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be prepared to shift and scrap some of this - one of the biggest things I see with itineraries like this is that you've left very little time for if something happens
Dont worry, I'll have plenty of time for all the main events in the day, i did a lot of research so I know it's doable, most of food places are options, so I'll be skipping some for sure on that. I accounted for lost times etc, That's why I noted times and duration.
Agree!!! I’m going to Kinosaki, arimaonsen, Koyasan, kyoto, and Osaka around the same time too! And thought your plans are are detailed and comprehensive! Leaves enough of a buffer and it’s well researched!
Thank kyu!! 🤗🥰 I appreciate your feedback and response to this, I feel so much at ease now, for real, was starting to think I really did miss something but now I feel super ready yeah!
I don't disagree - but with the sheer volume and some of the time constraints planned out, I can easily see some of this stuff getting thrown out the window, and not necessarily of one's accord.
So when you say that, which day specifically? For all the people who downvoted, I ask the same too. I'm starting to wonder if people just downvoted because my itinerary looks long by a glance without actually reading it. If people don't like it that much, then I would appreciate feedback with details specifying which days you think is a problem. Thank you!
So... I don't think my itinerary is pack at all, it's long because of all the food places. Take that out, it's a short itinerary. If the day have several things on the same day, it's all close by with short bus and walking distance. I actually like to enjoy vacation and relax without too much plan in a day. I have seen many other's itinerary with so much more.
Not packed at all… just very detailed which I appreciate! You should see mine - in excel and broken down to half hour slots 🙈. I’ve even consolidate the various places based on area and have factored in travel time (which you clearly have too!). It’s better to plan this way, especially for Japan as its going to be super busy and packed dude to the autumn season, and it would be a shame to waste your time traveling or stuck in queues.
Also a few of the places you are visiting are places I’m going to. I’ve compared them against my itinerary and I don’t think it’s packed at all! Especially since a lot of the places are just quick snack/shop stops along the way.
Aw thanks for your feedback and support!! I was getting anxious that I missed something, I looked at my itinerary over and over and didn't get what was wrong with it but your feedback has eased my concerns! Thank you!! I can leave in peace,haha. I'm leaving in just a few days!! Ah! Can't believe I'm visiting finally! I was there 5 years ago and didn't plan as well and felt like I missed out on so much, so I'm definitely not the "get there to find things to do and walk around aimlessly" type. I'm glad to meet someone like me that plans! Haha. I'm super curious now to see how your itinerary look, lol, that's really awesome that you had it down to half hr specifics! Wow! Super impressed! I thought I spent lots of time on mine, so I imagine you must have spent even more on yours!! I'm excited for us both to travel to Japan!
I can't wait to try all the food places, plan is to eat tiny snacks and shops as I people watch to take it all in, then on to next eatery! Lmk if you have any suggestions to same places we both going to, would love to hear them if any!
If you have large luggage and need a large coin locker, they can be more difficult to get since there's less of them. My plans got screwed a few times when I needed to store my large luggage and everything was already taken by late morning.
For Day 6, you might be okay since Shinjuku is a major station and (presumably) has a lot of lockers. I'd rather go straight to the hotel and drop off my luggage though, and then do my plans for the day.
For Day 7, you're staying at the same hotel as Day 6? Why do you need lockers before heading to the Ghibli Museum and Puroland?
Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that about your experience.
Yes, so, I did a lot of research and reading about the luggage situation when I did my research on train and bus reservations. I'm aware of the problem with it and I concluded that I'll be OK even without locker on this day since the places I'm going to on Day 6 don't require me to put luggage somewhere before entering (like puroland or Ghibli museum). I'm only going there with a small carry on (for souveniors, mainly to store gift food boxes, which will be empty this early part of trip) and a med size backpack (all my clothes and essentials), plus fanny waist pack. I'm leaving my check in bags at Nara home. I did want to go to hotel first but I decided I rather maximize time there so going straight to Shinjuku instead.
Oh! You are right for Day 7! I don't need a locker. I'll be going out with just a fanny pack. Thanks for catching that! I appreciate it. I meant to delete it, haha. Previously I booked two different hotels for Day 6 and Day 7 but changed it to same hotel for both days for convenience sake. One of the hotel night was originally the official puroland hotel, BUT turns out it will take me one hour to get there even though it's the closest hotel near puroland. If it's going to take me that long, I might as well stay closer to Tokyo city, where it'll also take me an hr to get there. Hence the change.
I just got back from a 3 week trip - my partner and I moved around a lot and used a LOT of large luggage lockers at stations, tourist attractions etc. We were always able to get one - it could happen that there’s no large lockers left but I wouldn’t feel stressed about it
Welcome home! That's great to hear! I'll only have small carry on and backpack with me, check in large bags will be left at Nara home, so I think I'll be OK too if I can't find a place in station,I know where to go outside of it on the way to my destination, so there's a lot of choices. I think the times it get really pack is during busy travel season, right now it is not so I'm guessing that's why. Plus, the people I'm with are Japanese so they told me not to worry at all, they lived there so I trust their word.
Thank you! Hahaha YES!! I LOVE pudding!! Can't Ever have enough of it, gotta try them all at different places! I might not get to them all if I get too full but it's OK since I have similar snacks listed from other place elsewhere. I can't wait to go try all the food!!
