Je reviens d'un voyage de trois semaines au Japon où j'ai passé quelques jours dans les Izu Shoto. Je vous donnes ici quelques informations, pensant
que cela pourra vous aider dans la planification de votre voyage étant donné que j'ai eu de la difficulté à en trouver avant mon départ!
Alors nous sommes partis du Takeshiba terminal à Tokyo où nous avons pris un ferry de nuit pour rejoindre les îles. Pour le bateau de nuit, je vous conseil de réserver votre place dès votre arrivée au Japon si possible afin de vous assurer une place à la date voulue. Nous avons réservé qu'une seule journée à l'avance, mais nous avons été très chanceux, il ne restait que 3 places dans le bateau et nous étions 2. Nous avons pris les sièges inclinables qui s'avèrent comparables au confort d'un avion mais avec davantage d'espace pour les jambes. Sur le bateau il y a un petit restaurant ouvert à des heures fixes, mais il y aussi des machines distributrices servant des nouilles ramen et autre. Pour réserver, je vous conseil de faire appeler une personne parlant le japonais, soit un employé de votre hotel ou autre, car le personnel ne parle que très peu l'anglais et cela peut s'avérer compliqué.
Lorsque vous arrivez au port, vous allez voir une énorme foule de touristes japonais qui veulent se rende sur les îles et vous serez probablement dans les seuls touristes non-japonais (j'en ai vu 6 nous incluant lors de notre voyage!)
Nous avons donc fait escale comme première île à Kozushima, la plus loin de ce groupe d'île. Nous n'avions pas réservé de chambre alors nous nous sommes dirigés vers le centre d'information touristique oÙ nous avons demandé une chambre dans un minshuku, qui s'avère l'option la moins chère quoique assez dispendieuse comparé à nos nuits en auberge de jeunesse le reste du voyage. Le personnel du centre ne parle à peu près pas anglais et les phrases en japonais de notre guide de voyage se sont avérées utiles! Nous avons obtenu une chambre pour 8500 par personne, assez cher, mais nous n'avions pas d'autres choix. Nous avons en même temps réservé notre billet pour le lendemain, afin de rejoindre la 2e ile. Le minshuku s'est avéré très propre et beau. Nous avons prix le repas inclu dans le prix de la nuit.... Si vous aimez les repas typiques avec beaucoup de poissons (plusieurs poissons entiers dans votre assiette, sashimi, soupe, boulette de poisson, salade de thon, etc) vous apprécierez le repas, sinon sachez que vous pouvez refuser le repas, vous paierez moins cher et vous pourrez certainement trouver un petit quelque chose à manger malgré le peu de restaurant. L'île est belle et offre de beaux paysages. Je crois que nous étions les seuls touristes non japonais de l'ile, + les 2000 habitants! je vous conseil de prendre un autobus, si vous arrivez à trouver les horaires. Nous avons énormément marché, mais ce n'est pas une île pour marcher! Nous avons été dans un Onsen avec une vue superbe et trouvé une site extraordinaire où les japonais saute dans l'eau transparente a partir de plateforme en bois. Nous avons été trop intimidés par la foule de japonais pour oser sauter, mais je suis certaine que cela vaut le coup! le soir nous avons assisté a un festival ou tous les habitant étaient présent et s'était vraiment bien!
Lendemain matin nous avons repris le ferry vers niijima. Arrivés, même scénario direction centre d'info touristique pour demander une chambre, le personnel parlait un peu plus anglais, mais les quelques mots japonais nous ont bien aidé. Avons pris une nuit dans un minshuku, sans repas pour 4000Y par personne qui était très bien. Arrivé au minshuku de l'extérieur cela paraissait très bizarre mais notre chambre s'est avérée encore une fois très bien et nous avions l'impression d'être presque les seuls résidents. Nii jima fut mon île coup de coeur. J'ai adoré, nous avons pris des bicyclettes et fait le tour de l'ile, ce qui se fait très bien, beaux paysages, beaux sites de snorkeling, belles petites plages. WOW j'ai adoré. Les gens sont si gentils sur les îles!! Nous n'avons pas été chargé pour les bicyclettes et ni pour le taxi qui nous a reconduit au port le lendemain par un monsieur adorable! Le lendemain direction Oshima ou nous restons aussi une nuit.
Vous pouvez facilement voyager d'ile en île et pas besoin de réserver vos billets avant. Arrivez une heure en avance et il n'y a pas de problème.
