Hiroshima

10:00 AM - Arrive at Hiroshima Station and take a train to Miyajimaguchi Station 11:00 AM - Take the ferry to Miyajima Island 11:20 AM - Explore the island and visit Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its floating torii gate and beautiful gardens 1:00 PM - Have lunch on Miyajima Island, try some local seafood dishes 2:30 PM - Take the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi Station 2:50 PM - Take a train back to Hiroshima Station 3:30 PM - Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945 5:30 PM - Explore the Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, to learn about the region's history 6:30 PM - Head back to Hiroshima Station and depart from there

This itinerary still allows you to visit both Miyajima Island and Hiroshima's main attractions, but with a more condensed schedule.

Hiroshima has many good places - within the city of course is the Peace Park/Museum, Shukkeien Garden and Castle, and the main attraction nearby is Miyajima. If that is still not enough, there are many places between or close to Hiroshima. Just a bit past Miyajima is Iwakuni with its iconic historical bridge and mountaintop castle. Onomichi is famous for its temple tour and wildly ornate Kosanji Temple. Nearby Kurashiki is a famous own city for its canals, and Okayama also has its own castle and one of Japan's other Top 3 gardens, Korakuen. If your kids are itching to explore, then in Kagawa there is the Konpirasan Shrine in Kotohira, with a marvelous paved mountain hike.

Kitakyushu is mainly an industrial city though, with limited sightseeing options. Kokura Castle is very nice, and the Moji Retro area is like walking back in time. Every year from late may the wisteria bloom in the Kawachi Fujien which is spectacular.
The walk through the Kanmon Underwater Tunnel is also pretty cool. There is one secret gem in the city though - the day and especially night view from Sarakurayama is just mind blowing.

But overall you might enjoy Hakata or Fukuoka City more. For Fukuoka, there are many open parks, shopping, seaside historical areas, and urban neon. See this site as a good guide.

For Fukuoka, don't miss the Nanzoin Temple which is one of Japan's finest yet almost totally unknown to the outside world and completely FREE!

Look into a Fukuoka Tourist City Pass also.

You can also see a lot of previews on the best there is to see here.

Miyajima Ropeway

(round trip)

Miyajima Ropeway operates two types of aerial ropewaysystems, circulating and funicular in series, which is unique inJapan. As if walking in the sky, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and primeval forest.

Mount Misen Observatory

The highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is MountMisen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of themountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory,with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay.

Miyajima

(round trip by ferry)

Miyajima is a small island less than an hour outside the city ofHiroshima. It officially named Itsukushima, Japanese for"shrine island",because the most famous giant torii gate, whichat high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked asone of Japan's three best views.

Itsukushima Shrine

The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is the source of both the island's fame and its name.

Sakura 564

Hiroshima 5:52 pm ~ Shin Osaka 7:21 pm, transfer Express Train to Kyoto,

ticket covered by JR Pass

)

kyoto

Kyoto is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and many interesting sights to see. Here's a suggested itinerary for two days:. Tojai lime (Ewat west red) and Karasuma line ( green, North south) are only two subsways

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/arashiyama-bamboo-forest

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1IPZVj83jN6Raj9OQvoJzCXeyxYmcEFWc&ll=35.01706514607194%2C135.67422699999997&z=15

Day 4:

Morning:

• Arashiyama: 
  • Tenryu-ji Temple
    Tenryu-ji Temple is the headline attraction in Arashiyama, a sprawling Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and wonderful mountain views.
  • Next visist the otherworldly path the Bamboo grove, north of the Tenryu-ji Temple

• For lunch, head to Nishiki Market, which is a famous food market in Kyoto. You can sample various local delicacies and enjoy the atmosphere of the market.
• After lunch, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of torii gates that lead up to the top of Mount Inari. The hike can take a couple of hours, but the views are worth it.

optional: Next to the station is the red-brick building of Saga Torokko Station, from where you can take the Sagano Scenic Railway. This romantic train passes a gorge offering a lovely view along the Hozu River.

How to get to the Sagano Scenic Railway station

The journey starts from the  red-brick building Saga Torokko Station, which is located right next to the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. Simply use your Japan Rail Pass to travel to Arashiyama. The Saga-Arashiyama Station is a brief 15-minute train ride from the Kyoto Station.

Afternoon:

• visit Kinkaku-ji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. It's one of the most famous landmarks in Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Next, head to the Ryoan-ji temple, famous for its rock garden. The garden is said to be a masterpiece of Japanese Zen landscaping and is definitely worth a visit.

