15

re #13: Haven't been to Karuizawa so can't say.

As for option 2) If you start early from Osaka, you could probably see quite a bit in Takayama on day 1, perhaps see the (early) morning market on day 2 and continue east. Then it depends a lot on what you actually want to do in Kamkikochi/Hirayu Onsen/Matsumoto. 2 days for these three places is rather relaxed unless you want to do some hiking. Personally I think that Kamikochi is not all that interesting if you don't hike and if there is no autumn foliage (which you might be a bit early for).

16

Hi all,

Returning recently from my 3-week trip to Japan, I'd like to share my final itinerary and some of my impressions with you.

Overall I had a fantastic time in Japan. This is really an amazing country full of contrast between modern cities and a rich history. The people were very warm-hearted and helpful, and despite language barriers all very open-minded.

Again, many thanks for your recommendations in advance. Below a rough overview of my journey:

• Tokyo: 7 nights (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ebisu, Imperial Palace, Ginza, Ryogoku, Ueno, Akihabara, Asakusa, Tsukiji, Tokyo Midtown: Roppongi & Akasaka, Meiji, Harajuku (Omotesando), Mitaka...)
• Kamakura (daytrip from Tokyo)
• Hakone Nationalpark: 1 night
• Kyoto: 4 nights (East Kyoto, Central Kyoto, Northwest Kyoto, West Kyoto - very recommendable! and Fushimi-Inari Shine)
• Osaka: 4 nights (Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Umeda, Osaka Aquarium). mainly used as a hub to visit further destinations in Kansai / Western Honshu as per below
• Nara (daytrip from Osaka)
• Hiroshima & Miyajima (daytrip from Osaka)
• Takayama: 2 nights
• Matsumoto: 1 night
• Tokyo: 1 night (before flying back to London)

Highlights:
Tokyo - main reason for me going to Japan and it really is an amazing city
Hakone - perfect contrast to buzzing city life. One of the most beautiful landscapes. Unfo, weather conditions were not perfect
Takayama - most positive surprise maybe. I went there expecting nothing and it is a beautiful town despite its small size

Misses (ie things I took into consideration but did not visit in the end):
Mt Fuji - never really caught a perfect climse due to weather conditions / unfo outside climbing season
Nikko - after Kamakura, Kyoto and Nara I did not want to spend another whole day on temple watching
Yokohama - I did not go there in the end because Tokyo had so much to offer

Remarks:
Railpass - I took the two-week JR railpass activating it just when I left Tokyo heading for Hakone
Luggage delivery service (Yamato Transport "Takuhaibin") - incredible cheap and very convenient. Don't bother carrying your luggage around. Just drop it off in your hotel and take the Shinkansen to the next spot
Weather - it was really humid & hot cooling down in later stages of my journey when going to Takayama/Matsumoto. Still, I did not need any of my jumpers I brought
Food - as everyone confirms who's been to Japan most amazing food I know and you can spend quite a lot of money on it (especially in Tokyo): Sushi, Ramen, Kaiseki, vegetarian Zen Buddhism food, Wagyu beef, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, event dinner....I tried as much as I could and nothing did disappoint really!
Shopping - unless you have a fabel for anime or pottery, this is not really the place to ship imho. Clothing is incredibly expensive

I am more than happy to provide more details upon request if anyone is interested.

Again, many thanks for your support during the planning period. This was really helpful for me!

Best Regards