stephendsmith

Hi,
I bought some cheap flights to Japan. I fly in and out of Tokyo and have 17 days.
This is my 2nd time in Japan. The first time I spent a good amount of time in Kyoto, Nara, Kanazawa, Takayama and Matsumoto. Im looking for any tips for a new and different schedule. We are a couple in 30s who enjoy eating, history and nature. Happy to mix big crazy cities like Tokyo and some smaller places (loved Takayama.)

Here's my initial thoughts:
Tokyo - 4 days
Fuji Five Lakes - 2 days
Hakone - 3 days
Osaka - 3 days
Kobe/Himeji - 2 days.

That leaves a bit of time for another place or 2. Some thoughts are Nikko, Kamakura, Yokohama, Kurashiki, Wakayama.

As much as Id love to get down to Naqasaki, it seems like a waste of 8 hours to train there and back from Osaka when there are so many places to see in Japan.

Any thoughts, or places that you have been and loved?

Thanks in advance.

kja

Given your stated interests -- history and nature -- have you considered a pairing of Hiroshima and Miyajima? If interested, you could visit Kurashiki en route. And -- if you haven't already seen Himeji-jo, you could make that part of your circuit, too.

Have you considered Koya-san?

I loved Nikko and was glad I gave it an overnight rather than just a day trip, because it gave me time for some of the lesser sites in Nikko and a chance to see Kegon-no-taki and a bit of Lake Chuzenji.

I also enjoyed Kamakura, which I visited as a day trip from Tokyo.

I haven't been to Yokohama or Wakayama yet, and so can't comment....

Hope that helps!

burta

As history buffs, have you considered visiting Sengakuji Temple near Shinagawa Station in Tokyo? It is famous for its graveyard where the 47 Ronin are buried. This is one of the most famous historical stories in Japan. Loyalty and endurance are honored.

mrwunrfl

When is your trip?

curiousgeo

Totally agree with burta regarding a visit to Sengakuji Temple. The 47 Ako ronin embody one the most famous examples of the bushido code and spirit.

Americans are rightfully in awe of the eternal flame at JFK's grave at Arlington National Cemetery. The 47 ronin committed seppuku in 1703, and incense burns at every grave site to this day. Oishi Kuranosuke, their leader is there along with his 16 year old son Chikara who participated in the famous raid on the Kira residence.

someotherguy

Since no one has commented on Yokohama and Wakayama, I'll take a shot.

If you happen to be in Yokohama, the Sankeien Garden is worth a visit but I wouldn't make a special trip. However, if you are interested in history, the Mikasa (flagship at the battle of Tsushima in 1905, where the Japanese sank the entire Russian navy and thereby contributed to the chain of events that led to the revolution) is well worth it.

Wakayama is more challenging. The castle is not particularly interesting, but a trip along the line to Kishi to see Nitama (successor to Tama, the stationmaster cat) is good exposure to Japanese kawaii, particularly if you are able to take the Tamadensha.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawaii
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tama_%28cat%29

However, there many good sights on the Kii Peninsular. The train line south from Wakayama around the coast gives access to the shrines of the Kodo Pilgrimmage in Kumano (really good), then the Ise Shrines (what's particularly cool here is that you are not allowed to see the actual shrines, so it takes some detective work), Meoto Iwa (more kawaii), and finally Nagoya (an excellent base for museums and day trips). There's a section of that line that's not included in the JR pass so you need to pay 820Y to the conductor.

stephendsmith

Thanks for the great replies. Trip is in November and I neglected to mention I had been to Hiroshima and Miyajima previously. I think Ill have to add Sengakuji Temple and also Kurashiki for sure. I will continue to debate whether to travel to Nagasaki and Hakata or stick closer to Osaka area