Hello all! I’m planning a 11d Kyushu/Kansai itinerary in mid Nov. It looks a bit ambitious so wanted to get some opinions on it. 30 year old travelling solo this time round, so reckon I should be able to start my days bright and early. I’ve also been to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara previously so have caught some of the main sights there.
Aim is to catch as much fall foliage as I can; but unfortunately self driving around Kyushu is not quite an option. Hence it’s mostly centred on places easily accessible by train/bus.
Day 1: landing at Fukuoka Airport at 9am and exploring Fukuoka (Canal City, Ohori Park, Yatai stores). No jet lag since im already in Asia.
Day 2: day trip to Yufuin. I was considering an overnight stay but wasn’t too sure if the ryokans are easily accessible by walking/public transport?
Day 3: Kumamoto day trip
Day 4: empty for now, to further explore Fukuoka. Are there any must visit sights in Nov?
Day 5: transfer to Miyajima, and overnight on the island. Still exploring Ryokan options here. Targeting to visit itsukushima shrine and Mt Misen.
Day 6: transfer to Hiroshima. Explore the peace park and Museum. Any opinions on whether I should stay nearer to the Hiroshima Station or closer to the sights?
Day 7: Visiting Himeji before transferring to Kyoto. The earlier plan was visit both Himeji and Kobe before heading to Kyoto. But I thought it would be a bit too ambitious. Thoughts on whether that’s possible?
Day 8: visiting Kiyiomizudera and Uji in Kyoto. I’ll head out to Kiyiomizudera as early as I can. Previously in summer, I was there at about 7am and it was brilliant without the crowds.
Day 9: Arashiyama and transferring to Osaka. Mainly visiting Arashiyama for the shops and the scenic railway. Will skip the bamboo forest.
Day 10: chill day at Osaka. I was thinking if I should explore other areas of Kyoto instead. Like Amanohashidate.. I didn’t rly like Osaka during my last trip
Day 11: late flight out of Kansai (around 10pm). So the plan is to do some last minute shopping in Umeda and Shinsaibashi before heading to Airport.
As I’ll be flying into Fukuoka airport and out of Kansai airport, it seems that the JR Setouchi Area Pass fits best for my itinerary. However, does it cover the Haruka Limited Express from Osaka Station to Kansai Airport? Was a bit puzzled when Japan Travel by Navitime proposed a transfer at Tennoji Station, instead of a direct train.
For luggage delivery services, I will have my luggage sent from Fukuoka to Osaka and backpack between Miyajima, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
However, has anyone tried to ship the luggage from hotel to airport and can share the experience?
Thank you!
