Third Travel to Japan – Tips

Hey all,

I’m planning my third trip to Japan, and this time it will be solo.
I’ve already been to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

This time I purposely chose autumn (October 27 – November 15) to partly catch the foliage season. I’ve drafted a rough plan, but there are just so many options. I’d love to hear your tips:

What important places am I missing?

What would you change in general?

Do you have detailed recommendations for the destinations I already picked?

Here’s my rough itinerary:

• Arrive in Tokyo → stay 2 nights

• Fly to Okinawa (Naha) → 4–5 nights with day trips to nearby islands
  (I know it’s not ideal travel-wise, but Okinawa is a must for me – I’ve wanted to go for a long time)

• Fly to Fukuoka → 2 nights, day trip to Mt. Aso & Takachiho Gorge (guided tour)

• Train to Hiroshima → ~3 nights

• Train to Okayama/Kurashiki → ~2 nights

• Train to Kanazawa → ~2 nights

• Back to Tokyo → last 3 nights, then fly home

My questions:

Am I missing something crucial?

I skipped Kyoto this time (even though it’s famous in autumn) because I wanted new places. Do you think that’s a mistake?

Is there a part of my plan you’d cut to make the trip more relaxed?

How is traveling with luggage on the Shinkansen/buses? Should I use the luggage delivery service (takkyubin)? Is it available everywhere and worth the cost, or should I just use it selectively?

Thanks a lot in advance!