Hi all,
I've been to Japan before (Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Osaka and Shirakawa-go) but my girlfriend has never been, so we're planning a trip together in May 2027.
Our planned route is: Tokyo (3 nights) → Hakone (1 night, ryokan with private onsen) → Kyoto (4 nights, including a day trip to Nara) → Fukuoka (1 night) → Hiroshima + Miyajima (2 nights) → Matsuyama/Shikoku (2 nights, Dogo Onsen) → Osaka (1 night) → fly home from KIX.
We're traveling in mid-May, post-Golden Week, so hoping for good weather and manageable crowds.
We'll be using a 14-day JR Pass and taking the Super Jet hydrofoil from Hiroshima to Matsuyama.
A few questions for those who know Japan well:
1-Does the overall pace and balance feel right for a mixed first-timer/returning traveler?
2-Specifically about Matsuyama — is it worth the logistical effort given we're coming from Hiroshima by hydrofoil and leaving by a 3.5h train to Osaka? We love the idea of Dogo Onsen but wondering if it justifies the detour.
3-Are there any alternative stops you'd consider instead of or alongside Matsuyama that would fit naturally into this route?
Thanks in advance!