Hi there lovely denizens of r/JapanTravelTips,
My wife and I are traveling across Japan from Tokyo (flying into Narita) to Hakata and then on to Busan – this will be our first time in Japan. We're going to have about 2 weeks for the Japan leg of this trip. Overall, our general travel experience suggests that we're happiest picking a smallish number of places to stay and doing day-trips, rather than moving on every morning. Also, we'd like to get out of the big cities, even if just occasionally.
We're likely to spend at least a couple of days in Tokyo – why wouldn't you, right? We've had a strong recommendation to visit Kyoto, Nara and Osaka; I'd really like to see Hiroshima; finally, a friend has said that Fukuoka is their favourite city. Our first draft itinerary, then, is:
- 3 nights in Tokyo (we land in the evening; assume we'll go straight to accommodation, so day 1 is our first morning in Tokyo)
- Day 3 – Train to Kyoto
- 3 nights in Kyoto
- Day 6 – Train to Osaka
- 3 nights in Osaka
- Day 9 – Train to Hiroshima
- 3 nights in Hiroshima
- Day 12 – Train to Fukuoka
- 3 nights in Fukuoka (catch ferry in the morning of day 15)
So, a few questions:
- Any glaring issues?
- Should we stay longer in either Kyoto or Osaka and do trips from one to the other, or spend a few nights in both?
- Are there any must-see things on our route, especially away from the bright lights?
Thanks in advance!
by adamtheapteryx