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Tips for my second Japan trip itinerary
by Arwena · 2025-07-01 · 10 replies
Hi everyone,

I’m planning to return to Japan for 15 days in April. This will be my second trip there. I’m starting to think about my itinerary.

I arrive in Tokyo in the evening and will spend one night there before taking the train to Hiroshima. I’ll stay in Hiroshima for 2 nights. Then, I’m heading to Kyoto (there are still so many beautiful things I want to see there), and I think I’ll stay for 3 nights. I also want to go back to Nara to visit the Pink Temple (probably in the morning before heading back to Kyoto).

And after that? I’d like to return to Hakone to try and catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji (I didn’t see it last time—it was cloudy). I’m thinking of staying one night there, probably in Odawara.

And then? I’ll head back to Tokyo and take the train to explore the surrounding areas and spend the day at some sites?

While in Tokyo, I want to visit Yokohama. I went to Kamakura last time and really loved it, but I don’t think I’ll go back.

I’ll end my trip in Tokyo, with my second-to-last night at the Muji Hotel and my last night near the airport.

That’s the plan so far—I’m open to your suggestions and itinerary tips!

Thanks in advance.
Japan: Shikoku pilgrimage spring 2026
by Arvie · 2025-06-28 · 11 replies
hi everyone, I’d like to do the Shikoku pilgrimage in spring 2026—the full circuit (88 temples) with a mix of walking and buses. Buses for the long, straight stretches on busy roads. You’ll need to be able to carry your own bag, so pack light like for a multi-day hike, and have some experience with long-distance walking. Who’s in? A small group of 3 or 4 would be perfect. If there are takers, we’ve got 6 months ahead of us to organize and fine-tune the trip. I’m 73 and used to traveling—I’m not a travel agency, so if you’re interested, at least get the basic info on the route and other useful details first… A trip like this is a group effort. Have a great day, everyone! 😉
16-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Japan Itinerary
by Gorgui78 · 2025-06-04 · 3 replies
Hello, We’re two active and fit retired couples. We’re planning a trip for the second half of March 2026. We prefer traveling by train but wouldn’t mind renting a car if necessary. We don’t want to change accommodations every night (we’d rather see less but enjoy it more). If possible, we’d love to stay in guesthouses or similar—impersonal hotels aren’t really our thing. Questions: What do you think are the best airlines? We don’t have to fly back from Tokyo. We’re also big fans of getting off the beaten path—any original ideas are welcome! Many thanks in advance, Gorgui
A few tips for a first family trip to Japan
by Jarbinks · 2025-06-04 · 6 replies
Hi everyone,

Let me introduce myself—I’m Christophe. I’m taking the plunge and planning my first trip to Japan for late February 2026. There’ll be five of us: my wife and I, and our three daughters, aged 12 and 15. Between the internet, travel agencies, and social media, there’s info coming from all directions, but it’s tough to find clear, objective, and relevant answers. I’d like this first trip to follow a classic route: 4/5 days in Tokyo 4 days in Kyoto (Nara) 2 days in Osaka (maybe Universal Studios) I’ve got a few questions—could you share your thoughts? 1. Is it better to return to Tokyo to catch our flight home, or is flying out directly from Osaka a better option? 2. For accommodation, would you recommend a hotel or an Airbnb? Since there are five of us, I think we’d like a small kitchen and a bit of space. 3. The famous JR Pass: is it worth it, or should we just buy tickets for each trip? I’ve read that the JR Pass has gotten more expensive and isn’t the ideal solution anymore, especially if you’re staying in the same cities for several days. 4. We’d like to have two phones—do you recommend eSIMs or a pocket Wi-Fi?

That’s it—I hope you can help shed some light on this. Thanks! Christophe
Pilgrimage companions wanted for the Shikoku Henro 2026
by Arvie · 2025-05-28 · 2 replies
I’d like to do the Shikoku pilgrimage in spring 2026 (March, April, May, June—dates are flexible). I’m looking for one or two people (50+ with free time) who’d like to walk this route. We could meet beforehand to prepare for this big adventure. Before reaching out, make sure you’ve done your research—you should know what this pilgrimage involves and have a good sense of the challenge. Interested hikers, don’t hesitate to get in touch! 😏
Car rental in Fukuoka and Okinawa
by Bzh44 · 2025-05-27 · 1 reply
Hello, My wife and I are spending July in Japan: 10 days touring Kyushu Island, 5 days in Okinawa, 1 day in Osaka (for the World Expo), 3 days in Kyoto (which we’ve already visited), and the rest in Tokyo. I’m reaching out to see if you have any car rental agencies to recommend in Fukuoka (ideally at the airport) and in Naha (either in the city or at the airport). Thanks in advance! Jean Claude
Yakushima to Tanegashima trip: alternatives to the ferry
by Skeet · 2025-04-29 · 3 replies
Hi everyone,

Great to be back here—it’s been years!

