@evergrn, I’ll also be doing Onomichi (2 days), Kurashiki (1), Okayama City (1), Himeji (2), Kobe (2 + 1/2) and Osaka (1 + 1/2) although I’ve already been to Osaka. If I can extend my stay I might throw in Takahashi and Fukiya for a couple of days.
I’m a huge museum fan, especially if they’re small museums, and most of the ones I’ll be going to in Hiroshima seem interesting and not well known, it looks like you can talk to the people who manage the museum since there won’t be too many people and be able to look at the exhibits up close.
I’ve loved Hiroshima and have been wanting to go for years, that’s why I’m giving it so many days (although it’s my base, it’s only 2 full days of sightseeing + evenings or late afternoons, so I won’t be in central city that long). I’ve never seen a Japanese castle before though, so as the first one I ever see I’m sure Hiroshima Castle will leave an impression even if it may not be the best :P Of course I will be going to Himeji Castle too (and Okayama and Osaka Castles, call it a castle trip if you want).
I’m on a very tight budget so the Miyajima ropeway is too expensive for me to take, I’m stuck with having to hike. I was thinking of taking the Daisho-in Trail up (that way I can start the day at Daishô-in which will most likely be full of people later during the day) and the Momijidani Trail down (I can end in Momijidani Park and take a rest there before seeing the rest of Miyajima). In Miyajima I will probably be doing this craft session which I think will take up a bit of time.
@mrploddy, I don’t have enough money to go all the way to Shikoku from Hiroshima for just a day trip, although I’d love to go to Matsuyama! I’m thinking of doing the Shikoku Pilgrimage once I finish my studies and plan to do a bit of tourism along the road, Matsuyama included of course