Arrivé à Oshima encore un minshuku très beau (5000 Y par personne sans repas), tenu par un couple assez âgé de japonais, ne parlant encore bien sur aucun anglais, assez diffiicle de se faire comprendre mais ils étaient aussi adorable! Bon Oshima, je vous conseil, si vous arrivez comme nous d'une autre île le matin d'y passer au moins deux nuits afin d'avoir le temps de faire tout ce qu'il y a à faire. Si c, est votre premier arrêt du ferry de nuit au départ de Tokyo, je crois que vous arriverez assez tôt pour tout faire en une nuit.
Le problème est que Oshima est assez grande et vous devez absolument organiser votre journée selon les horaires d'autobus assez restreint. De plus, malheureusement, comme nous arrivions un peu plus tard, nous n'avons pu monter jusqu'au volcan, n, ayant pas le temps pour revenir avec le dernier autobus. Nous avons quand même pu visiter certains sites, dont la plage de sable noire et de beaux rochers frappés par les vagues. Pour s'y rendre nous devions prendre un bus, que nous avons manqué et qui ne repassait que beaucoup plus tard. Nous avons donc questionné un chauffeur d'un autre autobus et par sa grande gentillesse il nous a embarqué et nous à mené jusqu'ou l'autobus que nous voulions prendre était rendu. Sans demander de payer. Après 35 minutes de bus, nous arrivons au site, visitons, puis décidons de marcher jusqu'a la plage ne voyant pas de bus. C'est une chose à ne pas faire. La marche est beaucoup plus longue que vous pouvez penser!!! Nous avons marché longtemps, il faisait chaud, et malgré les horaires d'autobus que nous voyions sur la route, aucun ne passait! Par chance, un monsieur en voiture qui allait dans la direction opposée nous a demandé ou on allait, il a tourné de direction, nous a embarqué et nous a ramené au port! Tellement gentil!! Et il ne nous a rien demandé en retour!!! Le lendemain matin avant de partir nous avons visité le musée des volcans... intéressant, mais je crois que vous pouvez vous passer de cette visite. Nous avons pris le jet boat pour un retour en 2heures à Tokyo, plus cher mais plus rapide. Nous avions réserver nos billets la veille.
Alors voilà pour les infos!Ce n'est rien de très concret, mais simplement pour que vous sachiez que malgré le peu de touristes étrangers qui se rendent sur ces îles, c'est faisable, très agréable pour changer des temples et agréable transition pour se reposer avant Tokyo et les habitants sont extrêmement gentil, malgré qu'à la première impression cela peut sembler complexe étant donné la barrière de la langue! je ne peux vous dire les noms des minshuku où nous avons logé étant donné qu'ils étaient écrit en japonais.
Voilà! J'espère que cela vous encouragera à aller visiter ces îles!!! :)
bonjour Marieloup,
je suis tres heureuse que tu partages ton experience!
je part deux mois avec mes deux enfants (1 an et 3 ans) en decembre et janvier pour le japon. arrivée par avion, sur place 6 semaines et deux semaines environ de retour via la voie terrestre(bateau et transsiberien). et justement je voudrais passer un petit moment sur les îles(plus ou moins 3 semaines dont deux, seule avec les enfants).
j'imaginais les iles pour rencontrer peu de touristes occidentaux et faciliter les rencontres. qu'en penses tu? comment serait accueillie une femme seul avec ses enfants en bas age?
bonne soirée
melanie🙂
Bonjour!
Eh bien c'est certes un beau projet! 3 semaines sur les îles, pensiez-vous exclusivement aux Izu Shoto?
C'est certain qu'il y aura peu de touristes occidentaux! Faciliter les rencontres, de prime abord ça peut être un peu déstabilisant à cause de la barrière de la langue, alors à moins que vous ne parliez le japonais, je vous encourage à avoir un petit guide de conversation avec vous. J'ai vu beaucoup de famille sur le bateau, sur les plages, etc alors pour les enfants je ne crois pas qu'il y ait de problème. Femme seule... je ne crois pas non plus... Il suffit peut-être d'organiser votre hébergement d'avance... Les îles sont aussi sécuritaires que le reste du Japon, mais beaucoup plus tranquille! Contrairement à Tokyo ou même Kyoto, le soir il n'y a pas beaucoup d'action. On sortait se promener le soir et même vers 19h30, il n'y avait personne dehors! Alors si vous avez d'autres questions allez y! Sinon, passez un bon voyage!
on pensait a okinawa et les iles du sud ouest dans leur ensemble, sans savoir aujourd'hui ou nous irons exactement.
je ne parle pas un mot de japonais. j'emmenerai donc avec moi un bon guide de conversation (lequel aviez vous?), de la bonne humeur et de la patience.😉
nous avons un couple d'amis dont l'un est d'origine japonaise. ils viennent de partir un mois cet ete et ils en ont profité pour voir de la famille. j'epère ainsi avoir un point d'accueil. egalement avec SERVAS.
je me permetrai de prendre contact avec vous pour d'autres informations plus tard.
merci pour votre témoignage, hummmm, comme on sera bien....
