Japan - Kinki region travel
 

Hello,

I will be travelling to Nara on business, but I am taking 5 days off for exploration. I have read Gateway to Japan, and settled on several sites: Koya-san, Horyu-ji, Himeji, Asuka, Shirahama onsen. Any other recommendations? Generally, I am trying to get away from commercialized sites - do you have any comments/recommendations? Also, how are the accomodations at Koya-san?

I am looking for hiking areas, as well as rotemburo onsen in beautiful settings and avoiding crowds.

Thanks

Cristian

You may find it difficult getting to all those places in five days. Koya-san is beautiful, but from what I remember, because it is a holy mountain most of the accomodation is within the temples - very basic, very cheap and very traditional. Shirahama has rotemburo onsens, but it is quite expensive. I have been away for a few years so I am not up to date, but there is quite a bit of info on the internet. Would suggest a search through google. I have a Japanese wife, so if you get really stuck on some information, let me know and she would be happy to try and help.