Hi all,
Please critique my itinerary for 2 weeks in February 2023, I would appreciate any views or advice on whether this is comfortably do-able or open to changes. This is a first time to [Japan](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g294232-Japan-Vacations.html) itinerary for a late 20’s couple. We appreciate food, culture, unique activities, taking landscape photography and immersing ourselves in local activities.
12 Feb: Arrive in KIX mid afternoon, stay in [Osaka](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298566-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html) ([Namba](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g14134988-Namba_Chuo_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html) area). Check out [Dotonbori](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g14135010-d557794-Reviews-Dotonbori_Hotel-Dotombori_Chuo_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html) at night.
13 Feb: Free day in Osaka. Shopping, food, local sightseeing ([Osaka castle](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g14127623-d320970-Reviews-Osaka_Castle-Chuo_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html), maybe take a street karting tour in the evening)
14 Feb: Local train to [Himeji](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298191-Himeji_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html) in the morning, explore [Himeji castle](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298191-d320231-Reviews-Himeji_Castle-Himeji_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html). On the way back stop in [Kobe](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298562-Kobe_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html) for a Kobe beef lunch. Rest of the evening in Osaka.
15 Feb: Local train to [Nara](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g298198-d307626-Reviews-Nara_Hotel-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html) (will bt carrying backpacks and suitcases, so these will be stored at/near Nara station), visit the deer park, watch mochi making show. Pick up luggage and train to [Kyoto](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298564-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html) (staying near [Gion](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321451-Reviews-Gion-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html) area). Explore Gion & surrounding area by foot.
16 Feb: Free day in Kyoto ([Arashiyama](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298564-d545940-Reviews-Arashiyama-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html) area & Kinkaku-ji?)
17 Feb: Free day in Kyoto ([Fushimi inari shrine](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298560-d3742637-Reviews-Fushimi_Inari_Shrine-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html), philosopher’s path & other must-see attractions?)
18 Feb: Limited Express Thunderbird to [Kanazawa](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298115-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu-Vacations.html) in the morning. Check in to hotel near station. Visit Kenroku-en & [Omicho market](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298115-d1424250-Reviews-Omicho_Market-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html).
19 Feb: Nohi bus to [Takayama](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298113-Takayama_Gifu_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu-Vacations.html). Check in to Ryokan hotel with onsen. Bus tour to Shirakawa-go for the final winter light up event.
20 Feb: Free day in Takayama. Possible excursion to Shin hotaka ropeway.
21 Feb: Nohi bus to [Tokyo](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g298184-Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto-Vacations.html) in the morning.
21 – 26 Feb: 5 nights in Tokyo staying in Kanda area. Day trip to [Fuji](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g303147-Fuji_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu-Vacations.html) 5 lakes on one of the days (weather dependent). Fly out from NRT on evening of 26th.
I believe we will not require a JR pass with our itinerary, so looking to use a suica or passmo type card (whichever works in both Tokyo & [Kansai](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g298566-d1084477-Reviews-Hotel_Kansai-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html) regions)
Our stay should fall within the plum (ume) blossom season so looking for potential places to vist to maximise this viewing potential
Any ideas/feedback/suggestions welcome
Thanks