Je serai a Fukuoka du 29 septembre au 4 octobre, le voyage sera un peu particulier car je pense louer un velo et partir vers Taketa pour faire du wakeboard (environ 170km en velo). Le voyage se ferait en deux jours avec un stop pour un nuit en source d'eau chaude.
Par contre, Fukuoka semble une ville interessante, et suite a pas mal de recherches sur ce forum, voici ce que je pense y voir en 1 journee (a pieds ou a velo):
- depart de la station de Hakata
- Tocho-ji temple
- Shofuku-ji temple
- Kushida shrine
- owl family cafe / cafe avec des hiboux/chouettes
- Yatai food vers tenjin
- Maizuru / Ohori park / Fukuoka castle ruins
- Florenta donuts (donuts bio en forme d'animaux)
- Momochi sea-side park
- Fukuoka tower
Merci au blog de Benefukuoka sur lequel j'ai pris 2-3 idees =)
Est-ce que quelqu'un a d'autres idees interessantes pour une journee a fukuoka en fin septembre/debut octobre?
J'aurais notamment besoin d'aide pour trouver un endroit pas trop cher pour dormir a Fukuoka. =)
Etant bien actif sur couchsurfing, je vais commencer a chercher la bas aussi =)
Si quelqu'un veut passer la soiree du 29 septembre avec moi pour cette petite tournee de Fukuoka ce sera avec plaisir! Je serai la aussi le 3 et 4 octobre.
Si quelqu'un passe par la coree du sud, j'y suis encore quelques mois alors ce sera avec plaisir pour vous aider!
suite a la visite de Fukuoka, direction, en velo ; Kurokawa onsen pour une journee (idealement avec le pass onsen hopping a 1300 yen pour essayer 3 sources d'eau chaude).
Petite question ; est-ce qu'il est assez simple de dormir dans une tente dans la region? Je pense partir en mode aventurier a velo avec un sac a dos moyen contenant ; petite tente, matelas gonflable et sac de couchage + de quoi me changer... est-ce que j'aurai du mal a trouver un petit coin d'herbe quelque part pour passer la nuit??
Bonjour,
merci pour la mention de mon blog, ca me fait tres plaisir.
Il y a deja largement de quoi remplir une journee avec tout ce que tu as liste, inutile d'en rajouter.
Attention avec le cafe a hiboux car si c'est en week-end tu n'es pas sur d'avoir de la place quand tu arriveras. Chaque session commence a une heure precise et le staff sort du cafe pour prendre les noms / appeler les gens qui ont reserve. Il n'est pas possible de rentrer dans le cafe en dehors.
Mille mercis! Je penserai bien a mettre quelques commentaires/photos et mon itineraire (notamment a velo vers Kurukowa) a la suite du voyage pour aider les futurs eventuels visiteurs =)
Merci beaucoup pour les infos sur le cafe et puis le lien vers des suggestions d'hebergement!
Donc super pour Fukuoka, un gros merci pour les infos tirees du blog ainsi que la reponse ici =) Je me demande pourquoi je ne suis pas tombe sur ce forum avant pour tous les voyages passes... j'espere bien pouvoir aider des gens dans le futur aussi!
Pour la suite du trip, j'ai donc simplement en tete le parcours en piece jointe (voir image).
143 km a velo, 2 destinations ; Kurokawa (pour essayer 3 onsen) et puis stone wake park car le wakebaord est ma passion.. =)
Donc 2 petites questions :
- ca vaut le coup de dormir dans un onsen ? C'est plutot cher mais bon tant qu'a etre a un des meilleurs endroits au japon pour ca.. ca vaut peut etre le petit investissement et oublier l'argent un peu haha? J'imagine que l'experience est beaucoup plus complete que seulement un acces en journee aux sources? Quelqu'un peut me conseiller?
- les autres nuits seront passees en tente, un peu a l'arrache sur la route et puis apres au wakepark ce sera plus simple. Est-ce illegal au japon? Je tenterai d'etre discret et choisir un endroit bien tranquille...
Dormir dans des bains à 42°, pourquoi pas, mais quelle idée étrange...
Je suppose que tu voulais dire dans un ryokan avec onsen ?
Oui, bien sûr, il n'y a pas que les bains.
