I posted the other day about day trip ideas around Tokyo this upcoming November, and now I’m hoping for some help deciding between these two places to visit as a day trip from Osaka.
I would love spending time by the ocean and seeing some beautiful nature, shrines and temples would be a welcome bonus. From what I gather, the route from Onomichi to Imabari is one of the most beautiful areas in the country (especially to bike across). Itsukushima Island also sounds amazing with its lush forest and shrine out in the ocean.
Which option would you pick if you only had one day?
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The Atomic Bomb museum in Hiroshima is a place you really need to visit at least once in your life, so I would say Hiroshima+Ikutsushima. Too bad the Torii is still under construction.
If it’s your first time to visit, Hiroshima and Itsukushima bar none. The former’s historic implications are unparalleled and Itsukushima is even more enjoyable than most of Kyoto.
While both options are possible with a single day, I think that they also would benefit two full days.
If you properly want to take the time to enjoy the forest on Miyajima, like hike Mount Misen, see both high and low tide, then a full day just for Miyajima is quite realistic, a second day could be used for Hiroshima itself.
Same idea with the Shimanami Kaido, I think that it is a shame that a lot of people plan to do the whole thing as a single day affair, going to Onomichi only as the starting point of the cycle, while Onomichi is a really fun and relax place to explore.
That being said, Onomichi is probably my favorite place in Japan, so while you would only see the island part of Onomichi, I guess I would chose it.
Hiroshima & Miyajima are a pretty good 1-2 day trip.
Depends on what you want to see.
Deer or sleepy cats
If I had one day coming from Osaka? Hiroshima. I love the Shimanami Kaido- it’s amazing. But unless your are a god tier cyclist you aren’t coming in from Osaka and doing it in a day.
The Shimanami Kaido is absolutely amazing if you like cycling. If you don’t like cycling or you only casually cycle, it may not be enjoyable. There are a few fun rest stops, cafes, temple/shrines on the way but most of the islands are a bit bare. There are some nice trails and observatories tho.