Japan Trip Itinerary: January 9 - 30, 2026

Day 1: January 9 - Departure from Sydney & Arrival at Changi Airport

Morning: Prepare for departure from Sydney. Ensure all travel documents are ready and luggage is packed.

Afternoon: Flight from Sydney to Singapore Changi Airport.

Evening: Arrive at Changi Airport for a 21-hour layover. Consider visiting Jewel Changi, indoor gardens, and waterfalls. Rest in an airport lounge or transit hotel for comfort.

Day 2: January 10 - Layover at Changi Airport

Morning: Explore Changi's Butterfly Garden and Sunflower Garden. Grab breakfast at one of the airport cafés.

Afternoon: Visit Canopy Park on the top floor of Jewel for light walking and creative attractions like suspended nets and mazes.

Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner at the Food Garden or another local dining option in the airport before your overnight flight to Tokyo.

Day 3: January 11 - Arrival in Tokyo & Settling In

Morning: Arrive at Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro or Shinjuku area (both are anime-friendly and well connected).

Afternoon: Settle in, rest, then take a gentle walk around Ikebukuro, visit the Evangelion Store and explore the Sunshine City complex.

Evening: Dinner near your hotel. Consider exploring Omoide Yokocho near Shinjuku for a retro Izakaya experience.

Day 4-9: January 12-17 - Tokyo & Tokyo Auto Salon

Morning: Attend the Tokyo Auto Salon on your selected day between January 12-15. Other mornings, visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (reservation in advance needed) or spend time at less touristy neighborhoods such as Shimokitazawa or Kichijoji.

Afternoon: Explore local hidden gems like Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza market for a touch of old Tokyo. Attend a Sumo practice session at a stable (booking required) or visit the Ryogoku Sumo Museum.

Evening: Discover quirky Akihabara or visit an art gallery such as 15-3 Gallery in Harajuku (less crowded). Enjoy quiet dining away from central busy spots.

Day 10: January 18 - Day Trip to Yokohama

Morning: Take the short train ride to Yokohama. Visit Yamashita Park and the beautiful Sankeien Garden.

Afternoon: Explore the Ramen Museum and then stroll through the Minato Mirai 21 area and the Cosmo World amusement park area.

Evening: Have dinner at the famous Chinatown and enjoy views of the illuminated waterfront before returning to Tokyo.

Day 11: January 19 - Tokyo to Okinawa (Flight)

Morning: Flight from Tokyo to Naha, Okinawa. Check in to a 3-4 star hotel central to Naha like Hotel Aqua Citta Naha, English friendly and well-reviewed.

Afternoon: Relax at Naha’s Kokusai Street for shopping and local culture. Visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum to learn about regional history.

Evening: Enjoy Okinawan cuisine at local Izakaya or beachfront restaurant.

Day 12-15: January 20-23 - Exploring Okinawa

Morning: Visit Shurijo Castle ruins, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Emerald Beach.

Afternoon: Consider a boat trip to nearby islands like Tokashiki Island or Zamami Island for snorkeling and nature.

Evening: Relax with local nightlife or sunset views at a beachside bar.

Day 16: January 24 - Okinawa to Himeji (Flight + Train)

Morning: Fly back to Kansai Airport (Osaka), then take train to Himeji. Check into a central hotel such as Hotel Nikko Himeji, English friendly.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden.

Evening: Dinner at local restaurants around the castle town area.

Day 17: January 25 - Himeji to Fukuoka (Night Bus)

Morning: Take a relaxed morning visiting Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha (cable car available, minimal walking required).

Afternoon: Explore more of Himeji local culture or relax in cafés.

Evening: Board an overnight bus to Fukuoka (book early for comfort seats).

Day 18-19: January 26-27 - Fukuoka Exploration

Morning: Visit Kushida Shrine and Ohori Park, with its traditional Japanese garden.

Afternoon: Visit Canal City Hakata for shopping, or the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.

Evening: Try famous Hakata ramen at a yatai (street food stall) experience.

Day 20: January 28 - Travel up West Coast (Hiroshima or Kurashiki suggestion)

Morning: Take limited express train/bus to Hiroshima or Kurashiki for cultural sightseeing.

Afternoon: In Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island; in Kurashiki, explore the Bikan Historical Quarter.

Evening: Stay overnight in a business hotel such as Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or Kurashiki Ivy Square Hotel.

Day 21-22: January 29-30 - Mount Fuji Rural Area & Return to Tokyo

Morning: Travel to the Mount Fuji Five Lakes area (Fujigoko). Explore Lakes Kawaguchi and Saiko, visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.

Afternoon: Take gentle nature walks with views of Mt. Fuji and visit Oshino Hakkai, a traditional village with spring-fed ponds.

Evening: Return to Tokyo; check-in to a hotel near Narita or with airport shuttle such as Hotel Nikko Narita for stress-free departure.

Day 23: January 31 - Tokyo Shopping & Departure

Morning: Shopping day in Ikebukuro, Nakano Broadway (for anime and collectibles), or Shinjuku.

Afternoon: Last-minute cultural visits like Nezu Shrine or Oedo Antique Market depending on schedule.

Evening: Hotel shuttle to Narita Airport for overnight or early morning flight back to Sydney.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Changi Airport Exploration: 6-8 hours, approx. SGD $30-50 for food and attractions
• Tokyo Auto Salon: Half day, around JPY ¥3,000-5,000 admission
• Ghibli Museum: 3 hours, JPY ¥1,000 advance ticket
• Sumo practice visit: 1-2 hours, JPY ¥2,500-5,000 dependent on stable
• Yokohama day trip: Full day, transport JPY ¥1,000, museums and meals approx. ¥3,000-5,000
• Okinawa (4 nights): Hotel approx. JPY ¥10,000 per night, aquarium entry ¥1,850, other activities ¥5,000-10,000 total
• Himeji castle visit: 3-4 hours, entry fee JPY ¥1,000
• Overnight bus to Fukuoka: 8 hours, approx. JPY ¥7,000-9,000 per person
• Fukuoka exploration: 2 days, local transport and meals ~JPY ¥8,000
• West coast cultural cities: 1-2 days, hotel approx. ¥7,000-10,000, admission fees ¥2,000
• Mount Fuji rural area: 1-2 days, lodging ~¥8,000, transport and attractions ~¥3,000
• Tokyo final hotel with Narita shuttle: 1 night, approx. ¥12,000
• Domestic flights (Tokyo-Okinawa, Okinawa-Osaka/Kansai): Approx. ¥15,000-20,000 each way per person
• Total Estimated Cost: ¥280,000 - ¥350,000 per person (including accommodation, transport, entrances, and food with moderate spending)

Tips

• To reduce the trip duration, consider cutting the west coast cities and focusing more nights in Okinawa and Tokyo.
• If you want to extend, add a day or two in the rural Mt. Fuji area for more hiking and hot springs experiences.
• Booking the Ghibli Museum and sumo stable visits early is essential to secure spots.
• For easier navigation and language help, stay in hotels known for English-friendly staff (as suggested) and have a translation app handy.
• Use the night bus for long-distance travel to save on accommodation but upgrade to comfortable seats if possible for better rest.