Hi there, my husband and I are returning to Japan in Oct and has 14 days there. Last trip, we have visited Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima Isl, Nara, Nikko, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto. This time, we would like to spend time in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka, and Himeji castle plus other surrounding places using a JR pass. Which surrounding places have interesting cultural sights or pretty scenery & food? Thanks for taking the time to give us your suggestions.
Contributor 
76,191 posts
64 reviews 
142 helpful votes Lots of great ideas here = http://www.Japan-guide.com
Check out waterfall behind Shin-Kobe sta https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B8%83%E5%BC%95%E3%81%AE%E6%BB%9D_(%E5%85%B5%E5%BA%AB%E7%9C%8C)
Yes, include Kobe in your itinerary. If you hit: https://www.kobeherb.com/en/
then you have nice views got unfolded below your eyes. The above-said waterfall is 10(?) or 10-plus(?) mins' walk from here if I remember correctly. (Hope Worth J chimes in to correct me.)
Should you want bigger-scale views, then Rokko Mountain:https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/33/
Contributor
42,980 posts
291 reviews
399 helpful votes If you have not visited Kanazawa, it'll be a great spot to go from Tokyo by the nice Shinkansen Kagayaki. You can take the Thunderbird train from Kanazawa to Kyoto.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2167.html
Okayama/Kurashiki is another good addition. I like to ride the marine liner from Okayama to Matsuyama in Shikoku. This train ride offers beautiful seascape scenery. Shikokumora and Ritsurin Garden are highly recommended. It's an easy day trip from Okayama. Onomichi is another excellent day trip from Okayama.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5700.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5750.html
Contributor
8,734 posts
367 reviews
291 helpful votes +1 for Okayama and surrounds. Kinosaki Onsen is another place you might like to consider.
