Hi,
in November I will visit Japan for the third time. If it is relevant: I am a solo-traveller.
I’d like to ask for some input concerning what to expect on “Bunka no Hi”, especially whether it is advisable to spend that day in Kyoto as is my current assumption. Am I correct in my understanding, that since the 3rd of November falls on a Sunday, any holiday related activities will happen on Monday the 4th?
Furthermore I’d like some input on Shikoku/Seto Inland Sea area, especially on anything in the Imabari/Matsuyama area.
Concerning transportation, I plan to use the Setouchi Area Pass 3.11.-09.11. and normal one-way tickets for the rest of my train travel.
My itinerary so far is as below:
30.10. evening, arrival in Tokyo/Narita. Hotel in Nippori or close by. Luggage to Hotel in Kyoto
31.10. Morning: depart for Nagoya, visit Inuyama castle, eat Hitsumabushi for lunch,
visit either Sekigahara, Maibara or something nature/temple/shrine heavy along Lake Biwa in the afternoon (already been to Hikone, also 2 castles in 1 day would be too much), arrive in Kyoto in the evening. Still open for discussion: Visiting Ghibli Park in Nagoya.
1.11. – 2.11. Kyoto – So far, I am hoping for some illuminations at Nijo castle in one of the evenings, but apart from that, Kyoto has so much to offer, that I do not worry about places to visit
3.11. First day of Setouchi area pass: Visit Uji and Nara. (Since I have already visited both, I am somewhat open to alternatives, but I definitely enjoyed these places). IF there are holiday related activities on this day, I might spend the day in Kyoto as well. Night in Kyoto.
4.11. Bunka no Hi in Kyoto – hopefully see some special demonstrations of traditional crafts or customs? I don’t know exactly what to expect/hope for. Evening: Train to Takamatsu, luggage to Hiroshima.
5.11. Morning: Ritsurin Garden, Lunch: Sanuki Udon. Then, visiting a few of the ohenro88 temples (Tadotsu, Kan-Onji) – I aim for maybe 10km of hiking, without too many steep inclines. Get some Wagashi while in Kan-Onji. Continue by train to Imabari, maybe hop off at some nice spot in between? Hotel in Imabari?
6.11. Some towel workshop/museum in Imabari? More temples on a leisurely way to Matsuyama. Something cool in Matsuyama? Evening: Ferry to Hiroshima (while the sun is still out? Or will I not miss out much if it is after sunset?) Hotel in Hiroshima.
7.11. Head to Onomichi early. Is the local train (Kure Line to Mihara) a scenic route and worth it compared to Shinkansen? Ebike rental for Shimanami Kaido (likely only half way and return). Head back to hotel in Hiroshima after dark.
8.11. Miyajima. (Here, I am unsure, whether I should skip Miyajima and instead spend a night in Matsuyama and shift Onomichi to the 8.11.. Miyajima is truly beautiful, but I have already been twice) Luggage to Tokyo.
Stay in Hiroshima.
9.11. Shukkei-en in the morning, Shinkansen to Himeji, visit the castle, Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, bit of shopping, dinner – End of Setouchi Area Pass – Shinkansen to Tokyo.
10.11. Free day in Tokyo, maybe meet an acquaintance, otherwise Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Asakusa, Akihabara.
11.11. Hakone with Hakone Free Area Pass. “Standard” round trip, nice Ryokan. I split my Tokyo days like this in order to not visit Hakone on a weekend.
12.11. Some of the museums, or anything that I missed the day before. Return to Tokyo in the afternoon. Dependent on time do some shopping in Kappabashidori or maybe I’ll get lucky with Ghibli Museum Tickets for 3/4p.m. entry.
13.11. More sightseeing/shopping in Tokyo.
14.11. early breakfast, head to Narita airport.
Basically, the whole plan from 4.11. to 8.11. is still under construction and I am unsure what would be best.
Feel free to suggest any regional specialities that I could happen upon, so that I can include them in my planning!
Thanks a lot in advance!
by overtherainbowtown