This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/ablik on 2025-01-20 13:12:49+00:00.
Tokyo - Joetsu - Osaka - Koyasan - [Seoul] - Fukuoka - Nagasaki - Tokyo
Yeah I just came back from Japan less than a year ago but made a last-minute yolo decision to go again over winter holidays.
I booked the roundtrip flights one week out, when I saw some pretty reasonable prices. The rest of the time leading up was spent frantically booking more flights/lodging whilst cobbling together some concept of a plan.
Some people seemed to find the last trip report helpful so here’s another one, with the caveat that it’s much more low-key. The previous trip, I was more determined to hit major tourist spots at least in Tokyo, this one not so much.
For food, I just went with what I liked before, or what was open and looked good at the time. So, no can’t-miss ultimate dining destinations or whatever, though I can’t say I had a single bad meal this trip. Nevertheless, I hope this will still be of use to someone.
Wed 12/25 - Tokyo
I wanted to make it by Christmas since apparently decorations come straight down the next time. Unloaded bags, shot over to Roppongi for some pretty lights and strolled over to Omotesando. By 9pm, I already saw some places tearing things down.
Thu 12/26 - Chiba
Not a train nerd, but the Chiba suspended monorail looked interesting enough to check out. I spent over an hour riding the damn thing. It’s just a commuter train and everyone else was carrying about their own business, but for me it was so cool. Wandered around a bit, got my Ichiran out of way, and finally headed back.
That’s right, no Disney, no baseball, no shopping, no zoos, just a stupid sexy train.
Fri 12/27 - Tokyo
Tbh today was mostly killing time until the next destination. Ate hambagu steak for lunch, then headed over to Kiyosumi Garden. It was full of waterfowl and with waters perfectly serene .
Took a long walk over to Ginza for food and shopping. Ate jiggly souffle pancakes at Musashi no Mori, then spent time at Daiso which was packed with both people and curios.
At some point came across a horse sashimi gacha machine (as in, you don’t know which you’re going to get).
Ended the evening at Asakusa doing more of the same.
Sat 12/28 - Joetsu
I wanted to get some time in at Arai Snow Resort so as someone suggested, I rode the Shinkansen to Joetsumyoko Station and checked into the Toyoko Inn next door.
Nothing else planned for the day so I decided it’d be brilliant to trudge over to Takada Castle during a snowstorm. Pretty much the entire park area was carpeted, but the turret was still visible.
My wet dog self asked some older gentleman for directions to the nearest train station and he ended up walking me all the way there whilst sharing his umbrella. It was a pleasant surprise how helpful and chatty some of the older folk have been, esp if you speak with them in Japanese.
Sun 12/29 - Tue 12/31 - Joetsu
Took the free shuttle to and from Lotte Arai for snowboarding. Made reservations beforehand, zero issues.
I opted not to bring my gear and deal with luggage forwarding/storage whilst bouncing between different countries and a bunch of different cheap hostels. Under different circumstances I could see it making a lot more sense.
The first day, it was snowing hard all morning and there was a localised avalanche so some runs were closed. Pretty though. Things subsided after a bit and what can I say, powder’s amazing.
After day 3 of riding, I took the Shinkansen to Nagano and did a quick visit to Zenkoji, which was surprisingly open that night I guess for NYE.
Back at Nagano Station, I boarded the Osaka-bound overnight bus, where I entered into 2025 passed out on the road, figuratively speaking.
Wed 1/1 - Osaka
Stressful day. My phone got damaged the previous day and needed to be repaired. Unfortunately, many places were closed on New Year’s Day and possibly longer, so my options were limited. I asked the station info desk for help and thus commenced a wild goose chase for somewhere that’s a) actually open and b) able to repair my Android phone. I gave up after the third failed attempt and decided to wait things out. It was just unfortunate timing.
I spent some time walking up Nipponbashi, which had a lot of electronic and geek culture goods, including some cheap phones that I briefly considered.