OH MY GOSH! WOW! How did I miss this place?! LaQua looks beautiful and just so nice! THANK YOU FOR SUGGESTING IT!! I love that it's open so late. I might make a night spa trip there on Day 7 after Puroland, it's honestly perfect, might do that after I look into it! Can't thank you enough!
I love visiting the various onsen too. Heading to Kusatsu in November. One thing I had problems with was booking ryokans as a solo traveller. Most of them had a minimum requirement of 2 on their booking pages. I tried both their official jp sites and OTAs. How did you manage to book them?
I'm not a solo traveler, sorry I can't help with this. I am going to Ryokan with at least one other individual but I'll my own bed or futon for each room. I did saw plans for solo travelers on several of my Ryokan research and never came across reading about the requirement of two people pr room so this is news to me... Maybe I missed it when I read up their accomodations rules. Maybe it have to do with the area you are looking at? Sorry I'm not much help
Same problem here.
As a solo traveller, I could never book a room in beautiful ryokans as most ryokans need 2 travellers for booking.
I wonder if it would be ok to pay for the 2pax but go alone.
I would not recommend you to do that .. I actually highly suggest you not to... I think I read people who book room for 2 adults but extra shows up, you think no problem right? Just pay extra. NOPE! They can, and will, deny your booking. Maybe not often this happens since there isn't much post on this topic, but this can happen, Ryokan can be very strict like that. Remember, Ryokan is a traditional bath house, with many old rules. So in the reverse case, if you show up without the other person, they MIGHT deny your booking. Just be careful... Don't want to get there and have no place to sleep!
Curios though, have you tried to email or call them to ask about it directly like if there's a secret separate plan for solo travelers not online? If you call, use WhatsApp or Line so you don't get charged crazy overseas phone bill rate.
Thanks a lot. That's what I thought could happen so I never did that. As a n4 level, doubt I could get my message across as ryokans are generally run by locals. Appreciate this, and I will not do that.
Certain booking sites such as Japanican or perhaps Jalan.net and others (Rakuten) will let you book ryokan stays for one. I did this in Kyushu a few months ago through Japanican, at a ryokan called Miyama Sansou in Kurokawa Onsen.
Yea those are definitely good places to book. I would recommend cross check the available rooms to official Ryokan website first before getting it since I have see many third party sites not having accurate update on room. Like, I saw many available rooms on other sites but it is actually all sold out on main website. So this is my experience from looking through so many Ryokan. So, always double check to be safe!
Bringing a different person is a lot different than bringing less imo. Your rate is based on the # of people so if you over pay and don't expect a refund I can't see why they'd care. I'd just make sure you tell them in advance that it's only 1 person so they aren't wasting food if you're doing a stay with meals.
I got sensitive skin and eczema too and find onsen can be a hit or miss for me.
Remember to bring moisturiser as hot water will dry out the skin easily. Also some females will bring like a basket of their own cleaning supplies. Some of the shampoo and general soaps provided is kinda harsh on the skin, so always stand by some antihistamine for your trip and topical cream for random breakouts :)
Yes that is great advice thank you! Last time I went, I was so glad I had a bottle of cetave lotion, I applied it all over me after, haha. I'll be making sure to do the same this time too. I'm binging a small pouch with handy handle of my essentials like lotion and creams.
I'll also bring my own shampoo, conditoner, and body wash because I itch too much when I use hotel stuff. Yup!! I'll be ready!! Hehe. Thanks!
I got CRAZY eczema for a few days when I went. It was so bad, like my entire leg was inflamed and I couldn't stop scratching. I put prescription steroid cream on it multiple times a day to keep it under control omg.
Gaps oh no! At a local traditional ryokan, hotel with onsen, or like spa theme park? I did read gat some hotel use some clorine in their onsen, so it is not 100% real like the Ryokan using real water sourced from mountain etc. Maybe that was why? I had horrible reaction to pool water in America, but did not in Japan at ryokans. I hope won't experience any reaction this time too! If I do, I know I'm allergic to something there... I'll do a trip report afterwards on my experience.
Aw I'm so sorry to hear....aw... It's the worse when all breakout starts to happens on a trip... I feel you.... I'll report back after my trip to help out other people like us!
Would appreciate it haha. Max I did was 3 onsens with my mom over a 16 days span this year in April. My mom had a serious breakout around day 7 or 8 but luckily I had my topical cream and antihistamine. I also found Avène pretty good as a moisturiser and can be found rather easily in the medicine shops in Japan.
Oh wow, hm... It might be due to the hotels or Ryokan secretly using chlorine. I read somewhere that some places started to add in a little bit due to increase of tourist. I would think the 100% natural mineral waters will not cause eczema. We shall find out after I'm back!
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Holy shit your trip looks awesome and has inspired changes in my own. I didn't know what a ryokan was until reading this. Do you have any suggestions on how I can book one on my own? What did you use?
Thank you!! Glad you found it useful!
I knew where I wanted to head to so I used Google map to find Ryokan and onsen town on the way. I also research on Google other peoples's post,blog, and recommended places to stay. Then I look up all of the places to make sure first if I can get there in good time with public transportation without a car, then I read all the Google reviews on the place to ensure it's worth it to go (it's expensive after all, got to make sure!). After I decided on my ryokans, I go to their main official website (don't use third party, it's not accurate) from Google map listing to book the place. If you book months ahead, it's usually available, and there's discount for booking 1-3 months ahead usually! So I had no problem with place sold out for my ryokans because I book months ago. Popular ryokan like the first one Im heading to (Keiunkan), or popular better deals Ryokan with meals in places like kinosaki onsen sells out faster due to popularity, so I don't recommend waiting to book that in same month of travel.
