Hi all. My friend and I are going to Japan during late November to mid December. This will be our third time going. We’re planning on using the 7d JR pass starting from Tokyo to Osaka, and our main accommodation is in the Namba area.
Current itinerary:
Day 1: Osaka
Day 2: Kyoto (overnight stay)
Day 3: Kinosakionsen, back to Osaka
Day 4: Koyasan (been here previously during winter, still on the fence on whether an overnight stay would be feasible)
Day 5: Naoshima, Okayama (most likely an overnight stay)
Day 6: Nagoro scarecrow village (via car rental), Kurashiki
Day 7: Osaka (Universal studios, tentative), back to Tokyo at night
I’m wondering if it’s worthwhile to solely visit the scarecrow village, and if there recommended sights/activities to see along the way. I do want to drive in Japan for a day or so.
Whilst I’ve been to Naoshima, my friend isn’t into art at all. I suggested it because biking around the island was one of the highlights of my trip last time.
Are there other places that would be more interesting to see? Such as Takamatsu and Onomichi? Or even leaving Osaka earlier and travelling to Gifu, Kanazawa or Nagano? We’ve been to Hiroshima, Nikko, Himeji, and Nara before.
Just struggling to decide on where to go. Rest of the trip will be chilling in Tokyo. Thanks!