Our first 16 days in Japan

[jerkiz]

Hi everyone,

We have planned a 18 days trip to Japan, with 16 full days spent in the country. This our first experience so we try to think of an itinerary which mixes cities and the country-side, without missing the main touristic spots.

Below is our first attempt.

Could you tell us what do you think of it?
Is is too ambitious... or maybe not enough? Do we miss major point of interest during our trip?

30/09 - Kansai International Airport -> Kyoto
01/10 - Kyoto
02/10 - Kyoto
03/10 - Kyoto -> Nara / Activation JRPass 14d
04/10 - Nara -> Koyasan
05/10 - Koyasan -> Kyoto
06/10 - Kyoto -> Myajima
07/10 - Myajima -> Hiroshima -> Kyoto
08/10 - Kyoto -> Shirakawago
09/10 - Shirakawago -> Takayama
10/10 - Takayama
11/10 - Takayama -> Hakone
12/10 - Hakone -> Tokyo
13/10 - Tokyo
14/10 - Tokyo (Nikko?)
15/10 - Tokyo
16/10 - Tokyo -> Paris

Many thanks for your expert advice!!

Karine & Jeremy

[MMM]

I am seeing a lot of time in Kyoto...maybe too much time. Also, you go back to Kyoto two times. Why not throw in Osaka and or Kobe?

[samurai007]

I notice you spend part of 3 days in Takayama and then head to Hakone. IMO, it's better to go Takayama -> Kamikochi (Japan Alps) -> Matsumoto, then spend the next morning seeing Matsumoto Castle before heading to Hakone. Hiking in the Alps and seeing one of the best castles in Japan (the best IMO now that Himeji is being renovated) is worth it.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by samurai007

I notice you spend part of 3 days in Takayama and then head to Hakone. IMO, it's better to go Takayama -> Kamikochi (Japan Alps) -> Matsumoto, then spend the next morning seeing Matsumoto Castle before heading to Hakone. Hiking in the Alps and seeing one of the best castles in Japan (the best IMO now that Himeji is being renovated) is worth it.

He speaks the truth.

[jerkiz]

Many thanks for your advice guys!!

In the part of our trip to the Japan Alps, do you think I can arrange the schedule like this then:

08/10 - Kyoto -> Shirakawago
09/10 - Shirakawago -> Takayama, 1st night at Takayama
10/10 - Visit of Kamikochi, 2nd night at Takayama
11/10 - Takayama -> Visit of Matsumoto Castle in the morning -> Train to Hakone

Is the transportation not too difficult to go from one of these cities to the others? Is it bus, train?
And what's the best city to leave from to reach Hakone?

Cheers,
Karine & Jeremy

[samurai007]

Originally Posted by jerkiz

Many thanks for your advice guys!!

In the part of our trip to the Japan Alps, do you think I can arrange the schedule like this then:

08/10 - Kyoto -> Shirakawago
09/10 - Shirakawago -> Takayama, 1st night at Takayama
10/10 - Visit of Kamikochi, 2nd night at Takayama
11/10 - Takayama -> Visit of Matsumoto Castle in the morning -> Train to Hakone

Is the transportation not too difficult to go from one of these cities to the others? Is it bus, train?
And what's the best city to leave from to reach Hakone?

Cheers,
Karine & Jeremy

You take a bus to get through the Japan Alps, stop in Kamikochi, hike for the day, and catch another bus heading to Matsumoto in the evening (The bus takes 1 hour from Takayama to Kamikochi, and 1 hour from Kamikochi to Matsumoto). The next morning see Mastumoto Castle, and then go from Mastumoto -> Hakone (about 3.5 hours by train). This will also shave several hours off your train trip to Hakone, since Matsumoto is closer to Hakone.

More info:

Kamikochi - Japan Alps National Park Resort -

Kamikochi Travel Guide

Matsumoto Welcomes You! - Official Travel Guide of Matsumoto City in Nagano, Japan

Matsumoto Travel Guide

[Hope80]

Hey Jerkiz which temple you staying at in Koyasan? We recently did a 2 week trip encompassing Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Osaka and Koyasan. It was great but so tiring as there was sooo much to see each day or constantly on the move. Make sure you have some time to relax too and have a great time

[jerkiz]

Hi,

Thanks for your advice guys, once again!

I have sent a reservation request for 2 temples using the Japan Guest House site: one for Eko-in and one for Shôjôshin-in. Will see their reply...

Hope80, do you remember any good places you stayed during your trip? We are right in the middle of finding ryokans rooms but it's quite challenging to find good places.

Jeremy

[Hope80]

Hey I stayed at shojoshin-in at Koyasan and booked through Japaneseguesthouse. The temple was great, room beautiful with a garden view, and monks very friendly. Also very close to the cemetry which is great at dusk once the stone lanterns light up

Unfortunately I didn't stay in any other ryokans besides the temple lodging, it was all hotels centrally located for convenience. PM me if you'd like more info etc! Have a great time!