I am going back to Japan in Apr-May, landing and taking off from ITM.
I already have visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya and Kanazawa in previous trips. I liked Nagoya a lot (diverse town without too much tourists, mix of old and new, urban feeling) and Kanazawa (fresh fishes, garden, old neighborhood, small town). Both were good opportunity for food, neighborhood walks, photography and just relaxing while visiting.
For this fourth visit I hesitate between two itineraries. Bear in mind this is during Golden Week so maybe the order should be changed based on your feedback:

20-23 Apr : Osaka (3)
23-25: Hiroshima (2)
25-26: Miyajima (1)
26-29: Okayama (side trip to Kurashiki) (3)
29-02: Kobe (Side trip to Himeji) (3)
02-03 May : Osaka (1)

OR

20-24 Apr : Osaka (4) (Side trip to undefined)
24-26: Hiroshima (2)
26-27: Miyajima (1)
27-29: Kurashikii (2)
29-02: Okayama (Side trip to Himeji) (3)
02-03 May : Osaka (1)

So basically this is between Kobe and Kurashiki. I feel that Kobe would be without attractions but would be really local, while Kurashiki is more on the historical and scenic kind of things. Going a day trip would allow me to see it but it would be rushed I feel, it looks like spending a night there is very valuable for the atmosphere (same as Miyajima). Okayama seems similar to Kobe, local urban with few attractions (There is Koraku-en).
I am leaning towards the second itinerary but would like to hear your feedback.