We’re heading to Japan with the family in mid-July and will mostly explore Kyushu for this second trip. We’ll wrap up with 3 days on Yakushima, but we’re planning to fly back to Osaka from Tanegashima after stopping by the space center. To get from Yakushima to Tanegashima, I’ve found two options: - Depart from Miyanoura port and go to Shimama with the Taiyo II ferry, but it arrives a bit too late for us (it gets in at 10:05 AM, and we need to be at the space center by 10:30 AM…) - Depart from Anbo port, but in that case, the boat goes to Nishinoomote, which is all the way at the north of the island—super inconvenient since the space center is at the very south!

Does anyone here know if there’s another way to make the Miyanoura/Shimama trip besides the Taiyo II ferry (like a private boat, a fisherman’s boat, or something else)? It feels silly to go all the way to the north of the island just to head right back down…

Thanks in advance! !
Three-week trip to Japan: feedback on our itinerary
by Tomelyoyo · 2025-04-22 · 2 replies
Hi everyone,

After years of silence and wonderful memories from our exchanges during two trips to South Africa, I’m back on the forum with plans for a trip to Japan.

We’re considering traveling from June 16 to July 9. I know this isn’t the best time weather-wise, but it’s our only option, especially since we want to include climbing Mount Fuji.

Here’s our itinerary—I’d love your thoughts: - Day 1: Arrival at Haneda in the evening (Night in Tokyo) - Day 2: Tokyo (Night in Tokyo) - Day 3: Nikko (Night in Tokyo) - Day 4: Travel to Hiroshima, then visit (Night in Hiroshima) - Day 5: Day in Miyajima (Night in Hiroshima) - Day 6: Day in Kagura Monzen Tojimura (Night in Hiroshima) - Day 7: Travel to Himeji, then visit (Night in Himeji) - Day 8: Himeji (Night in Himeji) - Day 9: Travel to Koyasan (Night in Koyasan) - Day 10: Koyasan (Night in Koyasan) - Day 11: Travel to Nara (Night in Nara) - Day 12: Travel to Kyoto (Night in Kyoto) - Day 13: Kyoto (Night in Kyoto) - Day 14: Travel to Fukui (Night in Fukui) - Day 15: Travel to Kanazawa (Night in Kanazawa) - Day 16: Travel to Hakone (Night in Hakone) - Day 17: Hakone (Night in Hakone) - Day 18: Travel to Kamakura (Night in Kamakura) - Day 19: Travel to Tokyo (Night in Tokyo) - Day 20: Travel to Fujiyoshida (Night in Fujiyoshida) - Day 21: Ascent via Yoshida Trail - Day 22: Descent via Yoshida Trail (Night in Fujiyoshida) - Day 23: Travel to Tokyo (Night in Tokyo) - Day 24: Departure from Narita

Let me know if any stops seem unnecessary or if you’d add something.

I’m planning to rent a car from Himeji (Day 9) until Hakone (Day 16) to make travel easier.

Have a great day!

Thomas
Recommendations for visiting Japan in 12 days
by Doudouu12 · 2025-04-16 · 2 replies
Hi there, We’re planning a trip to Japan with my boyfriend in November 2025. We’ll have 12 full days (excluding flight time), arriving in Tokyo and departing from Osaka. Do you have any itinerary ideas to recommend? We’re up for adventure and discovering the local culture. We’d also love to do some typical activities: watch a sumo match, experience a tea ceremony, stay in a ryokan, etc... We’re open to all suggestions! Thanks! 🙂
Looking for a travel companion for Japan at the end of October/early November
by Mahayana · 2025-04-06 · 6 replies
Hi everyone, I’m heading to Japan from October 28 to November 18, 2025. My flight ticket is booked, and my hotels are reserved with twin-bed rooms. I was supposed to share this trip with a travel companion who had to cancel due to personal issues. The itinerary is all set (dates, locations, prices) since we had to book hotels in advance in Japan—something I’m not used to, so there’s not much room for spontaneity... The hotel in KYOTO is already paid (288 € per person, and I could consider reimbursing my former companion), and a deposit has been made for another hotel. I have all the receipts, of course. Who’d be up for joining me? Looking forward to hearing from you—we can exchange phone numbers to chat more.

