
19:30 Dinner: final Tokyo dinner, your choice — I recommend Sushi Zanmai or an izakaya you liked.
Stay overnight in Tokyo.
---
April 25 — Departure from Tokyo (Haneda)
06:30 Wake up (early start).
07:30 Leave hotel → Haneda (allow 45–60 min depending on location + buffer for safety).
09:00–10:00 Formalities, security (allow 2–3 hours before an international flight).
12:00 Departure.
I’ll try to take some time later to look at everything in more detail, but what immediately stands out when reading the start of your itinerary is the first day!
Be careful if you have a night flight (unless you're traveling business class or sleep well on planes), you’ll be tired at some point, so it might be tough to stick to the whole schedule.
Also, hotel rooms are never ready for a nap between 7 and 9 AM—usually, they’re available around 3 PM—so maybe schedule your nap for then (and set an alarm...).
And well, with jet lag, I usually wake up super early the next day (like 4 or 5 AM), so at least you can fit in some early activities, like the Asakusa Temple or another really touristy spot.
hi there,
since I’m also planning a trip to Japan this summer with more or less the same route, I’ve been reading your post—but unfortunately, I can’t help you out.
I see you’re renting a car: I’m on the fence about that too. My biggest concern is parking. It seems like there aren’t any free spots, and that really adds up in the budget. Same goes for tolls—though maybe I’m wrong?
Hi there,
I’d just advise being careful with AI, especially when it comes to restaurants. They’re often places that don’t exist or are really far away.
@PlumePivoine, I’m taking your comments into account for the first day—we might be a bit too optimistic, so I’ll adjust my initial plan to be "just a Plan B" and prepare something more realistic considering the flight fatigue (not in business class, it’s already expensive enough as it is—we booked with Air France!).
I’d definitely appreciate your thoughts and advice for the rest of the itinerary!
@Normandaluz, that’s very likely, but I tried to minimize the number of days we’ll need a car to prioritize public transport. I think for our itinerary from the 11th to the 15th, a car will actually be handy, but it’s definitely something to factor into the budget.
@BeneFukuoka, thanks for the tip—I’ll keep it in mind! For restaurants and hotels, I plan to make my own bookings online. AI is only useful for inspiration in my case. What I really needed help with was putting together an itinerary and must-do activities in Japan between April 8th and 25th, and checking if it all makes sense since I’ve never been to Japan before. I’d love your input on these activities!
Are there any parts of the itinerary that seem "questionable" or at least worth having a Plan B for?
Thanks in advance—this is super helpful for tweaking the plan and making sure we’re as prepared as possible for this important trip! :)
Small update, I’ve applied for the translation of my license into Japanese and I’ve got my international permit!
I’m planning to book the car and hotels soon, so if anyone has any comments on the itinerary, I’d love to hear them :)
I’m planning to book my hotels and car rental by the end of the year.
If you have any thoughts, feedback, or tips on this travel plan, I’d love to hear them!
Great itinerary for a first trip to Japan! It feels very comprehensive and well thought out. I’d like to share a few tips—these are things that come up often and that I also noticed during my stay.
Your itinerary covers all the must-sees for a first visit. The only thing to watch out for is the Kamakura day after Nikko—it’s quite packed (3-hour train from Nikko to Kamakura + sightseeing + 1 hour back to Tokyo). You might want to either skip Kamakura this time or adjust it to Nikko → Tokyo (overnight) → Kamakura in the morning → Tokyo in the evening to lighten the load.
I wouldn’t recommend buying the JR Pass (it’s really expensive)—just pay for each trip individually.
Thanks for your feedback and tips, FloVi69. I’ll definitely take them into account for our itinerary—really interesting article!
I’m planning to book the hotels next weekend, so if you have any advice or suggestions for tweaking the itinerary, I’d love to hear them!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi everyone,
I’m in the middle of planning my trip—I’ve got my flights, all the hotels, a kaiseki restaurant booked, my Japanese driver’s license translation sorted, a car reservation, and insurance.
I’ll get an eSIM for mobile service and a Suica card once I’m there for transportation.
