Hello, I’m planning on traveling in December 2022 (around the 15th or later). I’m working on an itinerary right now and was wondering in what order we should visit cities.
Visiting for sure:
– Tokyo: about 3 – 4 days
– Hakone: about 1 day to see Mt. Fuji (apparently in December there are less clouds)
– Kyoto: about 3 days
– Osaka + Nara: either in 1 day or 1 day for each
Debatable:
– Miyajima: we aren’t visiting the major Hiroshima area, so is it worth it traveling west just to visit here? Rabbit Island is also in the Hiroshima area, so maybe we’d take a day to go to both if it’s feasible
– Kanazawa: I was interested in Kenroku-en garden, but it also seems out of the way, and we’re visiting during the winter. Would you recommend seeing it during the spring/fall, or is December okay?
I’m trying to figure whether I should get a JR pass or buy individual train tickets, so that’s why. Thanks 🙂
2 comments
1. As a general rule we recommend 5-6 days as a minimum for Kansai: 2½ days for Kyoto, ½ day for Nara, a day for Osaka and a day for Himeji/Kobe. It’s entirely possible to spend two weeks or more in Kansai and have plenty sights left to visit.
2. You can fit one/two days in Hiroshima/Miyajima within a scope of a two week trip.
3. Even with an open jaw ticket, you can get to Kanazawa on your way from Kanto to Kansai. December is probably most dull time of the year to visit Kenrokuen, but still worth it, if you are into landscaping gardens. Alternatively, if you are expanding your trip west of Kansai – you can visit either Korakuen in Okayama, or Ritsurin in Takamatsu.
4. Regarding Hakone: if your main goal is to see Mt. Fuji there are other places, you can schedule a day trip to (Fuji Five Lakes Area). The view from Shin-Fuji station platform is also very nice.
I highly recommend one day for Hiroshima/Miyajima if you can make it work. It was the highlight of my first trip to Japan. Also the JR Pass incluses a ferry ride to Miyajima.