Hello! Konichiwa!
I will be going on a trip with my girlfriend to Japan this December 2024 for a 16 day trip (12/3-12/18/24). This will be my third time and her fourth time to Japan (our second time together, last time In November 2023). Our first time together we visited Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Kinosaki (highlight was probably Kinosaki, loved the small town vibes and onsens). Our previous separate trips includes Tokyo / Osaka / Kyoto. This upcoming trip we plan to have our home base again in Mukogawa (similar to our 11/2023 together), because our friend lives there.
We are deciding between Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and Sapporo, none of which we have been to. A couple questions that I'm hoping to seek advice on:
Do we have enough time to hit all 3 during this trip, or would it be too much? I would prefer the trip not be too rushed, and I would prefer it to be more casual / relaxing pace.
If we are to choose 2, which two would you recommend?
Some of the things that we would probably enjoy seeing at each of the sites:
-Hiroshima: It would be moving to see the museum. We both are casual bikers and I came across the Shimanami Kaido cycling road which sounds fun.
-Kanazawa: Gardens and nearby onsen towns?
-Sapporo: German Christmas market, illuminations, seafood
Of note, my interests include noodle soups (eg, ramen, udon, mazemen), outdoor hikes, and onsens 🙂 My girlfriends interests include sight seeing and animals.
Second note, I would like to come back to Japan in the future to snowboard / ski the famous Japowder and see the Sapporo Snow Festival. I would also like to come back and visit Okinawa someday.
Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you may have!
Cheers!
AP
by anthonyapham
