Japan
Japan Trip, December 23, 2023- January 1, 2024
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo to Kyoto, Dec. 24
Day 2: Kyoto, Dec. 25
Day 3: Kyoto, Dec. 26
Day 4: Kyoto to Hiroshima to Miyajima, Dec. 27
Day 5: Hiroshima to Tokyo, Dec. 28
Day 6: Tokyo, Dec. 29
Day 7: Tokyo, Dec. 30
Day 8: Tokyo, Dec. 31
Day 9: Toyko, Jan. 1
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo to Kyoto, Dec. 24
· Arrive Haneda Airport.
· Take train/monorail from Haneda to Shinagawa station to Shinkansen
o If it is clear & light, approximately 45 minutes after leaving Shinagawa Station look out the right side of the train to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.
· Take Taxi or Uber from Train Station to hotel
Day 2: Kyoto, Dec. 25
· Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates
· Fushimi Sake District:
· Kiyomizudera is perhaps the most beloved of Kyoto’s temples.
· Kinkakuji temple
· Nishika Market -“Kyoto’s Kitchen”.
· Explore historic Gion Geisha district known for traditional tea houses and geisha.
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Day 3: Kyoto, Dec. 26
· Morning: Take train to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (north of Kyoto)- Go early
· Tea ceremony in shrines or Ippodo Tea Shop. Traditional tea ceremony
Day 4: Kyoto to Hiroshima to Miyajima, Dec. 27
· Early morning take Shinkansen to Hiroshima
· Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
· Afternoon: ferry to Miyajima Island from Peace Park
· Miyajima: also known as Itsukushima Island, is a small island located just off the coast of Hiroshima in Japan.
o Mount Misen Hike or Cable Car Ride: either hike up Mount Misen for panoramic views of the island, the Seto Inland Sea, and Hiroshima.
· Late Afternoon: take ferry from Miyajima Island back to Hiroshima
· Dinner on Hiroshima
Day 5: Hiroshima to Tokyo, Dec. 28
· Morning, visit Hiroshima castle, aka Carp Castle.
· Afternoon: Shinjuku area
· Shibuya station, world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Day 6: Tokyo, Dec. 29 (explore central Toyko)
· Morning Team Lab Borderless digital museum
· New Fish market is Toyosu Fish Market –Visit Tsukiji Fish Outer Market
· Afternoon: Meiji Shrine
· Asakusa Kannon Temple
· Palace East Gardens: Visit the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Day 7: Tokyo, Dec. 30 (cultural, historic sites)
· Historic Asakusa district: Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, Nakamise Shopping Street leading up to temple
· Ameya-Yokocho Market: shopping and street food
· Evening: boat cruise along the Sumida River for views of Tokyo’s skyline.
Day 8: Tokyo, Dec. 31 (NY Eve)
· Do not go to temples- too crowded
Day 9: Toyko, Jan. 1
Morning activity- shopping?
All head to airport around lunchtime
· Do not go to temples- too crowded