• For dinner, head to Pontocho Alley, a traditional street lined with restaurants and bars. You can try local specialties such as kaiseki (a traditional multi-course meal) or sushi.
• After dinner, head to Gion, a historic district known for its geisha culture. You can wander the streets and look for geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) walking to their appointments.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour - Inside Kyoto

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto. It’s filled with temples and shrines, but the star attraction is the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Arashiyama Area Description:

Arashiyama is in the far west of Kyoto, tucked along the base of the Arashiyama Mountains (meaning “Storm Mountains”). It’s a fair distance from the center of Kyoto: whether you go by train, bus, bicycle or taxi, you’re generally looking at about a 30-minute trip. Still, it’s worth it for the number of great sights here.

Important Note: Don’t Be Put Off By The Crowds

The main street of Arashiyama, along with the famed Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which form the heart of Arashiyama, is nothing but a tourist circus. But, don’t despair. As quickly as you can, walk upriver to Kameyama-koen Park, or into Tenryu-ji Temple and on into the Bamboo Grove. If you’d like to get away from the crowds and still see the highlights, check out our Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour, which outlines the best route to follow.

Things To Do And See In Arashiyama

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world
• 
  
• Kameyama-koen Park
  Escape the crowds and (if you’re lucky) mingle with the monkeys at Arashiyama’s lovely hilltop park, Kameyama-koen Park
• Okochi-Sanso Villa
  Okochi-Sanso Villa is one of the top sights in Kyoto. It rivals any of the city’s imperial properties, and you don’t need reservations to enter
• Nison-in Temple
  Nison-in Temple is a lovely Tendai sect Buddhist temple that is best known for its lovely maple- and cherry-lined arcade leading to the main halls
• Rakushisha Poet’s Hut
  This quaint hermit’s cottage was once the home of one of haiku master Matsuo Basho’s disciples. It’s a good palate cleanser between the area temples
• Jojako-ji Temple
  Jojakko-ji Temple is a quaint temple on the main Arashiyama tourist route that offers a chance to escape the crowds that plague the rest of the area
• Gio-ji Temple
  Tiny Gio-ji Temple is one of the most scenic spots in Arashiyama. The thatched-roof main hall overlooking a moss-covered grotto is a magical sight
• Adashino-Nembutsu-ji Temple
  A touching temple at the top of the Arashiyama sightseeing district, you’ll find 8000 Buddhist statues here placed in memory of those who died without kin
• Arashiyama Boat Rental
  One of the best ways to explore the Arashiyama area is by renting a boat and rowing around the lovely lower Hozu-gawa area, especially when the cherry blossoms are out
• Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa
  Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa is regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese architecture and garden design
• Tenzan-no-yu Onsen
  Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is a huge bath and spa complex on the west side of Kyoto. It’s one of the few onsen in Kyoto and it’s well worth the trek across town to relax here

Next to the station is the red-brick building of Saga Torokko Station, from where you can take the Sagano Scenic Railway. This romantic train passes a gorge offering a lovely view along the Hozu River.

Fushimi-Inari Hike - Inside Kyoto

Afternoon:

12:30pm: Taxi to Kinkaku-ji Temple
There really isn’t a good way by public transport, so from Arashiyama, take a taxi over to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the famed “Golden Pavilion” in Northwest Kyoto. A taxi from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji will cost around Y2,000.

• For lunch, try some traditional Kyoto-style cuisine at a local restaurant in the Higashiyama district.
• After lunch, visit the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the early 17th century. The castle is famous for its beautiful gardens and paintings.

Time permosts do philosopher's walk

• Pontocho Alley for dinner

Evening:

• For dinner, try some of the local specialty dishes such as katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) or yudofu (tofu hot pot). You can find many restaurants that serve these dishes in the downtown area.
• 
  
• After dinner, head to the Gion Corner, where you can watch traditional Japanese performances such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and traditional music and dance.

The History Of Fushimi Inari Shrine

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=13KRn0EIUPclSIym4RviciiiCQ7g&ll=35.03189256543302%2C135.74383029999998&z=11

Fushimi-Inari Hike - Inside Kyoto

Kyoto-Himeji 

MyMap of Kyoto 

https://www.sightseeingjapanpodcast.com/podcast/100-the-city-of-kyoto 

 

 Nachi falls

https://www.flashpackingjapan.com/wakayama-travel/nachi-falls-japan/#nachi-falls-itinerary

Topics Covered:

• History

• East: Fushimi Inari Taisha — Tofukuji — Kiyomizu-dera — Hokanji (Yasaka Pagoda) — Kenninji — Keage Incline — Nanzenji — Philosopher’s Path — Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)