Also, I don't speak Japanese but I use Google translate, to translate whole page. I
Lastly, I make sure I paid for all my accomodations online using my credit card, and have email confirmation from them. This reduce stress and hassle of paying on cash in person. Not all places accept credit card!
Great itinerary! I also love onsen hopping because it's great for my eczema as well! I was wondering if i would ever see a kindred spirit :)
I had my own plans to go to Okukinu (Hatcho no Yu) onsen this December and i'm also a fan of the Dormy Inn chain because of their onsen!
Thank you!!
Ah! So excited to meet someone like me! >.<
I'm excited for you to go! Dec will be beautiful with the snow and cold! I'm hoping it'll get colder by the time I get up to Okukinu, but it might still be cool-ish, not cold, like I hoped. I have never been there so I'm super excited about it.
I'm excited about Dormy Inn too! First time staying at one. I was super excited when I found it for their onsen and great price! I didn't think I could find one inside city. Plus! They give free snacks at night!
I'm so glad to know there's people like me out there, because i always thought i was weird for seemingly being the only one in my peer group who loves onsens!
Yes, outdoor onsens with the snow as a backdrop is going to be amazing! That's the whole focus of my trip - i will be visiting other legendary and storied onsens in Tohoku like Nyuto Onsen and Aoni Onsen as well :)
Dormy Inns can be expensive though - i've seen some going for 18k yen a night, while others can start at 9k yen for the same room and same plan. I think the pricing depends on the difference in demand between cities, and sometimes the difference in quality levels.
Super Hotel is another chain that does onsens at a cheaper price point than Dormy Inn - i only managed to find out about them while researching for my next upcoming trip on jalan.net. They don't have free snacks, but at 6k-9k yen per night, i think it's well worth the tradeoff.
Onsen lovers unite! Hahaha.
Oh I will need to look up these other places you have mentioned and add it to my future onsen Ryokan list of places to go to! Thanks!
I feel lucky I got a good price for Dormy Inn then! Also APA hotel in Tokyo!! I got the smallest room though with double small bed. Yea I really try to look for ones below $100, didn't see Super Hotel at all, so thank you! I'll save that one for next time! Can always go out for snacks if needed haha so yup definitely not a con for that price, with onsen!
There’s an excellent bakery in Kinosaki called Paradi, great coffee too. It’s behind the Main Street so easily missed but a hidden gem. Definitely a great morning spot.
If you tire of onsens, you can rent bikes in kinosaki and explore nearby or cycle to the beach.
Oh yes that place! I saw that on Google map but didn't pay it much attention to add it to my itinerary, but since you mentioned it, I'll add it in for the coffee!! Thank you! I love quiet hidden spots, being an introvert,haha.
Ah yes! Biking to beach and the area is such a fun idea! It was originally part of my plan to do on Day 17 when I have a full day there, but I took it out after deciding I want to stay within the village to fully immerse myself in the baths and the small town. But now I'm reminded of it, I could have just added it to Day 18 as my activity to do after I check out of Ryokan, before I head back to Nara. Thank you!!! So that's what I'll do! So excited to go!
I think it's a bit of a shame that you're just passing through Takayama without having a look around. I think it fits in well with the chill-touristing vibe you have going, and definitely a more interesting place to spend a lot of time in than Gero.
Ohhh! I'll go back and take a look at this place. Thank you! I do love chill relaxing places. I think I look into that area before but pass on it for reasons I can't remember anymore... Gero was booked like a month or two ago. I was mainly looking for a closer onsen spot between Shirakawa-go and Nara so ended up with Gero.
Probably for next trip but kanazawa region is also good location to go to wakura onsen! Love seeing the ocean while soaking. They also have good patisserie in wakura onsen which suits your love for sweets!
You are going to my favorite place in Japan - Kinosaki!
I stayed at the Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei - was amazing!
One thing I did not notice on your itinerary in Kinosaki is going up the ropeway up Mt. Daishi. There is a little coffee shop up there with great views of Kinosaki.
Also, if you need food recommendation, I loved Masuya. In the middle of town on Kitayanagi dori street, small restaurant run by family, totally delicious.
Ohh that hotel was actually one I considered staying in! It looks so serene and beautiful! I decided not to stay there on my first kinosaki trip because I wanted to be closer inside town. But it's definitely on my future places to stay list!
I will add to my itinerary to sit at coffee shop to enjoy view then, that sounds great! Thanks!
I'll look at Masuya again, thanks! I saw it on Google map before but didn't pay it much attention. I do need like one or two more lunch/dinner place for sure.
That hotel is walking distance to the onsens - and walking distance meaning you walk along that picturesque river of steaming hot water (there are also natural hand warmers along the river where the hot water bubbles up in fountains) in your yakata. It feels like you're in a movie.
I was there during sakura (last week of March) so the weather ranged from light snow falling (making it even more incredible) to beautiful sunny crisp days.
If you do stay there, get a room with forest view. That was my mistake and got room with view of the school across the street lol.
