Hi r/JapanTravel! I'm planning a 21-day trip for September and could use some advice on whether to keep Kyushu or focus on Honshu. I'm travelling with my father (late 50s), and our priorities are religious/architectural/historical sites, nature hikes, and food. Not huge on huge cities. Any advice is greatly appreciated, as this is our first Japan trip.
My dilemma:
– Is Kyushu worth all the extra travel time for just 4 nights? Or would those days be better spent going deeper in Honshu?
– If I keep Kyushu, should I adjust the stops (e.g., skip Beppu for more time in Fukuoka/Yufuin)?
– Any underrated Honshu spots I’m missing?
Here's our current itinerary:
Current Plan (Honshu + Kyushu)
### Day 1: Tokyo – Arrival
– 12:15: Airport arrival
– 13:30-14:45: Transfer to city center
– 15:00-17:00: Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple + Nakamise Street)
– 17:30-19:00: Meiji Shrine
– 19:30-22:00: Shibuya (Crossing + observation deck)
### Day 2: Tokyo
– 10:00-16:00: Tokyo National Museum
– 16:00-18:00: Ueno Park
– 19:00-21:00: Akihabara
– Evening: Dinner at Izakaya
### Day 3: Hakone
– 8:00-10:00: Travel to Hakone
– 10:30-17:00: Lake Ashi, ropeway, Mount Fuji views
### Day 4: Travel to Kiso Valley
– 8:00-9:00: Pick up rental car
– 9:00-13:00: Drive to Matsumoto
– 13:30-15:30: Matsumoto Castle
– 16:00-18:00: Kamikōchi (if time permits)
### Day 5: Nakasendo Trail
– 8:00-16:00: Magome to Tsumago hike (7 km)
– Evening: Relaxation
### Day 6: Travel to Kyoto
– 8:00-16:00: Drive to Kyoto with stops:
- – Inuyama/Nagoya Castle
- – Lake Biwa swim
- – Fujigasakiryu Temple
- – Car drop-off in Kyoto
### Day 7: Kyoto
– 8:00-10:00: Fushimi Inari Shrine
– 10:30-12:30: Gion District
– 18:00-20:00: Dinner in Pontocho
### Day 8: Nara Day Trip
– 8:00-9:00: Travel to Nara
– 9:30-17:00: Todai-ji Temple + Nara Park + Horyu-ji Temple
– 18:00: Return to Kyoto
### Day 9: Arashiyama
– 8:30-10:00: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
– 10:30-12:30: Ryoan-ji/Ninna-ji
– 13:30-16:00: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
### Day 10: Kyoto
– Free day options:
– Kyoto museums
– Half-day trip to Uji (temples + matcha)
### Day 11: Himeji & Hiroshima
– 8:00-9:30: Shinkansen to Himeji
– 10:00-14:00: Himeji Castle
– 15:30-17:00: Shinkansen to Hiroshima
### Day 12: Hiroshima
– 9:00-13:00: Peace Memorial Museum + Atomic Bomb Dome
– Afternoon: Peace Park + Shukkeien Garden
### Day 13: Miyajima Day Trip
– 8:30-17:00:
– Itsukushima Shrine (check tides!)
– Mount Misen hike (2-3 hours)
### Day 14: Fukuoka
– 8:00-11:30: Travel to Fukuoka
– Afternoon: Canal City, temples
– Evening: Yatai food stalls
### Day 15: Mount Aso
– 8:00-10:30: Travel to Mount Aso
– 11:00-16:00: Aso Volcano
– 17:00: Kurokawa Onsen
### Day 16: Beppu
– 8:00-10:00: Travel to Beppu
– 10:30-16:00: "Hell" hot springs tour
### Day 17: Fukuoka
– Free day:
– Nearby destinations (maybe by car)
– Shopping
– Hakata ramen
### Day 18: Return to Tokyo
– 10:00: Flight to Tokyo (NRT) from Fukuoka
– 13:00: Travel to Nikko and stay overnight
### Day 19: Nikko
– 8:30-16:00:
– Toshogu Shrine
– Shinkyo Bridge
– Kegon Waterfall
– Okunikko hiking
### Day 20: Tokyo
– 8:00-9:30: Return to Tokyo
– 10:00-18:00:
– Enoshima Island
– Missed attractions
– Shopping
### Day 21: Departure
– 9:00-12:00: Tokyo Skytree
– 13:00: Transfer to airport (NRT)
– 17:30: Return flight
Alternative (Honshu-only)
Instead of Kyushu, I could add days to:
- Kyoto
- Nikko (overnight stay instead of a day trip)
- Kurashiki
- Setonaikai bike ride
- More Kiso hiking
- Maybe going through Kanazawa instead?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
by TheAlmostLight