Itinerary Check: 70 Days Solo in Most of Japan

Hi everyone!

For some context, I’m traveling to Japan in mid-May this year for 70 days, doing solo travel. I’m 19M, from Australia and looking to see and do as much as I can in Japan and experience as many things as possible. Posting here to get an overall check on my itinerary and looking to get as much feedback as possible.

I have already booked flights and in total, I have a full 70 days to spend in Japan. If you count it from the time I leave from Australia and then arrive back, it’s 73 days if that’s relevant. Leaving on the 15th of May and arriving back on the 27th of July.

I’m looking to go as budget as possible, but I am anticipating to be spending between AUD $7000-9000 for the entire time there, which I am prepared for.

I’ve gone with Southern Cross Travel Insurance and gotten International Comprehensive travel insurance.

Since I will be spending a majority of my trip travelling around, I will be purchasing a 21-day and 14-day rail pass, because as far as I can see, they are the most cost efficient and practical travel passes.

So far, my packing list is as so: ([Roughly following this list](https://www.veryhungrynomads.com/the-ultimate-packing-list-for-travellers/))

* Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack
* Power-bank (To buy)
* Good walking shoes (To buy)
* Universal adapter (To buy)
* Day pack (To buy, might go with Osprey again)
* Assortment of clothes
* Various toiletries
* Sunglasses
* Phone/laptop/chargers

At every opportunity, I will be going with the most recommended and cheapest youth hostels in the area. I will also be booking them on booking.com to try and rack up as many loyalty points as possible. Any suggestions on recommended accommodation would be welcomed, since I haven’t selected any specific day for them, just tried to see what would be available in like 2-3 months or so.

I will be using ING as my main international bank, but I will also have Up as a backup bank.

Going to be using Ubigi for my data, not sure what plan to go with at the moment, but I have just ordered a SIM starter pack so that I can use them.

​

Some other small notes:

I’ve noticed a few times that a top attraction for a place like a remote village or temple is to just stay the night there in a nice farmhouse or temple for example. Although these seem to range anywhere from AUD $100-250 or so, they still seem to be highly recommended.

Hence, I’m wondering if that’s worth incorporating into the trip, because as is, my trips to places like these are just for the day and not for the night, as I would return back to the main city after spending my time in that location?

Referencing this [Temple Lodging](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4905.html) and this [Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouse](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5952.html).

Also, I’ve heard that bookings for [Ghibli Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3041.html) sell out incredibly fast. I’d be in Tokyo for the last leg of my trip in July likely, but apparently they sell three months in advance. In that case, does that mean I should be eyeing them out in May to try and get one?

​

At the moment, my itinerary includes locations in order of visiting them, relevant accommodation links and lists of things I could see for the day. I’ve mostly used links from japan-guide and their recommendations, because they have such an organised and comprehensive website.

The days aren’t perfectly matching the 70 day duration, because I’m predicting I will need to do a lot of adjusting for unforeseen changes or errors in my itinerary. For every day, I have tried to pick out at least three activities/things to see or do, however please do let me know if either I should see something else instead for that day, or if there’s too many things on that day, let me know which ones I should prioritise instead.

For clarification, I’ve labelled places/activities as a “day trip” when they involve significantly going out of my way of a location and will likely take most of the day to do, but then returning to the city after. For “separate day trips”, they are only for the rail pass when I am basically just passing by the place for the day, then staying somewhere else for the night. Just to reduce any backtracking.

This itinerary is NOT dated yet, because I may still change up elements of it. Just day allocations in order of visiting.

​

# Osaka – 8 days (3 day trips)

**Accommodation:** [Namba Guesthouse HIVE](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/qoo-ebisucho.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArbgpKAGwAIB0gIkMWJlNjY2OTItNzQ3OC00MjdjLThlZjMtOWJhYmU0NWI0MDQz2AIG4AIB&sid=573d1d22a123cb68a78184366e6d2008&all_sr_blocks=280277502_132300825_0_0_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dest_id=-240905;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=21;highlighted_blocks=280277502_132300825_0_0_0;hpos=21;matching_block_id=280277502_132300825_0_0_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=price;sr_pri_blocks=280277502_132300825_0_0_0__247860;srepoch=1678324660;srpvid=766b090528a800a1;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl) or [Backpackers Hotel Toyo Osaka](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Backpackers-Hotel-Toyo-Osaka/Osaka/14926?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* Arrive and rest up at youth hostel. Spend the rest of the day walking around the nearby area to get familiar with it and get any necessary supplies.