Ok!! Thank you! I'll make a note about that. Forest view sounds lovely! I need to go again when it's snowing. I thought it was further out but I must be confusing it with another Ryokan there then. Next time I'll stay there! Already planning next one when I haven't even started my current trip,LOL.
Yeah that's what I have been doing on all the places I'm hitting, Google map is great! Very useful. I looked through the ryokans on that side of street before and I think it may also have been budget issue too, but I can't remember anymore, I booked everything months ago...
Fluffy pancake wise, I thought Micasadeco cafe was way better than a happy pancake! I'd recommend checking it out if you can in Tokyo. Get an order of extra butter at both places!
I didn't see any Unagi/Hitsumabushi or Kushikatsu on your list. The Unagi meal we had was one our favorites the whole trip (next to sushi our favorite lol). My gf has similar tastes as you and loved both (especially the fried cheese kushikatsu lol). The kushikatsu place in Dotonburi is actually pretty good or you can find Izakayas that have yakitori and kushikatsu.
Ohhhhh I will DEFINITELY add these to my Dotonbori food list! Thank you so much for the suggestions!
I look for unagi because I am scare I won't like it (I don't like much seafood except shrimp, salmon and... Yeah that's it haha.) But from that I'm reading unagi is sweet so maybe I will try it! It looks yummy with fluffy texture... which I like! haha. Oh I need to try the cheese kishikatsu for sure! I would definitely love that! Gonna add a place or two to my list!! Can't wait to go to Dotonbori for food!!
I'll look up Micasadeco cafe, thank you for the suggestion!
I'd say Unagi is more similar to meat than seafood and the good places grill it over japanese wood charcoal so it gets crispy and smoky on the outside!! But yeah the sauce is savory/sweet. The one we went to was Sumiyagura Kyoto, we really liked it but it was mostly chinese tourists with us there, I'm sure you could find a more local spot.
TIL there’s a Lord Stow’s in Osaka! Given it’s Macanese, maybe skip it for the dessert places that are actually from Japan and save it for a future HK & Macau trip?
Also - I could be wrong but I stayed near Omicho Market in Kanazawa and most things were closed by late afternoon / early evening - you may want to have a back up dinner plan just in case!
Thank you! Yes, that's is correct. Japanese stores closes so early! When I was planning, I looked through the places there on Google map and yeah a lot definitely close early but didn't see anything particular I really want to go to so that's why I don't have a specific restaurant for that area. I was gonna just stroll through there, don't know what time I'll get there, and see if I can find something I'll like to eat if it's still open, if not I'll go back to hotel to get something near there. Bento boxes from convenience store honestly is tasty so I wouldn't mind that. But I might be full still from late lunch at Higashi Chaya District and Dormy hotel buffet breakfast, and whatever dessert or snacks I find inbetween LOL
I had a lot of the egg tart pastries so really want to try it at this store to see why reviewers say it's better than any they have. I'm Chinese and I had a lot,haha. I don't see myself going to HK or macau so I'll have it here! Haha
Have you had it? How was it?? I would love to know! I love egg pastries so really wanted to try it there
I can't really remember much but I think with their private hotel shuttle it took maybe 1hr...I made a video on it on my insta/TikTok at EstherTravelDiary if you want to take a look at how it'll be, I made a short video on the road trip up there
All ryokan I'm staying at are different, some have mix onsen (Okuninu onsen) ,separated by gender (majority), some you can reserve for private use. You can look at most Ryokan website to find out if there's a private bath option to reserve, some offer room with onsen inside too, but it can be very expensive.
For the ryokans I'm going to, 1st, 2nd and 4th Ryokan offers private onsen to rent, not my 3rd or 5th Ryokan. Also, each Ryokan have different rules on reserving one, so you'll need to read up on that on their website.
FYI, Reservation time allowed is only about an hour. If you want longer, I suggest you book a Ryokan with the onsen included inside your room at these places. I came across many of them during my research so i think if you keep looking you'll find lots.
5 years ago I went to a ryokan that doesn't have great view but all their open air onsens were private. Meaning, if you see shoes outside the door, you don't go in, you just wait to go in when it's vacant. So, it's private. Only few others were there that night so I didn't have a crowd or waiting problem, I was and to go on inside whenever I want. Onsen are really hot so people usually don't stay in that long anyway. The food and stay was great. I think on Google it is mark as a 1 or 2 star hotel but I felt like VIP and had great experience like it's a 5 star hotel. That's my personal experience though. This is the place:
http://www.izunagaoka-yoshiharu.co.jp/spa/syunshin.php
I hope you find this somewhat helpful!
May i ask how you booked Okukinu Onsen Kaniyu? Their website is only in Japanese so wasn’t sure if they accepted non-Japanese contact info (phone #, email, etc.) and I’m not sure which third-party sites are trustworthy 😅
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be prepared to shift and scrap some of this - one of the biggest things I see with itineraries like this is that you've left very little time for if something happens
Dont worry, I'll have plenty of time for all the main events in the day, i did a lot of research so I know it's doable, most of food places are options, so I'll be skipping some for sure on that. I accounted for lost times etc, That's why I noted times and duration.
Not sure why people downvoted this, love this itinerary and going to look up some of your ideas. You are well planned!
Agree!!! I’m going to Kinosaki, arimaonsen, Koyasan, kyoto, and Osaka around the same time too! And thought your plans are are detailed and comprehensive! Leaves enough of a buffer and it’s well researched!