Même s'ils proposent la demi-pension, on est loin des soirées étape de Campanile 😇
On y va d'abord pour l'ambiance, le décor, la vue éventuellement. On y arrive tôt, vers 17h. On se relaxe dans le ou les bains, avant de déguster un repas kaiseki original, préparé à base des produits locaux, puis un petit tour aux bains avant de dormir sur des futons (aïe le dos). Le matin, bains + petit déjeuner (certains ryokans offrent le choix, western ou japanese, choisir western 😛).
Et puis, il y a l'endroit. À Kurokawa, si tu y dors, tu pourras te promener le soir dans le village avec ton yukata, les touristes auront déserté l'endroit. Alors, oui, ça vaut le coup. Après, est-ce que ça vaut le coût, c'est plus discutable car certains sont très chers, mais bon, on ne vit qu'une fois.
J'ai bien ri... effectivement mauvais wording - mes excuses, tu as bien compris, je voulais bien dire Ryokan avec Onsen =)
Effectivement toute l'experience semble interessante, et apparemment plutot authentique. Merci beaucoup pour ton avis, je prends en compte.
J'ai clique vite fait sur ta signature et il semble y avoir des recits interessants, j'ai cru apercevoir des photos de bonne qualite egalement... ca fera un peu de lecture pour cet apres-midi!
Oui dormir a Kurokawa vaut carrement le coup !
Par contre faire attention de bien verifier que le ryokan accepte les personnes seules. Souvent c'est a partir de deux personnes meme si certains etablissements ouvrent quelques chambres pour les voyageurs solitaires.
Hello!
Comme promis, voici un petit de-brief du voyage a velo Fukuoka-Kurokawa + Photos !
Pour rappel :
- 6 jours dont :
- 2 jours de trajet a velo (300 km environ)
- 2 jours a Kurokawa
- 2 jours a Fukuoka
Fukuoka-Kurokawa en velo
Trajet tres sympa, avec des tres beaux paysages sur la seconde moitie. Je suis passe par les routes : 112, puis 386, puis 212, puis 442. Le dernier tiers plutot difficile car beaucoup de montees! J'ai mis 10 heures et 30 minutes... sachant que sur la premiere portion il y a eu beaucoup de longs feux rouges, j'ai roule sous la pluie sur presque tout le trajet et il y a eu beaucoup de montees. J'ai fait l'aller en une journee.. je ne vous cache pas que j'ai marche les deux derniers kilometres car je n'en pouvais plus des montees!!
Kurokawa
Au top!! Les onsens sont magnifiques, tellement bien integres, c'est magique! Le village est magnifique le matin et le soir, il y a de quoi faire et a voir!
** pour info, il y a un bus direct aeroport Fukuoka - Kurokawa qui coute environ 3000 yen. Ca prend 1h40 si je me souviens bien sur l'horaire (contrairement a 10.5 en velo haha).
Nuits en hamac / contenu du sac a dos (voir photos!)
Je suis parti avec bien peu : 1 hamac avec sa protection moustiques, 1 bache pour la pluie. 1 appareil photo, 1 GoPro. 2 shorts, 3 tshirts, 3 boxers. 1 petit kit de toilette (un peu de shampooing, deo, brosse a dents et dentifrice). 1 kit medical tres basique. outil a velo. corde. couteau. de quoi allumer un feu. Quelques barres aux noix. 1 casque. 1 support pour velo sur lequel je peux mettre mon sac. 2 batteries externes. un sac etanche. Total 7kg pour 6 jours.
!! ce que je regrette : a la derniere minute, j'ai decide de retirer de mon sac le Sac de couchage (en me disant qu'il ne fera pas froid et j'economiserai un peu de masse/volume)... je me suis bien gele la nuit car je n'ai apporte qu'une veste, meme pas de pantalons. C'etait humide et le froid m'a reveille quelques fois!)
Fukuoka
A peine arrive a Fukuoka je suis alle manger a un Yatai vers Tenjin et puis je me suis fait quelques amis la bas en mangeant. Ces jeunes bien sympas ont paye tout ce que j'ai mange et bu, pas possible, ils etaient au top!!
