Spring / Autumn Japan Itinerary — 10 to 12 Nights

The first-timer's route. Tokyo, Miyajima, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, Tokyo.

Tokyo 3 nights

Stay around Shinjuku or Shibuya — easy trains to and from Narita. Great base for shopping, eating, and exploring. If in Tokyo longer, try Shimokitazawa for a quieter vibe.

Day 1: Harajuku, Omotesando, Shibuya

Start at Harajuku for pop culture and boutiques. Walk Cat Street, explore Omotesando architecture, then head to Shibuya for the famous crossing, Muji and Uniqlo flagships. Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park.

The Great Burger — Cat Street, Harajuku
Dacci Pasta Labo — amazing ¥1000 pasta lunch
Meiji Shrine — towering Torii gate and serene walk
Shibuya Crossing — the iconic scramble

Day 2: Park, neighbourhood, Golden Gai

Shinjuku Gyoen park, then pick a neighbourhood: Shimokitazawa for indie, Koenji for records, Daikanyama for magazines. Evening: Golden Gai's tiny bars.

Day 3: Disneyland or free explore

If ever going to a Disneyland, do it in Japan. Get the express pass. Disney Sea for 15+, Disneyland for 12 and under.

Day 4–5: Hiroshima + Miyajima overnight

Shinkansen to Hiroshima (4 hours). Visit the Peace Memorial Museum. Ferry to Miyajima island — stay overnight for sunrise temples before anyone arrives. Itsukushima Shrine with the floating torii gate.

Kyoto 2 nights

Temple time. Fushimi Inari at 6am, Kinkaku-ji, Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, Gion district. Stay in Gion and get up early.

Nishiki Market — Kyoto's kitchen
Q-Beh Gion — clean affordable family hostel
SOU・SOU — modern Japanese textiles

Osaka 2 nights

Universal Studios with express tickets. Dotonbori neon strip. Kuromon Market for sashimi and street food.

Day 8–9: Hakone

90-minute train from Tokyo. Pirate ship across a lake, gondola over sulphide mines, cable car to Gora. Open-Air Museum. Mountains, lakes, art, onsen. Great for a 2-night break from Tokyo.

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