**Day 2**

* Follow [Suggested Osaka Full Day Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4028_osaka_deep.html)

**Day 3**

* [Universal Studios Japan](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4021.html)
* [Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4004.html)
* [Minoo Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4019.html)

**Day 4**

* Follow [Suggested Osaka History Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4028_osaka_history.html)

**Day 5**

* [Abeno Harukas](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4026.html)
* [Osaka Science Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4015.html)
* [National Museum of Art, Osaka](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4016.html)
* [Osaka Expo ‘70 Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4029.html)

**Kobe** **– Day trip**

**Day 6 (Day trip)**

* [Arima Onsen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3558.html)
* [Shin-Kobe Ropeway](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3563.html)
* [Sorakuen Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3560.html)

**Himeji** **– Day trip**

**Day 7 (Day trip)**

* [Himeji Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html) and [Kokoen Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3502.html)
* [Mount Shosha](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3503.html)

**Koyasan (Mount Koya)** **– Day trip**

**Day 8 (Day trip)**

* [Okunoin Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4901.html)
* [Kongobuji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4903.html)
* [Garan](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4902.html)
* [Reihokan Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4906.html)

​

# Nara – 4 days (2 day trips)

**Accommodation:** [Guesthouse Tamura](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Guesthouse-Tamura/Nara/57465?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1) or [HARUYA Naramachi](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/HARUYA-Naramachi/Nara/278296?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* Follow [Suggested Nara Full Day Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4119_nara_full.html)

**Day 2**

* [Todaiji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4100.html)
* [Horyuji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4104.html)
* [Isuien Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4114.html)
* [Heijo Palace](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4111.html)

**Uji** **– Day trip**

**Day 3 (Day trip)**

* [Byodoin Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3923.html)
* [Uji Tea](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3977.html)
* [Mampukuji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3924.html)
* [Ujigami Shrine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3978.html)

**Iga-Ueno** **– Day trip**

**Day 4 (Day trip)**

* [Iga Ninja Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4351.html)
* [Ueno Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4352.html)
* [Danjiri Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4355.html)

​

# Kyoto – 11 days (3 day trips)

**Accommodation:** [Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Backpackers-Hostel-K-s-House-Kyoto/Kyoto/5536?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1) or [Kyoto Hana Hostel](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Kyoto-Hana-Hostel/Kyoto/41311?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* Arrive and rest up at youth hostel. Spend the rest of the day walking around the nearby area to get familiar with it and get any necessary supplies.

**Day 2**

* Follow [Eastern Kyoto Full Day walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3950_eastern_kyoto_full.html)

**Day 3**

* [Nijo Castle (Nijojo)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3918.html)
* [Sento Imperial Palace](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3935.html)
* [Kyoto Manga Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3946.html)

**Day 4**

* [Kyoto Aquarium](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3971.html)
* [Nishiki Market](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3931.html)
* [Pontocho](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3921.html)

**Day 5**

* Follow [Arashiyama Full Day walk and bicycle ride](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3950_arashiyama_full.html)

**Day 6**

* [Kyoto National Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3962_kyoto.html)
* [Nanzenji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3905.html)
* [Gion](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3902.html)

**Day 7**

* [Fushimi Inari Shrine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html)
* [Daigoji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3916.html)
* [Tofukuji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3930.html)

**Day 8**

* [Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html)
* [Shugakuin Imperial Villa](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3936.html)
* [Ninnaji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3929.html)
* [Enryakuji Temple (Hieizan)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3911.html)

[**Omi Hachiman**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7075.html) **– Day trip**

**Day 9 (Day trip)**

* Hachiman-bori Canal Boat Cruises
* Kawara Museum
* Hakuunkan
* Nishikawa Residence
* NO-MA
* Hachimanyama Ropeway
* Zuiryuji Temple
* Himure Hachimangu Shrine

**Hikone** **– Day trip**

**Day 10 (Day trip)**

* [Hikone Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7001.html)
* [Genkyuen Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7004.html)
* [Castle Road](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7002.html)

**Amanohashidate** **– Day trip**

**Day 11 (Day trip)**

* [Amanohashidate Sandbar](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3992.html)
* [Ine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3996.html)
* [Nariaiji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3995.html)

