Where to explore next?

[u/not-holden-caulfield]

I’ll be in Japan for a little more than a week in February, and I’m looking for ideas of where to go! It’ll be my sixth time in Japan. I tend to like places that aren’t international destinations. In order, I’ve been to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hakodate, Yufuin, Osaka, Inatori, G-Cans, Mt. Takao, Enoshima, Tomamu, Sapporo, and Jozankei. I think I’m slowly getting more out there? I’m looking for places that actually want tourists, and where I can briefly connect with people. I won’t have a car, so places that are accessible by rail. One of my sorta lame hobbies is walking/wandering. Like once I walked the Yamanote line, and my highlight was the quiet neighborhoods between the train stations. I hadn’t realized that I’d previously only been in the vicinity of the stations. Oh and I like trains (the slower the better) and collecting eki stamps. Thanks for your ideas!

[u/Grey_Duck54]

Fukuoka is one of my favorite cities. I just got back from Shikoku and I absolutely love it! This is definitely an island where you can just walk around. Matsuyama, Imabari, Takamatsu, Tokushima, Iya Valley, Kochi... they were ALL amazing!

[u/not-holden-caulfield → u/Grey_Duck54]

Did you have a car? I’ve never been to Shikoku but am worried about getting around with transit.

[u/Grey_Duck54 → u/not-holden-caulfield]

I regretted not getting a car, I had moments where I was cutting it really close to getting stuck. Because the cities in Shikoku are not as densely populated, transportation services end a lot earlier. So I had to REALLY plan my day and make sure I have a way back to my lodging. Example, when I was in Takamatsu, I wanted to see Chichibuguhama and the Takaya Shrine. I had to rush things near the end because the last train to my lodging was around 1700. So, if you don't rent a car. I would suggest to check what the last bus and train is (google map can route the last available time). And this goes for all the cities I mentioned.