Japan - last 5 days of itinerary - I'm in Japan now! Where shall I go?

[HelenHywater]

I'm currently in Japan - have most of my trip (with 2 kids aged 12 and 16) planned - Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Osaka-Nara-Hiroshima/Miyajama . Where shall we go for the last 5 days? (This leaves me with a day in Tokyo to shop ). We could hire a car and do a road trip. We were thinking either the Mt Fuji/Izu peninsula areas, or possibly Kagoshima which looks nice (I think).

We haven't got a Ryoken or a temple stay booked. An onsen is only appealing to my kids if we find a touristy family one where they can stay in swimming costumes!

I need to book places I think as the Obon period is starting and I've been warned hotels will be booking up.

Not sure if you would be able to get a reservation this late but I can absolutely recommend the Nishiyama Onsen in Keiunkan you can see Mount Fuji on the way there if you are heading from Tokyo side. I was there with my girls in April and it was amazing, although a long drive up into the mountains. It's the oldest hotel in the world they have the Guinness World Record Certificate at the front desk. We did 2 days/nights there and everyone loved it. There is nothing else there though so if you need excitement and entertainment then it's not for you but to experience a proper onsen where you have your own suite and own dining room and amazing Japanese food I don't think you could beat it.

Bit of a schlep down to Kagoshima (and even more so back to Tokyo from there). Also very hot this time of year. I'd recommend winding back up through Himeji (for the castle) to Kobe (cosmopolitan port city, nice vibe and lots to do - take the ropeway up Mt Rokko for the view) then head south of Osaka to Wakayama and Mt Koya where you can stay in a temple (be prepared to get up early for prayers with the monks!). Even if you don't, the area is definitely worth a visit - peaceful, almost ethereal place. Suggested itinerary for Mt Koya here:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4910koyasann_2day.html

Unless you are already in possession of an International Driving Permit you won’t be allowed to drive in Japan. A U.K. driver’s licence is not sufficient.

What about Kanazawa and Takayama? Should be lovely at this time of year and a bit cooler than Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka.

Thanks all. @redastherose that onsen doesn't have availability, but it does look lovely.

I think the monastery stay sounds ideal too. I do have an international drivers licence with me, so could do a little road trip. Somewhere with a lake or a sea to swim in sounds lovely too!

Hi OP

My carer is about to go on his 4th or 5th trip to Japan so I asked for his suggestions.

Go to Odaiba
-miraikan (future museum)
-joyopolis (indoor theme park)
-retro arcade
-"touristy" onsen (still need to be naked whuke bathing)

Round One Stadium - arcade, bowling, sports, karaoke. Pay for time, everything free. One in odaiba, I think a couple of others in tokyo.

Kabuki za- traditional japanese theatre. Can buy tickets for a single act on the day.

Day trip to Kamakura.

Day trip to Yokohama (there's a cup noodle museum)

Yanaka- nice area of tokyo, kinda old school. Sculpture museum.

Day trip to Kawagoe - has a street of authentic historical buildings.

We spent a couple of days in Takayama and really enjoyed it.

Out of interest, what did you end up doing OP?

we went to the Izu peninsula and spent a few days at a beach- just near Shimoda. It was lovely! Lots of bodyboarding. (we visited Shirahama while we were there - that's a dump don't go there!).