Hi everyone! 👋
We’re four friends visiting Japan for the first time this October (12 days, 3rd week). Our trip starts in Kagoshima and ends in Tokyo. We’re interested in nature and culture and would like to avoid overly touristy spots.
Here’s our current plan — would love your thoughts on whether it feels balanced, realistic, or if we’re missing anything important:
Day 1 – Kagoshima
- Arrive 9 PM, check in
Day 2 – Kagoshima
- Ferry to Sakurajima (volcano views, onsen footbaths)
- Sengan-en Garden
- Dinner: Kagoshima ramen
Day 3 – Kagoshima
- Walk along Kotsuki River Bank
- Tenmonkan shopping street
- Optional day trip to Ibusuki (sand baths)
Day 4 – Kumamoto
- Shinkansen to Kumamoto (~45 min)
- Rent a car → Drive to Aso-Kuju National Park (~2 hrs)
- Alternative: Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Garden
- Dinner: Kumamoto ramen
Day 5 – Takachiho Gorge (Car)
- Drive Kumamoto → Takachiho Gorge (~2.5 hrs)
- Rowboat ride, Amano Iwato Shrine
- Drive to Yufuin (~2 hrs), overnight in ryokan
Day 6–7 – Yufuin (Car)
- Stay in a ryokan with hot springs
- Yufuin Floral Village
- Lake Kinrin
- Oogosha Shrine
- Try toriten (local chicken tempura)
Day 8 – Yufuin → Osaka
- Drive to Fukuoka (~1.5 hrs), return car
- Lunch in Fukuoka: Hakata ramen
- Shinkansen to Osaka (~2.5 hrs)
- Evening in Dotonbori (street food)
Day 9 – Kyoto (from Osaka, local trains)
- Train to Kyoto (~30–45 min)
- Nanzen-ji Temple and gardens
- Otagi Nenbutsu-ji or Gio-ji in Arashiyama
- Dinner in Pontocho Alley
Day 10 – Nara (from Osaka, local trains)
- Train to Nara (~45 min)
- Walk the Yamanobe-no-Michi Trail
- Visit Todai-ji and Kasuga Grand Shrine
- Night bus Osaka → Tokyo (~7–8 hrs)
Day 11 – Tokyo
- Tsukiji Outer Market food crawl
- Coffee in Shimokitazawa and kissaten cafés
Day 12 – Tokyo
- TeamLab Planets
- Ghibli Museum
- Shopping in Shibuya / Harajuku
Day 13 – Tokyo
- Free day: Meiji Shrine, Ueno Park, or neighbourhood stroll
- Evening return flight
We’d love to hear:
- Does this balance of driving + trains work out?
- Are there better alternatives to anything we’ve listed?
- Any other must-do experiences for October?
- And importantly: we’re planning to rent a Honda Fit–sized car in Kyushu. With 4 people + luggage, is that realistic, or will space be too tight?
Thanks so much for helping us fine-tune! 🙏
by mecraze