Hi all! My partner and I are in our late 20’s and we are planning our first trip to Japan in November. We are spending about three weeks. She has basic language skills (finished most of Genki 1, for context). We are planning to travel up to Hokkaido and make our way back down to Tokyo by train. We are focused more on nature and historical sites than we are on city life.
Here is our current itinerary:
* **Day 1:** Arrive in Tokyo by plane.
* **Day 2 to 4:** Enjoy Tokyo. Things to see include Hamarikyu, Shibuya Crossing, Kappabashi, Meiji Jingo Shrine, Skytree, Asakusa Sensoji Temple.
* **Day 5:** Fly to Sapporo.
* **Day 6:** Day in Sapporo. See Mount Moiwa, Nijo Market, Odori Park.
* **Day 7:** Day trip to Otaru. See the canal area.
* **Day 8:** Train to Noboribetsu, stay in Hell Valley area
* **Day 9:** Enjoy Noboribetsu. See Jigokudani Volcanic Valley, the ropeway.
* **Day 10:** Long train trip (some 6 hours) to Sendai, with a connection in Hakodate.
* **Day 11 and 12:** Enjoy Sendai. See Kokeshi, Akiu hot spring, Kesennuma fish market. One of these days we are planning a day trip to Tashirojima, the cat island.
* **Day 13:** Travel to Nikko via Utsunomiya.
* **Day 14 and 15:** Enjoy Nikko. See Kinugawa, Toshogu, Kegon Waterfall, Chuzenjiko Lake.
* **Day 16:** Travel to Kanazawa.
* **Day 17 and 18:** Enjoy Kanazawa. Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Arts and Crafts, Guokuzenen.
* **Day 19:** Travel to Takayama.
* **Day 20:** Enjoy Takayama. Hida Museum, Takayama Showa Hall. Maybe try to fit in a day trip to Shirakawago Village?
* **Day 21:** Travel to Tokyo.
* **Day 22:** Fly home out of Tokyo.
Any thoughts? We’ve been a little worried that it’s a little too rushed, but we are also excited to see a lot of different things as well as enjoy the rail system (our country has pretty bad trains). And if you have any recommendations for things to see, please share them! Thanks!
3 comments
I did something similar fro 24 days in June, all without driving. Some notes:
Lots of the nature is tough to access without driving. You should check out the options including renting a car, especially in Hokkaido.
I opted to do Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo. My research found that it was easier than trying to do it coming from the north.
I recommend the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park near Noboribetsu. Outstanding insights into the indigenous peoples of northern Japan.
Between there and Sendai, I stopped in Hakodate, Aomori, and Hachinohe. I suggest you check them out to see if they are worth a stop. The coastline walk near Hachinohe rivaled any I have experienced including Big Sur in California.
Kesennuma is about a 2.5-3 hour bus ride from Sendai, I would suggest going to the fish markets at Shiogama or Ishinomaki instead
> Kesennuma fish market
All fish markets are more alike than different, just go to the one in Shiogama which is much closer.
> Kanazawa
Odd to have 2.5 days for Kanazawa but not have Kenrokuen or the chaya districts on the itinerary
> seasonality
Not sure if you care about foliage at all, but assuming you arrive on Nov 1 you manage to perfectly avoid foliage at most locations (Takayama and Shirakawago early Nov, Nikko is late Dec/early Nov depending on altitude, Kanazawa is late Nov, Sapporo gingko is late Oct/very early Nov) and go just after the leaves have become bare?
> Shirakawago
Assuming this is Nov 20 I would say it is one of the less scenic times of year to go – fall colors are gone, but not enough snow cover for the fluffy white blankets on thatched roof looks either.