Hey r/JapanTravel! I live in Tokyo and my friend is visiting from the US for 11 days. They've been to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and so we're looking to hit up the other parts of Japan and soak in the autumn foliage. Think this itinerary has a lot of travel going on so would love feedback and recs if you have any!
Day 1 – 10/21 | Tokyo
- Friend arrives in Tokyo around noon
- Chills and spends the night with me at my apartment
Day 2 – 10/22 | Shimanami Kaido Day 1
- Take bullet train from Tokyo to Onomichi
- Send larger luggage to Day 4 accommodation and keep just backpack
- Go to Bunny Island via ferry
- Explore Onomichi (Maybe the ropeway?)
- Spend the night in Onomichi
Day 3 – 10/23 | Shimanami Kaido Day 2
- Start cycling with e-bike
- Stay in Innoshima or Omishima
Day 4 – 10/24 | Shimanami Kaido Day 3
- Finish in Imabari, return bikes
- Explore Matsuyama and Ehime Beach Coast
- Go to Dogo Onsen
- Stay in Matsuyama
Day 5 – 10/25 | Iya Valley
- Travel to Iya Valley
- Activity Ideas (wouldn't do all): Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Oboke Gorge Boat Ride
- Stay at a ryokan
Day 6 – 10/26 | Kanazawa
- Travel to Kanazawa
- Activity Ideas (wouldn't do all): Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, Team Lab exhibit, Samurai District
- Stay at Hyatt Centric
Day 7 – 10/27 | Shirakawago
- Take bus to Shirakawago
- Activity Ideas (wouldn't do all): Walk among the gassho houses, hike up to ogimachi castle ruins viewpoint, visit wada house
- Stay at a gassho farm house
Day 8 + 9 – 10/28-10/29 | Nikko
- Travel to Nikko
- Activity Ideas (wouldn't do all): Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Irohazaka Winding Road, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, Senjogahara Marshland
- Stay in Nikko
Day 10 – 10/30 | Tokyo
- Return to Tokyo
- Chill, perhaps cafe-hopping
- Stay at my place
Day 11 – 10/31 | Tokyo
- Visit Kawaguchiko or Mt Takao
- Go out for Halloween
Day 12 – 11/1 | Tokyo
- Flight in evening
by Burnt__T0ast_