Trip in Japan

Hello folks,

to make it short and sweet. I am planning my trip to Japan and besides studying the guides I search for personal experience. I hope I am at the right place for that?

Here a short cut to the plan:
Arrival in Osaka from there spending the next 2 weeks on the road seeing Japan from its best side.

I found:
www.japanrailpass.net/

But what little villages and routes would you suggest?

I am not planning on visiting Tokyo for personal reason, so I would be really grateful if you live somewhere in Japan and can recommend a little road trip? I pretty much search for the less traveled path!

Cheers

You can go to Nagano Japan, and explore Komoro Shi and Karuizawa. Karuizawa theres an old village strip there maybe 5 or 8 houses left from the Samurai era very preserved you can actually look inside the house. (well from the outside). like you said its not one of those tourist spot so... only locals and rare foot tourist are only exploring.

Its more nature and Volcano and hills and mountains scenic on the places I mentioned. And you can always buy a ticket in the train station. Japan Rails are pretty easy to use. and if your driving its also nice.... their roads are build for REAL DRIVERS to have fun with. well in safe way,...

Hey Globetrotter,

Thanks for that tipp. To make sure I don't go totally out of the way I would need to get there from Tokyo, which would be the shortest route. So maybe this sounds like a plan (just a draft):

Day 1 - Arrive at Narita Airport
Arrive at Narita Airport. Validate Japan Rail Pass (still need to check Hyperdia for detailed prices if a RP is actually worth it. Spend day in Tokyo (even though I wanted to avoid it).

Day 2-3 - Tokyo with sidetrips
Spend one full day in Tokyo (when I am here already).

Day 3 – Trip to Kamakura or Nikko?

Day 4-5- Trip to Nagano

Day 6 - Nagano to Takayama
Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Takayama.

Day 7 - Takayama to Kyoto
Leave Takayama in the afternoon for Kyoto (3.5 hours) and spend the evening exploring Kyoto.

Day 8-10 - Kyoto with sidetrip
Spend three full days in Kyoto, with one day spent on a daytrip to nearby Nara.

Day 11 - Kyoto to Mount Koya
In the morning, travel from Kyoto to Mount Koya (3 hours) and overnight there at a temple (if that is possible).

Day 12 - Mount Koya to Osaka
Spend the morning at Mount Koya. Around noon, take the train to Osaka (2 hours) and spend the afternoon, evening and night there.

Day 13 - Osaka to Hiroshima
In the early morning, travel from Osaka to Hiroshima (2 hours) and visit the Hiroshima Peace Park. In the afternoon, continue on to Miyajima (40 minutes) and overnight there.

Day 14 - Miyajima to Tokyo
Get up early and spend a few more hours on Miyajima. Leave the island around eleven for Himeji (2 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring Himeji Castle. Return to Tokyo in the evening (3-4 hours).

Day 15 - Depart from Narita Airport



I won't rent a car, too much hassle I think. So what do you think?

thats awesome my friends an i are planning a trip to japan, its going to be awesomee am already practing the language *teaching myself* I wish i had a partner. Anyway enjoy your trip have fun.