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Suggestions for a stop off travel from Fukuoka to Tokyo

bippysan
bippysan
over 8 years ago
4 responses

Hi, we've been in Japan now for a couple of weeks and having a great time. Soon we will be leaving Fukuoka back to Tokyo before heading home. Originally, the plan had been to break up the journey by stopping off in Hiroshima for a couple of days to see Hiroshima and visit Miyajima. Due to a change in plan, we ended up visiting these places before arriving in Fukuoka. Any suggestions on where we could stop off on the way back to Tokyo? We only have time to stay a few hours at most before hopping back on the Shinkansen. So far, we've already spent time in Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara, Arishiyama, Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajami. I've already been to Kobe and Osaka before so would rather not repeat. Anywhere else that would be easy to stop off using the JR Pass? Thanks!

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Note: I read that you where doing Tokyo - Fukuoka (probably because I just talked to somebody who plans to do that soon). So I wrote with that in mind. However the below stops also work great coming from Fukuoka.

Tokyo - Fukuoka spans the biggest part of the main island of Japan and there's plenty you could see, do and visit. The first thing that comes to mind is actually to take the new Hokuriku Shinkansen, which just opened this year, from Tokyo - Kanazawa and visit Kanazawa before traveling on to Fukuoka.

Also comes to mind is a stop at Hikone, it is a lovely old town to stroll around in and the castle and surrounding park are a great visit too. It is closely located to Gifu and 30 minutes away from Kyoto.

A third options is Takamatsu on the north side of Shikoku. It adds a little extra travel time but it well worth visiting. The town's center has many small shops and is pleasant to visit. You can also hop on a ferry to one of the many small islands nearby, including Naoshima.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Toraneko
Toraneko
1303 posts
over 8 years ago

Hi,
Southern Japan actually has a large range of places to see, and many of them are off the beaten path and uncrowded. You should be able to see a place or two that will add to your memories. In Yamaguchi, Hagi Castle is very enjoyable, and the preserved samurai district and Mori Clan related temples a rarity. One of the very best though is the Akiyoshi Limestone Cave, a 300 million year old wonder with huge caverns and underground river running through it. You can use your pass to take a JR bus there from Yamaguchi Station without paying extra. Iwakuni is just a stone's throw south of Miyajima, and has its iconic bridge and mountaintop castle.

Takamatsu is a very good suggestion; it has one of Japan's finest gardens, called Ritsurin. Also in Kagawa is the Konpirasan Shrine which has a superb half day hike. Onomichi has its off-the-beaten-path temple tour and Kosanji Temple, which is spectacular. Kurashiki is another possibility with its old canals ans quaint atmosphere. Okayama is sadly an often ignored place and it is famous for its castle, plus Korakuen, one of Japan's Top 3, and also the Handayama Garden.

For Fukuoka, be sure not to miss the Nanzoin Temple - it is a secret jewel of a place, and the Rakusuien Garden is a serene oasis near Hakata Station.

Best of luck.


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