I’m (35m) about 3 weeks past a 3.5 week trip to Japan. This trip came about fairly last minute (planning began early Feb for 3/13 departure) and has been a long time coming. I wanted to get to some off-the-beaten-path locations as well as some of the more touristy area. My partner was also coming to join me just for a week mid-trip so tried to fit Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo into that week. I’m not going to give day by day but just my general thoughts and hopefully it’ll be helpful.
Landed in HND in the evening on day 1. Picked up rail pass (3 week Green Car) and made my way to a short night at a cheap Tokyo Station area hotel.
Work up early (wasn’t hard with the jet lag) and had an 8am train south. I basically started my trip at the farthest south I was planning to go and worked my way back north. Final destination for that train was Beppu. Spent 3 nights there which basically was 2 days because of later arrival and early departure. Beppu was DEFINITELY worth the trip. Did one full day in Beppu itself (7 Hells and some other quick sights) and then did a day trip down to Miyazaki (I know I know, but I REALLY wanted to see Takachiho Gorge). Book the rowboat for the gorge ahead of time. Period. The journey from Beppu to Takachiho was lengthy but I really enjoy the journey. Taking a bus into the Kyushu hills felt magical.
After Beppu was 2 nights in Hiroshima. Arrived early PM and went straight to Miyajima because I knew the next day might involve rain. Despite the massive crowds, this was definitely a highlight. Hiroshima itself was amazing for the (sad) history, and had some good food (like everywhere) but I found 1 full day to be enough personally (not a big museum person).
Next was 3 nights in Osaka. This is the first thing I’d probably change. We only had time for a day trip to Kyoto. There were some other scheduling factors at play but we basically just had 1 day for Kyoto. I would have rather just done one or two nights in Osaka and spent more time in Kyoto. But hey, more reason to go back. Hit the major spots in Kyoto in the 1 day but felt rushed and it was rainy and even a little snow so wasn’t ideal conditions.
Went from Osaka to Tokyo for 6 nights. Tokyo lives up to its hype. Stayed in Akihabara and found it fun and well located for getting around the city. I don’t really need to cover much of Tokyo as it’s well talked about here. But we loved it. Got same day tickets for Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower and got tickets for TeamLab Planets about 2 weeks prior.
After Tokyo I disappeared up to a Ryokan in Gunma Provence in Shima Onsen. Probably THE highlight of the trip. Was nice to escape tourists.
Next up was Matsushima Bay. I stayed at a hotel right near the Taiwan Peace Bridge. Spent 2 nights here. Probably didn’t need that long to be honest but it was definitely beautiful.
Then headed to Kanazawa for 2 nights which was definitely another worthwhile stop. Had beautiful weather and just loved strolling around all the old streets.
Last major stop was Kawaguchiko. I was very glad I spent 2 nights here vs a day trip. Had excellent weather and beautiful views of Fuji-San.
Spent 2 more nights in Tokyo before flying back out of HND. Got lucky with a quick glimpse of the (delayed) Sakura and they didn’t disappoint.
I’m already ready to go back. Hope this little mini breakdown helps someone!
by jetjesse7