Thank you SO much abmj-jr and jib71, this is all incredibly helpful!!

There is really no rhyme or reason to the above listed destinations other than a bit of researching through photos and forums online, and a desire to take in a diverse landscape of Japan. We'd like to see the big cities and small villages, the port towns, rural countryside, but also the forested mountain regions as well, which I hear are really gorgeous. I am absolutely not set on any of these destinations, apart from the obvious ones though, and if within our 3.5 week timeframe any of you feel that certain destinations would be more enriching than others, or that we should really make adjustments to maximize our experience, I'd be not only open to these type of recommendations but entirely grateful!

I would be very happy to do the open flight plan and have also considered the possibility of departing from regional airports.

Would you suggest that we alter our plans to include Takayama or Kanazawa in place of Hokkaido, and can we do both Takayama and Kanazawa *comfortably* within our allotted timeframe, and if not, which would you recommend we visit in order to really get a sense of the diversity of the country and see something new?



These were the accommodations that I was initially looking at, but again I would be extremely appreciative for any alternative suggestions, preferring to stay on the high end. Cost is not a consideration as mentioned.

In addition, this itinerary would obviously not work as we're planning for approx. 25 days of travel, and this already exceeds that number, so if anyone could suggest (in addition to revising and prioritizing our destinations) an ideal number of nights for each location as well as the best and most unique, intimate and romantic accommodations in each place, it would be an immense help!!!

Here's what I was playing around with...

In Tokyo: Mandarin Oriental - (7 Nights?)

In Kyota: Hiiragiya Ryokan - (5 Nights?)

In Nara: Chikurin-in Gumpo-en or Shikitei or Kankaso - (2 Nights??)

In Osaka: Ritz-Carlton - (5 Nights?)

In Fukuyama-shi: Keishokan Sazanamitei - (1 Night??)

In Hiroshima: Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel - (2 Nights?)

In Hatsukaichi: Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto - (2 Nights??)

In Chikushino-shi: Daimaru Besso - (1 Night??)

In Yamaguchi: Matsudaya Hotel - (2 Nights?)

In Nagasaki: Sakamotoya - (2 Nights?)

In Sapporo: Jozankei Nukumorino-Yado Furukawa or Suizante Club Jyozankei - (1 or 2 Nights??)

...

If absolutely necessary, I could look into the possibility of stretching this out to 4 weeks, though it would be difficult with our work schedules. I don't want to feel too rushed, and would like to be able to take in and enjoy each location that we visit.