Sendai In / Kansai Out: 3-Night, 4-Day Travel Plan

This Japan trip spans 3 nights and 4 days, starting in Sendai. It marks my 9th visit to Sendai, and I’ll return home via Kansai Airport on the 4th day. The itinerary includes accommodations in Sendai on Day 1, Nasu Kogen on Day 2, and Kobe on Day 3. The theme of this trip is to experience a variety of activities in a short amount of time. While most of my trips have followed this theme, this time I’ve planned an exceptionally spectacular itinerary. I’ve invested nearly 100 hours in pre-trip research. I booked the outbound flight in December last year, using mileage for a one-way ticket from Incheon to Sendai. The return flight was reserved in mid-January, coinciding with the purchase of tickets for the Osaka Expo’s opening weeks, which led to the decision to return via Kansai Airport. While visiting Sendai, I plan to collect two Hello Kitty manhole cards distributed in Nasu-Shiobara, Tochigi Prefecture. My interest in these cards has even led me to plan a third trip to Nasu-Shiobara, where I’ll stay overnight to deepen the experience and explore Nasu Kogen for the first time. I’ll enjoy afternoon tea once a day in Sendai, Shiobara, Kobe, and Osaka. I’ve also included plans to collect around 15 manhole cards and visit Starbucks at least once daily. Cultural activities are sprinkled throughout the itinerary. This ambitious 3-night, 4-day plan is finally complete. On Day 1, I’ll head to Sendai to collect Miyagi Prefecture’s manhole cards. For meals, I’ll visit top-rated restaurants based on Tabelog, Google, Yahoo Japan, and Jalan.net rankings. I also plan to watch the latest Detective Conan movie, which coincides with my trip. On Day 2, after breakfast, I’ll take the Shinkansen to Fukushima to collect manhole cards from various cities in the prefecture. Then, I’ll move to Nasu-Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture. The Hello Kitty manhole card distribution site is located in a remote mountain area, requiring a 2-hour round-trip bus ride to collect the spring-themed card. The autumn-themed card is distributed at a different location, which I’ll visit the next day. I’ve already reserved afternoon tea at a Shiobara Onsen café via Instagram DM. After enjoying afternoon tea, I’ll revisit the Nasu Starbucks, a place I last visited six years ago. Although the partner who drew the Hello Kitty design is no longer there, the location holds fond memories for me. To reach my accommodation, I’ll move to Nasu Kogen. Since the last shuttle service is at 4 PM, I’ll spend time at Shiobara Onsen and Starbucks before heading to the hotel on my own via public transportation. The journey involves walking over 2 kilometers along a two-lane mountain road without sidewalks. The resort hotel features an onsen and includes breakfast and dinner. This marks my first stay as a diamond member, celebrating my recent status upgrade. I’ve rebooked all non-refundable hotels through October with diamond-level upgrades, even though they’re slightly more expensive. On Day 3, I’ll start the morning with an onsen soak at Nasu Kogen, followed by breakfast at 7 AM. I’ll then visit Nasu Onsen’s famous day-trip hot springs and explore Nasu Kogen’s three major art museums for some cultural enrichment. I’ll also stop by a roadside station and take a taxi to collect the autumn-themed Hello Kitty manhole card from the opposite side of the mountain area. Afterward, I’ll head to Nasu-Shiobara Station, take the Shinkansen to Koriyama Station, and enjoy a quick Starbucks break before traveling to Fukushima Airport. From there, I’ll take a domestic flight to Osaka Itami Airport. I’ve reserved a solo spot for Kobe’s 9 PM afternoon tea, which requires payment for two participants. My Kobe hotel features a harbor view, allowing me to fall asleep while gazing at the sea. On Day 4, I’ll spend the morning at the Osaka Expo and enjoy afternoon tea at a newly opened Osaka hotel before heading to Kansai Airport for my return flight. Thank you!