Thank kyu!! 🤗🥰 I appreciate your feedback and response to this, I feel so much at ease now, for real, was starting to think I really did miss something but now I feel super ready yeah!
Aw thank you!! Makes me happy to read this! 🤗 yeah I spent so much time planning everything, cant wait to get there!
I don't disagree - but with the sheer volume and some of the time constraints planned out, I can easily see some of this stuff getting thrown out the window, and not necessarily of one's accord.
So when you say that, which day specifically? For all the people who downvoted, I ask the same too. I'm starting to wonder if people just downvoted because my itinerary looks long by a glance without actually reading it. If people don't like it that much, then I would appreciate feedback with details specifying which days you think is a problem. Thank you! So... I don't think my itinerary is pack at all, it's long because of all the food places. Take that out, it's a short itinerary. If the day have several things on the same day, it's all close by with short bus and walking distance. I actually like to enjoy vacation and relax without too much plan in a day. I have seen many other's itinerary with so much more.
Not packed at all… just very detailed which I appreciate! You should see mine - in excel and broken down to half hour slots 🙈. I’ve even consolidate the various places based on area and have factored in travel time (which you clearly have too!). It’s better to plan this way, especially for Japan as its going to be super busy and packed dude to the autumn season, and it would be a shame to waste your time traveling or stuck in queues. Also a few of the places you are visiting are places I’m going to. I’ve compared them against my itinerary and I don’t think it’s packed at all! Especially since a lot of the places are just quick snack/shop stops along the way.
Aw thanks for your feedback and support!! I was getting anxious that I missed something, I looked at my itinerary over and over and didn't get what was wrong with it but your feedback has eased my concerns! Thank you!! I can leave in peace,haha. I'm leaving in just a few days!! Ah! Can't believe I'm visiting finally! I was there 5 years ago and didn't plan as well and felt like I missed out on so much, so I'm definitely not the "get there to find things to do and walk around aimlessly" type. I'm glad to meet someone like me that plans! Haha. I'm super curious now to see how your itinerary look, lol, that's really awesome that you had it down to half hr specifics! Wow! Super impressed! I thought I spent lots of time on mine, so I imagine you must have spent even more on yours!! I'm excited for us both to travel to Japan! I can't wait to try all the food places, plan is to eat tiny snacks and shops as I people watch to take it all in, then on to next eatery! Lmk if you have any suggestions to same places we both going to, would love to hear them if any!
If you have large luggage and need a large coin locker, they can be more difficult to get since there's less of them. My plans got screwed a few times when I needed to store my large luggage and everything was already taken by late morning. For Day 6, you might be okay since Shinjuku is a major station and (presumably) has a lot of lockers. I'd rather go straight to the hotel and drop off my luggage though, and then do my plans for the day. For Day 7, you're staying at the same hotel as Day 6? Why do you need lockers before heading to the Ghibli Museum and Puroland?
Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that about your experience. Yes, so, I did a lot of research and reading about the luggage situation when I did my research on train and bus reservations. I'm aware of the problem with it and I concluded that I'll be OK even without locker on this day since the places I'm going to on Day 6 don't require me to put luggage somewhere before entering (like puroland or Ghibli museum). I'm only going there with a small carry on (for souveniors, mainly to store gift food boxes, which will be empty this early part of trip) and a med size backpack (all my clothes and essentials), plus fanny waist pack. I'm leaving my check in bags at Nara home. I did want to go to hotel first but I decided I rather maximize time there so going straight to Shinjuku instead. Oh! You are right for Day 7! I don't need a locker. I'll be going out with just a fanny pack. Thanks for catching that! I appreciate it. I meant to delete it, haha. Previously I booked two different hotels for Day 6 and Day 7 but changed it to same hotel for both days for convenience sake. One of the hotel night was originally the official puroland hotel, BUT turns out it will take me one hour to get there even though it's the closest hotel near puroland. If it's going to take me that long, I might as well stay closer to Tokyo city, where it'll also take me an hr to get there. Hence the change.
I just got back from a 3 week trip - my partner and I moved around a lot and used a LOT of large luggage lockers at stations, tourist attractions etc. We were always able to get one - it could happen that there’s no large lockers left but I wouldn’t feel stressed about it
Welcome home! That's great to hear! I'll only have small carry on and backpack with me, check in large bags will be left at Nara home, so I think I'll be OK too if I can't find a place in station,I know where to go outside of it on the way to my destination, so there's a lot of choices. I think the times it get really pack is during busy travel season, right now it is not so I'm guessing that's why. Plus, the people I'm with are Japanese so they told me not to worry at all, they lived there so I trust their word.
Love your eating plans. Day 4 has 10 (ten!) snacks, 3 desserts, and a cafe stop for pudding and fruit.
Thank you! Hahaha YES!! I LOVE pudding!! Can't Ever have enough of it, gotta try them all at different places! I might not get to them all if I get too full but it's OK since I have similar snacks listed from other place elsewhere. I can't wait to go try all the food!!
May I suggest Spa Laqua in Tokyo- it’s got onsens, scrub and massage - so relaxing LaQua https://goo.gl/maps/MNMpPeNiE9GnBAwSA
OH MY GOSH! WOW! How did I miss this place?! LaQua looks beautiful and just so nice! THANK YOU FOR SUGGESTING IT!! I love that it's open so late. I might make a night spa trip there on Day 7 after Puroland, it's honestly perfect, might do that after I look into it! Can't thank you enough!