​

# Starting 21-day rail pass trip

**Depart from Kyoto**

​

**Okayama** **– 4 days (3 day trips)**

**Accommodation:** [Lazy House](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/lazy-house-okayama-shi.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArytvZ8GwAIB0gIkMzQ4NGJlNDItNzc4MS00MGUwLWIzZmMtZjkyYTVmNGViYmI12AIG4AIB&sid=51d2c95541b1dbfaecc835b75005512e&all_sr_blocks=314940528_242111196_1_2_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dest_id=-240213;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=1;highlighted_blocks=314940528_242111196_1_2_0;hpos=1;matching_block_id=314940528_242111196_1_2_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=price;sr_pri_blocks=314940528_242111196_1_2_0__270000;srepoch=1678932245;srpvid=b8bc0e84c8a4007f;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl)

**Day 1**

* [Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5777.html)
* [Korakuen Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5701.html)
* [Kibi Plain](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5705.html)
* [Okayama Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5702.html)

**Art islands** **– Day trip**

**Day 2 (Day trip)**

* [Naoshima Island](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5475.html)
* [Inujima Island](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5725.html)
* [Bitchu-Takahashi](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5775.html)
* Plenty of other art islands too, there’s a very relevant map on the Inujima Island link if you scroll down a bit. Not sure if I will have time to see them all however.

**Takamatsu** **– Day trip**

**Day 3 (Day trip)**

* [Kotohira](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5450.html)
* [Ritsurin Koen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5401.html)
* [Ogijima Island](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5413.html)
* [Shikoku Mura](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5402.html)

**Kurashiki** **– Day trip**

**Day 4 (Day trip)**

* [Canal Area](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5751.html)
* [Ohara Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5754.html)
* [Ohashi House](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5752.html)
* [Ivy Square](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5755.html)

​

**Fukuyama** **– 1 day**

**Accommodation:** [Rider & Guest House Kazeyoubi](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/raidahausufeng-yao-ri.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArytvZ8GwAIB0gIkMzQ4NGJlNDItNzc4MS00MGUwLWIzZmMtZjkyYTVmNGViYmI12AIG4AIB&sid=51d2c95541b1dbfaecc835b75005512e&all_sr_blocks=446072002_145656544_0_0_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=1;highlighted_blocks=446072002_145656544_0_0_0;hpos=1;matching_block_id=446072002_145656544_0_0_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=price;sr_pri_blocks=446072002_145656544_0_0_0__300000;srepoch=1678932326;srpvid=af400ead1c6201f4;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl)

**Day 1**

* [Tomonoura](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3432.html)
* [Shinshoji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3434.html)
* [Fukuyama Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3433.html)

​

**Onomichi** **– 1 day**

**Accommodation:** [Guesthouse Yadocurly](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/guesthouse-yadocurly.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArytvZ8GwAIB0gIkMzQ4NGJlNDItNzc4MS00MGUwLWIzZmMtZjkyYTVmNGViYmI12AIG4AIB&sid=51d2c95541b1dbfaecc835b75005512e&all_sr_blocks=126507901_198482164_0_0_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dest_id=-240791;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=1;highlighted_blocks=126507901_198482164_0_0_0;hpos=1;matching_block_id=126507901_198482164_0_0_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=price;sr_pri_blocks=126507901_198482164_0_0_0__300000;srepoch=1678932399;srpvid=63b40ecb84dc0160;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl)

**Day 1**

* [Shimanami Kaido](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3478.html)
* [Temple Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3477.html)
* [Kosanji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3480.html)
* [Hirayama Ikuo Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3479.html)

​

**Hiroshima** **– 4 days (2 day trips)**

**Accommodation:** [J-Hoppers Hiroshima Guesthouse](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/J-Hoppers-Hiroshima-Guesthouse/Hiroshima/18498?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* Maybe take some of the day to rest. Otherwise, you can look at:
* [Downtown Hiroshima](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3406.html)

**Day 2**

* Do [Suggested Hiroshima Half Day Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3409_hiroshima_half.html)

**Miyajima (Itsukushima)** **– Day trip**

**Day 3 (Day trip)**

* [Itsukushima Shrine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3450.html)
* [Mount Misen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3451.html)
* [Daisho-in Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3453.html)
* [Senjokaku Hall](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3452.html)
* [Miyajima Aquarium](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3457.html)

**Iwakuni** **– Day trip**

**Day 4 (Day trip)**

* [Kintaikyo Bridge](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6177.html)
* [Iwakuni Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6178.html)
* [Kikko Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6179.html)

