We are a couple visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Its a trip for my gfs birthday and we are both really excited. We are in our late...
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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/eggsbenedict17 on 2024-10-18 13:53:19+00:00.

We are a couple visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Its a trip for my gfs birthday and we are both really excited.

We are in our late 20s/early 30s. We like food, nature, cultural experiences and hiking. We want to experience the different cities of Japan but also try and fit in some relaxing time in nature. We are arriving in mid November so hopefully will see some of the nice autumn foliage.

Our itinerary is right on the edge of being too busy, so posting it here to see if there’s anything we should take out or any glaring errors that we have put in.

This sub has been a great help with my planning so thanks to all the posters here.

Day 1 - Tokyo

  • Land midday
  • Shinjuku - food tour at night
  • Recover from flight

Day 2 - Tokyo

  • Meji shrine
  • Shibuya crossing/shibuya sky

Day 3 - Tokyo

  • Akihabara
  • Ueno Park
  • Tokyo Bay cruise

Day 4 - Lake Kawaguchiko

  • Tsukiji fish market in morning
  • Midday bus to Kawaguchiko
  • Dinner/drinks in Kawaguchiko

Day 5 - Lake Kawaguchiko

  • Morning bike ride around the lake
  • Chureito Pagoda
  • Hotel onsen

Day 6 - Kyoto

  • Bus & Shinkansen to Kyoto - ~ 4 hours
  • Afternoon/evening stroll around Gion

**Day 7 - Kyoto*

  • Fujimi inari shrine
  • Tea ceremony?

Day 8 - Hiroshima

  • Shinkansen to Hiroshima
  • Peace park

**Day 9 - Miyajima day trip*

  • Day trip to miyajima island
  • Torii gate
  • Hike to mount misen summit
  • Ferry back to Hiroshima - dinner in Hiroshima

Day 10 - Takayama

  • Long journey to Takayama (~5hrs)
  • Eat dinner, stroll around city

Day 11 - Ryokan stay

  • 1 hour bus into the mountains to Ryokan (undecided which yet)
  • Stay overnight, relax, onsen

Day 12 - Osaka

  • Long journey back to Osaka
  • Dotonbori at night

Day 13 - Osaka

  • Osaka castle

Day 14 - Osaka

  • Possible Nara day trip

Day 15 - Osaka

  • Fly home

Is the itinerary too busy? Is it worth travelling the long distances from Hiroshima to a ryokan in the mountains and then back to Osaka in a couple of days or is the travel time too much.

The itinerary becomes a bit looser nearer the end of the trip as we don’t have anything booked then. We also haven’t booked any trains etc as I was advised that I can get them a few days before.

Any input is much appreciated.

PS. Im a sports fan but believe the baseball season will be over by then, can anyone recommend any other sports that are worth seeing when we are there?