Tocho-ji temple est magnfique, Kushida shrine aussi... J'ai adore le Owl cafe, les hiboux etaient tellement sympas et le personnel qui y bosse, jeune et tres gentil. Maizaru park.. ughh j'y suis alle en pleine chaleur et j'ai un peu moins aime, mais Ohori park au top, il y avait des retraites qui se faisaient une course passionnee de Voiliers radio-commandes, ils etaient trop sympas et impressionnants! Petit stop a Florenta Donuts... pas trop de chance pour voir des donuts en forme d'animaux, il n'y en avait que deux haha, mais leur donuts nature sont au top et ils m'ont propose de m'asseoir 5 minutes pour en attendre un tout chaud tout frais, miam. Momochi seaside park tres agreable aussi, bien relaxant et c'est toujours sympa d'etre au bord de l'eau! Juste a cote, Robosquare, un espece de petit musee du robot, bien que petit.. il y a moyen de toucher et interagir avec quelques robots, dont le petit Pepper qui est un peu partout en ville.. et puis l'acces est gratuit! Sinon, les arcades/jeux videos sont super, avoir eu un peu plus de temps je me serais amuse la bas plus longtemps..! Des gens de tous ages et des jeux juste delirants ! Ichiran pour des ramen, il fallait tenter bien sur.. et j'ai bien aime aussi, c'est une grande chaine et puis j'ai bien apprecie le gout et le style! J'ai passe une soiree avec Mr Takahashi, celui qui m'a gentillement prete un velo, et puis on s'est fait un bon bon bon resto dont j'ai oublie le nom, pour ensuite finir dans un yatai pour essayer des ramen de yatai cette fois.. =)
Soucis?
- On m'a confisque mon outil a velo a l'aeroport =( il etait 10mm trop long pour etre admis en cabine. J'en ai rachete un a Loft (lofte?), il y a de tout la bas!
- Un matin en sortie de hamac, je me suis fait piquer par un Frelon japonais geant (je l'ai malheureusement tue sur le coup car au vu de la taille j'ai cru que ca en etait deux). Pwahhh la douleur!!! Plusieurs fois plus douloureux qu'un frelon ordinaire!! Mon coeur a battu a 110 bpm pendant pres d'une heure. Son venin est apparemment tres puissant et peut causer un arret cardiaque, et plusieurs gens en meurent chaque annee.. meme sans allergies. Faites attention!! J'ai eu de la chance, c'etait qu'une piqure et je ne suis pas allergique... j'ai vite de-infecte et nettoye mais bon... c'est la qu'on se dit... bravo, 6h du matin un dimanche, au milieu de nulle part, tu te fais piquer par un truc qui peut te tuer et t'es seul. Mais bon il n'y a pas eu de complications apres, j'ai eu de la chance.
- le GPS de mon telephone ne marchait pas sans data =(( j'ai loue une petit box wifi nomade a U-Mobile a Tenjin.. ca fonctionne comme un charme.
Merci!!
Merci a ceux qui ont repondu a ces premiers messages... Bene pour les idees, Mr Takahashi pour le velo (a qui j'ai gentillement achete des freins neufs pour le velo... ca use vite sous la pluie!), Magda la couchsurfeuse qui m'a presente Mr Takahashi... voyage au top!!!
Voir les photos en piece jointe... j en prends peu... je filme surtout, et je posterai le lien quand je ferai un petit montage =))
Kurokawa
Au top!! Les onsens sont magnifiques, tellement bien integres, c'est magique! Le village est magnifique le matin et le soir, il y a de quoi faire et a voir!
** pour info, il y a un bus direct aeroport Fukuoka - Kurokawa qui coute environ 3000 yen. Ca prend 1h40 si je me souviens bien sur l'horaire (contrairement a 10.5 en velo haha).
Je ne peux qu'affirmer. J'y etais ce week-end : le cadre et les bains sont extraordinaires. Par contre il faisait vraiment frais, les erables commencaient meme a changer de couleur.
Je serais curieuse de savoir le nom des onsens que tu as visite.
Pour le bus, cela prend un peu plus de temps car il fait un grand detour vu a l'impossibilite de passer par Tsuetate onsen suite aux seismes. Le detour retarde l'arrivee d'environ 30 minute mais la route suit une riviere et c'est assez sympa.
