Hi there. Me and my partner ( both in our late 20s ) will be traveling to Japan for the first time in November for 2 weeks. I've started planning our route to experience both the bright lights and modern side of Japan as well as the more traditional and scenic side.
I have a rough itinerary but any extra input / ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Because of a great deal we got on the flights we are fixed on our arrival and departure dates. Nothing but the flights have been booked but we would like to start confirming accommodation shortly.
31st Oct - Arrive Narita 19.30pm transfer to Tokyo.
1st Nov - Tokyo full day
2nd - Tokyo full day
3rd - Tokyo full day
4th -Tokyo full day / possible day trip ( Nikko / Disney )
5th - Tokyo to Alpen route ( Shinjuku - Shinano omachi ) Night in Alps?
6th - Finish Alpen route then head to Takayama ( via Toyama or Kanazawa?)
7th - Takayama to Osaka
8th - Osaka to Koyasan
9th - Koyasan to Kobe
10th - Kobe - Himeji - Hiroshima
11th - Hiroshima - Miyajima - Kyoto
12th - Kyoto full day / possible day trip (Nara?)
13th - Kyoto
14th - Kyoto to Tokyo - Depart Narita 22.00pm
We are not novice travelers but are aware that Japanese travel can sometimes be confusing given the language barrier and the complexity of the whole travel system so any hints or tips would be helpful.
Is this itinerary pushing things too far in regards to travel time between places and time spent in location? Especially from the 7th til 11th?
Is the 14 day JR pass the best option here, not activating it until day 2 in Tokyo ( Narita express to Tokyo to begin then use JR pass to return ) or would a 7 day JR pass with maybe an area pass work better? I am aware that the Alpen route and Koyasan route are not covered by the JR pass but everything else should be fine?
I have tried to do as much research into things to see and do but its a never ending challenge. Japan has so much to offer and we can't wait.
Many regards, Shayn.