[Itinerary Check] 3 week Japan Trip March/April

[Itinerary Check] 3 week Japan Trip March/April

Hi everyone!

My wife and I are planning a trip to Japan next March/April to celebrate her master’s degree graduation. I’ve visited Japan before, but mostly stuck to the main cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka). This time, we’re eager to see more of the countryside. After the trip, I’ll head home while she stays on for two months to volunteer in rural areas and explore Tokyo.

We’re passionate about food and hiking. Here’s our tentative itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

• Arrive at KIX in the afternoon, travel to accommodation in Dotonbori

Days 2-3: Exploring Osaka

• Osaka Castle Park

• Osaka Aquarium

• Eat, shop, and experience Osaka’s nightlife

Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

• Morning: Train to Nara, visit Nara Park

• If time allows, stop by Fushimi Inari on the way to Kyoto

• Evening: Train to Kyoto, settle in

Days 5-7: Kyoto Exploration

• Hiking Daimonjiyama

• Gion District

• Nishiki Market

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

• A selection of temples

• Any other must-see places?

Day 8: Travel to Kumano Kodo

• Long journey (6 hours) from Kyoto to Hongu in Wakayama to start our Kumano Kodo hike

Kumano Kodo Itinerary:
We're planning to hike the second half of the Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Route.

• Day 9: Trail loop around Hongu

• Day 10: Hike to Koguchi

• Day 11: Continue to Nachi, train to Shingu

• Day 12: Explore Shingu and rest

Day 13: Travel to Tsumago (Nakasendo Trail)

• Long journey (7 hours), possibly lunch in Nagoya

• Is it better to stay in Magome or Tsumago?

Nakasendo Trail Itinerary:
We're planning to do another 2-day hike along the Nakasendo Trail

• Day 14: Hike from Magome/Tsumago to Hostel Yui-an

• Day 15: Hike to Nojiri, train to Matsumoto

Day 16: Relax in Matsumoto

• Visit Matsumoto Castle

• Any further recommendations?

Day 17: Travel to Kanazawa

• Travel to Kanazawa, possibly stopping for lunch in Nagano

Days 18-20: Exploring Kanazawa

• Explore the city, including Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District

• Any recommendations for must-see spots or restaurants?

Day 21: Return to Osaka

• Travel back to Osaka for our final night

Day 22: Departure

• Fly home from KIX

Questions:

1. Should we spend more time in Kyoto and less in Osaka?

2. Should we spend more time around the Nakasendo Trail instead of resting in Shingu? What’s the best balance?

3. Should we stay in Magome or Tsumago before our Nakasendo hike?

4. Any recommendations for restaurants, unique shops, or hidden gems in Kanazawa and Matsumoto?

We’re excited about this trip and would love your thoughts or suggestions. Thanks in advance!