Hello everyone! My girlfriend and I are going to Japan this November. It's my third time there and 2nd time in the Kansai region. For her it's the first time in Japan and first time going somewhere that doesn't speak a language she isn't familiar with. We decided to skip Tokyo since she's not big on cities and prefers nature and unique experiences.
I mostly want to see if this itinerary is too rushed or if we're missing on seeing something better instead in this region.
Itinerary – Kyoto, Osaka, Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima. 11 days
Day 1: USA to Kyoto
- Land at KIX at 18:50. Take the limousine bus or limited express to Hyatt Place Kyoto. Get some sleep.
Day 2: Kyoto
- Spend the day exploring closer Kyoto sights.
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Fushimi Inari shrine
- Walk around Higashiyama and Gion area
- Hike Mount Daimonji
Day 3: Nara (day trip)
- Tōdai-ji
- Nara Park
- Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest
Day 4: Kyoto
- More stuff around west Kyoto.
- Hike Takao to Hozukyō via Kiyotaki River
- Kinkaku-ji
Day 5: Kyoto –> Osaka (hotel in Namba/Dotonbori)
- Haven't decided whether to head directly to Osaka or spend more time in Kyoto.
- We're also deciding if we can fit in a ryokan trip somewhere here. Not interested necessarily in an overnight trip, but would like to maybe rent a private bath.
- Arima Onsen Grand Hotel for a couple hours(?)
- Should we stop at the hotel in Osaka first since it's closer to Arima Onsen? I've been there once before and it seems closer to Osaka than Kyoto.
Day 6: Osaka
- Spend the day in Osaka and Kobe with her friend who lives nearby.
- Osaka Castle
- Shinsekai
- Sunset at Kobe harbor maybe(?)
- Namba and Dotonbori bars at night
Day 7: Osaka –> Onomichi
- Go to Onomichi to stay overnight and prepare for Shimanami Kaido the next day.
- Arrange for bike rental today or in the morning? I will book it online. Are there reputable companies to rent from, maybe that also allow to leave the bikes in Imabari instead of bringing them back to Onomichi?
Day 8: Shimanami Kaido
- Bike the route from Onomichi to Imabari. Stay overnight in Imabari.
- Is this realistic to do in one day? We are in pretty good shape.
Day 9: Imabari to Hiroshima
- Travel back across Shimanami Kaido and go to Hiroshima via train.
Day 10: Hiroshima
- Explore Hiroshima
- Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park
- Maybe go to Miyajima(?)
Day 11: HIJ –> HND –> Home
Thanks in advance for your advice and feedback! Does this itinerary look too rushed or are we missing anything we should see whole we're in the area?
by philsworth