​

**Yamaguchi** **– Separate day trip**

**Day 1 (Day trip)**

* [Rurikoji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6101.html)
* [Joeiji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6103.html)
* [Yamaguchi Daijingu](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6104.html)

​

**Fukuoka** **– 1 day**

**Accommodation:** [Fukuoka Guesthouse Little Asia Kokura](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Fukuoka-Guesthouse-Little-Asia-Kokura/Fukuoka/85975?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* [Food Stalls (Yatai)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4803.html)
* [Uminonakamichi Seaside Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4810.html)
* [Canal City Hakata](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4800.html)
* [Fukuoka Castle Ruins](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4806.html)

​

**Nagasaki** **– 2 days**

**Accommodation:** [Hostel Casa Noda](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hostel-casa-noda.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArytvZ8GwAIB0gIkMzQ4NGJlNDItNzc4MS00MGUwLWIzZmMtZjkyYTVmNGViYmI12AIG4AIB&sid=51d2c95541b1dbfaecc835b75005512e&all_sr_blocks=40438702_335381547_1_0_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dest_id=-237732;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=1;highlighted_blocks=40438702_335381547_1_0_0;hpos=1;matching_block_id=40438702_335381547_1_0_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=price;sr_pri_blocks=40438702_335381547_1_0_0__291200;srepoch=1678933877;srpvid=15c511b4f1800166;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl)

**Day 1**

* Follow [Nagasaki Suggested History Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4421_full_day.html)

**Day 2**

* [Gunkanjima](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4414.html)
* [Nagasaki Peace Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4400.html)
* [Mount Inasayama](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4412.html)

​

**Kagoshima****– 3 days (2 day trips)**

**Accommodation:** [Green Guest House](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Green-Guest-House/Kagoshima/46135?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* [Sakurajima](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4601.html)
* [Senganen Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4602.html)
* [Kagoshima Aquarium](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4608.html)

**Yakushima** **– (2 day trips)**

**Day 2 (Day trip)**

* [Shiratani Unsuikyo](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4654.html)
* [Jomonsugi](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4653.html)
* [Around the Island](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4656.html)
* [Yakusugi Land](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4655.html)

**Day 3 (Day trip)**

* Come back again to see anything I might have missed, or just go again because it’s a really nice place.

*(Bit of a long trip in-between here, but should give me some time to rest)*

**Hagi** **– Separate day trip**

**Day 1 (Day trip)**

* [Tokoji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6153.html)
* [Former Castle Town](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6151.html)
* [Aiba Waterway](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/Aiba%20Waterway)

​

**Matsue** **– 3 days (2 day trips)**

**Accommodation:** [Kitatono Guest House](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/kitatonogh.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArytvZ8GwAIB0gIkMzQ4NGJlNDItNzc4MS00MGUwLWIzZmMtZjkyYTVmNGViYmI12AIG4AIB&sid=51d2c95541b1dbfaecc835b75005512e&all_sr_blocks=375082523_122907557_1_0_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dest_id=-235892;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=2;highlighted_blocks=375082523_122907557_1_0_0;hpos=2;matching_block_id=375082523_122907557_1_0_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=price;sr_pri_blocks=375082523_122907557_1_0_0__300000;srepoch=1678934367;srpvid=219412a8b36d00dc;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl)

**Day 1**

* [Adachi Museum of Art](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5806.html)
* [Yushien Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5807.html)
* [Matsue Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5801.html)

**Izumo** **– Day trip**

**Day 2 (Day trip)**

* [Izumo Taisha](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5804.html)
* [Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5833.html)
* [Former Taisha Station](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5832.html)

[**Mount Daisen**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e8150.html) **– Day trip**

**Day 3 (Day trip)**

* Spend the day hiking the mountain

​

**Return to Kyoto**

# Ending 21-day rail pass trip

​

# Kyoto – 2 days

**Accommodation:** [Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Backpackers-Hostel-K-s-House-Kyoto/Kyoto/5536?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1) or [Kyoto Hana Hostel](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Kyoto-Hana-Hostel/Kyoto/41311?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* Arrive and rest up at youth hostel. Spend the rest of the day walking around the nearby area to get familiar with it and get any necessary supplies.
* If you want, do these:
* [Arashiyama and Sagano](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3912.html)
* [Kokedera (Moss Temple)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3937.html)
* [Katsura Imperial Villa](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3914.html)

**Day 2**

* [Kurama](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3933.html) to [Kibune](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3967.html)
* [Ryoanji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3909.html)
* Go see anything else I haven’t in Kyoto, or take a break from the 21 days of rail pass travel.

