Please critique this Japan itinerary
 

Hi,

I have tentatively planeed our first trip to Japan as follows:

March 27 - fly to Osaka from Singapore
March 28 - reach Osaka and travel to Kyoto, no activities planned for this day
March 29, 20, 31, Apr 1 - sightseeing in Kyoto
Apr 2, 3 - stay in Nara
Apr 4 - visit Koyasan, stay the night
Apr 5 - spend the morning in Koyasan, travel to Osaka
Apr 6 - leave for Singapore

Is this a good itinerary? Is it efficient to travel from Kyoto-Nara-Koyasan and return to Osaka or can it be done better if the order is changed?

I am considering hotel ANA in Kyoto for our stay. Can you please comment on the location and ease of access to public transportation/places of interest. The other slightly more expensive option is Hotel Granvia.

Any suggestions for hotel in Osaka? Prefer it to be close to the train station so that we dont have to travel too much.

Please give your input on these.

Regards.

I'd say you have this itinerary just about perfect!
Others can comment on the Osaka hotel and travel to and from Koyasan.
As an alternative to the ANA hotel, check out the Kyoto Karasuma Hotel. As I recall it gets better reviews on Tripadvisor too. We thought it was a superb value at about ¥9,400 for two people, all in. But we passed on the breakfast option because the hotel has a Starbuck's adjacent to the lobby. You can reserve at a discount directly through the hotel website, but be patient about making sure you have the right options selected and preferred dates.

Your itinerary shows that you have done your homework. Looks perfect.

We stayed at the Kyoto Granvia and loved it. Great location with lots to do at the station

Aloha!

Looks good to me, too - enjoy!

Hi,

Instead of a hotel stay I am now considering renting an apartment in Higashiyama-ku district in Eastern Kyoto. The place, I am told, is a few minutes walk of Gojo and Higashioji streets. Can anyone comment on how convenient this location is to public transportation, grocery stores (for milk, bread etc.) and some coffee shops. Also, it is easy enough to find taxis in this neighborhood?

Please advise.