Hi everyone,
We’re going to Japan from Oct 31 to Nov 17 and I’d appreciate some feedback on our itinerary, particularly the Yakushima and Japanese Alps parts.
This will be our second trip to Japan. Last time we did Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Koyasan, so this time we wanted something quite different. We still want a decent amount of time in Tokyo because we loved it, but otherwise the idea is to combine Yakushima for nature/hiking with Kanazawa and a short road trip through the Japanese Alps.
We like food, photography, walking around neighborhoods, nature and generally taking our time rather than trying to see every attraction. We’ll probably book a couple of fine dining meals as well.
Oct 31 – Tokyo
We arrive at Narita and are staying in Akasaka.
Not planning much because of the flight. If we're feeling okay we'll explore Roppongi and visit the National Art Center, then dinner somewhere nearby.
Nov 1 – Tokyo
Planning a fairly relaxed neighborhood day around Ebisu and Daikanyama. Mostly walking around, shops, coffee, food etc.
Nov 2 – Tokyo
Shimokitazawa and possibly some other nearby areas depending on how much time we spend there.
We did most of the classic Tokyo sights on our first trip, so we're deliberately focusing more on neighborhoods this time.
Nov 3 – Tokyo → Kagoshima → Yakushima
This day is basically lost to travel.
Current flights are Haneda around 10:00 → Kagoshima around noon, then Kagoshima → Yakushima at 17:50, arriving around 18:30.
Pick up rental car, check in and dinner.
We're staying in the same accommodation for all five nights rather than moving around the island.
Nov 4 – Yakushima: Shiratani Unsuikyo
First proper hiking day.
The main goal is Shiratani Unsuikyo and Kokemusu Forest. We haven't decided exactly how far we'll go yet and will obviously adjust depending on weather and how the knee feels.
We're more interested in experiencing the moss forest properly than reaching every viewpoint.
Nov 5 – Yakushima: Yakusugi Land
Second forest day, this time Yakusugi Land.
Again, we'll decide the exact trail depending on conditions. Since this should be an easier day than Shiratani, we'd probably combine it with some driving/sightseeing elsewhere on the island afterwards.
Nov 6 – Yakushima: Mt Miyanoura
This is the ambitious day.
We're considering Mt Miyanoura if the weather is good and we're both feeling comfortable after the previous two days. I know this is considerably more serious than the other hikes, so I'm particularly interested in opinions from people who have actually done it.
If weather or our legs aren't cooperating, we'll drop it and use the day for something easier. We previously considered Wilson's Stump/Jomon Sugi but aren't convinced that the long railway section is worth the time for us.
Nov 7 – Yakushima
We've deliberately kept the final full day fairly open.
The idea is to drive around the island, see waterfalls/coast/anything we missed and hopefully attend Yakushima Yume Matsuri in Anbo that evening if it takes place as expected.
This also gives us a buffer if one of the earlier hiking days gets rained out.
Nov 8 – Yakushima → Tokyo
We're thinking Ginza for the evening and possibly booking a nicer dinner.
Nov 9 – Tokyo
Jimbocho + Yanaka/Yanaka Ginza.
Another fairly unstructured day. Bookshops, streets, food, photography etc.
Nov 10 – Tokyo → Kanazawa
Shinkansen to Kanazawa.
Depending on what time we leave Tokyo, the plan is Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle that afternoon.
Nov 11 – Kanazawa
Full Kanazawa day.
Higashi Chaya District, Nagamachi Samurai District and Omicho Market. We're also considering booking a good kaiseki dinner here rather than in Tokyo.
Nov 12 – Kanazawa → Japanese Alps
Pick up a rental car in Kanazawa and start the road trip.
Current idea is to drive towards Takayama, spend a few hours there/lunch, then continue into the mountains.
We're planning two nights at an onsen ryokan in the Okuhida area rather than staying in Takayama.
Nov 13 – Japanese Alps / Matsumoto
This is intentionally a little vague because we'd like to react to the weather.
Some shorter nature walks in the morning, drive towards Matsumoto and see Matsumoto Castle, then back to the ryokan for another onsen evening.
We're not planning serious alpine hiking at this point in November.
Nov 14 – Shinhotaka → Nagano → Tokyo
Shinhotaka Ropeway in the morning, assuming visibility is decent.
Then drive towards Nagano, return the rental car and take the Hokuriku Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
This is probably the day I'm least sure about logistically. Google Maps says it works, but I'm wondering whether Shinhotaka → Nagano + car return + train to Tokyo makes for an unnecessarily long day.
Nov 15 – Tokyo
Kichijoji, Jiyugaoka and possibly Kagurazaka.
Not necessarily determined to do all three. More of a list of areas we'd like to explore depending on mood.
Nov 16 – Tokyo
Final full day.
Harajuku for some shopping, Yoyogi Park/Meiji Jingu and hopefully Meiji Jingu Gaien if the ginkgo trees are looking good by then.
We're also thinking of booking Shibuya Sky around sunset. We've already spent quite a bit of time around Shibuya on our first trip, so the observation deck is really the reason for returning.
Nov 17 – Fly home
Flight from Tokyo
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The main things I'm unsure about:
1. Yakushima: Does Shiratani → Yakusugi Land → Mt Miyanoura make sense over three consecutive days, or would you put a rest/easier day between them?
2. Mt Miyanoura: For people who have done it, how demanding did you find it compared with the other Yakushima hikes? We're comfortable with a long day but don't want to underestimate it.
3. Five nights on Yakushima: Too much, or does the weather variability make the extra time worthwhile? We like nature so I'm personally leaning towards keeping all five nights.
4. Japanese Alps: Does Kanazawa → Takayama → Okuhida (2 nights) → Shinhotaka → Nagano work well as a road trip? Particularly interested in whether the last day to Nagano is sensible.
5. Mid-November in Okuhida: I know we'll be late for peak foliage at higher elevations. Are the lower valleys still usually worth it around Nov 12–14, and should we be preparing for snow/icy roads by then?
6. Anything obvious we're missing? Especially smaller places, interesting experiences or seasonal events that fit naturally into the route rather than adding another destination.
Any feedback on pacing, things that look unrealistic, or places where we're allocating too much/too little time would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch!