Hello (again)!
I know this is a really common question and I've been looking through the similar threads, as well. But I've finally settled exactly where I'm going to be staying (i.e. lodgings have been booked) so I've started fine-tuning my itinerary.
I am going by myself so I won't have to cater to anyone else. I'm a slow-medium pace traveler who likes to take the time to stroll and take photos, predominantly landscape/architecture/street photograpy. I'm more interested in country, laid-back environments and atmospheres than bustling city life, but of course I've never been to Tokyo so maybe it will convert me (a bit)?
Most days I am planning to leave at, like, 6am, after reading posts about the 7-9am rush hour. Not ENTIRELY sure if I will be able to do this, but I will definitely try. I've had a bit of help cobbling this together from the full/half day schedules here, but have modified some.
Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrive at Narita Airport 8am, check in/leave bags at lodging in Asakusa
Kaminarimon
Nakamise Dori
Sensoji Temple
Around the Temple
(Are there other nearby, worthwhile places I can squeeze in the afternoon before dark? Maybe Ueno Park?)
Day 2 (Sunday)
Imperial East Garden
Outer Park
Ginza (not planning to shop, just probably walk around/people-watch)
Marunouchi
Akihabara
(A friend told me I'd probably not see a lot of cosplayers around Akihabara, when I've read otherwise--is this true? Also keen to check out the Yodobashi Camera store, but I might end up running away to fight temptation...)
Day 3 (Monday)
Kawagoe (morning)
Harajuku
Meiji Shrine
Shibuya
Day 4 (Tuesday)
Shinkansen to Kyoto, check in (near Kyoto station)
Nijo Castle
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kinkakuji
Ryoanji
Ninnaji
Tenryuji
Bamboo Groves
Togetsukyo Bridge
Day 5 (Wednesday)
Ginkakuji
Philosopher's Path
Nanzenji
Keage Incline (is this skippable? on the way to Heian Shrine? it looks like it but I want to be sure since the day schedule suggestion includes this)
Heian Shrine (will be trying to around the area on 2pm for the Jidai Festival -- good idea or not?)
Kodaiji
Higashiyama Streets
Kiyomizudera
Day 6 (Thursday)
Nara
Day 7 (Friday)
Fushimi Inari shrine
Travel to Kinosaki
Onsen, etc.
Day 8 (Saturday)
Kinosaki
Ropeway at some point
Day 9 (Sunday)
Last minute souvenir shopping, maybe?
Departure from Kansai Airport 11:30pm
How does all that look like?
I also have two extra questions:
1. Regarding Himeji castle -- I am quite keen to see this but initially removed it from my list after reading that it was under renovation. I'm trying to figure out (from
http://translate.city.himeji.lg.jp/LUCHIMEJI/ns/tl.cgi/http://www.city...) if, by end October, it will be worth it to go? I don't mind seeing cranes and some scaffolding but if there's nothing else to do that look at the progress, should I definitely leave this for a next trip?
2. Gion -- I was thinking of spending a late afternoon onwards here to maiko-spot (and unobtrusively photo, if I can) and have dinner, but from what I've read it's all expensive restaurants, and some areas might not be too safe for a lone female at night (who is not familiar with the neighborhood). Any thoughts?
Thank you so much in advance :)