​

# Starting 14-day rail pass trip

**Depart from Kyoto (again)**

​

**Fukui** **– 1 day**

**Accommodation:** [Hotel Econo Fukui Station](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/econo-fukui-ekimae.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArytvZ8GwAIB0gIkMzQ4NGJlNDItNzc4MS00MGUwLWIzZmMtZjkyYTVmNGViYmI12AIG4AIB&sid=51d2c95541b1dbfaecc835b75005512e&all_sr_blocks=44226910_308882583_1_1_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dest_id=-227351;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=1;highlighted_blocks=44226910_308882583_1_1_0;hpos=1;matching_block_id=44226910_308882583_1_1_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;sr_pri_blocks=44226910_308882583_1_1_0__600000;srepoch=1679115420;srpvid=d34922cdb27b00ce;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl) (Bit more expensive than I would have liked, but I can’t seem to find anything cheaper)

**Day 1**

* [Eiheiji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6601.html)
* [Dinosaur Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6602.html)
* Not sure if it’s possible to see more here in one day or not. Ideally trying to save more time for the rest of the trip.

​

**Kaga Onsen** **– Separate day trip**

**Day 1 (Day trip)**

* [Natadera Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4281.html)
* [Yamashiro Onsen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4277.html)
* [Yamanaka Onsen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4278.html)

​

**Kanazawa** **– 3 days (1 day trip)**

**Accommodation:** [K’s House Kanazawa – Travelers Hostel](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/K-s-House-Kanazawa-Travelers-Hostel/Kanazawa/275485?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* Follow [Suggested Kanazawa Full Day Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4213_kanazawa_full.html)

**Day 2**

* Spend the day finishing up the walk if you haven’t already, then see any other relevant attractions in the area.
* [Ninjadera (Ninja Temple)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4205.html)
* [Higashi Chaya District](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4206.html)

**Shirakawa-go and Gokayama** **– Day trip**

**Day 3 (Day trip)**

* [Ogimachi Village](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5951.html)
* [Ainokura Village](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5955.html)
* [Suganuma Village](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5954.html)

​

**Toyama** **– 3 days (2 day trips)**

**Accommodation:** [Guesthouse Iwase](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/gesutohausuyan-lai.en-gb.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQyIAgGoAgO4ArytvZ8GwAIB0gIkMzQ4NGJlNDItNzc4MS00MGUwLWIzZmMtZjkyYTVmNGViYmI12AIG4AIB&sid=51d2c95541b1dbfaecc835b75005512e&all_sr_blocks=566386502_216263386_1_2_0;checkin=2023-06-01;checkout=2023-06-02;dest_id=-246605;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=1;highlighted_blocks=566386502_216263386_1_2_0;hpos=1;matching_block_id=566386502_216263386_1_2_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=price;sr_pri_blocks=566386502_216263386_1_2_0__350000;srepoch=1679115643;srpvid=fac12337dac80249;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl)

**Day 1**

[Toyama Glass Art Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7503.html)

[Toyama Castle Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7502.html)

[Toyama Folkcraft Village](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7505.html)

**Hida Furukawa and Takayama** **– Day trip**

**Day 2 (Day trip)**

* **Hida Furukawa**
* [Canal Area](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5977.html)
* [Furukawa Festival Hall](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5978.html)
* [Mishima Candle Shop](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5980.html)
* [Takumikan Craft Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5979.html)
* [Kamioka Railway Cycling](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5981.html)
* **Takayama**
* Follow [Suggested Takayama Full Day Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5912_takayama_full.html)
* [Morning Markets (Asaichi)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5907.html)
* [Matsuri no Mori](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5910.html)

[**Kurobe Gorge**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7575.html) **– Day trip**

**Day 3 (Day trip)**

* The plan is to take the Kurobe Gorge Railway train ride, but is there more to it than this? Just going off Japan-guide, but it looks like there is quite a lot of possibly separate rides and areas to see here?

​

[**Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7550.html) **– Day trip**

**Day 1 (Day trip)**

* There seems to be a lot of locations and various sources of transport for this trip, so I’m not entirely sure what’s the best way to do this, or if there’s some kind of pass that I can use to go around this route. The map diagrams on japan-guide details that with this route, I can go from Toyama, all the way to Matsumoto, which would align with my trip overall. Any help with this the feasibility of this would be appreciated!

