A week travel in April 2014

Hi,

I like to ask what you guys would recommend for a week budget travel in Japan.My parents in their 50s are having their first visit some time in early Apr 2014, they do not speak japanese too. I'm setting their travel pace as slightly below average travellers.

They will arrive and depart at kansai airport. As some of the popular sites like Himeiji and Kiyomizudera are on renovation during these times. Are there enough and other attractions to keep them occupied for the week?

I'm planning Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara for now. Intending to have some temple, castle visits and any more recommendations? I don't think they will be getting a JR pass unless it's worth getting one.

Thanks in advance.

As some of the popular sites like Himeiji and Kiyomizudera are on renovation during these times.

Kiyomizudera's renovation works have only a minor impact on a visit. It is still a recommended destination!

Are there enough and other attractions to keep them occupied for the week?

Unless your parents are not interested in Japan, there will definitely be enough attractions! Way too many for just a single week, in fact. Which ones to choose depends on your parents' interests.

Thanks Uji.

Does the below itinerary sounds doable or rushing?
Day 1: Arrive Kansai Airport @ 6.10 head down to Hiroshima. (Visit Peace park and surrounding - A night stay)
Day 2: Miyajima and back to Osaka (thinking to base somewhere in Osaka station)
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto
Day 5: Arashiyama or Hikone?
Day 6: Himeji and Kobe
Day 7: Nara
Day 8: Osaka

I'm open to views to the plan.

- Any recommendation on transportation pass should i get? Should I get a JR pass for Osaka - Hiroshima trip?

- Places of visit for Kyoto: Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, kiyomizudera, nijo castle. (Any must go places yet i miss out)?

- Am I still able to slot in a trip to Fushimi Inari shrine? Is the journey to the shrine tedious to walk for people around 50s?

-Between Arashiyama (Romantic train and bridge) and Hikone (castle) which seems more worthwhile?

Thanks in advance..

Here are a few ideas. You can e-mail me for more details.

DAY 1: A JR West Sanyo Pass should be perfect for them http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_04.html.

DAY 2: Stay near SHIN-OSAKA station. It is the Shinkansen terminal in Osaka with easy access to Kyoto (14 mins.) Nara, etc. There are many inexpensive hotels near SHIN-OSAKA statiom. I always stay at the Shin Osaka Station Hotel, but there are some right in front of the ststion's main exit.
If they go to the hotel right from the airport, the hotel can keep thier bags until they return from Hiroshima.

DAY 3: Fushimi-Inari, then Kiyomizu, then Pontocho for dinner.
Pontocho - http://dickh.zenfolio.com/p375489850 Click SLIDESHOW, upper right.

DAY 5: Much more to see on the Romantic train, etc. For a castle, they can stop at FUKUYAMA while returning from Hiroshima. The castle is just across the street from the station.

Here are two inexpensive hotels near the station.
TOYOKO INN SHINKAN http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00091/index.html
NEW OSAKA HOTEL https://asp.hotel-story.ne.jp/ver3d/02631/newosaka/index.html