My wife and I are flying to Japan next week and this will be our first visit. We enjoy a mix of history and architecture and nature along with some cultural experiences, seafood, and shopping. We have nearly everything decided and booked except for two nights sandwiched.
Tokyo (5 days including our arrival day) -> Kyoto (4 days) -> Miyajima (2 days) -> Open spot (2 days) -> Tokyo (2 days one of which could be used for a day trip to Kamakura or Nikko)
Originally, we planned on Kanazawa for the open spot but the transportation from Miyajima to Kanazawa looks like it takes around 5 hours and then it will be another 2.5 to 3 hours when we go from Kanazawa back to Tokyo after staying in Kanazawa for a couple nights. If I had to do it over I would have gone Tokyo -> Kanazawa -> Kyoto -> Miyajima -> Tokyo, but we already have accommodations and certain tickets booked.
Instead of Kanazawa, are there any other places you all recommend we look into instead? I realize Osaka makes sense logistically, but it didn't initially peak our interest after seeing some of the videos from Abroad in Japan, Japan Guide and reading about it. Perhaps, we are missing something. Another consideration is more time in Tokyo and doing one day trip to Kamakura and another day trip to Nikko. If you all recommend Kanazawa and have done the Miyajima to Kanazawa route, did it actually take 5 hours?
Update: Thank you for all the input. We decided to go with our original plan and visit Kanazawa. Will let you all know how it goes.
by Fitness1182