My nephew is fluent in Japanese. He goes every couple of years to visit his host family. He took his fiance to visit them this past October. I’ll get his itinerary and pass it along to you. I know one thing he did was go to a spa/resort as a treat for his fiance.

^ that would be fabulous. Thanks!

I went to college in Japan years ago. I was able to return last year with my family. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo. It was insanely expensive but the best hotel experience I have ever had. We also found a little ramen shop around the corner that was amazing.

Some fun touristy things to do would be going to a traditional bath house or tea ceremony.

Are you familiar with abandoned Japanese homes? There are many videos on YT about where to find them and why Japanese people are not interested. Expats are purchasing them and converting them into livable spaces. I am intrigued by this.

I have been to Japan 6+ times for work (including weekends), including once purely for vacation. A typical itinerary might include Tokyo to start, and then Kyoto. Beyond that, people sometimes go to Osaka, Nara (daytrip from the Kyoto/Osaka), the spa towns below Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima, south to Okinawa or north to Hokkaido. September is a good time to go, after the peak of summer humidity.

In Tokyo, I tend to stay in Ginza because it is so easy to get around, and not far (walkable) from the Imperial Park (with the Palace) and the central train station/Marunouchi. It is a little more expensive in this district, but you can find less expensive choices. Then the delight is going to major neighhoods/areas, like Shunjiku (gardens, another popular hotel area), Shibuya (Harujuku and the Meiji Shrine/park), Akibahara, Roppongi (the foreigner hangout, known for nightlife), Asasuka (Sensoji temple). There are also many other attractions, museums, etc to meet your interest lists. Once in Tokyo we took a 60 minute day trip train to Kamakura, a beach town and park with some very nice temples (connected by hiking/walking trails) and a big buddha statue. You can take a day trip to the spa towns, but I really enjoyed a trip to a traditional japanese spa hotel with a good view of Mt. Fuji (but note the public baths may not be for the shy).

Foodwise, you will find normal everyday restaurants that are downright inexpensive, in the neighborhoods, under buildings and even under the train tracks. Then you will also find restaurants at 10x the price. One thing to note --- Japanese food itself is going to be divided into specialties..... just a tempura restaurant, just a katsu place, or sushi, or kaiseki (more formal set meals) or grilled meet or pub food (izakaya).

I don’t have any recommendations, but just wanted to say that it sounds like a great trip!

Japan is having STSS infection now. It’s better to wait.

Looking forward to following your discussion! Our daughter and grandchildren live near Hiroshema and want us to come visit next year. I don't know where to even start. We are looking at maybe doing a guided tour then meeting up with them. We are at the age that a guided tour sounds way easier. It's sooo far and the business class flights are $$$.

So Reuters reports 474 cases of SSTS through March 10. Not going to freak out about that for a Fall trip.

1929 Spanish, I’m mashing on the nephew. His wedding is in 2 weeks. I think i’ve fallen down his list of ”important things to do.”

@bbstx priorities! Enjoy the wedding

Personally, I would not spend a ton of time in Tokyo. It is an enormous, bustling city and in that way very much like all world class cities. I may be biased because I have been there mostly on business, and only once for pleasure (with the family on the way to other Asian locales). There is some interesting shopping, whacky pop culture, great dining, and, if you like city views, it is Times Square on steroids. Do eat at a Shabu Shabu restaurant (this is now a favorite dinner in our house, after a family trip to Japan 10 years ago). If memory serves, @KSWL recc the restaurant to us!

For business, I stayed at either the Park Hyatt (aka the “Lost in Translation” hotel), or the Four Seasons Maranouchi (near the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Tokyo Station). When we went as a family we also stayed at the Four Seasons, since it was familiar to me (and they provide an escort from the zoo that is Tokyo Station. BTW, no one takes a taxi to Tokyo from the airport. It takes forever and costs a fortune. Ask me how I know this.) Tokyo station is a crazy bustling place, 8 levels deep iIRC.

From Tokyo, we took a day trip by train to Kamakura (easy to do) and met a guide there to tour and learn about Shinto shrines and the giant Buddha.

I was in Kyoto over 25 years ago, before kids and before DH. I adored Kyoto. I loved the way you could meander down a street and come across a charming tea shop, an arched bridge, or jewel-like koi pond. So romantic and exotic. No doubt your research will include suggestions for the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji’s Zen rock garden … both forever etched in my memories. I never did get to go to Saihoji’s moss garden, and have regretted that (required advance reservations).

You will definitely want to stay at a ryokan and sleep on a tatami mat and use a traditional japanese soaking tub . In Kyoto, I think Hiragiya is one of the most famous. I was so long ago so my recc may be out of date.

On the show Somebody feed Phil they just did a Kyoto segment.