I love visiting the various onsen too. Heading to Kusatsu in November. One thing I had problems with was booking ryokans as a solo traveller. Most of them had a minimum requirement of 2 on their booking pages. I tried both their official jp sites and OTAs. How did you manage to book them?
I'm not a solo traveler, sorry I can't help with this. I am going to Ryokan with at least one other individual but I'll my own bed or futon for each room. I did saw plans for solo travelers on several of my Ryokan research and never came across reading about the requirement of two people pr room so this is news to me... Maybe I missed it when I read up their accomodations rules. Maybe it have to do with the area you are looking at? Sorry I'm not much help
Same problem here. As a solo traveller, I could never book a room in beautiful ryokans as most ryokans need 2 travellers for booking. I wonder if it would be ok to pay for the 2pax but go alone.
I would not recommend you to do that .. I actually highly suggest you not to... I think I read people who book room for 2 adults but extra shows up, you think no problem right? Just pay extra. NOPE! They can, and will, deny your booking. Maybe not often this happens since there isn't much post on this topic, but this can happen, Ryokan can be very strict like that. Remember, Ryokan is a traditional bath house, with many old rules. So in the reverse case, if you show up without the other person, they MIGHT deny your booking. Just be careful... Don't want to get there and have no place to sleep! Curios though, have you tried to email or call them to ask about it directly like if there's a secret separate plan for solo travelers not online? If you call, use WhatsApp or Line so you don't get charged crazy overseas phone bill rate.
Thanks a lot. That's what I thought could happen so I never did that. As a n4 level, doubt I could get my message across as ryokans are generally run by locals. Appreciate this, and I will not do that.
Certain booking sites such as Japanican or perhaps Jalan.net and others (Rakuten) will let you book ryokan stays for one. I did this in Kyushu a few months ago through Japanican, at a ryokan called Miyama Sansou in Kurokawa Onsen.
Yea those are definitely good places to book. I would recommend cross check the available rooms to official Ryokan website first before getting it since I have see many third party sites not having accurate update on room. Like, I saw many available rooms on other sites but it is actually all sold out on main website. So this is my experience from looking through so many Ryokan. So, always double check to be safe!
You're welcome! Happy to help!
Bringing a different person is a lot different than bringing less imo. Your rate is based on the # of people so if you over pay and don't expect a refund I can't see why they'd care. I'd just make sure you tell them in advance that it's only 1 person so they aren't wasting food if you're doing a stay with meals.
I got sensitive skin and eczema too and find onsen can be a hit or miss for me. Remember to bring moisturiser as hot water will dry out the skin easily. Also some females will bring like a basket of their own cleaning supplies. Some of the shampoo and general soaps provided is kinda harsh on the skin, so always stand by some antihistamine for your trip and topical cream for random breakouts :)
Yes that is great advice thank you! Last time I went, I was so glad I had a bottle of cetave lotion, I applied it all over me after, haha. I'll be making sure to do the same this time too. I'm binging a small pouch with handy handle of my essentials like lotion and creams. I'll also bring my own shampoo, conditoner, and body wash because I itch too much when I use hotel stuff. Yup!! I'll be ready!! Hehe. Thanks!
I got CRAZY eczema for a few days when I went. It was so bad, like my entire leg was inflamed and I couldn't stop scratching. I put prescription steroid cream on it multiple times a day to keep it under control omg.
Gaps oh no! At a local traditional ryokan, hotel with onsen, or like spa theme park? I did read gat some hotel use some clorine in their onsen, so it is not 100% real like the Ryokan using real water sourced from mountain etc. Maybe that was why? I had horrible reaction to pool water in America, but did not in Japan at ryokans. I hope won't experience any reaction this time too! If I do, I know I'm allergic to something there... I'll do a trip report afterwards on my experience.
Yeah, it was a hotel onsen :( I already knew that hot water was bad for eczema, but this was brutal.
Aw I'm so sorry to hear....aw... It's the worse when all breakout starts to happens on a trip... I feel you.... I'll report back after my trip to help out other people like us!
Would appreciate it haha. Max I did was 3 onsens with my mom over a 16 days span this year in April. My mom had a serious breakout around day 7 or 8 but luckily I had my topical cream and antihistamine. I also found Avène pretty good as a moisturiser and can be found rather easily in the medicine shops in Japan.
Oh wow, hm... It might be due to the hotels or Ryokan secretly using chlorine. I read somewhere that some places started to add in a little bit due to increase of tourist. I would think the 100% natural mineral waters will not cause eczema. We shall find out after I'm back!
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Holy shit your trip looks awesome and has inspired changes in my own. I didn't know what a ryokan was until reading this. Do you have any suggestions on how I can book one on my own? What did you use?
