I would like advice on fun places to go and things to do. It will be a monthlong trip in may/june with friends. We will be 5 people (mid 20s)

Cities planned so far are tokyo, izu, shizouka, osaka and kyoto.

Looking for tips on:
• Activities, experiences and workshops
• Themed cafes(though not with real animals)
• Tattoo friendly or private onsen
• Lovely small businesses (shops/cafés/restaurants/hotels)
• Places to stop in between cities

What im tempted by so far:
• Ghibli museum, ghibli park (i know booking these will be a challenge, but im going to try)
• Chopstick, umeshu, soy sauce and amulet making workshops
• Amagiso odaru onsen and seven waterfalls
• Teddy bear museum
• Jogasaki coast (edit)and mt omura.
• Hakone ropeway
• okazaki shrine
• nara park and wakakusayama hill
• Forest adventure and round one amusement centres
• Tea farm and fruit farm tours(havent decided wich ones yet)

I havent finalized anything yet and want to leave space for wandering around, exploring, going shopping, etc. I also know that its alot of touristy things, but im happy with that, im there as a tourist after all!

My birthday is also during that time, so ideas on ways to celebrate would also be lovely! Its on 2 june and we will probably be in kyoto/osaka by then.

Thank you!!!

edit to add: we will be renting a car for hakone/ito/izu and probably stay somewhere in the middle there.

  • Month with a car in Izu is clutch, that whole peninsula is way better explored at your own pace than trying to train hop. The stuff you've got lined up already fits the vibe, Jogasaki Coast and Omuroyama are both solid. If you're driving around there anyway, Kawazu has good waterfalls and the Kadowaki suspension bridge is a quick photo stop.

    For tattoo-friendly onsen, private baths are your safest bet. Most ryokan have kashikiri (private) options you can book by the hour, just ask when you reserve.

    Since you're doing Hakone and poking around Izu, check isfujivisible.com before you head out there. Fuji visibility swings day to day in late May/early June, so if you time your ropeway or lakeside stuff around a clear window, the views are way better.

    For your birthday in Kyoto/Osaka, hit up a yakiniku spot and let the staff know, or book a kaiseki dinner if you want something fancier. Pontocho or Gion both have solid options. If you want low-key, grab drinks in Osaka's Nakazakicho area, it's got a chill neighborhood vibe with small bars.

    You've got plenty of buffer time, you'll be fine.

    parent