OliverB

This is sort of a rambling question not just related to Ōkunoshima but the logistics of potential plans and time spent in and around Hiroshima also. It's the final stage of planning for our trip that I need to focus on. Here's the plan...

We check out of Minamikan (after 3 nights) and leave Matsue for Hiroshima after breakfast at the ryokan. We'll likely take the Ltd. Express Yakumo from Matsue Station to Okayama. Then the Shinkansen Sakura to Hiroshima. We're supposed to check into Iwaso on Miyajima that afternoon; I suppose around 4-5 PM as that seems to be the typical check-in at ryokans.

Given that we'll want to have ample time to check-in and experience the ryokan, explore Miyajima in the late afternoon (visit the shrines: Itsukushima, Oo Torii, Goju-no Tou; wander around Momijidani Park and enjoy the autumn foliage; possibly ride the Miyajima Ropeway if there's time), and be ready for dinner at Iwaso at 7 PM (also seems to be the standard time) - I don't expect that we'll have time to do anything but transfer straight to Miyajima upon arrival in Hiroshima. Would you all agree with that sentiment?

If so, we'll end up taking JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi, catch the JR or Matsudai Ferry from Miyajimaguchi Port, and call Iwaso for a free shuttle bus transfer to the ryokan. Assuming we leave Matsue after breakfast and catch the ferry to Miyajima immediately upon arrival in Hiroshima, approx. what time do you reasonably expect that we'll arive on Miyajima Island? Early afternoon? Late afternoon?

I would like to be able to wander around the island a bit before sunset. I'm also curious if there are any opportunities for sightseeing or exploring after dark? Is Iwaso the sort of place where we'll want to simply stay put and enjoy the facilities (onsen) and surroundings of the ryokan? We're satying in the Shukin-tei suite in the Hanare cottage, which I understand predates the main inn. I assume the Wakamiya Hot Spring is surely in the main building. I have no clue how far apart they are or what the layout of the property is like though.

Anyhow, we're supposed to be in Nagasaki the following day. We have no plans other than travel between Miyajima and Nagasaki. We do have dinner scheduled at our ryokan in Nagasaki at 7 PM but I wonder if I should request to have it on a separate day so that we are less restricted by our arrival time; would you agree - any thoughts?

I would like to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park, The Cenotaph & Atomic Bomb Dome, Children's Peace Monument, Shukkei-en Garden, etc.

I'm not sure when to plan for this. Ideally, we should really have stayed an extra night in Hiroshima (or extended our stay on Miyajima) but for some reason, I felt that one night would be enough. Oh well, too late to do anything about that now.

I suppose if there's time upon arrival in Hiroshima, we could potentially explore any of the above sights before ferrying to Miyajima. I don't want to limit our time on the island though. I'm really not sure how many hours are necessary to get a satisfying experience without feeling rushed. As mentioned, I'd like to explore the island before sunset and do the same early in the morning at sunrise; take photos, visit the shrines, feed the deer, etc.

I would really like to try and see all the bomb stuff and Shukkei-en though. That said, a few of you had advised that the museum and memorials in Nagasaki were more interesting and offered a broader perspective. I won't fret too much if we simply don't have the time but I would also very much like to visit if it's possible since we'll be so close.

I figured that we would reserve the following morning (the day of our travel to Nagasaki) to take in a few more sights in Hiroshima.

There's also Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Museum of Art, Hijiyama Park, and Chuo Koen/Central Park - I'm not sure if any of these warrant a visit or how we should prioritize any of these, if at all. I doubt we'll have time for anything other than the bomb stuff.

Anyhow, as I'm typing this I realize that the thought of visiting Ōkunoshima as well seems a bit ridiculous, but it seems to be "en route" from Matasue so if it's a matter of hopping off the train a few stops early for an hour or two, it might still be a consideration. Truthfully, seeing some wild rabbits is not the highest of priorities but I am curious whether there's any other draw as it seems to be a minor tourist destination. I know all about the poisonous gas and WWII history but that doesn't seem to offer much incentive for a sidetrip. Is this the sort of thing that you might recommend if one had plenty of time to kill or a were living in Japan for several months and wanted to take a day trip?

Lastly, how do you suggest we tackle Hiroshima and Miyajima with our allotted time? What would you prioritize in terms of sights? The only fixtures in our itinerary at this point are that we need to arrive at Iwaso in time for dinner on our first night (coming from Matsue) and that we have to be in Nagasaki the following afternoon to check-in to our ryokan there.

Should we try to do the Hiroshima stuff immediately upon arrival from Matsue, before Miyiajima? Should we focus more on Miyajima and spend more time on the island and at our ryokan and then try to squeeze the bomb stuff and/or Shukkei-en Garden the following day after leaving Miyajima, before travelling to Nagasaki?

How long on average is the shinkansen between Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

We have the following options (as far as I know) between both cities:

- JR Sanyo Line from Miyajimaguchi Station to Hiroshima.
- Shinkansen Sakura to Shin-Tosu.
- Ltd. Express Kamome to Nagasaki.
- Taxi to Sakamotoya Ryokan.
{or}
- Take the Electric Tram from Nagasaki Ekimae Station towards Shokakuji-shita.
- Exit at Gotomachi Station. (1 Stop)
- Walk to Sakamoto-ya.


I'd initially planned to just play it by ear but given our time constraints, I'd like to try and maximize what time we have in the area by loosely planning things out. If I know approx. how long certain sights require, then we can decide when to visit and what to focus on first.

Thanks!!