Looking for deeper cuts and suggestions. On our first trip we went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Naoshima/Teshima during Autumn foliage. A few years later we did Sapporo snow festival, skiing @ Niseko, and Otaru. I think right now we are thinking late April/early May (excluding Golden week) or going in November again for a 10ish day trip.
Things we’ve enjoyed:
* Special nighttime temple visits during fall foliage
* Naoshima/Teshima
* I really like buying fine crafts like Fude brushes, cooking gear
* Otaru snow path light festival
* Taking the little JR train from Sapporo to Niseko
Some possible focuses
1. SFO -> Osaka, Himeji Castle, maybe explore more of the Setouchi Islands, bike Shimanami kaido
2. SFO -> Tokyo, Kanazawa
3. SFO -> Tokyo, Go further north and try to catch late season cherry blossoms