Hi there! I’m going on a 14-day solo trip and this is my first trip to Japan. I’m focusing a bit more on other cities beyond the common ones ie. Tokyo and Osaka. I know I got a lot of places I want to visit, and the previous times I planned it was too rushed, so would like to know from the rest if this is doable. The first week of the itinerary for both versions are identical. I’m going during the sakura season in April.
**Plan A – No Hiroshima, will go to Karuizawa and Nikko (Edo Wonderland). I’m meeting my friend for the latter.**
1 – Tokyo
1st night – Overnight bus to Nagoya
2 – Nagoya
3 – Shirakawago
4-6 – Nagano \[ACTIVATE JR PASS\]
4th night – Ski and stay at ski resort
5-6th night- Nagano or remain in ski resort
7 – Karuizawa day trip, be at Nikko by night
8 – Nikko
9-12th 4d Osaka-Kyoto-Nara, 1d USJ
12th night – Overnight train or bus to Tokyo
13-14 – Tokyo
**Plan B – With Hiroshima; no Karuizawa and Nikko.**
1 – Tokyo
1st night – Overnight bus to Nagoya
2 – Nagoya
3 – Shirakawago
4-6 – Nagano \[ACTIVATE JR PASS\]
4th night – Ski and stay at ski resort
5-6th night- Nagano or remain in ski resort
7-8th Hiroshima
9-12th Osaka-Kyoto-Nara, inclusive 1d Awaji Island near Kobe (4d)
12th night – Overnight train or bus to Tokyo
13-14 – Tokyo
Also much appreciated if anyone could provide some advice:
\-Shirakawago minshuku bookings for solo travellers – I understand many of them don’t accept solo travellers staying overnight. Any particular ones to recommend?
\-Anyone succeeded in booking the overnight train? How can I go about doing it?
\-Skiing is a bucket list item for me. Any places you might recommend for cheap beginner’s lesson in early April?
Much appreciated!