October 29 to November 1: Taito City, TOKYO – 334.90 € November 1 to 6: Stay Sakura Kyoto, 507 Tsutsumicho, Higashiyama-ku – KYOTO – 576.76 € November 6 to 8: Toyoko Inn Nara Shin Omiya Ekimae – NARA – 293.00 € November 8 to 11: Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda – OSAKA – 351.00 € November 11 to 13: Koyasan Guest House – KOYASAN – 276.00 € November 13 to 16: HIROSHIMA/OKAYAMA//KURASHIKI/MIYAJIMA – 267.00 € November 16 to 18: Sakura Hotel Jimbocho – TOKYO – 174.52 €
Information for a cruise on the Diamond Princess in late May - Japan
by Bettydesiles · 2025-03-30 · 2 replies
Hi, I’m taking a cruise in Japan on the Diamond Princess from May 23 to June 5 and would love to hear from anyone who’s done it. Also, can we pay on board with Euros? Is it easy to use Wi-Fi when we’re ashore? What’s the weather like—do we need warm clothes or not? Are the excursions essential, or can we manage on our own outside of Tokyo, where we have a guide? If not, which excursions would you recommend? Thanks in advance for your replies. Betty from the islands
Norwegian Spirit Cruise Excursions from June 15 to 25, 2025
by Naldosa · 2025-03-20 · 2 replies
Hi everyone! We’d love to share some great tips for excursions with French speakers. If you’re on the same cruise, I’d be interested! We’ll be spending a few days in Tokyo and Seoul. Please let me know if you’ll be on the Norwegian Spirit or if you’ve already done this cruise—we’d love to hear about the best places to visit since the guides aren’t very cruise-friendly. Thanks so much!
Homestay accommodation in Kyushu
by Isbane · 2025-03-16 · 5 replies
Hi fellow travelers! I’d like to do a homestay on a farm in the Oita region, Kyushu. The "farm stays" association’s address isn’t responding anymore. Would anyone have any info? Thanks
Looking for feedback on Japan itinerary
by Raboul · 2025-03-05 · 10 replies
Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Japan with my three grown-up kids, who aren’t exactly keen on rushing from one place to another with heavy luggage. I’ve tried to balance things so we can see as much as possible while still giving them time to enjoy the evenings. Here’s what I’ve come up with: - Arrival in Tokyo on May 17 - Staying in Tokyo from May 17 to 22, exploring the city, with a day trip to Nikko (round trip in one day): is it worth it, considering it’s a 2-hour train ride each way? - Sending our big suitcases directly to Osaka - Traveling to Kamakura on May 23: 1 night (with small luggage) - Traveling to Hakone on May 24: 1 night (with small luggage) - Heading to Osaka on May 25: staying from May 25 to June 2 in Osaka, where we’ll pick up our big suitcases Day trips from Osaka: - Kyoto: 2 days (round trip in one day) - Nara: 1 day (round trip in one day) My son would prefer to stay in Osaka for all 8 days, but I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to spend at least one night in Kyoto. What do you think? - Leaving for Himeji on June 3: is it possible to leave both big and small luggage in a coin locker to visit the castle, or is it better to do a round trip from Osaka? - Traveling to Hiroshima: 3 nights from June 3 to 5: - Hiroshima: 1 day - Miyajima: 1 day - Okayama and Kurashiki: 1 day: is it better to do a round trip from Hiroshima and return to Tokyo from there, or spend the night of June 5 in Okayama and head to Tokyo from there? - Back to Tokyo from June 6 to 9, with departure on the morning of June 9. Since I’ve never been to Japan, I’ve tried to focus on the most interesting spots. Are there any places I’ve missed that you think we should add, or others that might not be as worthwhile? About the luggage: is it a hassle to forward it to Kamakura, Hakone, and Kyoto? How much do coin lockers usually cost? My son says the JR Pass isn’t worth it—what’s your take? For accommodations, we’re leaning toward mid-range hotels with good value rather than apartments. Any great tips? I know I’m asking a lot of questions—I really appreciate anyone who can point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance!
Norwegian Spirit Cruise from June 4 to June 14, 2025
by Cerousien · 2025-03-01 · 2 replies
Hello,

We’ll be on the Norwegian Spirit departing from Seoul on Wednesday, June 4. We’re looking for other French-speaking travelers on the ship.

