Hey everyone, again!

I’m planning a trip to Japan and am really struggling to re-arrange the latter part of my itinerary. I made another post with my whole itinerary here. Disclaimer: a big portion will now be rearranged.

Specifically, I need advice on how to allocate my days between Kanazawa, Takayama, Gero Onsen, and Hakone. Here’s what I have so far:

Current Itinerary:

October 13 – Kanazawa

• Kenroku-en Garden
• Kanazawa Castle Ruins
• Omicho Market
• Nagamachi District
• Higashi Chaya District

October 14 – Kanazawa (with day trip to Takayama)

• Takayama Jinya
• Miyagawa Morning Markets
• Sanmachi Suji
• Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan

October 15-16 – Gero Onsen (it could also be Hirayu Onsen)

• Stay at a Ryokan Onsen (Kinseki)
• Onsen hopping and Ashiyu

October 17 – Hakone

• Travel to Hakone
• Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Owakudani
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner locally

October 18 – Hakone

• Lake Ashi
• Hakone Shrine
• Hakone Checkpoint
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner locally

October 19 – Tokyo

• Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Harajuku
• Omotesando Hills
• Shibuya Scramble Crossing
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner locally

October 20 – Tokyo

• Ueno Park
• Akihabara
• Ginza
• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Odaiba

The Dilemma:

• Gero Onsen Stay Duration:
  • Is two days (three days, two nights) in Gero Onsen too much?
  • Should I allocate one of those days to Kanazawa instead?
    • Option 1: Stay two days in Kanazawa and use the third day for a day trip to Takayama.
    • Option 2: Stay two days in Kanazawa, one full day in Takayama, and only one day in Gero Onsen.
• Shirakawago Homestay:
  • Should I stay one day in Gero Onsen and spend another day with an overnight homestay in Shirakawago in a traditional gassho-zukuri?
• Hakone Stay Duration:
  • Should I stay two days in Hakone or just one day?
    • Option 1: If I stay only one day in Hakone, I will have an extra day in Tokyo.
    • Option 2: This would mean three days in Tokyo instead of two.

Context:

My brother will be with me until October 20th, but my boyfriend and I will be staying until October 23rd. So, I want my brother to see a bit more of Tokyo before he leaves.

Questions:

1. Is two days enough for Gero Onsen, or should I redistribute those days?
2. Would a homestay in Shirakawago be worth it compared to an additional day in Gero Onsen?
3. Should I spend two days in Hakone, or would one day be sufficient?
4. Any tips or advice on the best way to allocate my days for the best experience?
5. Recommendations for a good ryokan with an onsen in Gero Onsen?

I appreciate any insights or recommendations you can provide. I’m looking forward to making the most of this trip. Thanks in advance!