17 Day Itinerary

Hey guys

Planning to do some solo backpacking in Japan for 16 days was wanting some input into an itinerary. Its the first time I've been to Japan and I'm flying in and out from Tokyo!

I'm pretty easy going about it, and just want to experience it. Some wishes from the trip include that I want to go to Hiroshima for the war related stuff, stay in a Ryokan, check out an Onsen, see some sumo wrestling and check out some the modern architecture. I have checked out the suggested itinerary on this website though I'm weary of going to too many places and spend little time in them (based upon my last trip to SE Asia) Though I'm not sure if that problem is the same in Japan given the JR Pass.

So my rough plan (for accommodation purposes are) below. I plan to get a 14 day JR pass, though not sure if it is worth it.

Day 1-4 Tokyo
Day 5 - Tokyo daytrip to Niko (Toshogu Shrine)
Day 6 - Tokyo daytrip to Kamakura
Day 7 - Takayama (old edo style town)
Day 8 - Kyoto
Day 9 - Kyoto
Day 10 - Kyoto
Day 11 - Day trip to Nara
Day 12 - Kyoto to Mount koya
Day 13 - Mount Koya to Osaka
Day 14 - Osaka
Day 15 - Osaka
Day 16 - Hirshoma/Miyamjima
Day 17 - Miyamjima to Tokyo > depart

The suggested itinerary suggests to go to Kanazawa though I was thinking that it would be better to spend that time in the bigger cities instead. Is that a good option?

Thoughts would be appreciated!