[Itinerary check] Chugoku + Kansai

We’re both in our 20s and are planning to visit Japan this November. This is my third visit to Kyoto and second visit to Hiroshima – everything else is new. Our interests are pretty basic (nature, interesting architecture and cafes, art etc.) We plan to travel out of our backpacks for most of the trip, but may keep a small suitcase with us that we’ll probably forward from Okayama to our Kyoto accomodation. Planning to use the JR Sanyo Sanin pass for the first week and ICOCA for the second.

**Questions:**

1. Are any of these days too packed, and is there a better way of arranging them to reduce travel time?
2. Is it possible to have suitcases sent to baggage storage desks i.e. the one at Kyoto station?
3. Is 1.5 days enough time on Naoshima Island to see the main sights? We’ll be on foot + shuttle bus.
4. Could we add on dinner in Osaka to the end of a Nara daytrip or is this too ambitious?
5. Are there any opportunities to include kabuki theatre in our itinerary? Minamiza theatre appears to only have showings in early December based on previous years.
6. Most of our trip is sightseeing – are there any unique activities or experiences that would be worth adding? I’ve come across a couple (Betty Smith custom jeans experience, Aohota Jam Deck etc.) but I’m wondering if there’s something I’ve missed.

\—————————————-

**ARRIVAL** (Sat 18/11): Arrive in KIX \~7pm. Stay overnight in Shin-Osaka area.

**HIROSHIMA** (Sun 19/11): Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Shukkien +/- Hiroshima Castle. Hondori area. Peace Park (we’ve already seen the museum on a previous trip). Stay overnight in Hiroshima.

**OKUNOSHIMA (Mon 20/11)**: Day trip to Okunoshima. Stay overnight in Hiroshima.

**KURASHIKI (Tues 21/11):** Shinkansen to Kurashiki (1hr). Ohashi’s house, Ohara museum, cafes, denim street and canal ride. Stay overnight in Kurashiki area (near Bikan quarter).

**NAOSHIMA (Wed 22/11):** Train to Uno Port + ferry to Naoshima (1.5hrs). Arthouses, Benesse House, Seaside gallery. Stay overnight on Naoshima.

**TESHIMA (Thurs 23/11):** Chichu Museum. Ferry to Teshima around midday. Teshima Art Museum. Head back to mainland and stay overnight near Okayama station.

**KINOSAKI ONSEN (Fri 24/11):** Early morning visit to Korakuen. Mid morning shinkansen/train to Kinosaki Onsen via Hamakaze (2.5hrs). Street food +/- Kinosaki ropeway. Stay overnight in a ryokan.

**INE (Sat 25/11)**: Morning train to Amanohashidate + bus to Ine (2.5hrs). No specific plans – just aim to walk around. Stay overnight in Ine.

**AMANOHASHIDATE (Sun 26/11):** Boatride around Ine. Bus to Amanohashidate (north end of sandbar). Walk along sandbar then visit Viewland. Train to Kyoto in evening (2.5hrs). Stay overnight in Kyoto (Sanjo area).

**KYOTO (Mon 27/11-Fri 1/12):**

\- **Arashiyama**: Walk from Otagi Nenbutsuji down to Monkey Park with aim to make stops along the way i.e. Gioji, Okochi Sanso Garden.

\- **Nara:** The usual sights – Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park and if time and energy permit Mt Wakakusa.

\- **Higashiyama**: Start at Ginkakuji -> Philosopher’s Path -> Eikando -> Gion -> Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. We’ll be making stops along the way to eat and rest +/- any interesting temples. I’ve left Kiyomizudera out here because we’re thinking of visiting the night illumination.

\- Remaining 2 days are unplanned for now but since we’re flying out late Friday night, we’ll probably reserve Friday for shopping.

Thank you in advance!