jonnygo

Hi, Im taking my 2nd trip to Japan in November. I wanted to see if any Japan gurus here see anything strange or wrong about my planned itinerary. I feel like my first trip I was unorganised and my itinerary could have been planned better. (FYI Ive already been to Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, Nara, Takayama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto and Tokyo)

14-16 Nov - Arrive Fukuoka (Sumo, Yatai, day trip to Nagasaki)
17 - Train to Okayama (Kurashiki and Gardens)
18-21 Train to Osaka Via Himeji (Nightlife and eating, maybe spend another day in Kyoto)
22-24 - Train/Bus to Hakone (3 nights of Walking, Onsen and Kasikei at a Ryokan - I have tentatively booked Kinokuniya up in the mountains)
25-26 - Train to Nikko. (incl day trip to lake for autumn leaves)
27-30 - Tokyo (Many more neighbourhoods for me to look at in Tokyo.)

Appreciate your help, long time reader of this forum.

kja

A few things to consider:

I greatly preferred Kurashiki to Okayama, and was glad I spent my nights in the area in Kurashiki. Too, I was less enamored of Korakuen that some -- but then, I was there in spring, and I'm sure the season matters.

For Nikko, consider stopping at Kegon-no-Taki on your way to Lake Chuzenji -- I thought it awesome! If you have any interest in the art of Japanese sliding doors and screens, consider a stop at the Nikko Toshogu Museum of Art. And for a pleasant walk, consider the Kanmangafuchi Abyss.

Enjoy!

mrwunrfl

Nagasaki deserves more time.

You can fly Nagasaki to Osaka KIX for ¥4,790 on the 18th.

mrwunrfl

for ¥4,790 on Peach

Adastra2200

A few observations...
You don't include much in your time in Kyushu. The yatai is essentially having dinner in the evening, and the sumo takes a few hours. That still leaves a lot of time to fill. Nagasaki can be seen as a day trip with an early start, but IMHO works better with an overnight. There are many good places to see, and don't miss Mt Inasa at night if the weather is clear. Not to mention that for Fukuoka if you like ramen and know about the yatai, in Nagasaki be sure to try the chanpon and saraudon for lunch or dinner.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...K92siHyNqSNxXz
Fukuoka has some good sights as well and you can enjoy a day there too. One of the best places in Japan in fact is there, and virtually unknown to most of the world - go see the Nanzoin Temple - it is mind blowing and free!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...7ayvBAbOn8-028
http://www.thejapanfaq.com/fukpic.html
If you want to see Nagasaki, get a Northern Kyushu Rail Pass
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_05.html
The trip to Nagasaki alone makes it worth it - unless you plan to get a 14 day JR Pass.

The Korakuen Garden in Okayama is actually one of Japan's traditional Top 3 gardens. But also worth seeing is the Handayama Garden which is not far away.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...REGdGupetT13aa
And if you have an interest in gardens, another possibility is going over to Takamatsu and seeing the Ritsurin Garden. Absolutely beautiful and mostly unknown to the masses.
https://goo.gl/bdFxZk

And for Himeji, don't miss the Kokoen Garden next to the castle.
For Hakone, look into getting a Hakone Freepass:
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Lastly, if you have the JR Pass, you can take it to Nikko. If not, get a Tobu Nikko Free Pass:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_002.html

Kavey

Agree with the tip to go and see Nanzoin, the giant reclining Buddha is amazing and the approach to the temple also beautiful. It's a bit out of Fukuoka, so do check transport options - we had a rental car which made it easier.