Hi
This would be my 3rd trip to Japan in 2 years, I really love visiting this country but this round I am quite worry as the duration is fall within Christmas & New Year.
During my 2nd trip I had a memorable train experience of standing from Kanazawa to Shin Osaka after failing to secure reserved seat due to Labor Thanksgiving Day. The crowds was crazy even it was the 2nd train in the morning.
Therefore, I would like to have some guidelines from you prior to respective arrangement .
Followings are some of my thoughts :
Flights : I can arrange multi-city flights, Tokyo, Kansai or Nagoya
POI:
Nagano - Jigokudani monkey park, snow walk & Onsen. Where best to settledown?
Okuhida or Gero - Onsen and views? (any nice scenery during that period?)
Kansai - Himeji (to re-visit the Castle), Uji, Nara, Miyama or any interesting rural town
Osaka or Tokyo - no specific to-date, just follow the flow then.
I have done Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Toyama in Mid November last year, is there much difference in late Dec? I wonder if I should re-visit them.
My objective is to plan the itinerary to avoid hiccup in transportation to/fro the airports and also between prefectures hence I am flexible to give up some of above POI if it is challenging at such dates.
Thank you.
Cheers
Janet