Hi, I’m planning a solo trip preferably from end July to mid August. It will be my first time going to Japan and am looking for some recommendations and suggestions to my plans.
I’m often looking forward to hiking, food, and culture when travelling. I’m interested in Heian Literature, e.g. The Tale of Genji, The Pillow Book, Diary of Lady Murasaki etc.
My plan is to try to explore as much of the Kansai Region as I can within a 14 day period with the JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass. My plans are normally not detailed as I enjoy exploring the country.
Plans and Places of Interest:
Day 1 -3: Osaka
– Arrive at KIX at 0850hrs
– Explore the City
– Ukiyo e Museum
– Instant Ramen Museum
– Visit a few shrines
– Mt Iwawaki
– Senkoji Shrine
– Hozenji Yokocho
Day 4 – 7: Kyoto
– Lake Biwa (Often mentioned in the tale of genji)
– Rozanji Temple
– Nonomiya Shrine
– Daikakuji Temple
– Kyoto Confectionery Museum
– Shrine visits
– Fushimi Inari
– Nakasendo
– Genji Museum
Day 8 – 9 Kobe + Okayama
Day 10 – 12: Hiroshima + Miyajima
– Peace Memorial Park
– Okonomimura
– Mt Misen
– Miyajima Arcade
– Daisho In Temple
– Onomichi
– Mt Haigamine
Day 13-14: Wakayama or Osaka
– Grab last minute souvenirs and head back to KIX and depart at 1100hrs
Is this too ambitious, and would I be rushing from place to place? If so, what can I cut out from it?
2 comments
If you’re interested in the Tale of Genji you then definitely give the museum in Uji a visit. I’ve been several times
Their website says it’s temporary closed for air conditioning repair bit they are reopening mid March this year.
There’s also a statue of Lady Murasaki next to the river everyone visits.
Uji is also a really beautiful part of Kyoto especially along the river. It’s gorgeous and there are lots of cafes and restaurants you can check out and Byodoin Temple and Mimiroto Temple — which has amazing gardens on its grounds.
[Tale of Genji Museum](https://maps.google.com?q=Tale%20of%20Genji%20Museum,%20Higashiuchi-45-26%20Uji,%20Kyoto&ftid=0x60011174dd33b2e3:0x11bce797548e7938&hl=en-JP&gl=jp&entry=gps&lucs=47062720&g_st=ic)
It’s actually a pretty chill itinerary discounting the weather factor. Don’t underestimate how hot and humid it can be in Japan at that time of the year, not least because their air conditioning is not turned down very cold so it takes longer to cool down even when you escape indoors.
> Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is massive so please have a plan on what specifically you will be seeing and when. Especially on the eastern shore where the train tracks are quite some distance to the river banks, so everything takes longer to access. Specifically I think you will want Ishiyamadera which is allegedly where she got inspired, they also sell a goshuin book with Lady Murasaki on the cover. It’s also one of my favorite temple complexes, great greenery at a fraction of kyotos crowds.
> Kobe
Two days in Kobe is imo a waste for first time visitors unless there is something specific you want to see there (it is a city for business, and most of the sights are duplicative of stuff found elsewhere in Kansai) unless you are super interested in 1995 earthquake history. I would rather suggest Himeji or Kurashiki.
> Kansai Hiroshima pass
As you know this is a five day pass, if you can make it back to Osaka / Wakayama on the last train on Day 12 then you can activate it on day 8. Then depending on where you go within Wakayama prefecture on Day 13, either just use icoca or get the two day Nankai pass for foreigners.