Ready for a magical honeymoon adventure in Japan? Get ready to immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine that await! Our 16-day itinerary is designed to help you discover the best of Tokyo, from its iconic landmarks to charming neighborhoods, while also venturing to neighboring areas for a taste of serenity and cultural immersion.
Tokyo: Embracing the City’s Energy
Tokyo, a bustling metropolis, is our starting point! We plan to spend the first four days exploring this dynamic city, taking our time to soak in its sights and sounds. To recover from jet lag and find our footing, we’ll be staying near Asakusa, a historic district known for its vibrant Senso-ji Temple and bustling markets.
Day 1: A Gentle Start in Asakusa
- Arriving in Tokyo: Taking a moment to rest after a long flight is essential! We’ll head to our chosen lodging, be it the Mimaru Asakusa Station for its family-friendly vibes or the Gate Hotel Kaminarimon for its stylish ambiance.
- Exploring Asakusa: Afterward, we’ll wander through the streets of Asakusa, taking in the sights and sounds of this traditional district.
Day 2: A Blend of Culture and Modernity
- Water Taxi to Hamarikyu Gardens: A relaxing way to begin the day is by taking a water taxi to Hamarikyu Gardens, a serene oasis in the heart of the city.
- Tea Ceremony and Tokyo Tower: A delightful afternoon tea ceremony awaits at Nakajima no Ochaya, offering a glimpse into Japanese tea culture. Afterward, we’ll head towards the iconic Tokyo Tower for stunning city views.
- Tokyo Station and Imperial Gardens: If time allows, we’ll take a subway ride to Tokyo Station to admire its architectural beauty and then explore the serene Imperial Gardens.
Day 3: Akihabara’s Quirks and Ueno’s Tranquility
- Ueno Park and Ameyoko Street: Ueno Park, with its museums and cultural attractions, is a fantastic place to explore. We’ll take a stroll through the bustling Ameyoko street, known for its food and unique finds.
- Akihabara’s Geek Paradise: The day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Akihabara, the “Electric Town,” where we can indulge our love for anime, manga, and all things geeky! (But we’ll definitely avoid the Ueno Zoo!)
Day 4: A Day of Fantasy at Disneysea
- Tokyo Disneysea Magic: As a huge Disney fan, I’m absolutely thrilled to dedicate a day to Tokyo Disneysea! This one-day extravaganza will be a thrilling adventure filled with magical rides, shows, and delightful treats.
Nikko: Nature’s Tranquility and Historic Charm
Day 5: Journeying to Nikko
- Nikko Here We Come!: We’ll leave the bustling city behind and embark on a journey to Nikko, a peaceful town known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. To make our travel light, we’ll try to arrange luggage transfer to our hotel in Yokohama.
Day 6: Exploring Nikko’s Treasures
- Nikko’s Natural and Cultural Gems: We’ll immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of Nikko, exploring the Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and the scenic Kegon Falls.
Yokohama: A Blend of Modernity and Traditional Charm
Day 7: Discovering Yokohama’s Charms
- Yokohama Bound: We’ll hop on the train and head towards Yokohama, a bustling port city with a unique blend of modern architecture and traditional charm. The journey will take us past Utsunomiya, where we might make a quick stop to admire its lovely bamboo grove.
Day 8: Yokohama’s Vibrant Delights
- Yokohama Adventures: The day will be filled with exploring Yokohama’s highlights: the Pokemon Center, the whimsical Cosmo World amusement park, the intriguing Cup Noodle Museum, the historic Red Brick Warehouse, and the vibrant Chinatown.
Day 9: Tranquility in Kamakura and Enoshima
- Kamakura and Enoshima: We’ll travel to Kamakura, a seaside town known for its stunning temples and peaceful atmosphere, and possibly extend our journey to Enoshima, a charming island with beautiful beaches and scenic trails.
Hakone: Serene Beauty and Relaxation
Day 10: Indulging in a Hakone Ryokan
- Hakone’s Zen Sanctuary: We’ll head to Hakone, a mountain resort town famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, and treat ourselves to a luxurious stay at a traditional Ryokan. While the thought of a Ryokan is initially overwhelming, a honeymoon deserves a touch of indulgence! We’ll be sure to find a Ryokan with a private bath to accommodate my partner’s allergies. Gora Hanaougi is a potential choice!
Day 11: Hakone’s Scenic Wonders
- A Day of Hakone Relaxation: Hakone offers a chance to unwind and embrace nature. We’ll explore the volcanic landscape, take a scenic cable car ride, and enjoy a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring.
Shibuya and Shinjuku: Tokyo’s Modern Heartbeat
Day 12: Entering the Heart of Tokyo
- Back to Tokyo’s Buzz: After the peaceful Hakone experience, we’ll head back to the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo. We’ll be staying in the heart of the Shibuya district, a bustling area known for its iconic crossing and fashion scene.
Day 13: Shibuya and Shinjuku’s Diverse Delights
- Exploring Shibuya and Shinjuku: The day will be dedicated to exploring Shibuya and Shinjuku’s diverse attractions, from the trendy Harajuku district to the towering Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Day 14: Last Hurrahs in Tokyo
- Tokyo’s Final Touches: We’ll savor the remaining moments in Tokyo by visiting places like the Gotokuji Temple, known for its “lucky cat” statues, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Shibuya Sky.
Narita: Pre-Flight Tranquility
Day 15: Narita Airport’s Ease
- Narita: Our Last Stop: To avoid any pre-flight stress, we’ll head to Narita Airport and spend the night at the Narita Mystay hotel. This will allow for a relaxed departure on the next morning.
- Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: If time allows, we’ll explore Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a significant Buddhist temple located near the airport.
Day 16: Farewell to Japan
- Leaving Japan: We’ll say goodbye to our magical Japanese adventure and head home with hearts full of cherished memories.
This detailed itinerary serves as a roadmap to discover the best of Tokyo and neighboring areas. It’s flexible, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences and interests. Remember to embrace the unexpected, savor every moment, and create unforgettable memories on your honeymoon!
