Hello, I recently joined Reddit and am a first time poster. This post was just kicked off JapanTravel, so I am trying again. I am planning a trip to Japan the second half of July, 2024. It will be me, my wife, mom, and 2 children (6 and 8).
We are landing in Osaka, spending 3 days in Osaka, 3 days in Kyoto, and 3-5 days in Tokyo. We have 4-5 days between Kyoto and Tokyo that we hope to spend in the countryside, hiking, staying at an onsen, and preferably avoiding large crowds.
I am struggling to decide how to spend those 4-5 days between Kyoto and Tokyo. Originally we planned to explore the Alps, but there is some desire to go to Fuji 5 lakes/potentially hike Fuji. We all (kids included) are used to adventure travel/backpacking/roughing it. We like mountains and beaches.
If we do the Alps, the thought is to stop by Takayama a night, and then Shirahone Onsen/Kamikochi for 2 nights before heading to Fuji 5 lakes for 1-2 nights. Is this a solid plan or too much? We could spend the entire 4-5 nights in the Alps area or avoid the Alps all together.
I am now leaning towards not going to the Alps, and instead spending 4-5 nights between Fuji 5 lakes and Izu Peninsula. Shimoda sounds pretty laid back with beaches and decent hikes.
Again our primary goal is to find a place to cool off in the heat, enjoy the countryside, hike a bit, and avoid major crowds. We typically do not travel to “resort towns”, but it sounds like in Japan this may be our best option.
I am looking for input from those who have experience in these areas. Our overall goals for the trip are to eat everything in sight and enjoy what Japan has to offer. We will try to stay in hostels, Royokans, and non-western accomodations.
Other thoughts were Wakayama, south of Nara, or Kashiwaya Tyokan area.
Open to any suggestions, but getting the inside scoop on the Alps/Izu is appriciated. Thank you in advance!
by MoDoses