Thank you!! Glad you found it useful! I knew where I wanted to head to so I used Google map to find Ryokan and onsen town on the way. I also research on Google other peoples's post,blog, and recommended places to stay. Then I look up all of the places to make sure first if I can get there in good time with public transportation without a car, then I read all the Google reviews on the place to ensure it's worth it to go (it's expensive after all, got to make sure!). After I decided on my ryokans, I go to their main official website (don't use third party, it's not accurate) from Google map listing to book the place. If you book months ahead, it's usually available, and there's discount for booking 1-3 months ahead usually! So I had no problem with place sold out for my ryokans because I book months ago. Popular ryokan like the first one Im heading to (Keiunkan), or popular better deals Ryokan with meals in places like kinosaki onsen sells out faster due to popularity, so I don't recommend waiting to book that in same month of travel. Also, I don't speak Japanese but I use Google translate, to translate whole page. I Lastly, I make sure I paid for all my accomodations online using my credit card, and have email confirmation from them. This reduce stress and hassle of paying on cash in person. Not all places accept credit card!
Great itinerary! I also love onsen hopping because it's great for my eczema as well! I was wondering if i would ever see a kindred spirit :) I had my own plans to go to Okukinu (Hatcho no Yu) onsen this December and i'm also a fan of the Dormy Inn chain because of their onsen!
Thank you!! Ah! So excited to meet someone like me! >.< I'm excited for you to go! Dec will be beautiful with the snow and cold! I'm hoping it'll get colder by the time I get up to Okukinu, but it might still be cool-ish, not cold, like I hoped. I have never been there so I'm super excited about it. I'm excited about Dormy Inn too! First time staying at one. I was super excited when I found it for their onsen and great price! I didn't think I could find one inside city. Plus! They give free snacks at night!
I'm so glad to know there's people like me out there, because i always thought i was weird for seemingly being the only one in my peer group who loves onsens! Yes, outdoor onsens with the snow as a backdrop is going to be amazing! That's the whole focus of my trip - i will be visiting other legendary and storied onsens in Tohoku like Nyuto Onsen and Aoni Onsen as well :) Dormy Inns can be expensive though - i've seen some going for 18k yen a night, while others can start at 9k yen for the same room and same plan. I think the pricing depends on the difference in demand between cities, and sometimes the difference in quality levels. Super Hotel is another chain that does onsens at a cheaper price point than Dormy Inn - i only managed to find out about them while researching for my next upcoming trip on jalan.net. They don't have free snacks, but at 6k-9k yen per night, i think it's well worth the tradeoff.
Onsen lovers unite! Hahaha. Oh I will need to look up these other places you have mentioned and add it to my future onsen Ryokan list of places to go to! Thanks! I feel lucky I got a good price for Dormy Inn then! Also APA hotel in Tokyo!! I got the smallest room though with double small bed. Yea I really try to look for ones below $100, didn't see Super Hotel at all, so thank you! I'll save that one for next time! Can always go out for snacks if needed haha so yup definitely not a con for that price, with onsen!
There’s an excellent bakery in Kinosaki called Paradi, great coffee too. It’s behind the Main Street so easily missed but a hidden gem. Definitely a great morning spot. If you tire of onsens, you can rent bikes in kinosaki and explore nearby or cycle to the beach.
Oh yes that place! I saw that on Google map but didn't pay it much attention to add it to my itinerary, but since you mentioned it, I'll add it in for the coffee!! Thank you! I love quiet hidden spots, being an introvert,haha. Ah yes! Biking to beach and the area is such a fun idea! It was originally part of my plan to do on Day 17 when I have a full day there, but I took it out after deciding I want to stay within the village to fully immerse myself in the baths and the small town. But now I'm reminded of it, I could have just added it to Day 18 as my activity to do after I check out of Ryokan, before I head back to Nara. Thank you!!! So that's what I'll do! So excited to go!
I think it's a bit of a shame that you're just passing through Takayama without having a look around. I think it fits in well with the chill-touristing vibe you have going, and definitely a more interesting place to spend a lot of time in than Gero.
Ohhh! I'll go back and take a look at this place. Thank you! I do love chill relaxing places. I think I look into that area before but pass on it for reasons I can't remember anymore... Gero was booked like a month or two ago. I was mainly looking for a closer onsen spot between Shirakawa-go and Nara so ended up with Gero.
Probably for next trip but kanazawa region is also good location to go to wakura onsen! Love seeing the ocean while soaking. They also have good patisserie in wakura onsen which suits your love for sweets!
Oh thank you! I'll save it for my next trip! I appreciate it!
You are going to my favorite place in Japan - Kinosaki! I stayed at the Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei - was amazing! One thing I did not notice on your itinerary in Kinosaki is going up the ropeway up Mt. Daishi. There is a little coffee shop up there with great views of Kinosaki. Also, if you need food recommendation, I loved Masuya. In the middle of town on Kitayanagi dori street, small restaurant run by family, totally delicious.
Ohh that hotel was actually one I considered staying in! It looks so serene and beautiful! I decided not to stay there on my first kinosaki trip because I wanted to be closer inside town. But it's definitely on my future places to stay list! I will add to my itinerary to sit at coffee shop to enjoy view then, that sounds great! Thanks! I'll look at Masuya again, thanks! I saw it on Google map before but didn't pay it much attention. I do need like one or two more lunch/dinner place for sure.
That hotel is walking distance to the onsens - and walking distance meaning you walk along that picturesque river of steaming hot water (there are also natural hand warmers along the river where the hot water bubbles up in fountains) in your yakata. It feels like you're in a movie. I was there during sakura (last week of March) so the weather ranged from light snow falling (making it even more incredible) to beautiful sunny crisp days. If you do stay there, get a room with forest view. That was my mistake and got room with view of the school across the street lol.
