Your trip sounds fabulous, I wouldn't be too concerned about Golden Week, we did it in 2019 and while it was a lot busier than in the following weeks it was all part of the experience. I would still go to the places you want to but be aware that some places that are very popular with locals like Hakone and wisteria flower festivals for example that usually peak at the same time will be packed, we wanted to see the wisteria and went anyway, very pleased we did. The May sumo tournament is in Tokyo so that will work well with Disney. As you all meet up in Osaka I would spend some time there or Kyoto depending on everyone's interest, both are a good base for different reasons. For the ryokan and kaiseki I would ideally choose a smaller town matched to your interests if time allows, maybe onsen, a forest area or scenic spot but there are options in Kyoto or nearby such as Nara if it suits better.

For travel insurance, I'm really not sure myself in the new covid/post-pandemic world. With Japan being more inclined to restrict and close borders than some other places I'd want that covered myself, we got caught needing to change flights and get home quickly when the Australian borders closed in March 2020. In the past I've tended to stay with the Medibank travel insurance but I have a well managed chronic medical condition that I need covered and it's been easier to stick with one company. Now however I think I will review the options and fine print again when we are ready to book our next trip.

Have a fabulous time, I can't wait until Japan opens up and we can start thinking about our next trip.

Thanks Kathy. Have a wonderful time in Japan, what a bonus having your son able to travel with you and speak Japanese, you'll get a lot of extra insights from that. The Granvia in Kyoto is great, we've stayed there 3 times now and would definitely go back, we only go somewhere else if it's really peak season and they've hiked their rates up too much for our budget. Enjoy!

Hi Kenneth, Yes we had light snow falling one day while we were at the station, we don't get snow where we are from though so I think I was probably too excited to feel cold 🙂

I enjoyed eating my way through the station. With endless rows of sweet shops, sushi stalls, and sashimi places right by the Tourist Information Center (and one curious "Masarra" place that serves Tonkatsu doused with Japanese curry), I soon found out that was an ambitious attempt! I think I need another trip to complete my quest. 🙂

Have a great time Jan! I love Kyoto, hope you catch the lovely colours of koyo around the temples and parks.