Ravi de savoir que tu as appreciee aussi Kurokawa!! :-)
Pour ceux que j'ai visite... :
1) Shinmeikan (dans les grosses/cavernes... j'ai bien aime!)
2) Ikoi (definitivement mon prefere et coup de coeur!! Il me semble que c'est celui de ta photo Bene)
3) Yumotoso (petit mais bien agreable aussi)
J'ai fait une petite video... mais en fait j'ai combine des images en vrac de mes derniers recents voyages (Thailande, Philippines, Coree du Sud ou je vis en ce moment et puis le Japon), au final il y a relativement peu d'images du Japon haha, un petit peu de Yatai, un peu du Owl cafe... desole ;-) Je vous donne le lien quand meme et n'hesitez pas si vous avez des questions sur des lieux precis qui pourraient vous interesser! Ca dure 3min30sec.
Dans ta liste j'ai juste fait Shinmeikan que je n'ai pas trop aimé car ça me faisait penser à un sauna et dieu sait que je déteste ça ! J'ai eu un coup de coeur pour Kô no yu et je pense y retourner mais j'aimerais aussi en tester d'autres et Ikoi fait partie de la liste.
Je pars en solo dans une grosse semaine au Japon. J'aimerais démarrer de Fukuoka pour joindre Tokyo à vélo. Du coup, je cherche des infos concernant l'état des…
Nous venons passer le week-end à Fukuoka, avez-vous un onsen ou un sento à nous conseiller dans la ville ou à proximité (accessible en tranport en commun)?…
Nous partons au Japon fin mars-avril. A Fukuoka, nous aimerions louer une voiture. Cependant, nous serons logés en airbnb sans parking (quartier Hakata). Du…
Avec mon épouse, nous passons le mois de juillet au Japon, 10 jours pour faire le tour de l'ile de Kyushu, 5 Jours à Okinawa, 1 jour Osaka (expo universelle),…
Hi there,
My girlfriend (23) and I (24) are heading to Japan for the first time from October 20th to November 6th. Here’s our itinerary:
6 nights in Tokyo
1 night in Hakone (ryokan already booked)
4 nights in Kyoto (hotel already booked)
2 nights in Osaka
4 nights back in Tokyo
I’d like to book hotels for Tokyo (both stays) and Osaka, but I’ve gotten so many different recommendations.
I’ve read that Shinjuku is the place to be for its huge hub, accessibility, and things to do, but I’ve also heard about Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno.
I’ve looked at hotels, and first off, I’m surprised by the prices compared to what I’ve seen on forums (I guess inflation’s hit here too… and maybe I’m late to the booking game?). I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options.
For our first stay in Tokyo, I’d prefer a hotel (not a residence or Airbnb) since we’ll be arriving at night, and it’s our first time in Japan. It’d be great to have a place with a reception, staff who speak at least a little English, and can give us some guidance. For the second stay, we could consider other options if it’s better.
Budget-wise, we can go up to 150–180 € per night, but if we can save some money to spend elsewhere, that’d be amazing!
I’m open to all recommendations, hotel suggestions, or any other tips for Tokyo (first stay), Osaka, and Tokyo (second stay).
We’re flying to China in a few days for a four-week trip—our first time in this fascinating country! 🇨🇳
We’ll be sharing our adventure live on our travel journal, with photos and daily updates. Our itinerary, though classic, will let us discover the wonders of this vast country:
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung.
Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Hi there,
I’m getting ready for a classic tourist trip to China in May 2026.
The "Terres Lointaines" itinerary looks good to me, and the price is interesting.
Has anyone traveled with them before? Any feedback?
Is there a better option?
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences on this!
Michel
I just booked my hotel in Seoul—it’ll be near Unhyeongung, on Samil-Daero 30-Gil—and I’m wondering if there’s public transport from the airport to this address (bus or subway)? If not, what’s the taxi fare? I read it’s around 50 or 60 €.
I’m traveling to Japan with a young adult with autism (ASD) from July 28 to August 8, following a pretty classic route: Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’m looking for a schedule of the most spectacular fireworks displays during that time. So far, the dates for the major *hanabi* events aren’t available online yet. If anyone has them, I’d really appreciate it if you could share!
We’ll be doing a self-drive trip using public transport in May 2026.
