[geronimo21]

Hello,

I was wondering if someone would be so kind as to provide their opinion on our travel itinerary.

My wife and I are taking her mother, who is 91, to Japan...for maybe her last time. She is Kibe, born in U.S., but raised in Wakayama-ken from ages 10-20.

She has wanted to see the cherry blossoms in Japan again for some time. Due to our work schedule, we are not able to leave for Japan until April 23rd. I have read in the cherry blossom forecasts that they are blooming 6 to 12 days early this year. Because of that, we felt that we would have to go to Tohoku region to see them.

We were planning to fly from LAX on April 23.

April 24 - Arrive in Tokyo (Narita), spend night at Haneda Otorii Honkan (Toyoko Inn) – possibly visit with friend in Tokyo (if we can find him)

April 25 - JAL flight Haneda (2:55 p.m.) to Aomori (4:10 p.m.) –
Reservations for 3 nights Aomori-eki Shomen-guchi (Toyoko Inn)

April 26 – Hirosaki – view cherry blossoms, castle, samurai district

April 27 - Aomori (and surrounding area) – perhaps Sannai Maruyama Historical Site, Tsugaru-nuri and Kokeshi dolls. Also, any advice on natural scenic places or food experiences not to be missed. Mom loves beautiful natural scenery and sashimi!!!

April 28 – JAL flight Aomori (10:40 a.m.) to Osaka Itami (12:15 p.m.)

Kyoto 28th and 29th at Kyoto Gojo-Karasuma (Toyoko Inn)
Sightseeing recommendations?

April 30 – Japan Rail to Hiroshima to visit aunt and uncle

May 1 – Hiroshima sightseeing (Miyajima Island?)

May 2 – Japan Rail to Wakayama – Shirahama onsen?

May 3 – Wakayama - Visit mom’s high school in Hidaka (Gobo) and her village (Betsuin – near Kainan-shi)

May 4 – Wakayama - Japan Rail to Osaka Kansai – Depart at 4:50 p.m.

Any recommendations or suggestions on our itinerary are greatly appreciated! This is my first time to Japan and I am trying to put it together on very short notice. We received some very helpful maps and brochures from Japan National Travel Organization. Our international flights are booked, but all travel within Japan has yet to be booked, so it is flexible at this point.

We originally wanted to stay at Ryokan/onsen in Hirosaki/Aomori, but JTB agent booked a $570/night accommodations for 2 nights on or near Lake Towado as most places are booked due to hanami at that time. We are still open to staying at a more reasonably priced Ryokan/onsen in the general Aomori area, but booked at Toyoko Inn as rooms in the area were very scare to non-existant. We thought we would save money on accommodations and have more for sightseeing, gifts, etc. and maybe splurge at a place here or there.

Also, we are thinking about renting a car for 2nd day in Aomori and possibly for Wakayama area. Any advice on this is also appreciated!

Exact itinerary and accommodations for Wakayama-ken are not set in stone.

Thank you!!!