From there, I made my way to the Dotonbori area, which seemed more packed than I’d remembered, even dare I say dangerously so in some parts. (I fully acknowledge I am part of that traffic) Not really my cup of tea, I s’pose. Grabbed some okonomiyaki nearby and then bailed.
Thu 1/2 - Koyasan
Perfect day to escape the crowds. Started the morning stopping by Shinsekai, which gave off this retro Showa vibe. Even without the lights, very cool.
After, onwards up to Koyasan, which I was really excited about. Because I booked everything so late, I couldn’t get a temple stay but I recommend it.
Fun fact: My ex and I did one here last time, but we overslept our alarm and missed the mandatory morning prayer service. A monk finally woke us up and we had to do the walk of shame to the dining area for breakfast with all the other guests staring at us. The monks were gracious about it but it was mortifying. DON’T BE US. I’ve always wanted to redeem myself but not this time I guess.
Anyways. That was a nice sunset to be caught from the mountains and then the largest cemetery in Japan to explore. It’s pretty well-lit at night though there are some dark areas too. I was hoping to see some snow this time but nonetheless it was very peaceful to visit.
Fri 1/3 - Koyasan/Osaka
Dragged myself out of bed early to return to Okunoin cemetery during daylight for a completely different vibe (and to show my friends I’m not some weirdo who only visits graveyards at night). You can see all the old moss-covered gravestones in much better detail.
Also during the daytime, there were better views of all the various temples lining the streets, even though I didn’t have time to stop at any.
Got back to Osaka by evening and decided to visit the Umeda Sky Building (not needing to reserve time slots ahead was nice). Great vista of the city and interesting architecture, worth it imo.
Sat 1/4 - Wed 1/8 - Seoul
Hopped over, had a blast, missed flight back
Thu 1/9 - Fukuoka
Well my small jaunt in Kyushu ended up a little less than expected, due to me missing my flight and bad stuff happening back home.
I arrived in Fukuoka one day later and went straight for ramen. Queued up for Hakata Issou, was wowed by the first sip of rich, umami broth. I’m not some ramen fanatic but this was ramen done right.
Was still pretty wrecked from travel, so I just did some light shopping at the station stores, chilled out with some fancy biscuits and latte, then boarded my bus to Nagasaki.
Fri 1/10 - Nagasaki
My friend asked me to visit a capybara onsen for him so that’s what I set off to do today - off to Nagasaki Bio Park! However, once I arrived at the terminal where I was to transfer buses, I was informed that it was closed for the day due to dangerous road conditions. Booo, there went my morning.
Instead, I rode back and decided to check out Ouratenbo Park for some nice views of the city. It’s up a hill but there are elevators if you don’t want to walk. From there, I wandered into Glover Garden, which showcased the Western influence and mercantile history of the region.
I also visited the Chinatown, supposedly one of the biggest in Japan but definitely smaller than the one I saw in Yokohama.
Thought about visiting the Peace Park, but honestly the bomb stuff from Hiroshima was still weighing one me and I decided to skip it this time.
Overall, maybe it was the fact that I went to historical areas, but Nagasaki definitely gave me a sleepier, older, more relaxed vibe - not that that’s a bad thing. The people I chatted with also seemed very friendly. Except for that baasan who scolded me for eating at a bus stop. What the hell.
Oh, the night view from Mt. Inaya was pretty dece as well.
Sat 1/11 - Nagasaki/Fukuoka
Nagasaki Bio Park - take two. This time, I made it, after getting lost multiple times that is. Couldn’t really use navigation with my broken phone and for whatever reason, the bus system there has buses with the same number going different routes. It was utterly confusing.
Yeah so I eventually got there way later than expected, but still made it in time for capybara bathing. Except, today there was a water pipe issue so they would not be entering the onsen. Instead, they were out and about where they could be fed and pet. Sorry friend, maybe next time. They were very chill creatures, good at multitasking.
(There were other animals too btw; they just weren’t my main focus.)
Getting back was much easier. …
Content cut off. Read original on https://old.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/1i5pui0/solo_trip_1225115_tokyo_osaka_koyasan_fukuoka/