If you have any tips or advice based on my itinerary and plans, I’d love to hear them!
Thanks in advance!
hi, I’d love to read a quick recap of your trip. I’m curious if you were able to stick to your itinerary down to the half-hour—your trip seems so tightly scheduled! Any tips on that, or for people planning their first trip to Japan? I’m not asking about the route you chose, but more about the tight schedule. How did your travels go? Did everything go according to plan? Objectively, what would you change in your planning? Looking forward to reading your thoughts soon. Valérie
Je pars en famille (2 enfants de 7 et 11 ans) au Japon à l'été 2020. Les billets d'avions sont pris et je commence à regarder l'itinéraire (pour répartir les…
Nous avons décidés hier seulement, que nous partirions au Japon début Mai. Nous avions choisis une autre destination à la base, mais on a écouté nos coeurs, et…
Je suis vraiment désolée de poster le énième poste de demande d'aide pour un itinéraire. Mais ce voyage me tient vraiment à coeur et cela fait déjà quelques…
Je vais pour la première fois Japon avec un amis du 4 au 25 Octobre (l'aller avec le décalage on arrive le 5 Octobre Pékin avec une escale 1 jour - Retour 25…
Je fais faire appel à vos conseils qui semblent avisés, vous les spécialistes du Japon! Pour nous ce sera un itinéraire de 18 jours (+ ou -) pour Aout 2016,…
Hi there,
My girlfriend (23) and I (24) are heading to Japan for the first time from October 20th to November 6th. Here’s our itinerary:
6 nights in Tokyo
1 night in Hakone (ryokan already booked)
4 nights in Kyoto (hotel already booked)
2 nights in Osaka
4 nights back in Tokyo
I’d like to book hotels for Tokyo (both stays) and Osaka, but I’ve gotten so many different recommendations.
I’ve read that Shinjuku is the place to be for its huge hub, accessibility, and things to do, but I’ve also heard about Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno.
I’ve looked at hotels, and first off, I’m surprised by the prices compared to what I’ve seen on forums (I guess inflation’s hit here too… and maybe I’m late to the booking game?). I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options.
For our first stay in Tokyo, I’d prefer a hotel (not a residence or Airbnb) since we’ll be arriving at night, and it’s our first time in Japan. It’d be great to have a place with a reception, staff who speak at least a little English, and can give us some guidance. For the second stay, we could consider other options if it’s better.
Budget-wise, we can go up to 150–180 € per night, but if we can save some money to spend elsewhere, that’d be amazing!
I’m open to all recommendations, hotel suggestions, or any other tips for Tokyo (first stay), Osaka, and Tokyo (second stay).
Hi there,
I’d like to do this cycling route over 2 or 3 days. I’m struggling to figure out and find a (good) bike rental that lets me start in Onomichi and drop off in Imabari. Can anyone help with great tips for rentals and accommodations along the route? How do I get back to Onomichi afterward?
We’re flying to China in a few days for a four-week trip—our first time in this fascinating country! 🇨🇳
We’ll be sharing our adventure live on our travel journal, with photos and daily updates. Our itinerary, though classic, will let us discover the wonders of this vast country:
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung.
Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Hi there,
I’m getting ready for a classic tourist trip to China in May 2026.
The "Terres Lointaines" itinerary looks good to me, and the price is interesting.
Has anyone traveled with them before? Any feedback?
Is there a better option?
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences on this!
Michel
I just booked my hotel in Seoul—it’ll be near Unhyeongung, on Samil-Daero 30-Gil—and I’m wondering if there’s public transport from the airport to this address (bus or subway)? If not, what’s the taxi fare? I read it’s around 50 or 60 €.
I’m traveling to Japan with a young adult with autism (ASD) from July 28 to August 8, following a pretty classic route: Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’m looking for a schedule of the most spectacular fireworks displays during that time. So far, the dates for the major *hanabi* events aren’t available online yet. If anyone has them, I’d really appreciate it if you could share!
We’ll be doing a self-drive trip using public transport in May 2026.
