5-Day Cultural Journey Through Southern Japan: Fukuoka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kumamoto

Day 1: Exploring Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hakata Saiko

Start your day with a traditional Fukuoka-style breakfast of mentaiko (cod roe) and rice at Hakata Saiko.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant which is centrally located.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Ohori Park

Stroll around the serene Ohori Park, famous for its beautiful pond and picturesque walking paths.
It’s a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Fukuoka Castle

Uncover the history of Fukuoka by visiting the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, providing stunning city views.
A 10-minute walk from Ohori Park.
JPY0, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Yatai Street Stalls

Taste local Fukuoka ramen and street food at the famous Yatai stalls for an authentic meal experience.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk back to the city center.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Kushida Shrine

Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the Kushida Shrine, a spot for local festivals.
It's a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dine at Nakasu

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Nakasu, known for its variety of local izakaya and seafood.
Take a taxi or public transport, approximately 10 minutes away.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Himeji

Himeji, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling hotel breakfast before checking out.
Enjoy it at the hotel, as this offering is typically excellent in Japan.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Himeji

Leave Fukuoka, taking the Shinkansen to Himeji, just over an hour away.
Board the Shinkansen at Hakata Station.
JPY7800, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore the majestic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan's most beautiful castle.
Walk approximately 20 minutes from the station.
JPY1000, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Himeji's local eateries

Savor delicious vicinity specialties like Himeji Oysters and Himeji-style sushi.
There are various restaurants near the castle.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kokoen Garden

Walk over to Kokoen, a beautiful Japanese garden next to the castle.
A 5-minute walk from the castle.
JPY300, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Delight in a traditional izakaya experience in Himeji City, sampling various small dishes.
Several options can be found near Kokoen Garden.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Hiroshima Highlights

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration at your hotel.
Start your day refreshed.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, a quick journey of about 45 minutes.
Depart from Himeji Station.
JPY4500, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which conveys the tragic history of Hiroshima.
A short tram ride from the station.
JPY200, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Experience Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at the lively Okonomimura food building.
Walk around 15 minutes from the Peace Park.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the elegant reconstruction of Hiroshima Castle and its scenic grounds.
Take a tram or bus for a 10-minute ride.
JPY370, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Shukkeien Garden

Wander through this tranquil garden, an oasis of calm in the city.
A 10-minute walk from the castle.
JPY260, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Nagatoya

Delight in Hiroshima's local flavors with an evening meal featuring delicious seafood.
A short taxi ride from the garden.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 4: Miyajima Island Adventure

Miyajima, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Breakfast service will be available.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to catch a glimpse of the famous torii gate.
Catch the ferry from the Hiroshima port, about 10 minutes from the city center.
JPY400, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
Short walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savor ‘anago meshi’ (grilled conger eel) at one of the local restaurants on Miyajima.
Many options nearby the shrine.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Hike Mount Misen

Embark on a lovely hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views over the island and beyond.
Access trailheads within walking distance of the shrine.
JPY0, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hiroshima

Take the ferry back to Hiroshima to recharge after a wonderful day.
Ferry terminal is a short walk from the hike end.
JPY400, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hiroshima Ramen

Indulge in a warm bowl of the famous Hiroshima-style ramen.
Close to the train station, walk or taxi.
JPY1300, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Culinary Kumamoto

Kumamoto, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
On-site breakfast.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kumamoto

Take a Shinkansen train to Kumamoto, a quick journey lasting about 1 hour.
Head to the nearby Hirosima Station.
JPY4250, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Kumamoto Castle

Explore the stunning Kumamoto Castle, which is recovering from the earthquake but remains a must-visit sight.
Bus or taxi from the station, about 15 minutes.
JPY500, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Kurobuta Ramen Shop

Taste Kumamoto's signature tonkotsu ramen made from black pork at this popular local eatery.
Easily accessible from the castle, 10-minute walk.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Suizenji Gardens

Wander through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a stunning Japanese strolling garden.
Option of bus or taxi for a 20-minute ride.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Fukuoka

Travel back to Fukuoka to wrap up your incredible journey.
Shinkansen ride back from Kumamoto Station.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Yatai Stalls

Celebrate the successful trip with one last dinner at the vibrant Yatai Stalls in Fukuoka.
Close to the hotel, just a short walk.
JPY2000, 2 hours
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