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First time to Japan Itinerary check please

Amanda77
Amanda77
8 months ago
2 answers

18 nights in Japan with 2 travellers
First time in Japan
21st May - 8th June
Thinking of getting the 14 day JR pass
4 nights in Tokyo
Activate JR pass to head to Nikko 2 nights
Nikko to Takayama 2 nights (is this a crazy idea to go from Nikko to Takayama in a day?)
Takayama to Hiroshima 3 nights
Including a night in Miyajima
Hiroshima to Kyoto 4 nights
Side trips to Nara and Osaka
Kyoto to Hakone 2 nights
Hakone to Tokyo 1 night
Fly out night of 8th June

I have done the JR calculator and we come out about even with buying the pass vs not buying the pass and using local/buying as we go.

What I'd like an idea on is if the itinerary is too busy, especially the day from Nikko to Takayama and then Takayama to Hiroshima?

Any help or ideas would be gratefully appreciated.

Amanda

Alexis
Alexis
1065 posts
8 months ago
Expert

Hi there,

If you come out about even I would recommend purchasing the JR Pass - it includes the ferry to Miyajima plus basic metro transport in Osaka and Tokyo (Osaka loop line and JR Yamanote line) and so it's likely to be more cost-effective.

Nikko to Takayama is definitely doable in a day, but it will take at least 5 hours so just be wary of that. Takayama to Hiroshima will be at least 6 hours, but as long as you don't mind the transport times and are willing to leave early it should be fine, I think your itinerary is fine. To plan your long journeys I suggest using the 'Route' section of the Navitime site.

Hope this helps!

Alexis

Amanda77
Amanda77
2 posts
8 months ago

Hi Alexis,

Thank you very much for the feedback on the itinerary. I'm glad that the plan is doable.

We don't mind some longer travel days and we plan to only have carry on bags for the Nikko and Takayama portion of the trip as we will send on our big packs from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Hopefully that will make transit in stations easier, especially when we will be unsure of directions etc. But that is all a part of the adventure.

Thanks again,

Amanda


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