On Day 6, we’ll arrive in Hakone by train from Tokyo in late morning. We’ll spend the night in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
The main goal of this stop is clearly the view (no hiking) of Mount Fuji, not so much exploring Hakone, where the sights seem limited.
I’ve read on the forum that the view is great from Gotemba, but it also takes a good hour by bus to get there. And, apart from that view, there’s nothing else to see in Gotemba!
So, I’m not sure what to choose. Any thoughts? Or alternatives to suggest?
Maybe some spots in Hakone or Gotemba for a great view?
Hi everyone, I’m Julien!
This summer, from late June to late July, I’m planning a one-month solo trip to Japan—my first time!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on the itinerary I’ve put together to explore this amazing country.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula
Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather
Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara)
Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Takayama: 3 days
Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport)
Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night
Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me
Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay
Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo)
Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kawaguchiko: 1 night
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Koya-san: 1 night
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights
Takayama: 3 nights
Kanazawa: 3 nights
Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points:
I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets.
I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted.
I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Hello everyone,
Like Cedric13600, I’ve booked a flight ticket for 30 days / 29 nights in September 2026, from Beijing to Shanghai. We’re a couple in our sixties who love independent road trips.
I’d like to draw inspiration from the following private itinerary suggested by a travel agency:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2 to 4: Beijing
Day 5: Datong
Day 6 & 7: Pingyao
Day 8 to 10: Xi'an
Day 11: Luoyang
Day 12: Dengfeng
flight
Day 13 & 14: Chongqing
flight
Day 15 & 16: Lijiang
Day 17: Dali
Day 18: Kunming
Day 19: Jianshui
Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang
Day 22: Travel via Guilin
Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo
Day 25: Guilin
Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie
flight
Day 28 & 29: Shanghai
Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently:
1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think?
2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority?
Thanks so much in advance for your help.
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026:
Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris).
This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome.
Thanks so much!
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns.
A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
I'm 69 years old and heading to China, where most tourist sites are free or discounted for me. However, trip.com either refuses to let me book because the sites are free or doesn’t apply the discount. Does WeChat apply this discount if I book through them? How can I just reserve without paying and pay on-site? Is that possible?
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old).
Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there.
We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!!
Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights
Forbidden City
Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights
Terracotta Army
Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights
Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Wenshu Yuan Temple
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to China as a couple, and before we left, the budget was the hardest thing to picture concretely. We found plenty of info on visas, apps, transport, and itineraries, but way fewer detailed breakdowns of what you *actually* spend on the ground.
So, we took the time to share our real budget for 14 days. In our case, we spent around 1,800 € per person, with a big chunk of that going toward round-trip flights at about 600 € per person. We were also pretty surprised by how affordable China can be once you’re there—transport is often cheap, and a lot of everyday expenses stay reasonable.
The trickiest part, in the end, was figuring out how to pay while you’re there, since it’s not always obvious if you’re not prepared. But once everything’s set up and you get the hang of it, it’s really smooth.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea before they go, we’ve broken it all down here:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-2-semaines-de-voyage-en-chine/
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27)
Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet).
Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba.
Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals.
Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28)
Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities:
Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms)
Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
Activities:
Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go.
Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house).
Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts.
---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3)
Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara:
Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4)
Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle.
Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle.
Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6)
Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
hi! Is it easy to use for paying for all the small purchases at the markets? INSTALLATION AND USE WITHOUT ISSUES—do you also need a VPN for China?
Secondly, for using phone and internet, I have Orange—is it reliable, or should I go with Airalo instead?
The info I found on the forum is a bit outdated, so I’m asking again!
1) What budget should I plan for 15 days, given that hotels with breakfast, transfers, and transport are already paid for? I know it depends on the person, but I’d love a rough idea. For meals, we’re thinking simple street food or small local restaurants.
2) I’ve heard that credit cards (we each have a Revolut + 1 Visa Premier) aren’t widely used and that it’s better to have cash. Can you confirm?
3) Are foreign credit cards still not accepted at bank ATMs? Still 7-Eleven or the Post Office? And what about American Express?
I'm planning a 19-day itinerary in Japan this summer.
For a first trip, Kyoto seems like a must. For the rest, I'm torn between:
- Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa for 5 to 6 days
- Kyoto 4 days
- Nara 2 days
- Koyasan 1 day
- Hakone/Mount Fuji 2 to 3 days
- Tokyo 3 days
Or dedicating the first 6 days to Kyushu.
