Currently on a trip in Japan with friends since beginning of July. I have a JR Pass. I am now alone for four days, currently in Takayama, and trying to see what I should do next. Here’s my plan for now:
Day 1 : go to Hida Furukawa and cycle a bit with my friends; leave for Nagoya around 4 (bags are at Takayama station). Just rest at Nagoya hotel that evening.
Day 2: Travel by train through Kiso valley, stopping at Magome, Tsumago, and Narai Juku, then leaving for Osaka that night around 5.
Day 3: Go to the Osaka gigantic festival on Sunday. Sleep in Osaka, next to Shin Osaka station.
Day 4: go back to Tokyo and meet my friends in the evening.
Looking at the train timetable it would be doable, but I admit I’m a bit scared to be too tired, especially since I’ve travelled for 20 days, we’ll be staying at Tokyo afterward, it’s a big city, and we might do some day trips. And it’s hot.
All the hotels would be booked more or less close to the stations.
One option would be to not go to the festival but I have big FOMO as 5 of my favourite artists are playing and I don’t know if I’ll be in Japan in the summer anytime soon. I’m very scared of going to a pop/rock festival alone though, as it can be quite draining. I only have a N5 in Japanese so it seems quite complicated too ? Anyone ever been to a festival here ?
I thought about moving Kiso Valley to day 4 instead, and just chill in Nagoya on day 2 (see the castle). I’ve already been to Osaka so I don’t really want to stay there an entire day.
Should I drop something ? I haven’t booked anything yet except for the bikes tomorrow.
Many thanks!
Edit: I’m F23
3 comments
Day 2 means even if you don’t hike Magome to Tsumago trail – about six hour of travel, so perhaps not the brightest idea – just pick either Magome/Tsumago or Narai.
Go to the fest! You’ll forever kick yourself if you don’t!
And don’t worry about your Japanese level, admittedly (and sadly) I’ve yet to go to a festival there but I have been to some live shows with different setups to the UK and you’ll figure it out easy enough, because if I can, you can too!
(Who are you seeing? So many good bands that day!!)
The train ride between Takayama and Nagoya is *gorgeous*, and a big part of the allure of a Hida trip in the first place. JR Central even has trains with extra large windows (Wide View Hida limited express) for you to take in the sights. Make sure you don’t leave so late as to miss the views.