Thanks again, mrwunrfl. As far as flights, I would only do non-stop from Hiroshima and there seem to be a few days of the week when they’re available. However, assuming we do the last variation on the itinerary (Osaka/Kinosaki/Himeji/Onomichi/Hiroshima), it’s most likely travel we’d go to Fukuoka for our last few days and fly out of there. It looks like there’s a lot to see in that area, too.

In Hiroshima, I like the Sheraton (next to shinkansen side of the station) and the Rihga Royal (walk to Peace Park, castle, underground walkway to the bus center). The Granvia was just ok.

I love Fukuoka. I really like the Grand Hyatt in Fukuoka (taxi to airport only about $20-25).

Kyushu Bassho, the grand sumo tournament in Fukuoka is November 10-24 this year sumo.or.jp

I had a kaiseki dinner the last time i went to Chikae 福岡・博多の和食、会席料理 | 博多料亭稚加榮 (chikae.co.jp) which was great food and service by a sweet young lady. I maybe should have had something else considering I had a couple of ryokan stays coming up and they have a lot of great seafood dinner options. You can get the freshest possible fish there. Mentai / mentaiko is something you want to get a taste sample before ordering one of those hot dog sized portions (IME).

Beppu is about 2h 20 min by limited expredss from Hakata station.

I feel so bad to hear that Miyajima is very crowded now as it wasn’t when we were there four years ago.

Thanks so much, mrwunrfl! Fingers crossed, this will all fall into place. I’m comfortable with this overall itinerary and like the idea now of ending in Fukuoka.

I do remember going back and forth on which hotel to stay in when I was originally planning a visit to Hiroshima.. As soon as we finalize our decision, I’ll check out the hotels you recommend. What I’m really looking forward to? Okonomiyaki!

HappyTrvlr, unless there are any changes over the year, I’ve no desire to be one of a zillion day trippers to Miyajima. I’m sure it’s pretty in spots, but I don’t need to be part of the crowd experiencing it. There are enough other places to visit in Japan! You’re lucky you were able to be there without the crowds - and the instagrammers!

progol, I realize how fortunate we were to see an uncrowded Japan just before Covid was about to arrive. We have traveled a lot but Japan unexpectedly really grabbed me. Magical. I also hope to return.

It was unexpected for me, too. It wasn’t a mind-blowing experience like our trip to Egypt and Jordan last year, but a gradual appreciation for the aesthetic and the warmth and generosity of all the people we met. By the end of the trip, I was very sad to leave.

We certainly saw that there were crowds, though we minimized our experience with them by missing some of the most popular sites and visiting an few off the beaten path places. But there’s no doubt that Japan is busy and there are lots of people traveling there.

progol, you might be interested in this thread at flyertalkL
My sister wants business class from NYC to Tokyo. How to get cheaper than $5.7k? - Page 2 - FlyerTalk Forums

Thanks, I’ll check it out. The best I can find is Turkish airlines for just under $4,000pp. A long stopover and lengthy flights but a whole lot better than the $5,700 and higher.