We have from 10/6 until 10/9 to travel from Osaka to Tokyo. We are buying the 7 day pass from the 6th to the 13th. It is our 50th wedding anniversary and would like a mountain retreat,resort, on-sen in nature.
We would love a rustic rail trip to a restful nature get a way. Then we have to be in Tokyo the afternoon of 10/9. Do you have any ideas?
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As far as an onsen, there are 4 ideas that come to mind. One is Kinosaki, although it's not on the way. It's one of the big onsen resort areas of the country.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3525.html
Another choice is to go from Kyoto to Tokyo via the Hokuriku region. Kanazawa is a very nice, relaxed city often bypassed by the tourist crowds and has what's widely regarded as Japan's most beautiful traditional garden, Kenrokuen.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4200.html
There are also some nice but lesser known onsen in the area.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4275.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4256.html
Or you could try Kusatsu, another big hot spring resort area of Japan, between Kanazawa and Tokyo.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7400.html
One more possibility is between Kyoto and Tokyo up the busy Tokaido route. Hakone near Mt Fuji has a famous and upscale onsen area and scenic area. There is a good regional pass to see the area.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5210.html
https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/ryokan-search-results/?area=Hakone
So do some research and pick what you like.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2159.html
There are a number of good gardens in the area too. You can see a list at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_botanical_gardens_in_Japan
One of the finest places in Japan is just north of Tokyo - the Hitachi Seaside Park:
http://en.hitachikaihin.jp/
If you'd like some real Japanese style rooms in Tokyo, you might browse through:
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/10-tokyos-accommodations-to-experience-japanese-style-inns/
There are some very worthwhile gardens in Kyoto as well. Particularly Murin-an:
http://www.japanesegardens.jp/gardens/famous/murin-an.php
as well as Jonan-gu.
http://www.jonangu.com/english.html
Plus the imperial villas, Heian Shrine Gardens, and more:
http://www.japanesegardens.jp/gardens/famous/kyoto.php
If you are going to the Namikawa Cloisonné Museum, be aware that it's normally closed on Mondays & Thursdays.
http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-museums/namikawa
Hope that helps.
I'm afraid I just don't have any info on any such place. And of course, I'm not sure what "too far" means.
Sorry I can't be of more help.