Hello!
I’m planning a 37-day trip with my girlfriend to Japan from September 19 to October 25, 2024, and I’d love to get some feedback on my itinerary. My main goal is to experience a mix of Japan’s urban and natural beauty. Here’s what I have planned:
**• 19/09: Arrive in Tokyo at 11:00**
Walk around the hotel area, have dinner near the hotel, and acclimate to the local time zone.
**• 20/09 – 21/09: Tokyo**
Explore Shibuya and Shinjuku, visit the Meiji Shrine, and do some shopping in Harajuku.
**• 22/09: Tokyo > Osaka (Train)**
Travel day. Minami District and Tennoji
**• 23/09: Osaka (Universal Studios)**
Spend the day at Universal Studios.
**• 24/09: Osaka**
Osaka bay area and Kita district – Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views.
**• 25/09: Osaka > Wakayama (Train)**
Travel day. Okunoin Cemetery > Kongobu-ji > Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct) > Momijidani Teien Garden.
Potentialy sleep at CANDEO HOTELS Nankai Wakayama.
**• 26/09 – 27/09: Wakayama (Wakayama to Shirahama)**
First day at Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route > Adventure World > Sandanbeki Cave > View Engetsu Island sunset.Second day morning go to Kitayama Tourism Center and do log rafting > Kamikura Shrine > Kumano-Nachi Taisha > Hashiguiiwa Rocks.
Potentialy sleep at SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE
**• 28/09: Wakayama (Shirahama) > kobe (Train)**
Train to Kobe and spend the day exploring Kitano, taking the ropeway to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
**• 30/09: kobe > Hiroshima (Train)**
Explore the Peace Memorial Park, view the Atomic Bomb Dome.
**• 01/10: Hiroshima**
Visit Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden and Museum.
**• 02/10: Hiroshima (Day trip to Miyajima)**
Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, explore Daisho-in Temple, and walk along the Miyajima Shiraito River.
**• 03/10: Hiroshima (Day trip to Shimane)**
Visit Matsue Castle, explore the Bukeyashiki Samurai Residence, and the gardens of Adachi Museum and Yushien.
**• 04/10: Hiroshima > Beppu (Train)**
Travel day. evening soak in one of Beppu’s hot springs.
**• 05/10: Beppu**
Visit the Hells of Beppu.
**• 06/10: Beppu > Kumamoto (Train)**
Explore Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen Garden.
**• 07/10: Kumamoto > Shimabara (Ferry) > Unzen (Train)**
Explore the Shimabara Castle, then head to Unzen for volcanic landscapes.
**• 08/10: Unzen > Nagasaki (Taxi?)**
Arrive at Nagasaki and enjoy the Kunchi Festival
**• 09/10: Nagasaki**
Spend the day at the festival and Visit the Peace Park, view traditional performances and local food.
**• 10/10: Nagasaki > Kyoto (Flight)**
Travel day. settle in and stroll around the Gion district in the evening.
**• 11/10 – 16/10: Kyoto**
Enjoy famous city sites and take a day trip to nara.
**Didn’t plan yet**
**• 17/10: Kyoto > Kanazawa (Train)**
Visit (Geisha) Higashi Chaya district, Samurai District, Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.
**• 18/10: Kanazawa (Day trip to Shirakawago & Gokayama)**
Bus tour to Shirakawago and Gokayama.
**• 19/10: Kanazawa (Day trip to Takayama)**
Visit Takayama and sample local Hida beef.
**• 20/10: Kanazawa > Tokyo (Train)**
Travel day; evening free in Tokyo.
**• 21/10 – 24/10: Tokyo**
Enjoy famous city sites and take a day trip to Disneyland.Didn’t plan yet
**• 25/10: Depart from Tokyo at 12:00**
A few specific questions:
1. Is the pacing between destinations reasonable?
2. Am I spending too little or too much time in any particular place?
3. Are there any local events or less well-known spots in these areas that you’d recommend during these times?
4. Any tips on day trips that might align with my interests in culture and nature?
5. Is it recommended to drive by car at any particular area?
6. Is there a place I can add to potentially view the fall foliage?
I’ve structured the trip to start and finish in Tokyo to align with my flights and included time in Beppu mid-trip to relax. I am also interested in attending local festivals so I included Nagasaki Kunchi.
by Fair-Plastic4130