Large shopping and entertainment complex with architecture, shops and intermittent fountain shows — a gentle introduction to the city (shops mostly 10:00–21:00).
Train to Dazaifu to visit Tenmangu Shrine and Kyushu National Museum; the shrine grounds are atmospheric and the museum opens ~9:30am. Trains run frequently from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (25–30 min).
Early breakfast and check out; prepare luggage for shinkansen to Hiroshima (Hakata → Hiroshima approx 1h on faster services but reserve time for transfers).
Visit the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum (museum typically open 8:30/9:00am–5:00–6:00pm); essential for history and reflection.
Quick breakfast before boarding the train and ferry to Miyajima (Itsukushima) — ferries run from Miyajimaguchi frequently and the island is best early to avoid crowds.
Visit black-walled Okayama Castle and, if time allows, a short train ride to Kurashiki Bikan Quarter for canals and preserved merchant houses (museums typically 9:00–17:00).
Early breakfast and depart Takamatsu for Okayama then change to shinkansen to Kyoto; aim for morning departure to arrive in Kyoto by midday or early afternoon.
Wander Gion’s historic streets and visit Yasaka Shrine; the area is atmospheric in the afternoon and early evening and good for spotting traditional architecture.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama area — the temple is open from early morning to late afternoon (check seasonal closing times); great viewpoints of Kyoto at sunset.
Early breakfast in Kyoto and prepare for the rail journey north to Takayama (via Nagoya or shiga lines); reserve seats on the limited express for comfort.
Early breakfast and prepare for travel to Nagano; trains from Takayama to Nagano typically include a transfer at Matsumoto or Nagoya so allow several hours travel time.
Early breakfast then take the train/bus combination toward Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park day trip; buses begin early but check schedules.
Hike from the bus stop to the monkey park (approx 30–40 minutes) to observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs — park open year-round, best mornings for activity.
Ride the gondola for panoramic views over the Northern Alps; gondolas typically operate in autumn for sightseeing (check local hours ~8:30/9:00am–4:30pm).
Take a short pleasure boat cruise or rent a bike to circle parts of the lake for different Fuji vantage points; boat/cruise services typically operate late morning to afternoon.
Depart for Ito in the Izu Peninsula via Otsuki and Atami (approx 2.5–3.5h depending on connections); arrive in the early evening to enjoy coastal onsen.
Check into an onsen ryokan in Ito and enjoy a kaiseki dinner and hot-spring bath; ryokan meals typically require reservation and are a highlight of the stay.
Enjoy a Japanese ryokan breakfast and a morning onsen soak before setting out to explore the Izu coast; ryokan breakfasts often start from 7:00–8:00am.
Walk the dramatic Jogasaki coastline suspension bridge or visit Ito Marine Town for sea views and local crafts; coastal walks are open all day (check tides for best views).
Visit Izu Shaboten Park or the unique Atagawa Tropical Garden for plants and small animal displays; check opening times (typically 9:00/9:30am–4:30/5:00pm).
Early breakfast and check out from your Ito accommodation; take the limited express or local trains to Atami then shinkansen to Tokyo (approx 1.5–2.5h total).