Hi JapanTravel.
I’ll be traveling to Japan March 15th to April 14th as a couple. I’d appreciate feedback, suggestions, advice on a proposed itinerary.
This is my first OE though, so be gentle please :P.
The general idea is to have 4 legs of the trip; Tokyo (urban), Shikoku biking (outdoors), Kyoto (urban, laid back), Kyushu (outdoors).
My itinerary is relatively busy at times, but I’ve also allowed for days that can become rest days for one or both of us.
Likely will make use of luggage storage/forwarding at times and will use 21 day JR pass activating on leaving Tokyo with Metro pass or just IC prior.
# Tokyo
##### March 15
– Arrive 5pm local time, train to Tokyo, check in to accommodation
##### March 16 → March 21
– 6 days exploring Tokyo. Do a few day trips, potentially one overnight in Hakone, Nikko, etc.
##### March 22
– Catch morning Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya. Wide View Hida up through Gifu for scenic route up to Gero or Takayama. Afternoon and night there.
– *If forecast for 22/23 is bad, cancel and instead do Nagoya wet-weather activity. Potentially book accom for both with short-notice cancelation policy.*
##### March 23
– Day in Gero/Takayama. Afternoon/evening train to Osaka.
##### March 24
– Day in Osaka – likely Tenjinbashisuhi & Osaka Castle. Collect bikes 5-6pm and Shinkansen to accommodation in Onomichi (1.5 hours, 8:00pm/8:30pm check in).
# Shikoku Biking
##### March 25
– Bike first half of Shimamanami Kaido. Stay on Omishima Island.
##### March 26
– Bike second half of Shimamanami Kaido. Evening train to Matsuyama. Check in for 2 nights.
##### March 27
– Day-tripping/exploring Matsuyama. Rest day if needed.
##### March 28
– Train to Ozu, Ehime. Decide on the day coastal route scenery or inland express route.
– Explore Ozu and spend the night there.
##### March 29
– Morning train to Uwajima.
– Explore Uwajima coast.
– Potentially take evening/afternoon train to Kitauwa region and stay there so next day has no trains.
##### March 30
– Full day biking down the Horomi then Shimanto river.
– Stay in Shimanto.
##### March 31
– Morning 40min train to Sakawa station. Bike down Niyodo river to accommodation in Kochi.
##### April 1
– Explore Kochi in the morning (or just chill). Midday catch trains back to Osaka and drop off bikes 5-6pm.
– Dinner and accommodation in Osaka.
# Kyoto + Osaka
##### April 2
– Train to Kyoto, flexible on time.
##### April 3 → April 5
– Take it somewhat slow and recharge a bit. See shrines and other attractions.
##### April 6
– Train to Osaka, flexible on time.
##### April 7
– Full day and night in Osaka.
# Kyushu
##### April 8
– Osaka to Fukuoka, Hiroshima stopover. Dinner and accommodation in Fukuoka.
##### April 9
– Day in Fukuoka. Have dinner Fukuoka (I hear the food is great there), then evening train to Ozu, Kumamoto. Check in for 2 nights.
##### April 10
– Mt Aso guided tour
##### April 11
– Morning train to Kagoshima. Check in for 2 nights. Afternoon to chill/unwind.
##### April 12
– E-biking around Sakurajima.
##### April 13
– Morning and early afternoon in Kagoshima, Evening flight to Tokyo.
##### April 14
– Morning in Tokyo. Early lunch then midday train to Narita. Check in finished by 3:00pm.
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One other idea I was having is I could decide after Tokyo whether I want to rebook the last week to do Tokyo region instead… Although currently I’m really interested in Kagoshima and traveling down Kyushu by Shinkansen.