Could I suggest that you break your post down into separate questions and then post each - this could be why you have not had any responses so far.

I will try and deal with some of your queries.

1. I would not stay at the airport the first night - why, it will not take you long to get into wherever you are going to stay in Tokyo and you will need to do this next morning anyway. Your choice of Ueno (Park is right near the station) is actually a good one because the train you will most likely need to catch will stop / leave from Ueno station.

2. I am not familiar with the Hiroshima leg of your itinerary so can not comment.

3. Kamakura is quite easy to get to on the JR line from Tokyo - I would consider an early start, early lunch and then head back if time is short - do not show any type of food at the 'beach' (sorry I can't call it a beach when I'm Aussie) the hawks will come and steal it right out of your hands.

4. I think you have too much travelling time sitting on trains in your itinerary, rather than looking around and engaging with the culture and the people.

5. Looking at the Imperial palace gardens in Tokyo should only take a half day.

6. Mt Fuji is again more time sitting on a train.

7. If you do decide to do this much train travel over these distances you may find that the JR pass is actually viable. Check out the cost of each long leg of your journey using the hyperdia web site and then compare to the JR pass - you may find that the pass comes out in front. The JR area passes restrict the trains (Rapid and below ie only local express trains) you can travel on compared to the JR pass.

I would also consider reserving seats, there are some legs where trains may be fully booked.

Annaroo

Please accept my apologies, Annaroo. You're right - I should have just posted the Hiroshima part of my rambling :-) on the Hiroshima forum. Your replies are gratefully acknowledged.

I did get many helpful responses for the same post on the main Japan forum and I think we are all set.

We are getting the JR one week pass.

Instead of Ueno, posters on the Japan forum suggested either Yokohama, Shinagawa or Shinjuku so I've been looking at those areas for hotels - however, you say Ueno is a good base. Hmmmm....will have to go over the maps again!

Thanks, Annaroo.

The other locations are good suggestions as a tourist base in Tokyo, however as you are looking at a one night stay after flying in and then moving on I would still consider Ueno the best place other than near Tokyo station itself. These are the 2 stations that you can catch the Shinkasen trains from.

Ueno is also not as 'up market' as some of the other areas, but is still very safe, interesting and you should have no problems finding dinner and breakfast if you choose not the eat at your hotel.

>>The other locations are good suggestions as a tourist base in Tokyo, however as you are looking at a one night stay after flying in and then moving on I would still consider Ueno the best place other than near Tokyo station itself. These are the 2 stations that you can catch the Shinkasen trains from.<<<

Tokaido Shinkansen trains you need to take when traveling to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata, etc. do not stop at Ueno. However, Shinkansen trains heading north and east, such as Jyoketsu and Tohoku stop at Ueno.

I would go to Tokyo and stay overnight there. The main reason is that you will be a little closer to your destination, and there are no train transfers between Tokyo and Hiroshima; you simply hop on the shinkansen and go. Also, you might as well see Tokyo if possible; it's only for a short time, but Tokyo at night is quite overwhelming. Finally, if you leave from Narita to Tokyo and then to Hiroshima you'll be dealing with the Monday morning commute. It'll be a bear. For that reason you might look at going to possibly Kamakura; it's a longer trip, though, with more train transfers at that time of night (though there might be a direct bus from the airport; not certain about that).

I also suggest shipping your luggage straight from Narita to your Hiroshima hotel, if you can. Take what you need in one bag or a backpack. Your bags will meet you at your hotel.

Sorry, I have no specific hotel recommendations for Tokyo; I usually stay with friends when I go.

Two days should be plenty for Hiroshima/Miyajima. You'll need to take the earliest Shinkansen. It might not be enough time for the other sites, though.

Good luck!

John W.

I refer you all to my new thread on the Japan Forum titled - Aieeeeeeeeeeeee! Please post your replies there,from now on, assuming you are not fed up with me by now :-)

Thank you!

Don't feel bad. Your questions and the answers here provide a nice record for others who have the same questions.

Thank you, Route-san ..your reply reminded me of my papa :-)

JohnW: I completely forgot to say 'thank you' for your helpful response above ... forgive me.. and, domo arigato.