Hi all,
I have done a rough plan of my 23 day trip in Japan. This will be my second time in Japan and I can’t wait to explore more of Japan but this time focused on doing more outdoor activities and hikes around Wakayama, Toyama and Nagano regions with a sprinkle of touristy stuff in Osaka and Kyoto.
The highlights of this trip for me will be doing the Kumano Kodo trail and Kamikochi.
I understand May/June to be warm and also rainy so I would love to hear your feedback on whether my itinerary is achievable and realistic with timeframes before I start booking in accommodations 😀
I have left my days in Osaka and Kyoto relatively empty/unplanned as I feel I may need some days to slow down and recover from all the walking but I am open to suggestions especially for food and restaurants and instead go on culinary adventure during those days.
Please let me know what you think of my itinery and if I have missed any must-see places or restaurants recommendations in the areas I plan to go!!
**Day 1** Friday, May 26, 2023
* Arrive to KIX airport in the evening. Settle in Osaka for the night.
**Day 2** Saturday, May 27, 2023
* Light morning exploring a bit Osaka before departing in the afternoon to Tanabe.
**Day 3** Sunday, May 28, 2023 to **Day 6** Wednesday, May 31, 2023
* Bus to Takijiri-Oji to start the Kumano Kodo trail
* Finish the Kumano Kodo by Day 6 and stay overnight at Katsuura
**Day 7** Thursday, June 1, 2023
* Early morning fish auction at Katsuura pier and breakfast the market
* Depart to Shirahama
* Explore and relax at Shirahama Beach and Onsens
**Day 8** Friday, June 2, 2023
* More explore of Shirahama –
* Heisogen Park/Observation Deck,
* Senjoiki Rock Plateau and Cliffs
* Leave for Kyoto in the early afternoon.
**Day 9** Saturday, June 3, 2023
* Kyoto – nothing planned yet / rest day
**Day 10** Sunday, June 4, 2023
* Kyoto – nothing planned yet / rest day
**Day 11** Monday, June 5, 2023
* Depart in the morning from Kyoto to Toyama
* Kurobe Gorge Railway – half day
**Day 12** Tuesday, June 6, 2023
* Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route day trip finishing at Matsumoto
**Day 13** Wednesday, June 7, 2023
* Matsumoto – rest day
* Masumoto Castle and Park
* Former Kaichi School
* Utsukushi-ga-hara Open Air Museum
**Day 14** Thursday, June 8, 2023
* Kamikochi – Start The Karasawa Cirque hike
**Day 15** Friday, June 9, 2023
* Kamikochi – Finish The Karasawa Cirque hike
* Return to Osaka via Matsumoto
**Day 16** Saturday, June 10, 2023
* Osaka – nothing planned yet / rest day
**Day 17** Sunday, June 11, 2023
* Hiroshima
* Peace Memorial Museum
**Day 18** Monday, June 12, 2023
* Hiroshima
* Miyajima Island
* Mt Misen hike
* Itsukushima Shrine
**Day 19** Tuesday, June 13, 2023
* Stop by Himeji to see the Castle
* Return to Osaka
**Day 20** Wednesday, June 14, 2023
* Universal Studios
**Day 21** Thursday, June 15, 2023
* Last day of sightseeing in Osaka
* Depart KIX in the evening.
3 comments
You might consider staying overnight in Kamikochi the night of the 13th so you can get an early start to your hike. Otherwise you have to wait for the first bus into the park from Matsumoto and I’m not sure how early that is. It gets dark quickly in the mountains so best to optimize daylight by getting an early start.
– [Kamikochi Lodging](https://www.kamikochi.org/plan/accommodation)
Nothing to say except please write a trip report, especially about the Kumano Kodo! Planning to do a 5 day itinerary in April 2024 and would love to hear your perspective.
I hiked parts of kumano kodo last time because I wanted to see the 3 grand shrines.
The time in Wakayama was among the best days of my entire trip, loved it! And when you’re in (nachi)katsuura, find a restaurant that sells tuna sashimi. Delicious!
Enjoy OP!