16 Day Itinerary during May (2nd time visitors) - Would you change something?
Hi everyone,
I've put together a 15 day itineray. We are a couple traveling to Japan for the second time. Since we've already seen the main "Golge Route" places, we want this trip more focused on specific experiences (easy hikes, driving through Nagagano, exploring areas we didn't get to know) without it being too exhausting. We want a solid plan to explore areas while maintaining a good pace for relaxation and great food.
| Day | Date | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | May 05 (Tue) | Tokyo | Arrive, hotel check-in (Akasaka/Roppongi), Hie Jinja & Toyokawa Inari and explore the zone. |
| Day 2 | May 06 (Wed) | Tokyo | Nezu Museum. Stroll to National Art Center and 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT. Visit Midtown Garden, and have dinner at RistoPizza (reserved). |
| Day 3 | May 07 (Thu) | Tokyo | Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park, Harajuku/Omotesando shopping. Shibuya Sky (Sunset slot). |
| Day 4 | May 08 (Fri) | Tokyo ➔ Hakuba | Shinkansen to Nagano + Bus to Hakuba, Hakuba Mountain Harbor. |
| Day 5 | May 09 (Sat) | Hakuba | Happo-ike Pond hike (6-hour round trip), evening Onsen and relax. |
| Day 6 | May 10 (Sun) | Hakuba ➔ Kanazawa | Tsugaike Nature Garden. Bus to Nagano, Shinkansen to Kanazawa. |
| Day 7 | May 11 (Mon) | Kanazawa | Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, D.T. Suzuki Museum. Pick up rental car by the afternoon. |
| Day 8 | May 12 (Tue) | Kanazawa ➔ Gujo | Kutani Kosen Kiln (Pottery), drive to Gujo Hachiman. |
| Day 9 | May 13 (Wed) | Gifu / Kiso Valley | Nagamachi Samurai District. Drive to Takayama, Hida no Sato Folk Village, stay in Kiso area. |
| Day 10 | May 14 (Thu) | Kiso Valley ➔ Kyoto | Nakasendo Trail hike (Magome-Tsumago), Naegi Castle ruins, Drop off rental car in Kyoto by the afternoon. |
| Day 11 | May 15 (Fri) | Kyoto | Day trip to Uji (Matcha and Byodo-in Temple), Nishiki Market exploration back in Kyoto. |
| Day 12 | May 16 (Sat) | Kyoto ➔ Tokyo | Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Shinkansen back to Tokyo, evening exploration in Ebisu. |
| Day 13 | May 17 (Sun) | Tokyo | Tokyo City Flea Market. (Shinagawa). Free afternoon. |
| Day 14 | May 18 (Mon) | Tokyo | Explore Daikanyama T-site and Nakameguro, Afternoon Spa/Massage session. |
| Day 15 | May 19 (Tue) | Tokyo | Local Sento in Nakameguro. Shimokitazawa shopping and exploration. |
| Day 16 | May 20 (Wed) | Departure | Easy morning in Tokyo, travel to airport, flight back home. |
Would really appreciate feedback on logistics, logistics, and anything that feels off, or just and overall recomendation. Thanks a lot!!!
Posted Apr 5, 2026, 2:51 AM UTC
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