This is the 2nd shot at a one month Japan itinerary. This is a first visit and we decided to limit the travel somewhat while still seeing a fair amount. Any feedback on the sequence/timing would be much appreciated. Also if we have left out something essential - let me know. Thanks to all!

JAPAN Trip – September 18-October 19

18-24 Tokyo

24-28 Matsumoto
Day Trips - Walk Magome to Tsumag
- Kamikochi/Hiking
- Cycle - visit Wasabi Farm

29-2 Takayama
Day Trips - Shirakawago
- Shinhotaka Ropeway
- Hirayu Onsen

2-7 Kyoto
- Himeji Castle
- Maibara - Cycling

7-11 Hiroshima
- Miyajima Island
- Himeji Castle
- Nara
- Sandankyo Gorge

11-13 Osaka

13-16 Hakone
- Onsen/Spa

16-19 Tokyo

From the looks of your plans, you seem to be into cycling, so you should check out the Shimanami Kaido route for when you are in the Hiroshima area (or when going to/from Hiroshima). Its a beautiful island hopping route and would also be lovely for an overnight in there. Its well organized with lots of bike rental spots (with a variety of drop off spots too).

Also, you have Himeji Castle listed twice (for both Kyoto and Hiroshima) but it actually could be good to make a stopover to visit Himeji while in transit between Kyoto and Hiroshima (or when going between Hiroshima and Osaka).

And for some reason you have put Nara as a day trip from Hiroshima, which is probably a typo, because this would be much more suitable to do from Kyoto (or Osaka).

Otherwise, have fun!

I see that you like to stay in place rather than move.

>> 29-2 Takayama
You don't have time in Takayama for all that you listed.. I guess you mean visiting Hirayu and the ropeway on one day. Shirakawago on the other full day. Or maybe your stay starts on the 28th. That would allow a day for Takayama.

24-28 Matsumoto
You could send luggage fo Matsumoto then travel with just a small backpack to Magome via Nagoya. There was a luggage service that would take your bag to Tsumago, same day. You walk the Nakasendo get your bag and go on north to Matsumoto. That would cut out the backtracking you had on your Nakasendo day.

There is a hike down from Shinhotaka to Kamikochi. It would be possible to do something like Kamikochi to ropeway to Kamikochi to Hirayu to Takayama. I would be worthwhile to stop for a night in one of those places in the J-Alps between Matsumoto and Takayama.

Nara would fit in with your Osaka or Kyoto stay.