Thanks
Biking the Shimanami Kaido: organizational questions
by Isbane · 2025-02-28 · 4 replies
Hi fellow travelers! I’m planning a trip to Japan from March 22 to April 12 and really want to bike the Shimanami Kaido starting from Onomichi, but I don’t cycle regularly. Has anyone here done it and could share their experience or tips? Is the weather in March-April favorable? Should I plan for 2 or 3 days? Electric or regular bike? What’s better—having my luggage forwarded along the route or leaving it in a locker? Any recommendations for accommodations or bike rentals? Thanks in advance for your replies!
Kyushu itinerary in spring: your thoughts?
by Walter64 · 2025-02-28 · 2 replies
Hi there,

For our second trip to Japan, we’ll be spending 22 full days in Kyushu. 😎 Here’s our draft itinerary:

1 - FUKUOKA 2 - FUKUOKA 3 - FUKUOKA 4 - FUKUOKA / SASEBO / OJIKA 5 - OJIKA 6 - OJIKA / SASEBO / NAGASAKI 7 - NAGASAKI 8 - NAGASAKI 9 - NAGASAKI / KUMAMOTO +++ car rental +++ 10 - KUMAMOTO / ASO 11 - ASO 12 - ASO / KUROKAWA ONSEN 13 - KUROKAWA ONSEN / KUMAMOTO +++ end of car rental +++ 14 - KUMAMOTO / KAGOSHIMA 15 - IBUSUKI / CHIRAN 16 - SAKURAJIMA (car?) 17 - KAGOSHIMA / YAKUSHIMA 18 - YAKUSHIMA (car?) 19 - YAKUSHIMA (car?) 20 - YAKUSHIMA / KAGOSHIMA 21 - ??? 22 - FUKUOKA

We’ve deliberately skipped the eastern part (from Beppu to Miyazaki…)

We still have a few questions about our itinerary:

Car: For most of our travel, we plan to take the train or bus, except in the Aso region where we’ll rent a car. We’re wondering about Sakurajima and Yakushima: is a car necessary there?

Ojika: Would one night be enough?

Yakushima: Are two full days (plus two half-days) sufficient?

If we keep the schedule as is, we have one extra day to fit in somewhere—any suggestions?

Thanks for your help! 🙂
Which airline for Paris-Tokyo in business class?
by Badom · 2025-02-25 · 17 replies
Hi there,

My daughter, wife, and I are starting to plan a two-week trip to Japan for... April 2026. My wife wants us to really treat ourselves, so we’re considering business class (we usually fly premium economy or even economy). Since we’re departing from Paris and want a direct flight, we have three options: JAL, ANA, or Air France.

I’ve flown Air France in business quite a bit for work, and I do find it very comfortable. But I wonder if I’m just defaulting to a national bias—maybe the other two airlines have advantages I’m not considering.

If I’m looking at criteria like: - Comfort (especially for sleeping) - Meals - Entertainment

Any advice? Personal experiences? Have any of the three airlines updated their business class on this route recently?

Thanks! !
Advice on train booking time: CDG to Gare de Lyon
by Astalavista6 · 2025-02-17 · 3 replies
hi everyone

I’m planning a trip to Japan from May 11 to 26 with Air China.

I’ll be taking Ouigo from Lyon for both the outbound and return trips to get to Roissy CDG.

For the outbound TGV from Lyon, I’ll arrive at Roissy with plenty of time—at least 6 or 7 hours before my 8:30 PM flight (Paris to Beijing, then Beijing to Tokyo). For the return on May 26, I was wondering what time you’d recommend booking my train to Lyon, given that I’ll land at CDG at 7:30 AM (flight from Tokyo). I was thinking of booking a train leaving at 11:00 AM from the SNCF station at CDG to Lyon Saint-Exupéry—does that seem too tight based on your experience?

This is my first time traveling this far with a layover in Beijing, and I’m not familiar with Roissy CDG Airport at all.

Thanks for your advice!
Train between Osaka and Odawara
by Arwena · 2025-02-13 · 7 replies
Hi everyone,

I’m so happy to be posting on this forum again. I’m planning my trip and I’m trying to figure out the train route from Osaka to Odawara. I’ve found direct trains, but I can’t find a direct site for the specific train line (not sure if I’m making sense?!)

Because what I’ve found seems to be a “third-party” site. I can’t seem to find the official site for the specific line. If anyone can shed some light on this, I’d really appreciate it—thanks in advance!

Best,

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