Any tips on this itinerary.

[Troymu]

This is a basic Itin i knocked up.

Dec 10 - 17th Tokyo with day trip to Kamakura (7 nights)

Dec 17 Dec to dec 19th stay at nikko (2 nights)

Dec 19 to Dec 22 Hakone (3 nights)

Dec 22 – Dec 23rd night bus to Kyoto

Dec 23 – Jan 2 Kyoto (9 nights) Day trip to Ise jingu, Nara and Himeji?

Jan 2 to Jan 6 Osaka (4 nights)

We are not planning on getting the rail pass. It just seems too expensive and we don't mind taking the bus. Basically we want to stay at Hostels / do this on the cheap as much as possible. Any advice would be welcome. We both speak decent japanese and have been to these places once before (many many years ago).

My main concerns are hostel bookings and availability, trains and travelling around and also too much time spent in Osaka (would prob take 1 night off Osaka and stay in Kyoto another night.

Also are there any other day trips that could be made? Takayama was a thought but it was quite out of the way / accomo could be a problem no? Anything else in the Kansai that would be good to see / visit.

I will be travelling with my family (partner and 7 year old son) which is why i'm trying to base us in a major city and do day trips from there.. just a bit more settled I think.

Wall of text off. (thanks for any replies and opinions)

oh.. will be getting Lonley Planet to help with planning also.

[konbini]

Takayama is a lovely town, it will be snowing then and be beautiful. Accommodation is no problem. You can stay at Zenko-ji temple for about 2500Y. I don't no much about Kansai but Nara is worth a visit.