So, I’m off to Japan next week and would really appreciate some help finalising how best to navigate my itinerary. I will be seeing some friends and travelling by car in both Hakone and for 3 days in Miyazaki prefecture. The remainder of my time will be for solo travel and will involve public transport exclusively
What would be the cheapest/most efficient way for me to travel during my trip? I’ve considered the (Southern) Kyushu Pass and the JR Pass, but I can’t quite work out if they’d be cost effective given the requirement for use on consecutive days. I will have my Suica card for my days in Tokyo, but beyond that I’m not convinced of the best option.
I’ve factored in quite a few slow days in Tokyo/days which can easily be substituted for each other. Rushing about frantically is not something I intend to do.
**The short breakdown is:** Tokyo > Lake Kawaguchi (day trip) > Tokyo > Mt Nokogiriyama (Chiba day trip) > Tokyo > Hakone (overnight) > Tokyo > Miyazaki > Kagoshima > Tokyo > Okutama (day trip) > Tokyo > Nikko (day trip) > Tokyo
**Thank you to everyone who gives guidance on this subreddit – it’s been invaluable!**
**Day 1** arrive in the evening at Haneda, check in to hotel (Ginza) and go for dinner
**Day 2** Tokyo
**Day 4** Tokyo
**Day 5** Tokyo
**Day 6** Lake Kawaguchi Day Trip – Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Oishi Park, Asama Shrine, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba.
**Day 7** Tokyo
**Day 8** Tokyo
**Day 9** Mt Nokogiriyama Hiking Trip (Train to Hamakanaya Station) Hyaku-Shaku Kannon, Ishidaibutsu, Nihonji Temple.
**Day 10** Tokyo
**Day 11** Hakone Ryokan Stay (travelling by car from Tokyo with a friend) Explore Hakone: Lake Ashi, Heiwa no Tori, Narukawa Art Museum, Daikanzan Observatory)
**Day 12** Hakone Ryokan Stay, Odawara Observatory on the drive back to Tokyo
**Day 13** Afternoon flight from Haneda to Miyazaki, check in to hotel (next to Miyazaki Station)
**Day 14** Miyazaki: Day Trip to Hyuga (train)
**Day 15** Miyazaki: Visit Aoshima, coastal walking, local seafood. (train)
**Day 16** Miyazaki: Ayanoteruhaotsuri Bridge, hiking, local specialities. (with a friend who drives)
**Day 17** Miyazaki to Nichinan (Obi Castle Ruins, Sun Messe, Udo Shrine, try local specialties for lunch) Friend driving. (again, by car)
**Day 18** Miyazaki to Takachiho (Takachiho Gorge & Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, Kunimigaoka Viewing Platform) Friend driving (last day by car).
**Day 19** Train from Miyazaki to Kagoshima, check in to hotel in Kagoshima, local specialties for dinner at Kagomma Furusato Food Village
**Day 20** Kagoshima: Yoshino Park, Sengan-en, go for Korobuta pork
**Day 21** Kagoshima: Sakurajima, Mt Shiroyama & Observation Deck
**Day 22** Train to Kagoshima Airport, late morning flight to Haneda, lunch at home with a friend (staying with her in central Tokyo for a few days). Slow lunch at home, then Asakusa for afternoon/evening.
**Day 23** Tokyo
**Day 24** Okutama Day Trip by train from Tokyo (Hatonosuko Bridge, Lake Okutama, Mukashi Michi Trailhead)
**Day 25** Day Trip from Tokyo for hiking – thinking Mt Takao, but any other ideas very welcome
**Day 26** Nikko Day Trip (Tosho-gu, Shinkyo Bridge, including bus to Kegon Falls/Lake Chuzenji)
**Day 27** Tokyo
**Day 28** Slow day in Tokyo, shopping, packing. Book memorable final meal (suggestions welcome!)
**Day 29** Morning flight home
I have a whole list of things to do whilst in Tokyo, but this will most likely be dictated by mood/weather/what I discover spontaneously while walking around.
If anyone has any further suggestions for my destinations, I’m very open to advice on making changes. Thanks!