We are travelling to Japan for 3 weeks in September. The plan was to do Tokyo – > Nagano – > Kansai (base in Osaka).
The Nagano plan was:
* Day 1: Tokyo to Matsumoto (stay in Matsumoto)
* Day 2: Explore Kiso Valley (stay in Matsumoto)
* Day 3: Matsumoto to Hirayu Onsen (stay in Hirayu Onsen)
* Day 4: Kamikōchi Day Trip (stay in Hirayu Onsen)
* Day 5: Norikura Day Trip (stay in Hirayu Onsen)
* Day 6: Hirayu Onsen to Nagano via Wide View Shinano train (stay in Hirayu Onsen)
* Day 7: Hirayu Onsen to Osaka
Then we realised a 4 night stay at a ryokan in Hirayu Onsen costs nearly double our budget (\~£1200). We are bummed as it took us quite a while to find a relaxing itinerary which doesn’t require driving, and features both local hiking and rest as well as transportation to even more secluded natural areas.
We are now back at the drawing table and would love recommendations which would be a good alternative to this itinerary.
by mahoganyfruit