I agree with you about not listening to anybody. Even here on HN. I mean, people saying "stay out of the cities" -- nope! Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, they are all beau

I agree with you about not listening to anybody. Even here on HN. I mean, people saying "stay out of the cities" -- nope! Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, they are all beautiful and interesting and worth spending time in, if that's your "theme" as you called it. "Stay out of tourist traps" -- nope! Takayama is amazing. And there was a Wasabi farm (I forget where) to which we went biking which was one of my favorite experiences in Japan. I'm sure it was a tourist trap and there's much to be derided by HN connoisseurs -- to hell with them. Osaka at night, just looking at its tall and futuristic-looking buildings, is amazing. So don't skip the cities. Or do. Don't pay attention to me, just theme your visit according to your interests and screw everyone else's advice. As if everyone liked the same things and there was a single way to enjoy your vacations.