​

**Matsumoto** **– 2 days (1 day trip)**

**Accommodation:** [Couch Potato Hostel](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Couch-Potato-Hostel/Matsumoto/306753?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* [Matsumoto Castle](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6051.html)
* [Matsumoto City Museum of Art](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6052.html)
* [Nakamachi District](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6052.html)

[**Kamikochi**](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6040.html) **– Day trip**

**Day 2**

* Kamikochi Visitor Center – Going to go in here first for advice on the best areas to walk around hopefully. Otherwise:
* Myojin Pond
* Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge)
* Tashiro Pond
* Taisho Pond

​

**Nagano** **– 2 days (1 day trip)**

**Accommodation:** [Mash Café & Bed NAGANO](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Mash-Caf-Bed-NAGANO/Nagano/302447?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* [Togakushi Shrine](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6005.html)
* [Zenkoji Temple](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6001.html)
* [Togakure Ninpo Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6006.html#section_get_there)
* [Shinano Art Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6004.html)

**Obuse and Yamanouchi** **– Day trip**

**Day 2**

* **Obuse**
* [Hokusai Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6022.html)
* [Obuse Town](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6023.html)
* **Yamanouchi**
* [Jigokudani Monkey Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6028.html) (I am aware the monkeys will not be in the hot springs, but I assume the place is still nice enough to visit and the monkeys will still be present regardless?)
* [Shibu Onsen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6029.html)

​

**Karuizawa** **– Separate day trip**

**Day 1**

* [Usui Pass Observation Platform](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6035.html)
* [Kyu-Karuizawa](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6032.html)
* [Naka-Karuizawa](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6033.html)
* [Onioshidashi Park](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6036.html)
* [Shiraito Waterfall](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6034.html)

​

**Omiya** **– Separate day trip**

**Day 1**

* [Omiya Bonsai Village](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6528.html)

​

**Arrive at Tokyo**

# Ending 14-day rail pass trip

​

# Tokyo – 11 days (2 day trips)

**Accommodation:** [Hostel bedgasm](https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Hostel-bedgasm/Tokyo/272463?from=2023-06-01&to=2023-06-02&guests=1)

**Day 1**

* Arrive and rest up at youth hostel. Spend the rest of the day walking around the nearby area to get familiar with it and get any necessary supplies.

**Day 2**

* Follow [Western Tokyo Full Day walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3051_west_tokyo_full.html)

**Day 3**

* [Tsukiji Outer Market](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html)
* [Akihabara](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html)
* [Koishikawa Korakuen](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_003.html)
* [Hama Rikyu](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3025.html)
* [Imperial Palace East Gardens](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3018.html)
* [Tokyo Imperial Palace](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3017.html)

**Day 4**

* Follow [Asakusa and Odaiba Full Day walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3051_odaiba_asakusa_full.html)

**Day 5**

* [Tokyo National Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3054_tokyo.html)
* [Tokyo Skytree](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3064.html)
* [Edo-Tokyo Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3070.html)
* [Rikugien Garden](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3026.html)

**Day 6**

* Follow [Imperial Palace and Ginza Half Day walk](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/Imperial%20Palace%20and%20Ginza%20Half%20Day)

**Kamakura** **– Day trip**

**Day 7 (Day trip)**

* Follow [Suggested Kamakura Full Day Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3121_kamakura_full.html)

**Nikko** **– Day trip**

**Day 8 (Day trip)**

* Follow [Suggested Nikko Full Day Walk](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3822_nikko_town_full.html)

**Okunikko** **– Day trip**

**Day 9 (Day trip)**

* Follow [Suggested Okunikko Full Day Hike](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3822_okunikko_full.html)

**Mt Fuji** **– Day trip**

**Day 10 (Day trip)**

* I think I’d like to get a tour here – but I’m unsure if its worth it or where I would get one. The travel around the mountain area seems rather complex. Any suggestions are welcomed.
* [Climbing Mount Fuji](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6901.html)
* [Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6900.html)

**Day 11**

* Spend the day doing anything I haven’t yet done or seen and take the day to relax overall. Some other things I could still do:
* [Ghibli Museum](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3041.html)
* [Tokyo Disneyland](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3016_land.html) \- [Tokyo DisneySea](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3016_sea.html)

**Departure day (Day 12)**

* Leave early for Narita airport and depart from Japan…

​

Thanks for reading, leave any comments and feedback below, I’ll add them to my word document and then update the Reddit post as I go.