Need OAT Japan Suggestions and Optional Excursions

My husband and I took the same trip in Nov. 2007. Both of us enjoyed the optional excursions you list and feel they added to our understanding of Japan and its culture. We also took the pretrip option which allowed us three extra days in Tokyo. Well worth the money. Just remember, prices are high for almost everything in Japan or so it seemed to us. For snacks (sandwiches, drinks, pastries, etc.) we used the vending machines, 7-Eleven Stores, bakeries and the downstairs food markets in the department stores. We had unseasonably cold weather in early November and wished we had brought warmer clothes for layering. Since you'll be taking your shoes off when entering shrines, temples, people's homes, etc. take heavy socks.

November 2008. I took all the optional tours and pretrip Toykyo extension (otherwise I wouldnt' have seen Tokyo at all). Hiroshima wasn't offered on my particular trip -- however, I had to go. I took the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima, a bus to the Peace Park and memorial and stayed at a hostel. It was very easy to do on my own.
Shirakawa-go - we got to see a traditional wedding and drum competition and it is a charming town. Nara was fabulous -- the deer temple -- the deer were eating out of our hands and nuzzles into our jacket pockets -- beautiful trip. Arashiyama will allow you to see the "Memoirs of a Geisha" and the traditional tea houses. If your guides offers you a chance to go to the kabuki, Maiko (geisha girls in training) dance and traditional music - GO - you may only go to Japan once, don't miss any of it!