I wouldn’t let the thought of typhoons derail your plans if you plan to spend a few weeks. They can swing across parts of the country and miss others, some can be tame, you don’t usually get a run of them in succession, and if one comes right over where you’re staying, you just hole up in your hotel for a day till it passes.
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So many things to do, so target what you’re interested in - bustling Tokyo, endless Kyoto temples, Hiroshima, beaches of Okinawa (though probably the most likely spot to get typhoons).
If you plan to travel to many parts of the country, the Japan Rail Pass is a must. The punctuality and cleanliness of the rail networks is second to none.
Bookings dot com has always been good for accom. It’s worth trying a traditional “ryokan” inn one night.
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Thank you - will check out things you’ve mentioned although as we’re looking to see as as many must sees as we can in Japan I’m not sure the long walks are in the plans. Must admit I’ve got a lot of research to do before we head off.
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Thank you… I imagine we’ll spend a few days in Tokyo but yes to Kyoto (for a few temples) and Hiroshima and or Nagasaki and of course Mt Fuji & surrounds. JR pass is 
. Am at the stage of trying to put together a 2/3 week itinerary which will finish in/ near Tokyo. North Japan is of interest also.
(I know I really need to do more research but will happily take on board all thoughts from Blitz).
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Will we need to book everything (accommodation) before travelling?
Maybe up into the alps for some fresher air? Takayama was good many years ago (2002).
Kumano Kodo hike was magic in 2019. If not big hikers, Nakasendo Way may be more your thing.
In Kyoto the Fushimi Inari day hike is a must. In fact, Kyoto is a good base for hub & spoke travel in general - Himejii castle & Nara are all easy day trips on a JR Pass.
In Tokyo we stayed Hotel Century Southern Tower.
In Kyoto ENSO ANGO FUYA 2.
In Osaka Swissotel Nankai Osaka.
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Thanks heaps-I’ll do some research on your suggestions.
For peace of mind it’s good. You might not find what you’re looking for on the fly. If you like a place and want to stay an extra night or so, you could try your luck, and cancelling bookings a day ahead is generally fine.
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I’m nearly done on my 28 day trek between Nagasaki and Osaka.
If you are thinking Hiroshima vs Nagasaki for the bomb museum in my opinion Nagasaki wins hands down.
If you do pick Hiroshima, Miyajima is a lovely island not far away.
Thursday back in Tokyo for a month for all the cherry blossom madness.
For accommodation I went with Agoda as there were a few Ryokans (tradition Japanese inns) that weren’t available on other website particularly if you go the whole dinner option as well, which you really should do. Agoda also ties in nicely with cash rewards so I have lovely 10% of the bookings value in cash waiting for me on my return.
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Also do your match with regards to a JR pass. Seen a few people caught out cause they didn’t use it enough to work out cheaper. Also domestic flights are often a lot cheaper than the train. So for example you could get a 7 day pass to use from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kagoshima then fly back. Flight from Kagoshima for example is about $130 per person.
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That’s interesting, it’s been years since I’ve been to either, but I remember preferring Hiroshima. I also liked the park surroundings in Hiroshima to clear my head in after.
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Really appreciate all the info. Thanks @mrjez @Soulnet & @Gnik
Any other ‘must do or see’ for first and probably only time travellers appreciated.
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Hiroshima has the dome hall yes, but Nagasaki doesn’t have hundreds of tourists who are told they have thirty minutes to go through. Nagasaki has a peace park outside as well and also the point zero monuments. Both exhibits are pretty similar. Nagasaki also had an extra bit showing the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons. The interactive map as well where you can dial in your home town to show the area of affect also was surreal.
Here was the memorial hall with 18 volumes of all the names of the victims.
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Digital Art Museum in Tokyo
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The building is closed for renovations for a couple of years from memory.
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Ask me again in a month when I get home and I’ll email you previous itineraries!
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I definitely went there at a quiet time, getting rushed wouldn’t have been great. I think also cos I went to Nagasaki in the peak of summer didn’t help!
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I’m a bit contrarian with my likes in Japan. For me Tokyo is a million times better than Osaka. Osaka is good for a few days and good base for Kyoto. Osaka is renounced for shopping but to me only cause it’s all in one place.
You can also keep Fukuoka. Kumamoto is good.
Beppu avoid. Big tourist town only good to take money from you.
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If you’re a cyclist Shikoku Island is really highly recommended. I’m driving here but there is so much infrastructure for cyclists. Riding across the massive bridges would be fun.
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The Shimanami Kaido. Very high on my list.
Yeah, Osaka doesn’t offer much after seeing Tokyo.
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