Hello everyone,
Couple of 2 travelling to Japan, second time for me, first time for my partner.
We have planned this itinerary using NAVITIME to minimize time in trains (all timings listed below are sourced from NAVITIME) while making the most of Central Japan and visiting Hiroshima (I have already been there, but my partner wants to go, which I understand completely).
We want our trip to be focused on culture, nature & food.
We bought unlimited data SIM cards valid for the whole trip + pre-charged SUICA cards + considering JR Pass two weeks based on the itinerary below. We booked all of our hotels but we can still modify reservation as our trip is still one month ahead.
**18 March:** arrival at the airport at 16h30, hotel near Hanzomon Sta. to enjoy Chidorigafuchi Moat as the sakuras blossom (supposed to start on March 17!).
**19-23 March: TOKYO**
We have two Japanese friends based in Tokyo who will help us visit what they like the most about the city, so we have those 5 days covered (they promised loads of surprises, will share them once we are back!). Might plan a day trip to Kamakura / Kawaguchiko / Mount Oyama depending on weather.
I know that we will probably have one day dedicated to Asakusa-Kappabashi-Dori / Ueno-Ameyoko / Yanaka (the cemetery with sakuras blooming should be an amazing sight) ; probably early dinner in Yanaka and then night stroll in Akihabara.
And another day for Jinbocho / Shinjuku Goen / Meiji Jingu / Shibuya and eventually Nakameguro Park for Sakura. We also consider one day for Shimokitazawa and visiting Inokarisha Park for sakuras.
**24-25 March:** **KANAZAWA**
\- 24 March : Taking morning train from Tokyo to Kanazawa (7:20-9:50), leave luggages in hotel near Kenroku-en (HOTEL FORZA KANAZAWA). Enjoy the main sights of the city (Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle, Naga-michi, Satomicho, Kazuemachi, Higachi Chaya).
\- 25 March: Stroll around the city (spending half-day in Utatsuyama), looking for great restaurants.
Leave to March 25 on evening (18:42-21:47 train) from KANAZAWA to OSAKA, leave the luggages near Namba Station where our hotel is ; enjoy late evening stroll / streetfood.
**26 March: OSAKA**
Taking in the main sights of Osaka (Dotonbori – Shinsekai – Shinsaibashi – Sakura no torinuke (if the sakuras are blossoming early, supposed to start on March 23).
Again, will have to look for great street food there.
**27-28 March: KOYASAN**
\- 27 March: Taking the morning train (roughly 3 hours, 7:35-10:34) from hotel to our Shukubo , we chose Hoon-in, booked via Japanese Guest Houses).
Visit the main sights of KOYASAN (Danjōgarans + Daimon), stay at the temple, enjoy meditation + early dinner at 17:30, visiting Okunoin by night and early sleep.
\- 28 March: wake up early to attend prayers, breakfast at Hoon-in, plan a 3-4h hike around KOYASAN.
Leave late afternoon for KYOTO (4h30 trip – 17:27 – 21:49): Hotel IL VERDE KYOTO.
**29-30 March: KYOTO**
\- 29 March: wake up early to visit Fushimi-Inari Shrine (spend half-day, one of the highlights of my last trip to Japan), stroll around Higashiyama in the afternoon + Shogunzuka Seiryuden + Maruyama Park for sakuras. Late dinner at Kyoto Manjiro ([https://www.kyoto-manjiro.com/english.html](https://www.kyoto-manjiro.com/english.html))
\- 30 March: wake up early to visit Kiyomizu-Dera (couldn’t see it last time I went to Kyoto because it was closed for renovation). Otherwise, a quiet day: stroll around Katsuragawa Ryokuchi Park to have picnic under the sakuras, maybe a nap. Visit Nijō-jō for the naked flowers festival in the evening.
**31 March: HIROSHIMA / MIYAJIMA**
\- Leave with the first train from KYOTO to HIROSHIMA (6:51-9:04). Visit Peace Memorial in the morning. Leave early afternoon for Miyajima (if possible using direct ferry from Peace Memorial: [https://www.aqua-net-h.co.jp/en/heritage/schedule.html](https://www.aqua-net-h.co.jp/en/heritage/schedule.html))
Leaving our luggages at our hotel in Miyajima (Miyajima Seaside Hotel) and spend the day strolling around Miyajima, before heading back to hotel for dinner ; and maye an evening stroll afterwards near Itsukushima Shrine.
**1 April: MIYAJIMA – back to TOKYO**
\- Depending on mood/weather, either spending day hiking/ beach/resting in hotel in Miyajima; or even back in Hiroshima.
Then, long journey back to Tokyo Haneda (7h; from Miyajima to hotel near Haneda – 17:08-0:15). We booked APA HANEDA ANAMORIINARI EKIMAE.
**2 April: leaving at 9h from TOKYO HANEDA back home.**
**A FEW QUESTIONS:**
\- Does this itinerary seems realistic/doable considering transport times? April 1 as it stands seems especially tight, wouldn’t want to miss the plane back home. I know it will be a busy period with the sakura season kickstarting. While I have experienced first-hand how well the transportation system works, we do take the train a lot.
\- I have done my fair share of research, and there are recommendations everywhere on the Internet, but if you have suggestions for great restaurants/street food ideas in Kanazawa and Osaka (okomiyaki places notably), I’m all ears.
\- For Kanazawa, what is the best option for quick transportation in your opinion, bus or taxi?
\- For Kyoto, we are considering renting bikes over metro to take in the sights of the city. Is that a good idea or will it be a hassle? I read that bikes should be parked in specific spots and not in the streets, which might transform bikes into a burden?
Obviously, any other comments you might have are more than welcome.
Cheers and thanks in advance for all your precious advice!