This will be my second trip to Japan, focusing on contemporary art since I will be traveling with my niece who is a 21 year old art college student just graduating in June.
Planning on purchasing 2-14 day passes for us. I have already done a lot of JR pass research and think this itinerary is doable to show her the main attractions for her interests, with some background of Japanese culture.
Also: Is it worth it to purchase the first class pass option, or will it be too boring for a young person? (She lives in New York City and is used to subway travel there. I am "older" and prefer a more comfortable experience. )
Here is the plan:
June 2: Arrive Tokyo Narita 4:40pm
June 2-7: Tokyo 5 nights
June 7-9: Kyoto 3 nights
June 9: to Hiroshima, stay overnight Miyajima
June10-12: Naoshima (Bennesse art island) via Okayama 2 nights
June12-14: Kanazawa via Shin-Osaka- Sanyo Shinkansen to Thunderbird Limited Express to Kanazawa- 2 nights
June 15: early return to Tokyo, then Narita for flight at 3:40 pm
Thanks for your help and comments!