We are a group of 5 19-20yo fellas from Australia, heading to Japan for the first time for 2/5 of us, and second time for the rest.
We enjoy most things; eating, nature, sports, video games, new experiences etc. (except maybe history less so…)
We are relatively young, and pretty well traveled, so this itinerary has been designed with a faster pace in mind. It’s also worthwhile mentioning we are on a mildly cheap budget. Nothing crazy expensive but not the cheapest.
Just looking to get some feedback on pacing, and any other recommendations/ things that should require prior booking.
**Mon 4th of Dec (Beppu)**
* Arrive from Busan (7 days in Korea prior) via ferry at 7:30am
* Sort out pocket wifi, JR pass etc.
* Catch the train to Beppu
* Visit Beppu Hot Springs
* Relax and stay in Ryokan
**Tues 5th of Dec (Fukuoka)**
* Train back to Fukuoka
* Maizuru Park, Yusentei Park, Akizuki Temple etc for foliage viewing
* Various temples in the region
* TeamLabs Fukuoka (potentially??)
* Dinner at Yatai Carts
**Wed 6th of Dec (Osaka)**
* Train from Fukuoka to Hiroshima (arrive before lunchtime)
* Spend a few hours walking around Hiroshima and exploring
* Train from Hiroshima to Osaka in afternoon and check into accom/ explore Dontonbori District
**Thurs 7th of Dec (Osaka)**
* Universal Studios Japan (Full day + express pass)
**Fri 8th of Dec (Osaka)**
* Cycle around Osaka w/ rental bikes
* Catch the train to Himeji Castle
* Stop by on the way back in Kobe
* Have dinner in Kobe (aware that Kobe beef is not limited to just Kobe, but Kobe is on the way back anyways)
**Sat 9th of Dec (Osaka)**
* Nara day trip
* Return in the afternoon and go thrifting + potentially go out in Osaka
**Sun 10th of Dec (Kyoto)**
* Train to Kyoto in the morning
* Fushimi Inari Taisha
* Ponto Cho for food
* Explore Kyoto
**Mon 11th of Dec (Kyoto)**
* Go to Arashiyama Sagano Bamboo Forest early for forest + hiking
* In the afternoon, head to Arashiyama monkey park
**Tues 12th of Dec (Tokyo)**
* Train to Tokyo midday
* Check into hotel and explore local region
* Visit nearby Ichiran
* Relax
**Wed 13th of Dec (Tokyo)**
* Visit Tsukiji Outer Market in the morning
* Explore Tokyo/Shinagawa region for shopping in the afternoon
* Eat at Shotoku Ganso
* TeamLabs Tokyo in the evening
**Thurs 14th of Dec (Tokyo)**
* Spend the morning in Asakusa, Sumida park, Sensoji temple etc.
* Visit Ueno Park in the afternoon and explore general area
* Visit Akihabara/ Super potato in late afternoon/ evening
**Fri 15th of Dec (Tokyo)**
* Check out Shinjuku in the morning
* Tatsunoya Ramen for lunch
* Shibuya Crossing + Shibuya Sky in the afternoon/Sunset
* Visit Roppongi and Golden Gai in the evening
**Sat 16th of Dec (Tokyo)**
* Heaps of shopping
**Sun 17th of Dec (Tokyo)**
* Free Day (Hakuba day trip if snow is good)
**Mon 18th of Dec (Niseko)**
* Leave at 5am to catch the train to Niseko
* Potentially stop by Sapporo to see onsen/snow festivals
* Arrive in Niseko latest at nighttime
**Tues/Wed/Thurs 19th-21st of Dec (Niseko)**
* Full days skiing in Niseko (fingers crossed)
**Fri 22nd of Dec (Sapporo)**
* Travel from Niseko to Sapporo via train to depart Japan via flight to Seoul at 5pm.
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A few questions:
* We want to have a complete experience of Japanese cuisine as much as possible in 18 days, what are must try’s, and which ones must be booked in advance vs. walk in. (I saw a big map but was overwhelmed)
* Are there any other times that line up well for the Autumn foliage, and if so, where are some good places to view this?
* Is there any good morning hikes that offer good sunrise views in any of the aforementioned locations?
Thank you!