Hi Everyone,
Wondering if I could get some advice and questions answered about the itinerary I have prepared for my upcoming trip to central japan from March 23 to April 5. Been on this subreddit for a while but haven’t really posted much so hopefully this is the right format.
I have been to japan 8 or 9 times and have solo travelled before, but this time wanted to visit the Hokuriku area which I haven’t been to before and am backpacking by myself so any advice would be great. Here is the itinerary I have prepared so far and I have some questions at the end:
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Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo
* Travel to Yokohama to see Gundam Factory
* Explore around Yokohama a bit and ship luggage to Kanazawa
* Stay somewhere west of Yokohama to reduce travel to Hakone for Day 2
Day 2 – Hakone
* Travel to Hakone
* Explore Hakone – Open air museum, owkudani, lake ashinoko, shrine, ropeway
* Stay at Onsen Ryokan – Kaiseki dinner
Day 3 – Izu Peninsula
* Travel by train and bus to Kawazu Seven Falls
* Joren Falls
* Shuzenji Bamboo forest & shrine
* Stay at Shuzenji Onsen Ryokan
Day 4 – Fujinomiya to Nagoya
* Travel to Fujinomiya and Shiriato Falls
* Travel to Nagoya
* Stay the night in Nagoya
Day 5 – Nara, Uji, Hikone
* Nara – Todaiji Temple, etc.
* Uji – Byodoin Temple, Uji Tea
* Hikone – Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 6-8PM
* Stay in Hikone
Day 6 – Fukui
* Eiheiji Temple
* Tojinbo
* Echizen Great Buddha
* Stay in Fukui or Kaga Onsen
Day 7 & 8 – Kanazawa
* Kenrokuen
* Ninjadera
* Kanazawa Castle
* Omicho Market
* Rest & stay in Kanazawa, ship luggage back to Tokyo
Day 9 – Shirakawago & Takayama
* Bus to Shirakawago
* Stay in Takayama
Day 10 – Toyama
* Morning market at Takayama
* Toyama fish market, castle park
* Stay night in Toyama
Day 11 – Nagano
* Travel to Matsumodo Castle
* Explore Nagano, Onsen monkeys
* Stay at Shibu Onsen
Day 12 – Back to Tokyo
* Stop at Shiraito Waterfalls?
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I have a few days in Tokyo at the end of the trip but I have been there many times so its mainly just shopping and eating, which I haven’t listed.
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So on to my questions (thanks for reading to here so far):
1) For Hakone – for a day trip where I have already travelled most of the way there, is it worth getting the Hakone Free Pass or would you suggest one of the other passes?
2) Izu Peninsula – I was going to travel by train and bus there as I didn’t want to bother renting a car for a day, is this feasible? I though about visiting the suspension bridge and Mt Omuro, but that seems like too much with the Falls in one day? Thoughts and advice on this? Is it too much?
3) Day 4 seems a bit light traveling to Nagoya (I have been there before and stayed a few days), any suggestions in between Izu Peninsula and Nagoya or is Fujinomiya sufficient?
4) Fukui, Kanazawa, and Toyama – I have never been there and just listed a few things I saw online, any suggestions on other must see attractions or things I must eat and try?
5) Nagano – I know its a lot of travelling to get to Matsumodo and back to Shibu / Nagano, if I leave Toyama early in the morning, is this feasible? And is Shiraito falls worthwile since its a bit of a detour on the way back to Tokyo?
6) Last question, is the Hokuriku Pass worth it for this itinerary? I tried pricing individual trips out on Navitime and with one way trips to: Nara-Uji-Hikone-Fukui-Kanazawa (skip for bus to Shirakawago and Takayama which arent covered) Toyama-Nagano-Tokyo and the total price even taking the Hokuriku for certain trips was less than the 24500 Yen for the pass. Should I instead try the Seishun 18 pass for some of the longer more expensive segments (non Shinkensen)?
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Thanks so much for any assistance. I appreciate any advice or recommendations on other stops or food to try along the way as well!
by stobebs