On Day 6, we’ll arrive in Hakone by train from Tokyo in late morning. We’ll spend the night in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
The main goal of this stop is clearly the view (no hiking) of Mount Fuji, not so much exploring Hakone, where the sights seem limited.
I’ve read on the forum that the view is great from Gotemba, but it also takes a good hour by bus to get there. And, apart from that view, there’s nothing else to see in Gotemba!
So, I’m not sure what to choose. Any thoughts? Or alternatives to suggest?
Maybe some spots in Hakone or Gotemba for a great view?
Hi everyone, I’m Julien!
This summer, from late June to late July, I’m planning a one-month solo trip to Japan—my first time!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on the itinerary I’ve put together to explore this amazing country.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula
Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather
Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara)
Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Takayama: 3 days
Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport)
Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night
Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me
Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay
Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo)
Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kawaguchiko: 1 night
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Koya-san: 1 night
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights
Takayama: 3 nights
Kanazawa: 3 nights
Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points:
I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets.
I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted.
I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Hello everyone,
Like Cedric13600, I’ve booked a flight ticket for 30 days / 29 nights in September 2026, from Beijing to Shanghai. We’re a couple in our sixties who love independent road trips.
I’d like to draw inspiration from the following private itinerary suggested by a travel agency:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2 to 4: Beijing
Day 5: Datong
Day 6 & 7: Pingyao
Day 8 to 10: Xi'an
Day 11: Luoyang
Day 12: Dengfeng
flight
Day 13 & 14: Chongqing
flight
Day 15 & 16: Lijiang
Day 17: Dali
Day 18: Kunming
Day 19: Jianshui
Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang
Day 22: Travel via Guilin
Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo
Day 25: Guilin
Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie
flight
Day 28 & 29: Shanghai
Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently:
1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think?
2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority?
Thanks so much in advance for your help.
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026:
Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris).
This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome.
Thanks so much!
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns.
A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
I'm 69 years old and heading to China, where most tourist sites are free or discounted for me. However, trip.com either refuses to let me book because the sites are free or doesn’t apply the discount. Does WeChat apply this discount if I book through them? How can I just reserve without paying and pay on-site? Is that possible?
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old).
Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there.
We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!!
Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights
Forbidden City
Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights
Terracotta Army
Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights
Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Wenshu Yuan Temple
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to China as a couple, and before we left, the budget was the hardest thing to picture concretely. We found plenty of info on visas, apps, transport, and itineraries, but way fewer detailed breakdowns of what you *actually* spend on the ground.
So, we took the time to share our real budget for 14 days. In our case, we spent around 1,800 € per person, with a big chunk of that going toward round-trip flights at about 600 € per person. We were also pretty surprised by how affordable China can be once you’re there—transport is often cheap, and a lot of everyday expenses stay reasonable.
The trickiest part, in the end, was figuring out how to pay while you’re there, since it’s not always obvious if you’re not prepared. But once everything’s set up and you get the hang of it, it’s really smooth.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea before they go, we’ve broken it all down here:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-2-semaines-de-voyage-en-chine/
hi! Is it easy to use for paying for all the small purchases at the markets? INSTALLATION AND USE WITHOUT ISSUES—do you also need a VPN for China?
Secondly, for using phone and internet, I have Orange—is it reliable, or should I go with Airalo instead?
The info I found on the forum is a bit outdated, so I’m asking again!
1) What budget should I plan for 15 days, given that hotels with breakfast, transfers, and transport are already paid for? I know it depends on the person, but I’d love a rough idea. For meals, we’re thinking simple street food or small local restaurants.
2) I’ve heard that credit cards (we each have a Revolut + 1 Visa Premier) aren’t widely used and that it’s better to have cash. Can you confirm?
3) Are foreign credit cards still not accepted at bank ATMs? Still 7-Eleven or the Post Office? And what about American Express?
I'm planning a 19-day itinerary in Japan this summer.
For a first trip, Kyoto seems like a must. For the rest, I'm torn between:
- Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa for 5 to 6 days
- Kyoto 4 days
- Nara 2 days
- Koyasan 1 day
- Hakone/Mount Fuji 2 to 3 days
- Tokyo 3 days
Or dedicating the first 6 days to Kyushu.
