One of the down sides of planning an itinerary quite so far in advance is my failure to think of the dates as specific days of the week. Which is how I've managed to schedule our day to visit Miho Museum on a Monday, when it's closed!

The itinerary is specifically planned for us to travel from Hakone to an overnight in Hikone from where we pick up a rental car, to head to Miho. We'll still need the car on this date, as that afternoon we need to get up to Miyama where we're staying in a traditional thatched house overnight.

I'm thinking we can visit Koka for Ninja village/ Mansion and Shigaraki for the ceramics, specifically Soto-en Pottery.

Anyone been to these?

Thanks
Idiot Kavey (my self-imposed official title today).

I've been to other Ninja places (in Iga-Ueno) and they were good. That said, most museums are closed on Mondays so check your proposed alternatives will be open.

Aah, cr*p, good tip, thanks Someotherguy!

Yep, you're right, Ninja village is closed. Ninja mansion doesn't say as much (on the Japan-guide) but may well be closed anyway.

I'm trying to find out about Soto-en pottery at Shigaraki, but not having much luck in finding English-language info.

Ugh, sorry, thanks for the heads up reminder, sometimes things like this lead to pleasant surprises, hope it works that way for you.

So sorry, Kavey! Is there any chance that you can pick up your car the day before, and drive to Miho on Sunday, before Hikone? The museum doesn't close until 5pm, so if you were able to get there by 3pm, then you would have 2 hours there (we had 90 minutes, but two hours would have been perfect). Hope that might be possible for you. If not, I'm sure you will find plenty of worthwhile options. Good luck!

No we're in Hakone Ginyu the day previous. There's no room for change, just completely messed this one up! X

Found this ninja spot looks to be open Mondays.
http://www.kouka-ninjya.com/
Shigaraki ceramics, some smaller outlets,studios may be open.

Mt Hiei and Enrakyu ji might be fun although a lot of walking. Could park by the cable car or drive up behind.
Have a great trip

Soto en pottery looks to be open
https://www.japanhoppers.com/kansai/...ga/kanko/2702/
We spent some time here and at some individual studios .
Still wish I'd bought a mini tanuki and sake set.
Good reason to go back

Check out the Robert Yellin gallery in Kyoto for some nice ceramic displays and information about all things ceramics
http://www.japanesepottery.com/index.php

We visited Enryakuji in May and it was a fun Kyoto day trip, some cherry trees were still in full bloom. Also nice up on the mountain with tall trees and various temples
We took the cable car from Sakamoto which we got to by train, taxi to cable car from station.
Maybe extend your car hire one extra day to get to Miho on Tuesday for half day trip?

Kavey, please don't be so hard on yourself. For every trip I take, I always make an average of two logistical errors. That's just part of independent travel.

That being said, I'm sure that you and the hubs can have a fantastic time visiting the pottery shops in the area. Try to meet the artisans themselves, and ask for a tour of their studios. You will undoubtedly be treated like royalty. I've done exactly that in the past, since I love Japanese pottery. You don't even have to buy anything, you just have to be your polite and gracious self.

This is going to work out well--you'll see.

Thanks everyone, I contacted soto en pottery and they said we can do the pottery making experience so we think will do that!
Want a tanuki set now!!!

Can't extend car hire longer either, have non movable fun stuff right after the Miho slot!