This is our second trip to Japan. We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa last time, so not planning to go there (the flights are to/from Tokyo but moving to Osaka quickly). We are mostly interested in sightseeing, hiking, etc. - not so much in shopping or food/drinks or theme parks (Universal, etc.).

So far we only have plans for 2 day trips from Osaka - Nara and Himeji Castle plus walk around Osaka in either of the half-days when we are traveling from/to Tokyo. The question is does it make sense to move to another location after three nights? We would like to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima island but because it is rather long a trip can't decide whether to just do a day trip there from Osaka (and then have another full day in Osaka) or move to Hiroshima and spend a full day and two half days (two nights) there (so return to Tokyo from Hiroshima).

So we are mostly looking for the ideas for what to do either one extra day in Osaka or the two half-days in Hiroshima. Or maybe instead of Hiroshima go somewhere else entirely? We are definitely returning to Japan, so Hiroshima is not a must see specifically this time. As I mentioned we are mostly interested in hiking and sightseeing. Thanks!

I think two days for Hiroshima and Miyajima makes a lot of sense.

FWIW, I found more than enough to keep my fully occupied for two days in Nara.

For hiking and sightseeing, a night on Koyasan would seem worth considering.

Have you consulted japan-guide.com? It's a truly outstanding resource.

Thank you! We ended up with this plan (6 days instead of 5, we decided to spend one day less in Tokyo):

1. Train from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
2. One day in Hiroshima and Miyajima island.
3. Train from Hiroshima to Himeji. This is also the "day trip" to the castle.
4. Train from Himeji to Osaka on the same day.
5. Day 1 in Osaka - day trip to Nara
6. Day 2 in Osaka - day trip to Koyasan (didn't plan originally)
7. Train from Osaka to Tokyo

I don't think Koyasan makes for a great day trip. It really is, IMO, best as an overnight with a temple stay.

1. Train from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
2. One day in Hiroshima and Miyajima island.
3. Train from Hiroshima to Himeji. This is also the "day trip" to the castle.
4. Train from Himeji to Osaka on the same day.
5. Day 1 in Osaka - day trip to Nara
6. Day 2 in Osaka - day trip to Koyasan (didn't plan originally)
7. Train from Osaka to Tokyo

I mostly did it based on https://www.travelynotes.com/blog-ja...san-from-osaka and it seems doable but we are flexible of course. Another thing I was considering was this https://www.visitkansai.com/request-a-guide/.

Maybe a day trip from Osaka to Koyasan is possible (a minimum of 2 hours each way), but from my perspective, the major reasons to visit Koyasan are to experience a temple stay and to roam Okuno-in at dusk or dawn (or both).

If you want a guide, note that the Japanese National Tourism Organization coordinates free volunteer guides throughout Japan. These “Goodwill guides” – who are generally knowledgeable and happy to guide you in return for practicing their English – which can be excellent, but it is a bit of a luck-of-the-draw.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/tr...deservice.html

You pay any entrance fees and his/her meal if your time with the guide includes one. Do NOT tip these guides, or anyone else in Japan.

We ended up doing a bus tour to Amanohashidate and Ine on day 2 in Osaka and kept the rest of the schedule as is.