Maybe there’s less traditional Japan in Kyushu compared to the Japanese Alps?
Maybe Kyushu is less crowded?
Thanks for your thoughts!
We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.
I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.
First, some key details:
1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it.
2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them.
3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).
Itinerary:
Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days
Gyeongju: 2 days
Busan: 3 days
Jeju: 4 days
Seoul: 2 days
I’ll be in Hong Kong from December 31 to January 3, 2027.
Any recommendations for things to see or do?
I’ll be staying in the Kowloon district.
I’d love to visit Lantau Island—what’s the best way to get there? And would you recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket for the cable car? Also, is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
I’m heading to Taiwan soon and would love some up-to-date info on Wi-Fi.
From what I’ve gathered, Taiwan offers it for free, but I’ve heard it’s not secure since it’s not protected by a "password." Since I’ve been traveling outside the EU for years without a local SIM card, I only use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For me, that’s more than enough. So, my question is: Do these places secure their Wi-Fi with a "password"? If not, does buying a SIM card or eSIM seem like the only alternative?
Also, if any of you have recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in the main "cities," I’d love to hear them!
We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies,
Catherine
I’m planning our trip to Japan from March 21 to April 11, 2026. We’re planning to travel by plane for long distances (Okinawa) and by train for the rest. I’d like to know if renting a car is easy and, most importantly, if driving with road signs written in Japanese isn’t too complicated. For trains, are there any tips to save money?
hi everyone, and first of all, I wish you all a happy new year and good health!
This coming October or November, we’re planning our first trip to Japan. The only downside is we’ll only have two weeks off.
For this first visit, I’m thinking of sticking to the Kyoto and Osaka area… saving Tokyo for another trip. Do you think that’s a good choice for a first-time visit?
I’ve put together a little itinerary below to get some feedback from those in the know. I’m only counting the days we’re actually there, not travel days.
Day 1: Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path with stops at a few shrines
temples Eikan-dō and Nanzen-ji
visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum in the late afternoon
Day 2: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari (allow 4 hours for the hike through the park)
visit to Sanjūsangen-dō temple
Shōseien garden
participate in a tea ceremony
Day 3: Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera temple
stroll through the historic district up to Kennin-ji temple
visit Kennin-ji temple
Yasaka-jinja shrine and Gion district in the late afternoon
return to the hotel via Pontochō Street
Day 4: Kyoto
visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijō Castle
visit the Imperial Palace gardens
end the day in the shopping streets (Shibkyogoku and Teramachi, among others)
Day 5: Kyoto
Arashiyama area
Togetsukyo Bridge, walk along the river, visit the Bamboo Forest
explore the area up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple
Day 6: Kyoto
hike from Kibune to Kurama
Day 7: Kyoto
day trip to Nara (full day)
Day 8:
stroll around Kyoto before heading to Osaka
Day 9: Osaka
Katsuo-ji temple, then head to Minoh Falls and hike back via the Minoh Trail
end the day in the Osaka Castle area
Day 10: Osaka
Himeji Castle and an afternoon in Osaka
Day 11: Osaka
Osaka and return to the airport in the late afternoon for the flight home
Do you think this itinerary is doable? Are some days too relaxed or too packed?
I was thinking of adding a trip to Lake Biwa and Uji, but in that case, I’d have to cut some things. Are those places worth dropping some of the planned spots? And if so, which ones would you recommend cutting or shortening?
Thanks in advance—I’m all ears for both positive and negative feedback!
stephane
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Japan in April/May.
I’ll start my journey in Tokyo for 3 to 4 days.
I’d love your advice on accommodation, transportation, an itinerary, and whether a guide would be useful.
I’m traveling solo and could use a little reassurance.
Before I forget... how do payments work?
Hi there,
I’m looking for someone who could help me organize a trip to Japan for my niece and her son. I’ve seen that French-speaking guides are expensive, and the same goes for going through a tour operator.
Airline, local transportation, hotels, etc.
Thanks for your replies!
Betsyl
