JAPAN for 4-6 weeks, solo – help me plan!

[ladybee28]

Have finally decided to bite the bullet and go to the place I've always dreamed of next year!

4-6 weeks in Japan on my own: what advice and recommendations do you have?

I'd really like to do some zazen training / retreat and a temple stay, and hike the Kumano Kodō... what else should I have on my list?

What should I consider, know, expect?

I love nature and hiking, learning about culture and cooking, and I prefer quiet and curious to crazy city life (although I'm definitely up for experiencing a little of it, I wouldn't want to spend long in Tokyo)

Am researching like a crazy woman and have some knowledge of the country after years of infatuation, but always prefer to hear from people who have been there / live there!

I have had a holiday there but didn’t spend the amount of time you have available. I want to go back though.

Tokyo is huge! Just huge. It is worth going out to Hase and Kamakura to see the temples. There are must sees in Tokyo so I wouldn’t just dismiss a major city that’s very different and exciting.

The other must see is Kyoto and Nara. The Lonely Planet guide gives an excellent overview of a 2 week trip to the Kansai region so you can see more of this area. I would definitely do that.

With, say, three weeks on top of Tokyo and Kyoto, you could consider the Hokkaido region which includes the Alpes and hiking opportunities. Lonely Planet is full of suggestions.

We also hiked a section of the Nakasendo Highway which is a long distance former post route. Some tour firms specialise in this. That would definitely be worth doing with a group and there are traditional inns on the route.

Last but not least, maybe consider the tropical islands of the South West. A comprehensive trip here would take 2-3 weeks but you could see what you fancy. Again Lonely Planet would help you plan.

Japan has 122 million people. It’s crowded and busy. Planning ahead is vital. We also found Japan By Rail an invaluable resource. Happy planning.

I forgot to add: The Woman’s Association of Kyoto can organise a cooking class in someone’s home. Expect the Japanese to be ultra polite, helpful and friendly but English is not spoken everywhere. You can also send your luggage on ahead of you. It leaves around 5 pm and arrives at your hotel the next day. You just keep a small overnight bag. Luggage space on trains can be very small. I cannot help with staying in a temple or retreats or training.

If you can get a hold of the dvd, bbc Earth had a documentary series (3 episodes) called "wild japan". Shows 3 different regions (the main island Honshu, Hokkaido, and the outer islands like Okinawa). Beautifully made and might give you some inspiration of which parts to visit! Also, narrated by Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary of downtown!)

A lot of this depends entirely on which month you are planning to go in, as this will greatly affect price, activities you want to do (due to weather and temp, festivals, costs at high season etc).

lucky you, we loved Japan.
Our must do's were hiking the Nakasendo Highway. We stayed in Matsumoto, and caught the train, then the bus, to the beginning of the route. Walked it - it's really quite short - then caught the bus/train back. You can easily do it without help.
We walked part of the Kumano Kodo for a few days, It's a real PITA to organise, the website isn't user friendly at all, unless it's changed, but it was fantastic, a real experience. Very strenuous though
I would choose Nara over Kyoto, as it's quieter and less touristy.
Nikko, north of Tokyo, is a good introduction to temple complexes.
Don't forget to buy your railpass.
Have a great time.

The Nakasendo Highway is 332 miles long! It runs from Kyoto to Tokyo. The part many people trek is from Magome to Tsumago - a mere 9 kms. This part is paved and easy. There is a lot more! Hence my suggestion.

Kyoto has very many world heritage sites. Nara is a great side trip but it’s not the main course. Not exploring Kyoto is not exploring the most interesting city in Japan.

One thing that any visitor to Japan has to understand is that Japan is densely populated (122 million) and it has an aging population. They, not unreasonably, like to visit their own cities and cultural sites. So, Kyoto is busy. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend a lot of time there and explore it’s beautiful buildings and culture. You won’t get it to yourself but some temples are less visited. Cherry blossom season is full on. After that it calms down a bit. We saw a Geiko/Maiko show in May, which was amazing, and also the Hollyhock Festival. The restaurants are outstanding too. Do go and enjoy it.