What I'd change about my Japan route if I went back tomorrow
With the route already behind me, here's what I'd change if I planned my trip to Japan again — and what I wouldn't touch at all.
After doing this entire route, the short answer to what I'd change is this: the route, nothing. It was the perfect combination of city and chaos, calm, villages and culture. What I'd change is the time and the pace.
I'd go for many more days. There's so much to see in Japan that 17 days fall short. In fact, if I could, I'd spend a whole year in Tokyo alone.
I'd start the trip with a gentler first day. We landed in the morning and, after a very long flight, headed straight into the city: we started at full speed. Next time I'd pay for a taxi to the hotel and rest for a while on arrival, instead of heading out right away.
I'd book the special experiences earlier. Shibuya Sky and an omakase, and also cultural activities like a sumo show, a sushi-making class or day trips. Besides the most requested ones, like Shibuya or teamLab, I also like deciding what to do according to the pace of the day, so I'd leave room to improvise.
What I wouldn't touch at all: the order of the cities, the rural detour to Kanazawa-Shirakawa-go-Takayama, and staying overnight in Miyajima.
Getting to your hotel without hassle
If you land in the morning, you probably won't be able to get into your room until check-in time. The most practical thing is to leave your bags at reception. To get in comfortably from the airport, the Narita Express takes you to the main Tokyo stations in about 50-60 minutes (about 3,000 yen, and included with the Japan Rail Pass), and from Haneda the monorail drops you at Hamamatsuchō in 25-30 minutes. A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo is very expensive, from around 20,000 yen, so it's only worth it if there are several of you and you're loaded with luggage.
What I'd book ahead
To avoid missing out on the most requested things, book these experiences in advance: a sumo show, a sushi-making class or a ticket to teamLab Planets (affiliate links). And leave room to improvise, which is also part of Japan. More ideas in the best things to do in Japan.
Our favorite activities in Japan
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