Hi all,
I’ll be going to Japan for 14 days in late October and early November. The trip is going to be split up into 2 parts: Part 1 (7 days) is with my wife’s family and Part 2 is just me and my wife (starting in Onomichi) . I mostly care about eating good food, good views and doing interesting outdoor activities. I’m trying to be intentional to take it slow and enjoy each city as much as possible. I don’t mind being around crowds, because I am a tourist, but I love a good “hidden pathways” to beat the crowds if I can. My wife and I love exploring new places by biking or mopeds if we can (hence why we are biking the Shimanami Kaido).
To clarify on good food: it doesn’t need to be a Michelin restaurant or overly expensive place–affordable and accessible is just as good to me. The only place that I’m dying to eat at is Monk in Kyoto. Other than that, I’m flexible and ok with just wandering around. BUT if you have any recs, I’d love to know!
Other random questions: would anyone recommend exploring a green tea farm such as Wazuka or staying at Hoshino KAI Enshu. The reviews at Enshu seem mixed, but the idea of a hotel experience designed around green tea seems really intriguing.
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|Day 1|Osaka|Land mid-day – Explore Osaka and settle in|
|:-|:-|:-|
|Day 2|Osaka|All day food tour of Osaka|
|Day 3|Kyoto||
|Day 4|Kyoto||
|Day 5|Kyoto||
|Day 6|Nara||
|Day 7|Osaka –> Onomichi|Travel from Osaka to Onomichi. Visit Himeji and Omi Hachiman. Spend what time I have left around Onomichi|
|Day 8|Onomichi –> Omishima|First day of the Shimanami Kaido. Pick up bike in the morning; possibly electric bike; stay overnight at cottage at WAKKA|
|Day 9|Spend the day around Omishima on the Shimanami Kaido|Spend the day relaxing with mini excursions. SUP boarding, citrus picking and fishing. Explore different islands along the Shimanami Kaido|
|Day 10|Omishima –> Imabari|Bike from Omishima to Imabari; Explore different islands along the Shimanami Kaido|
|Day 11|Imabari –> Onomichi –> Kyoto|Arrive in Kyoto by noonish. Explore Uji. Hoping to secure a reservation at Monk in Kyoto|
|Day 12|Kyoto –> Yaizu|Stay overnight at a ryokan, Migiwaya (private onsen)|
|Day 13|Yaizu|Explore Yaizu and stay a second night at Migiwaya|
|Day 14|Yaizu –> Yokohama|Explore Yokohama|
|Day 15|Depart back home from HND||
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