Hi everyone,
I'm planning my 3rd, 9-day trip, to Japan in early October and would love some suggestions on which city to visit this time. I have already been to the most popular places in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo so the usual travel itinerary I see makes less sense for my specific situation and could use some extra help in finding the best stops.
I have a few “bucket list” things I didn’t get to try the previous times such as taking the Shinkansen, seeing Mt Fuji and going to an onsen. I’d also be quite happy to do a nice hike or rent a bike if there is a particularly good trail / road to check out!
Logistic Details:
- Arriving from South Korea, potentially to any city in Japan connected with a direct flight!
- Will need to departing from Tokyo
- I’m traveling solo! My budget is flexible, so I can afford to not shoe-string this.
- Have been to Japan twice before and seen the main sights in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka.
Current Itinerary Idea:
Land in Osaka (been already but seems a good logistical base for ~4/5 days):
Check out Hiroshima & Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) – Considering this as a day trip or an overnight stay. Going there by train.
Take a day trip to Nara
Visit Universal Studios Japan (missed last time i checked Osaka out)
Q: Is visiting Himeji and Kobe worth it, or should I use this time to relax and not overpack my days? Any other nearby cities / things worth visiting?
Shinkansen to Hakone
- Planning to visit Hakone for an overnight onsen stay + view on Fuji! (hopefully no fog, unfortunately seems summiting my Fuji in October is off limits)
- Q: Any alternative onsen city with a good view on mt. Fuji? I’ve heard Kawaguchiko might be an option, but Hakone has more things to do overall.
Train to Tokyo
- I got to visit most of the “main-sights” & recommended museums + attractions (eg: teamLab), I have some places I want to go back to but I'm mostly looking for recommendations for outdoor activities or good day trips that may match my interest! Anyone that you really liked? I think so far I only have the "Ghibli museum" on my list.
Alternative Option I was considering:
- Arrive in Fukuoka and make my way to Tokyo with the Shinkansen. Similar stops to the above plan, but a bit more packed. Not sure if it’s worth to “force” another big city such as Fukuoka this time.
I'm open to any suggestions or changes to this itinerary! If you have reccomandation for hikes especially!
Would love to get feedback to make the best out of my trip in this amazing country 🙂
Thanks in advance!
by -ofcitsme-