Je ne suis qu'allée aux îles D'Izu shoto, alors pour le reste je n'en sais pas grand chose...
Je n'avais que les quelques phrases de mon lonely qui nous ont dépanné!
si vous connaissez des gens au Japon, c'est bien! Cela aide toujours. Je ne connais pas SERVAS?
Pas de problème, si vous avez d'autres questions plus tard je suis disponible! :)
Nous revenons d’un périple de 3 semaines du Japon (notre lune de miel), enfin...c’était en Septembre. On tient à vous faire un retour de notre voyage car…
Me voila de retour d'un voyage sac a dos de 3 semaines au Japon. Ce fut une magnifique expérience que je conseil à ceux qui hésitent encore a visiter l'empire…
Amis forumeurs, Après avoir lu avec intérêt vos conseils et vos chamailleries sur pas mal de posts, je vous consulte pour quelques questions spécifiques. Tout…
Voici un post qui pourra peut etre aider ceux qui sont entrain d organiser leur sejour au japon. Je reviens de 3 semaines de vacances a Honshu apres avoir vu…
Vous fais un petit retour sur mes 3 semaines en Mai dernier. il faut savoir que c'est mon 2 eme voyage au Japon mais pour moi ce fut une grosse surprise car le…
Hi,
July 2026: I’m writing to you from Dali.
First, I got scammed on Booking—AI-retouched photos. No tourists at this hotel (Yishanju Designer Hotel), and the reality was horrible: dirty, with a disgusting breakfast. It’s better to use Trip.com here.
Next, the old town was an infernal cacophony, packed with tourists who shoved past without a care. Some vendors harassed you to buy things. All the stalls sold the same cheap plastic junk or other uninteresting stuff. The beautiful scenery was ruined by vendors lining 100% of the alleys. Impossible to walk, crushing heat, nothing good to eat except fresh fruit. Horrible experience.
Day 2: We went to Cangshan Mountain by cable car—the ride was short and nothing spectacular. We were at 2,600 m.
My plan was to see Erhai Lake. Unfortunately, I followed the advice of an AI chatbot: take the boat at Langkan Dock. The Didi dropped us off in the nearest area, which was full of charming little alleys but packed with Chinese tourists. The three-wheeled yellow cabs zoomed through the narrow streets, forcing you to hug the walls, on top of the scooters and other pedestrians to deal with. Crossing the neighborhood was hellish and suffocating. Once out, we hit the "corniche," which was also packed with Chinese tourists. The lake’s edge was all pebbles, and everyone was standing around taking photos. I was with my 5-year-old son. I would’ve liked to sit down and let him play with stones by the water, but it was clear we didn’t belong. They were even shoving each other for a shot! There were no boats in sight. In short, we’d had enough, and there was nothing interesting there either.
On the way back, we had to cross that maze again under the scorching sun. My son was braver than me—I even had a little dizzy spell from all the chaos. Add to that Dali’s altitude (2,200 m), so altitude insomnia, fatigue, and vulnerability during the day...
The restaurants weren’t inviting—the staff served sticky rice in a little bucket. The dishes were wrapped, and you had to figure it out yourself. After that, they ignored you completely, even if you were the only tourist.
On the 3rd day, it was time to leave for Shaxi. I hope to see beautiful villages. But honestly, I’m exhausted by this atmosphere where everything is complicated, communication is never smooth, noise is everywhere, and the behavior of some Chinese people is abusive...
Silver lining: not a drop of rain in 4 days and blue skies.
I couldn’t visit the villages in southern Yunnan because of rain and storms there...
But I was expecting to see a few more tourists.
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
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).
Hi there,
I’d like to do this cycling route over 2 or 3 days. I’m struggling to figure out and find a (good) bike rental that lets me start in Onomichi and drop off in Imabari. Can anyone help with great tips for rentals and accommodations along the route? How do I get back to Onomichi afterward?
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!
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
