This’ll be my 7th trip to Japan and I’ve been to Kyoto and Osaka twice before but never explored west of Osaka and east of Fukuoka. Here’s my plan, with bold attractions being my priority. I will be staying at hotels very near to the train stations for easy travelling.
Day 1: Arrive at Itami 8:30am, drop off bag either in Kyoto / Osaka hotel and visit some less-visited temples that I haven’t been to: Tofuku-ji, Daitoku-ji, or Myoshin-ji. The last two look close to each other on the map but quite big, may need more time to explore? Mindful that the red-eye flight would reduce my energy level.
Day 2: Exploring Osaka – perhaps the Aquarium and some shopping at the Umeda area. Kobe is another option but the only thing I really want to do is eat Kobe beef, which can be done in Osaka? Any amazing things in Kobe that I might have missed out on? Proceed to check in to Himeji hotel at night.
Day 3: Morning – **Himeji Castle** and Kokoen Garden, afternoon – Okayama -**Korakuen Garden** and possibly the castle – stay in Okayama
Day 4: **Naoshima** for an entire day trip then back to Okayama hotel
Day 5: Morning – Kurashiki, proceed to check in at Hiroshima hotel. Afternoon – **Miyajima**
Day 6: Morning – Atomic Peace Memorial Museum, afternoon check in for flight from Hiroshima airport
Some questions – is it possible to squeeze in Kurashiki end of day 3 or 4? Read that there’s only a small picturesque canal area – better in the daytime or night? I’m reading mixed reviews about it being underwhelming and really pretty.
Or is Onomichi a better substitute for place to visit vs Kurashiki?
Lastly, I’ve been to the atomic bomb museum in Nagasaki and was wondering if the museum in Hiroshima is largely similar and I should just explore the park area?
Fingers crossed no typhoon during that period! Thanks in advance.
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Kurashiki you’ll be able to squeeze in on the way just fine, the main area is walkable from the station and won’t take more than an hour. Not much there but is pretty.
Hiroshima museum is one of the best done in Japan, but I haven’t been to Nagasaki yet – going in 4 or so days time.
P.s. when I went to himeji get a joint castle and garden ticket. There was a literal 30 minute queue to buy a garden ticket but with the combo ticket I could just walk right in.