• West (Arashiyama): Kimono Forest at Arashiyama Station — Togetsukyo Bridge — Arashiyama Monkey Park — Tenryuji — Bamboo Grove — Okochi Sanso Villa — Gioji Temple

• Central: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) — Nijo Castle — Kyoto Imperial Palace

• Other Attractions: Kyoto International Manga Museum — Learn traditional skills — Kyoto Aquarium — Geisha (Miyako Odori) — Kyoto National Museum

• Food: Shojin Ryori — Nishiki Market — Matcha — Kaiseki — Sake

• How to get to/around Kyoto

Japan Transport

tokyo avoid rush hour 8 to 9 am  and 6-8 pm

Tokyo Metro (nine lines), Toe Subway (for lines)

https://www.japanrailpass-reservation.net/     (reservation TIA/M*3) 

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html Shinkanasen  Network Overview 

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html#how How to use J R Pass

https://youtu.be/s-NyccWXlt4 

How to Ride Subway & Trains in Tokyo - 35 Tips!

http://www.hyperdia.com/
(Must learn how to use )

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/japan-train-tickets

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass#Tokaido_Shinkansen_map

Three types of trains operate on this Shinkansen Line: Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama.. Nazomi ( fastest) is not part of JR pass.  Hikari is the likely shinkanshe we will use. 

Hokuriku Shinkansen, 

Services depart from Tokyo Station regularly throughout the day and can take as little as 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Kanazawa Station. There are two services that run from Tokyo to Kanazawa. These are the Kagayaki and the Hakutaka.

Kagayaki Shinkansen: The journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa will take you less than two and a half hours. The train operates with 260 km/h (160mph). The Kagayaki features only reserved seats, in both its green class and the luxury Gran Class cars.

 or Hakutaka Shinkansen  to go to Kanazawa 

Hakutaka makes more stops between Tokyo and Kanazawa than the Kagayaki (less than 3 hours). The operating speed of Hakutaka is 260 km/h (160 mph). 

https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/timetable/ 

09:20		Tokyo
[152min]		<Train originating from this Station> Shinkansen Kagayaki 507(for KANAZAWA)	Reserved seating	Basic fare ticket 7,480 YENChild 3,740 YEN	GranClass Green Car Seat Reserved seating Ltd. Express ticket 6,700 YEN Child 3,350 YEN
11:52		Kanazawa

Shinkansen 101

https://www.tripadvisor.com/InfoCenter-a_ctr.Japan2020_shinkansen_101

best seat  Kyoto is E

https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/timetable/?utm_source=tripadvisor_advertorial&utm_medium=content-text&utm_campaign=202001

Takayama to Tokyo

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5908.html 

https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/toyama_en/

Rent a car with breakdown of  Drop off
https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/inquiry


Hakone to Osaka-Hiroshima

Hakone – 

make your way back to Odawara station from Hakone-Itabashi Station either by way of the Hakone Tozan line (a short 4 min train ride) or the bus. Then take the Shinkansen Hikari to Nagoya station. Total travel time to Matsumoto is about 4,5 hours.

Shinjansen Hikari  from Odawara  to Kyoto  takes  2 hours . Hikari is available every 2 hours

The kagayaki  shinkansen  takes 2:30 to Tokyo

Osaka-Hiroshima 1.5 hours 

How to travel between Takayama and Tokyo

By train via Nagoya

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya (100-120 minutes, several trains per hour) and transfer to the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama (140 minutes, one train per hour). The entire one way journey takes about 4.5 hours, costs around 14,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Hikari train between Tokyo and Nagoya (as opposed to Nozomi trains which are not covered by the pass).

April 7; Departing  8 AM  ;  timetable 

By train via Toyama

Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama and transfer to the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama (90 minutes). There are only two or three good connections per day that take about four hours one way; otherwise, the journey takes around five hours. The one way ride costs around 15,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Tomaya to Haneda interanation airport   

178 min , departung 10:AM, 11:00AM    ( 1:42 drive from tamayana)

Toyoma area official map 
A kilometer-long line of cheery trees is planted along the riverbank of the Jinzu River

The bus ride takes 1,5 hour from Kanazawa to Shirakawago and costs 2000 Yen Shirakawago toTakayama  2600 yen one way  total = 9200 
Rental per day at Kanazawa is  4,136 yen
dropping at  Tomaya  airport : 7900  yen /day 
dropping at Takayama per day  :15,900 Yen
12100 yen for two day
dropping to Nagayo airport  : 1899/yen
( japan-experience.com : $213  with $55 drop
Hakusan NP    Photos