Japan Itinerary

Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 03:59 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Japan Itinerary

I will be spending 10 days in Japan starting mid March 2017. Flying into Narita from HK early morning of the 13th.

My plan is to take Jetstar flight that morning (very cheap fare) to Osaka where I will begin my travels.

Day 1 Osaka (2 nights)
Day 3 Travel to Hiroshima / Miyajima (1 night)
Day 4 Travel to Kyoto (3 nights)
Day 7 Travel to Kanazawa (2 nights)
Day 9 Travel to Tokyo (2 nights)
Day 11 Evening flight (9pm) to Sydney. I will have full day to spend in Tokyo along with days 9-10.

The other advantage I am thinking I have is that I can buy 7 day Japan Rail Pass starting in Osaka on days 2 or 3 and that gets me back to Tokyo on day 9, without having to spring for the 14 day pass expense. Your thoughts ??

My questions are these :
1 - Am I better off going Osaka > Hiroshima or Kyoto > Hiroshima routing wise ??
2 - Should I spend 2 nights in Hiroshima and reduce Kyoto to 2 nights ??

Thanks.
nygvic0326 is offline  
Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 09:02 AM
  #2  
kja
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,089
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Whether this itinerary makes sense really depends on your interests, about which you tell us nothing.

Many people want closer to 6 days and nights for Kyoto and Nara, even for a first visit.

Much as I loved Kanazawa – and I did -- I would not travel there for just 2 nights (which really means just a day). If you are going there, consider at least 3 nights, with another 2 nights for Takayama.

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to consult japan-guide.com.

You’ll see some wonderful things no matter what you decide!
kja is offline  
Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 11:11 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,049
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1) This doesn't matter much.

If you stayed near Shin-Osaka station then you would just have one train to take to get to Hiroshima. If you stayed near Osaka station then you would have a short trip to get to Shin Osaka and then transfer to the shinkansen.

If you stayed near Kyoto station then you will have to make a transfer between shinkansen trains at some point, likely Shin Osaka. This is easily done.

2) Not a good idea, imo, but it depends on your interest in Hiroshima. But you could drop Hiroshima for more time in Kyoto. (then use a Hokuriku Arch Pass)

Your itin is busy and maybe trying to use the JR Pass too much. If cost is a big consideration then you could cut both Kanazawa and Hiroshima and spend your time in Kyoto/Osaka/Nara and then just have the cost of the shinkansen to Tokyo. You could have more time to enjoy those places while also saving money.

In March, I would look into attending the sumo tournament in Osaka.
mrwunrfl is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 03:21 AM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My interests are history, culture, religion, architecture, food. What I am trying to do is successfully experience Japan for the first time in the 10 days I have. I understand that it would be preferable to have more time in certain places. Using KJA's suggestions of 6 nights in Kyoto/Nara, 3 nights Kanazawa, 2 nights in Takayama already uses more time than I have available and doesnt even factor in time in Tokyo.

This is a first trip with hopefully a future followup. I know I cant see it all. Just trying to get the best experience possible.

And I have looked at the Japan guide and other travel resources in coming up with my ideas. It is just a question of so many things to see / do and recognizing I have to prioritize with time I have.
nygvic0326 is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 06:21 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi,
It seems to me a fairly sensible itinerary. Kyoto- Osaka is a commuter train it takes about 30 minutes. What I loved about my JR pass was the JR loop within the city of Osaka that covered everything I wanted to see on my most limited time there.

The train Osaka - Hiroshima is just over 1 1/2 hour. JR has a bus that takes you from the station to the sights. The train to Myiajama is 30 minutes. Hiroshima to Tokyo 6 hours.

Make sure that you have your accommodations if it is Cherry Blossom time things fill up very quickly.

I am about to post my TR perhaps you might find some helpful hinta.
Nywoman is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 07:59 AM
  #6  
kja
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,089
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
With those interests, you might look for ways to increase your time in Kyoto and Nara and decrease your time in cities. For example, you might consider skipping Osaka, adding that time to Kyoto. And you might consider deferring Kanazawa until you have time to spend time in that part of Japan. By making those changes, you would have time to add a night in Koyasan, which should suit your interests well. Your call, of course -- just offering some options.
kja is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 10:05 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello,

Based on your interests and desire to keep Tokyo (which I loved by the way), I would consider skipping Osaka and adding the days to Kyoto, with a day trip to Nara. This would at least give you 3 full days in Kyoto. I have not been to Kanazawa, but if one full day will not be satisfying, then I would consider adding one day to Hiroshima/Miyajima and one day to Tokyo, giving you two full days in Tokyo. Consider spending the first morning/afternoon in Hiroshima and taking a late ferry to Miyajima for your first night. And then exploring the island fully the next day departing early morning after your second night stay.

You have been given many suggestions to give you food for thought.

Good luck!
Lolazahra is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 12:24 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,049
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I like to make multiple stops. My first visit to Japan was like yours and I spent only two nights in Kyoto which I realized was not enough. It would have been better with a 3rd night.

What are your interests in Osaka? I don't think it is quite as worthy for a first trip than many other places are. I spent 4 nights there with a couple of day trips, but that was on my 8th trip to Japan. I plan to return there as well as to Kyoto for the 4th? time on my next trip. My first visit to Kanazawa was a 2-night stay. For all of those place, the multiple visits have allowed me to see places in different seasons.

You could just go to Kyoto first. Here are two options that keep the 3 nights in Kyoto while allowing you to add a second night to Hiroshima/Miyajima.

Day 1 Kyoto (3 nights)
Day 4 Travel to Hiroshima / Miyajima (2 nights)
Day 6 Travel to Osaka (1 night)
Day 7 Travel to Kanazawa (2 nights)
Day 9 Travel to Tokyo (2 nights)>>
Day 11 Evening flight (9pm) to Sydney.

Day 1 Kyoto (3 nights)
Day 4 Travel to Hiroshima / Miyajima (2 nights)
Day 6 Travel to Osaka (2 nights)
Day 8 Travel to Kanazawa (2 nights)
Day 10 Travel to Tokyo (2 nights)>>
Day 11 Evening flight (9pm) to Sydney.
mrwunrfl is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ceekay126
Asia
11
Aug 19th, 2018 05:42 PM
MelMelieMelos
Asia
17
Feb 3rd, 2017 01:47 AM
maventy
Asia
4
Jan 27th, 2017 09:21 AM
kdd
Asia
15
Aug 13th, 2012 06:24 PM
inor
Asia
6
Apr 15th, 2010 04:24 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -