Originally Posted by jib71
I just gave this some more thought:
Kyushu and all that would be very nice... but it may be best to send her to the places you've actually been to, since you can tell her about those with confidence. A lot of people visit the Kansai region on their first Japan trip - and not without reason. So perhaps it's not a bad idea to suggest Kyoto, Nara and one of your favourite rural spots for a bit of contrast.
As far as onsen go - I think Kurama is just great.
Oh... and from Yokohama, don't forget that Kamakura is right on your doorstep. That might be a great start to the relaxing holiday. No need to even move to another hotel...
Nope, I haven't forgetten Kamakura! I'm hoping to get the chance to make it there myself - Issa-an, 1-8-24 Yuki no Sh!ta, open til 7pm (closed on many Thursdays) for an introduction to good soba.
But for the rest of the trip, my colleague will be travelling alone... hence my desire to provide the right itinerary for her.
Thank you
michaelcoyote (and
jpatokal), there are whole swathes of Japan I've only experienced vicariously. Thanks for adding another segment!!!
I was delighted to read about your experiences in Kinugawa.
Anyway - I need to present ideas tomorrow, and I'm now much happier about the suggestions I can put forward. She can decide between:
Kansai - Kyoto, Kurama, Osaka on the 3rd for Sh!tenno-ji Wasso festival, and she can decide whether to visit Nara, Koya San or Arima Onsen (near Kobe). I've emailed IACE to see if they can fiddle with a shinkansen/2 nights lodging 3 day tour itinerary so that she can return by train on a later date... that might be the most cost effective way to do this. I'll report back with a yes or no.
or
The Shizuoka/Hakone spa visits, which should prove more relaxing. Onsen examples in post 1 and post 15
here.
Thank you all for helping me through my anxieties with this. Just 'talking' through this knowing that any idiocies would get pointed out has helped a great deal!