One month review :)
Hi everyone! Planning a 30-night solo/group trip to Japan from July 28th to August 27th. I know August is notoriously hot and humid, and we will be hit by the Obon festival peak in Kyoto. I tried to design the itinerary to minimize annoying hotel changes and leave the nature and relaxation part for the very end.
I will be luggage-forwarding my big suitcase from Kyoto straight to Tokyo on Aug 19th, traveling through Hiroshima and the Alps with just a backpack
Here is the day-by-day breakdown. Any feedback on pacing, logistics, or realism would be highly appreciated!
TOKYO (July 28 – Aug 11) – Class base & City exploration
Jul 28: Arrive at Haneda, check-in, soft night in Shinjuku (Kabukicho).
Jul 29: Asakusa (Senso-ji early) + Ueno + Akihabara arcade night.
Jul 30: Meiji Jingu + Harajuku + Shibuya Sky (sunset slot).
Jul 31: Tsukiji Outer Market + Ginza + Golden Gai bar hopping.
Aug 1: Odaiba + teamLab Planets (afternoon).
Aug 2: Day-trip to Kamakura and Enoshima (sunset over the sea).
Aug 3-4: Overnight trip to Nikko (UNESCO temples & nature) + return to Tokyo for Shimokitazawa and Nakano Broadway.
Aug 5: Day-trip to Kawaguchiko (Fuji viewing, weather permitting).
Aug 6: Rest / Laundry / Reset day.
Aug 7–11: Language classes in the morning + themed nights (Ikebukuro, Omoide Yokocho, Shibuya social night).
KYOTO & KANSAI (Aug 12 – 18) – Peak Obon Week
Aug 12: Shinkansen to Kyoto (booking 30 days ahead via SmartEX) + Nishiki Market and Gion evening.
Aug 13: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (very early at 7:30 AM) + Monkey Park.
Aug 14: Kinkaku-ji + Ryoan-ji.
Aug 15: Kiyomizu-dera + Higashiyama historic streets walking tour.
Aug 16: Fushimi Inari at dawn + Gozan no Okuribi Festival in the evening (mountain bonfires).
Aug 17: Day-trip to Nara (Deer park + Todai-ji).
Aug 18: Day-trip to Osaka (Shinsekai + Dotonbori food tour & nightlife).
HIROSHIMA & JAPAN ALPS (Aug 19 – 25) – Backpack only
Aug 19: Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Peace Memorial Park & Museum. Night in Hiroshima.
Aug 20: Ferry to Miyajima. Mt. Misen (ropeway + hike) & Itsukushima Shrine. Overnight in a Ryokan on the island.
Aug 21-22: Travel to Kanazawa. Nagamachi Samurai district, Kenroku-en Garden, Higashi Chaya.
Aug 23: Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-go (brief stop) -> Nohi Bus to Takayama (Old Town & Hida beef dinner).
Aug 24: Bus to Okuhida Onsen Valley. Onsen Ryokan experience with Kaiseki dinner.
Aug 25: Morning bus to Kamikochi (3-hour light trek) -> Bus to Matsumoto -> JR Azusa Limited Express back to Tokyo Shinjuku.
TOKYO FINALE & DEPARTURE (Aug 25 – 27)
Aug 25: Arrive in Tokyo, pick up forwarded luggage at the hotel.
Aug 26: Last day for hardcore souvenir shopping (leaving luggage at hotel front desk). Final dinner, then head to Haneda Airport before 11:30 PM (before trains stop).
Aug 27: Flight back home at 04:45 AM.
Specific Questions:
Kyoto during Obon (Aug 13-16): I know it’s going to be packed. Aside from hitting Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama at dawn, any specific tips to survive the crowds and the heat during these festive days?
Alps Logistics (Kanazawa -> Takayama -> Kamikochi): Does the Nohi Bus sequence look smooth? I will book the highway buses exactly 1 month in advance
Haneda 4:45 AM Flight: Since trains stop around midnight, my plan is to arrive at Haneda around 11:30 PM on the 26th and camp out for 4 hours until check-in. Is Haneda comfortable enough for this, or should I book a cheap airport hotel?
Thank you so much for your help!