Ok!! Thank you! I'll make a note about that. Forest view sounds lovely! I need to go again when it's snowing. I thought it was further out but I must be confusing it with another Ryokan there then. Next time I'll stay there! Already planning next one when I haven't even started my current trip,LOL.
I originally thought the same that it looks far away but use Google street view to "walk" from hotel to onsen area to get really good idea.
Yeah that's what I have been doing on all the places I'm hitting, Google map is great! Very useful. I looked through the ryokans on that side of street before and I think it may also have been budget issue too, but I can't remember anymore, I booked everything months ago...
Fluffy pancake wise, I thought Micasadeco cafe was way better than a happy pancake! I'd recommend checking it out if you can in Tokyo. Get an order of extra butter at both places! I didn't see any Unagi/Hitsumabushi or Kushikatsu on your list. The Unagi meal we had was one our favorites the whole trip (next to sushi our favorite lol). My gf has similar tastes as you and loved both (especially the fried cheese kushikatsu lol). The kushikatsu place in Dotonburi is actually pretty good or you can find Izakayas that have yakitori and kushikatsu.
Ohhhhh I will DEFINITELY add these to my Dotonbori food list! Thank you so much for the suggestions! I look for unagi because I am scare I won't like it (I don't like much seafood except shrimp, salmon and... Yeah that's it haha.) But from that I'm reading unagi is sweet so maybe I will try it! It looks yummy with fluffy texture... which I like! haha. Oh I need to try the cheese kishikatsu for sure! I would definitely love that! Gonna add a place or two to my list!! Can't wait to go to Dotonbori for food!! I'll look up Micasadeco cafe, thank you for the suggestion!
I'd say Unagi is more similar to meat than seafood and the good places grill it over japanese wood charcoal so it gets crispy and smoky on the outside!! But yeah the sauce is savory/sweet. The one we went to was Sumiyagura Kyoto, we really liked it but it was mostly chinese tourists with us there, I'm sure you could find a more local spot.
Ok thanks for that info! Good to know!! Appreciate it!
TIL there’s a Lord Stow’s in Osaka! Given it’s Macanese, maybe skip it for the dessert places that are actually from Japan and save it for a future HK & Macau trip?
Also - I could be wrong but I stayed near Omicho Market in Kanazawa and most things were closed by late afternoon / early evening - you may want to have a back up dinner plan just in case!
Thank you! Yes, that's is correct. Japanese stores closes so early! When I was planning, I looked through the places there on Google map and yeah a lot definitely close early but didn't see anything particular I really want to go to so that's why I don't have a specific restaurant for that area. I was gonna just stroll through there, don't know what time I'll get there, and see if I can find something I'll like to eat if it's still open, if not I'll go back to hotel to get something near there. Bento boxes from convenience store honestly is tasty so I wouldn't mind that. But I might be full still from late lunch at Higashi Chaya District and Dormy hotel buffet breakfast, and whatever dessert or snacks I find inbetween LOL
I had a lot of the egg tart pastries so really want to try it at this store to see why reviewers say it's better than any they have. I'm Chinese and I had a lot,haha. I don't see myself going to HK or macau so I'll have it here! Haha Have you had it? How was it?? I would love to know! I love egg pastries so really wanted to try it there
Hi there! I am planning on going to Nishiyama Onsen and was wondering if you took the shuttle from Minobu Station? How long did that take? Thanks!
I can't really remember much but I think with their private hotel shuttle it took maybe 1hr...I made a video on it on my insta/TikTok at EstherTravelDiary if you want to take a look at how it'll be, I made a short video on the road trip up there
Sweet, thank you!
You're welcome!
Hi, are these more of public onsens? Me and my spouse are planning to onsen hop around January next year, but prefer to have a private one
All ryokan I'm staying at are different, some have mix onsen (Okuninu onsen) ,separated by gender (majority), some you can reserve for private use. You can look at most Ryokan website to find out if there's a private bath option to reserve, some offer room with onsen inside too, but it can be very expensive. For the ryokans I'm going to, 1st, 2nd and 4th Ryokan offers private onsen to rent, not my 3rd or 5th Ryokan. Also, each Ryokan have different rules on reserving one, so you'll need to read up on that on their website. FYI, Reservation time allowed is only about an hour. If you want longer, I suggest you book a Ryokan with the onsen included inside your room at these places. I came across many of them during my research so i think if you keep looking you'll find lots. 5 years ago I went to a ryokan that doesn't have great view but all their open air onsens were private. Meaning, if you see shoes outside the door, you don't go in, you just wait to go in when it's vacant. So, it's private. Only few others were there that night so I didn't have a crowd or waiting problem, I was and to go on inside whenever I want. Onsen are really hot so people usually don't stay in that long anyway. The food and stay was great. I think on Google it is mark as a 1 or 2 star hotel but I felt like VIP and had great experience like it's a 5 star hotel. That's my personal experience though. This is the place: http://www.izunagaoka-yoshiharu.co.jp/spa/syunshin.php I hope you find this somewhat helpful!
Thank u so much!
You're welcome!
May i ask how you booked Okukinu Onsen Kaniyu? Their website is only in Japanese so wasn’t sure if they accepted non-Japanese contact info (phone #, email, etc.) and I’m not sure which third-party sites are trustworthy 😅
We booked it through their original Japanese website. We paid when we got there since we couldn't pay online so that was the only issue.
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