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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Hey_Jude on 2023-09-01 04:03:19.
As many others, we have been planning this trip since pre-Covid. Hell, since almost 6 years back - but a series of family events, deaths, births, closed borders, pandemics, etc etc stopped us from going. But finally - here we go, Japan!
It is also the first time we travel child-free in 4 years. This is also why this trip is not as long as we would like - but we take anything at this stage.
So - 8 nights in Japan, mostly Tokyo. Couple in mid 30-s. Here we go.
15 October, Sunday - arriving at NRT about 5 pm from NZ, collecting bags, JR pass (activate on Monday), SEICA card. Checking in the hotel around Asakusabashi station. Potentially going out for a late dinner/drink, or grabbing stuff from Lawson if too tired. IF super pumped and slept through most of the flight, can walk to Akihabara (10 mins from hotel).
16 October, Monday - I am assuming we will wake up super early due to time difference. So early start then:
- Senso-Ji and Asakusa. Walking, eating snacks, etc.
- If we start super early or if we finish with asakusa very quickly, we can move to Ueno park and visit one of the museums (Tokyo national museum is the go to?)
- Subway to Ginza: shopping. Nissan crossing, Uniqlo, Onitsuka Tiger, muji, itoya.
- Dinner at Ginza - no idea: is everything super expensive and we should just go to the foodcourt at ginza6?
- If we finish everything early and have time and stamina: Kabukiza Theatre. See if we can make it to the single act performance. Will they let us in with shopping bags? Is there storage?
17 October, Tuesday - classic touristic route:
- Meiji shrine in the morning;
- Harajuku - shopping and snacking;
- Shibuya - shibuya crossing, shibuya sky ( need to book tickets in advance for ~2pm). Lunch.
- Ideally we would love to have a break before the evening. The plan was to check in one of the love hotels for rest time ~2-3 hrs and chill (lol). Does that sound viable? Any personal favourites?
- Shinjuku at night: start with cocktails at Park Hyatt. Dinner…
- Golden cai, drinks. Any particular club/bar that would be fun to go to on Tuesday?
My major question is - what do I do with my shopping bags. What if we get lots of presents on Harajuku for teenage family members? Or find something on Snibuya? I don’t want to carry them bags around all night. Is there a delivery option to the hotel? I have read about the lockers on stations, but not sure when we will pick stuff up then - when we will be drunkenly looking for our way back before midnight?
18 October, Wednesday - possibly slightly hungover morning.
- Kick off with food from Tsukiji fish market.
- Walk in Hamarikyu Gardens for digestion purposes. Tea houses in the gardens look promising - has anyone been?
- Tokyo station. Ramen if we are hungry again.
- Imperial palace - whatever is open for public, probably short visit.
- Get to Tokyo Dome area to go to Spa la Qua. We love public baths and this one looks fun and chill in a modern way - would love to hear, if anyone has been. Couple of hrs to relax.
- Dinner in that area.
19-20th October - Kyoto trip. We keep our hotel in Tokyo, so we don’t need to take our luggage and just travel with a backpack.
21st October, Saturday - I am thinking we will be getting tired by this point. And I am thinking the crowds on the weekend will get intense. So we take it chill.
- Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita at Shimakazawa for a morning session with tea to kick off the day.
- Shimokitazawa thrift shoppings, cafes, people watching.
- Move to Roppongi: mori art museum, roppongi hills.
- Dinner and drinks at Roppongi - would love recommendations.
22nd October, Sunday - last day, so need to make it bang!
- Teams lab at 9 am in the morning to beat the crowds.
- Odaiba area stroll, Gangdam statue, etc.
- Back to Akihabara. We live close by and this will be a chance to have a look at the area if we havent already. Kappabashi street if we have time.
- Hubby wants to take a trip to Daikoku car meet in Yokohama in the afternoon/night, and we were looking at booking a guide for him. I stay in Tokyo and do my cosmetics/skincare shopping haul - sucks that it will be on the busy weekend day, but can’t see where I can move it to. Shiseido store, if I have money left, if not - Don Qi, and Muji.
23rd October, Monday - our flight back takes off at 6:30 pn. We can leave bags at the hotel and do what we feel like that day.
How does that look to you guys? Keen on any feedback really.
Ungodly excited about that trip.