College field trip through-out Japan...

Hi everyone,

I was curious if anyone could give me some insight about a trip I will be taking in the next couple weeks. I just want to make sure I will not be missing anything or leaving any good sights, places, or events out of my schedule. It is a college field trip, but I do have free days as well to explore in a couple different cities.

Here is the trip schedule:

Day 1: Overnight from Ca USA to Japan.

Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo
Free day in Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

• Meiji Shinto Shrine
• Harajuku shopping district
• Imperial Palace Plaza

Day 4: Tokyo
Free day in Tokyo.
Recommend places to go:

• Toshogu Shrine
• Yomeimon Gate
• Kegon Waterfall
• Bonsai garden

Day 5: Kamakura - Hakone
Travel to Kamakura
See the Great Buddha
Continue on to Hakone

Day 6: Hakone - Kyoto
Tour Hakone National Park: Mount Fuji

Day 7: Kyoto

• Nijo Castle
• Heian Shrine and Garden
• Gold Pavilion

Day 8: Kyoto
Free day in Kyoto

Day 9: Hiroshima
Ride the bullet train to Hiroshima
Take an excursion to Miyajima Park
Visit Itsukushima Shrine
Take a guided tour of Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Day 10: Osaka
Visit Himeji Castle
Continue on to Osaka

Day 11: Depart from Osaka

Are there any other special places or things I should see or go while in the areas? I would really like to possibly meet locals and speak with them and learn and exchange about the different cultures. Possibly meet a future penpal? Maybe go out on the town to some local clubs or places in the evening?

Sorry about the length, but I am really anxious and looking forward to the trip. Any info is greatly appreciated.

A few suggestions

Tokyo - add Tsukiji and Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park). The museum is one of my favorites that I've been to around the world. Another pretty good museum is the Edo.

Kyoto - take a side trip to Nara perhaps

leadedfuel said:

Day 4: Tokyo
Free day in Tokyo.
Recommend places to go:

• Toshogu Shrine
• Yomeimon Gate
• Kegon Waterfall
• Bonsai garden

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The places on your Day 4 list are not in Tokyo but in Nikko, Tochigi. I am a big fan of the place as I spent a lot of time there during my childhood. In addition to what you have on the list, there is Chuzenji Lake, which is beautiful especially at this time of the year.

Here is a thread on Best Tourist Attrations In Japan with posts about Nikko as well as many other places you might be interested in. Have a look.

Please experience an earthquake.

Earthquake simulator at the Asakusa Honjo Bosaikan. As you can see from the small display on the left side of the frame, the intensity of the earthquake was 7.0 and the type of it, a mixture of an horizontal and vertical movement (less than 20% of these type happens in real life.) If you live in or around Tokyo is worth a visit! Very friendly staff and it's free!

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