I'm thinking of taking my mum (mid 60's) to visit Japan again for 4 or 5 nights at the beginning of July.
I've taken her before to Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakodate, Matsushima and Osaka. I'm not sure where to go this time and have the following ideas (all of which I've been to before and really liked):
* Kyushu - Fukuoka (thanks,
Q Shoe Guy!) and Nagasaki (I haven't been elsewhere - Kumamoto, Kagoshima etc)
* Kakunodate and
Furofushi Onsen
* Kanazawa
I realise that it's going to be very hot and even more so down in Kyushu. On the other hand, we don't drive so will just use trains and buses so perhaps that means there is less to do in the latter two places.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the above (or other places in Japan which would be nice in July) ? I've been to a some other places (e.g. Koyasan, Hiroshima for oysters/okonomiyaki, Miyajima, Himeji, Takayama, Matsumoto etc) but I think I like the above three more than them.
Many thanks in advance for any thoughts.
If Japanese history appeals to you and/or your mother, the small but picturesque Geisha and Samurai districts will be a treat, as will Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. Since you mentioned Hiroshima for food, Omicho market is a good one to stroll through to check out Hokuriku crabs and jumbo shrimp, and (even though I don't drink alcohol), the city is known for sake.
There are a couple of arts/crafts museums, the train station received a Japanese modernist-renovation a few years ago, and it's relatively close to the Noto peninsula (accessible by train), known for hot springs (in Nanao city) and laquerware (in Wajima city).
I haven't visited in a while so I can't comment on prevalence of English on signs/public transit, but I reckon staff at major hotels and the train station info. desk can help.