I’m planning on bringing my wife to Japan for our honeymoon. I’ve lived in Japan before so I’m familiar with getting around and can speak the language. We’ll be going for the first two weeks of June directly after our wedding. My plan is to split half the trip for Tokyo and another half for an off-the-beaten path area.
**Here’s what I’ve considered thus far:**
* Kyushu (Yakushima, Beppu): This area is very dear to me, but with the rainy season I’m worried about getting kept indoors or soaked all the time.
* Northeastern Hokkaido (Shiretoko, Akan Mashu): This would normally be right up my alley, but it seems like many of the National Parks only just begin to start opening up in July.
* Dewa Sanzan: I know this isn’t a region, but I’m really bummed the pagoda is going to be under construction by the time we visit and not sure if it’s still worth hitting up this region.
**What areas or attractions were your favorite in early June?** I’m struggling with option overload and am open to suggestions.
My Main Criteria:
* Areas that have fewer international tourists (No Kyoto or Nara)
* Focus on outdoors activities, but nothing overly strenuous. I’d love to do the Shimanami Kaido, but my fiancé lacks the stamina.
* Onsen resorts with private baths outlooking nature are highly desirable.
* I’ve already done Nikko myself, so not sure I want to revisit this trip even though it is incredible.
* I’m guessing Tohoku and Hokkaido are my best bets to avoid the rainy season.
* Not made of money but willing to spend up to $500 a night for a luxury ryokan/resort experience.
Alternatively, would it just be better to delay for a better time, such as August? We’re both really excited to relieve the stress of wedding planning immediately after, but I’m considering it so that we can hit up some festivals.
by ennui_no_nokemono