[CHUGOKU] Budget and Itinerary

FRIDAY: February 28, 2025

Cebu Pacific (Manila - Fukuoka) - 4,320.00

Kyushu Rail (Fukuokako - Hakata) - 260.00

Hearts Capsule Hostel (8 Nights) - 19,435.00

Yoshinoya (Gyudon) - 498.00

JR West (7-Day Sanyo Sanin Pass) - 23,000.00

JPY47,513.00

[SHIMANE] A Boat Ride To Matsue Castle

Aside from recording all my travel shenanigans, Nomadmania has also been useful for me when it comes to suggesting attractions in a specific region. This used to be Wikitravel’s exclusive domain in my book, but now I tend to enjoy a mix of the two. One of the most persistent recommendations from Nomadmania appearing in all Japanese regions is a boat ride. I was finally able to test it out when I set my sights on Shimane prefecture. Another castle, yes, but the main experience there for me was the optional boat ride to actually get there. I could’ve taken the bus from the main station but where’s the fun in that, right?

[YAMAGUCHI] Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai Plateau

It has been a custom for me to plan my Japan trips to cover several prefectures in one itinerary, and I also make it a point to diversify the attractions involved. If I already visited a castle here, then I should look for other options instead of visiting another castle there. In the case of Yamaguchi, the choice was easy because the most popular attraction is a cave. Japan has no shortage of caves you can visit, but I’ve only been to one up north, which was Ryusendo in Iwate prefecture. That one was accessible through a single bus ride from Morioka station. In the case of Akiyoshido down south, you need a train and bus combo.

[HIROSHIMA] Memories of War

When I visited Nagasaki last year, I knew that I also wanted to see Hiroshima, just to compare the two. That desire was kind of ramped up even more after watching Oppenheimer. If you are interested in this gruesome side of WWII history, then going to Japan to check out Nagasaki and Hiroshima really gives you a glimpse of the other side of the story. Nagasaki was chill and gave the impression that somehow they no longer want to dwell on that unfortunate segment of the city’s history. Hiroshima, on the other hand, struck me as having the opposite sentiment, with all remnants of that fateful day on full display for all to see.

[SHIKOKU] Budget and Itinerary (2)

SUNDAY: March 2, 2025

Burger King (Nuggets w/ Fries + Coke) - 660.00

Water (Vending Machine) - 360.00

Kotoku Line (Takamatsu - Ritsurin Koen) - 240.00

Admission Fee (Ritsurin Garden) - 410.00

Kotoku Line (Ritsurin Koen - Takamatsu) - 240.00

JPY1,910.00