Maybe there’s less traditional Japan in Kyushu compared to the Japanese Alps?
Maybe Kyushu is less crowded?
Thanks for your thoughts!
We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.
I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.
First, some key details:
1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it.
2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them.
3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).
Itinerary:
Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days
Gyeongju: 2 days
Busan: 3 days
Jeju: 4 days
Seoul: 2 days
I’ll be in Hong Kong from December 31 to January 3, 2027.
Any recommendations for things to see or do?
I’ll be staying in the Kowloon district.
I’d love to visit Lantau Island—what’s the best way to get there? And would you recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket for the cable car? Also, is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
I’m heading to Taiwan soon and would love some up-to-date info on Wi-Fi.
From what I’ve gathered, Taiwan offers it for free, but I’ve heard it’s not secure since it’s not protected by a "password." Since I’ve been traveling outside the EU for years without a local SIM card, I only use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For me, that’s more than enough. So, my question is: Do these places secure their Wi-Fi with a "password"? If not, does buying a SIM card or eSIM seem like the only alternative?
Also, if any of you have recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in the main "cities," I’d love to hear them!
We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies,
Catherine
I’m planning our trip to Japan from March 21 to April 11, 2026. We’re planning to travel by plane for long distances (Okinawa) and by train for the rest. I’d like to know if renting a car is easy and, most importantly, if driving with road signs written in Japanese isn’t too complicated. For trains, are there any tips to save money?
hi everyone, and first of all, I wish you all a happy new year and good health!
This coming October or November, we’re planning our first trip to Japan. The only downside is we’ll only have two weeks off.
For this first visit, I’m thinking of sticking to the Kyoto and Osaka area… saving Tokyo for another trip. Do you think that’s a good choice for a first-time visit?
I’ve put together a little itinerary below to get some feedback from those in the know. I’m only counting the days we’re actually there, not travel days.
Day 1: Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path with stops at a few shrines
temples Eikan-dō and Nanzen-ji
visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum in the late afternoon
Day 2: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari (allow 4 hours for the hike through the park)
visit to Sanjūsangen-dō temple
Shōseien garden
participate in a tea ceremony
Day 3: Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera temple
stroll through the historic district up to Kennin-ji temple
visit Kennin-ji temple
Yasaka-jinja shrine and Gion district in the late afternoon
return to the hotel via Pontochō Street
Day 4: Kyoto
visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijō Castle
visit the Imperial Palace gardens
end the day in the shopping streets (Shibkyogoku and Teramachi, among others)
Day 5: Kyoto
Arashiyama area
Togetsukyo Bridge, walk along the river, visit the Bamboo Forest
explore the area up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple
Day 6: Kyoto
hike from Kibune to Kurama
Day 7: Kyoto
day trip to Nara (full day)
Day 8:
stroll around Kyoto before heading to Osaka
Day 9: Osaka
Katsuo-ji temple, then head to Minoh Falls and hike back via the Minoh Trail
end the day in the Osaka Castle area
Day 10: Osaka
Himeji Castle and an afternoon in Osaka
Day 11: Osaka
Osaka and return to the airport in the late afternoon for the flight home
Do you think this itinerary is doable? Are some days too relaxed or too packed?
I was thinking of adding a trip to Lake Biwa and Uji, but in that case, I’d have to cut some things. Are those places worth dropping some of the planned spots? And if so, which ones would you recommend cutting or shortening?
Thanks in advance—I’m all ears for both positive and negative feedback!
stephane
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Japan in April/May.
I’ll start my journey in Tokyo for 3 to 4 days.
I’d love your advice on accommodation, transportation, an itinerary, and whether a guide would be useful.
I’m traveling solo and could use a little reassurance.
Before I forget... how do payments work?
Hi there,
I’m looking for someone who could help me organize a trip to Japan for my niece and her son. I’ve seen that French-speaking guides are expensive, and the same goes for going through a tour operator.
Airline, local transportation, hotels, etc.
Thanks for your replies!
Betsyl
Hi there, I’m going on an organized trip to Japan in April and will have two free days in Tokyo. I’d love some tips on what to do during those two days.
Thanks
