I'm planning a trip for April 2nd through the 24th of next year, and wanted to run it by you guys to see if I'm missing anything obvious and get your recommendations for a few things. I've been to Japan twice now (one in 2007, once last year) and I'm trying to get off the beaten track a bit. Any suggestions you may have for great bars/music venues/record bars, etc, in the places I'll be I'd greatly appreciate!
Note: I am a slower traveler. I do not try to pack my days; that is why some days here you will only see one or two main things. I like to just wander a bunch and find interesting things around a main activity or two for the day. If you have suggestions please feel free to make them.
April 3-4, Tokyo, Ikebukoro
Hotel: Hotel Resol Ikebukoro
- First day is the standard acclimation day; arrive, check in, explore the neighborhood, eat dinner, go to sleep. If I feel up for it maybe I visit the Animate store.
- Second day is Sunshine City/Animate store (if I don't go the night before), then Shibuya Sky for sunset and nightlife. I have a few bars I want to visit (The Bellwood, SG Club) but I'm always looking for good suggestions. If anyone has any good record bar suggestions I'd love to hear them.
April 5-6, Kyushu, Kagoshima
Fly from Haneda to Kagoshima early AM
Hotel: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima
- First day major activity is Sengan-en and general city exploration
- Second day is Sakurajima and some hiking/biking (haven't decided yet) around the island.
April 7-12, Kyushu, Kumamoto/Fukuoka
Shinkansen from Kagoshima to Fukuoka, stopping for a day trip in Kumamoto on the way
Hotel:Tokyu Stay Hakata
- Day trip in Kumamoto on the way to Fukuoka. Leave really early to have enough time. Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Garden, maybe Sakura no baba Josaien. Arrive in the evening in Fukuoka; eat and drink!
- Day 2: Dazaifu
- Day 3: Nokonoshima Island Park / Uminokamachi Seaside Park
- Day 4-5: Overnight to Yufuin for Ryokan stay (not booked yet). Taking the Yufuin-no-Mori to Yufuin. Return the next day, relax close to Hakata (Explore Canal City, etc).
- Day 6: Nanzoin
Aprl 13-15, Kyushu, Nagasaki
Shinkansen/Local trains to Nagasaki early AM
Hotel:Dormy Inn Premium Nagasaki
- Day 1: Chinatown, Inasayama
- Day 2: Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum
- Day 3: Huis-Ten Bosch
April 16-18, Western Honshu, Hiroshima/Miyajima
Train to Hiroshima early AM
Hotel:Dormy Inn Hiroshima
- Day 1: Rest Day, just explore the city/shopping
- Day 2: Peace Park/Museum
- Day 3: Miyajima ryokan stay/shrine/hiking
April 19-23, Tokyo, Shimokitazawa
Train to Tokyo Early
No hotel, staying in an airbnb
- Day 1: Travel day, explore Shimokitazawa, eat, drink, take in some music
- Day 2: Star Wars Celebration at the Makuhari Messe
- Day 3: Ramen Cooking class, Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Parco
- Day 4: Meiji Jingu (somehow have still never been), Nakano Broadway, trying to find a Michelin starred place for dinner here
- Day 5: Rest and shopping day, loose ends, etc.
Fly home next day
by khuldrim
