16 days in Japan - Questions about Kawaguchiko, Fuji onsen and day trips

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a first trip to Japan with my wife and I would love some advice from people who have already visited.

We have around 16 days and our main plan is:

Tokyo → Kawaguchiko → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo

Our main priorities are:

• A private onsen with a Mt Fuji view
• A ryokan experience
• Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
• Universal Studios Japan
• A few good day trips

I have a few questions:

1. Kawaguchiko + Kyoto

For people who have included Kawaguchiko and Kyoto in the same trip:

• Did you go directly from Kawaguchiko to Kyoto?
• The journey seems to take around 4 hours. Did you find it acceptable or was it too much time lost?
• Would you recommend going back to Tokyo first and then continuing to Kyoto?
• Or would you choose another Fuji/onsen area instead?

1. Day trip from Tokyo

For a first visit, which one would you choose:

• Nikko
• Kamakura
• Nagano
• Another suggestion?

1. Overall itinerary

Would you keep:
Tokyo → Kawaguchiko → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo

or would you change the order/destinations to make the trip smoother?

Thanks for any advice! I would really appreciate feedback from people who have already done a similar route.