Japan Travel Forum

Hi,i'm from singapore and will be travelling to japan, mainly tokyo, osaka and Kyoto from 11 may to 17 may 2009. During this period, i wish to make some new friends in japan. Anyone interested?

cheers:)
jeni27

I would like to travel to Japan with my family of teenagers, (3 teens ) and my wife. We will buy the JR Rail pass and travel for 10 days or so. The problem is the cost of the Hotels. I would definitely like to stay in a Ryokan a couple of nights, in Kyoto or Nara or somewhere in Kansai. Any ideas where all 5 of us could stay without spending big bucks?

Also I guess perhaps an apartment room in Tokyo may be our best bet.

If anyone has any good ideas it would be much appreciated. We are thinking some time in June for the trip.

Ron

I'm going to be dropping off my girlfriend on her cruise ship on the 10th of April at about 7 at night in Yokohama, but I won't be leaving for home until 10 am on Sunday the 12th from Narita. I don't have any plans in between and can't decide what to do. Any suggestions? I'll have a valid JR rail pass for the whole time. We will have been to Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto and Yokohama.

Some time ago I visited Uji-Kyoto a very pleasant city famous for their tea,
I'm planning to go and visit it again sometime this year and I'd like know if a store called Itokyu still there.Thanks in advance for any information.

Hi! My wife and I will arrive at Kansai Airport at around 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 8. I checked the JR timetable and it looks confusing. It seems to me that the last train to Kyoto is at 8pm. Can anyone please suggest how we can get to Kyoto on the same night?

For the return trip from Kyoto to Kansai airport, I was advised to take the JR Kyoto line up to Osaka, and then transfer to Umeda (Hankyu). How far is that? And what is the best way to get to Umeda (Hankyu)?
Our flight leaves at 9:55 am so we don't have much of a margin for error.

Finally, is Visa or Mastercard widely accepted in restaurants/ museums in Kyoto/Osaka or should we carry yen?

Many thanks in advance.

When does one start to see fall foliage? I plan to be there in October and I am trying to decide whether to come early or later in october. Thanks for the previous answers to my query.

1) What hotel to stay at Shinjuku area for 2 adults and 9 years old son?

2) Pls advise on my itinerary below :
Disneyland, Disneysea, Hakone, Yokohama, Harajuku, Ueno, Tokyo city

Should I include Nikko and Kamakura?

Thanks!

Has anyone been to the Kimiidera Temple in Wakayama? I have a couple of hours free in the city before I catch the JR to Kyoto so I wanted to visit this temple and try to take some photos of the 'weeping kannon'. However, I'm having a tough time finding out how much is the entrance fee and what the hours are on a weekday. Any help? Thanks!

Hoping for some input from the community on this one....we're part of a group and are responsible for planning the mt. fuji part of the trip. And are kinda lost...

Where: mt fuji (sounds like 5 lakes is the best spot or hakone)
When staying: April 9th
Group Size: 8 (2 parents, 6 people in 20-30 age)
Nights: 1
Which town should we stay in?
Lodging: any suggestions for a group of 8. (any style will work)

Other Input that would be nice:
-Want to go snowboarding, any suggestions outside of Tokyo or Kyoto. (maybe nagano...)

Much thanks!

Current Itinerary:
JAPAN TRIP - April 5 - 18
SUNDAY, APRIL 5: depart from SFO
MONDAY, APRIL 6: arrive Narita Airport at 4:20 PM, B Roppongi Hotel.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7: Tokyo
WEDNEDSAY, APRIL 8: Tokyo
THURSDAY, APRIL 9: Mt. Fuji no arrangements made
FRIDAY, APRIL 10: Kyoto, stay at Ryokan Yoshikawa.
SATURDAY, ARIL 11: Kyoto, check into machiya (traditional house)
TUESDAY, APRIL 14: Mt Koya temple lodging, go through Osaka.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 - SATURDAY APRIL 18: no arrangements made
SATURDAY APRIL 18: depart Narita

I am planning a trip to Kyoto and Tokyo for about 10 days this fall. When would be the best time to go first week of October or end of October weather wise? I am trying to avoid the typhoon season and prefer fall weather-cool but not hot and sticky.
If i take a flight to tokyo from the Honolulu can i hop on a train and head for Kyoto the same day? I am planning to stay a few nights in tokyo on the way back home. Any interesting other places close to Kyoto one might suggest visiting. i am into photography.

Thank you in advance.

I have an overnight layover at Narita in July. Please suggest a reasonably priced hotel?? Thanks.

In Osaka which catholic churches do Pinoys go to during Sunday? Is there an address please?

Our school is sending a group of students to Japan and I was wondering what people suggest that they use for accessing money are Visa Atms widespead or are debit card a better and safer idea for them?

Dear experts
Please review my itinerary.
Quite obvious its a bit rush, but I will only visit the top tourist spots for each destination (just like tour :) Do advice if you have a better suggestions. Thanks for your time.

Day 1: Arrive in Osaka early morning, explore around the city, view Sakura (Stay in Osaka)
Day 2: Day trip to Kyoto, view sakura (Stay in Osaka)
Day 3: Go to Universal Studio & city at night (Stay in Osaka)
Day 4: Day trip to Nara (Stay in Osaka)
Day 5: Validate 7 days Rail Pass, Go to Hiroshima (2 hours stop by Himiji) then ferry to Miyajima (Stay in Hiroshima)
Day 6: Go to Nagasaki (stop by fukuoka) (Stay in Nagasaki)
Day 7: Take ferry to Kumamoto, then Mt Aso and arrive in Beppu late (Stay in Beppu)
Day 8: Explore Beppu (Stay in Beppu )
Day 9: Leave Beppu to ???? (Nagoya? To be confirm, reserve for itinerary adjustment)
Day 10: Go to Mt Fuji 5th stop and arrive in Hakone (Stay in Hakone)
Day 11: Last day of 7 days Rail Pass, stop by Kamakura before heading to Tokyo (Stay in Tokyo)
Day 12: Explore & Shopping in City (Stay in Tokyo)
Day 13: Day trip to Nikko (Stay in Tokyo)
Day 14: Go to Disneyland (Stay in Tokyo)
Day 15: Leave Tokyo early morning


Thanks

There will be four of us traveling. Which is the most economical means to travel and how many hours traveling time would it be? FROM OSAKA TO KYOTO. Then we wish to find a hostel in Kyoto where would be find a hostel for two nights stay. Then from Kyoto we wish to go to Nagoya. And do the same, finding a hostel in Nagoya. Then From Nagoya to Tokyo. How much would the train or bus fare costs? Is there a website for these?Thank You.

My very good friend and his wife will be traveling to Japan, they will start there trip in Japan travel in Osaka heading to Tokyo. Are there any recommendable clean, cheap, centrally located hostels to these places. Neither of us have ever visited Japan....They are now in Malaysia and once they land Japan expenses, food, accommodation will tripple or double the prices which they are aware, but if you have any suggestion as for their budget is very narrow it would be greatly appreciated. They are also interested in any public spring baths, are there any in Osaka which are for the public? There are young married couple, so they are use to traveling..Thank you folks for your help!

I am travelling to Japan and staying in an apartment. I know there is a garbage segregation rule. I notice that different color garbage bags are used. Please tell me which color garbage bag is for what type of garbage.

Thanks.

My wife and I will be in Japan in April and will train from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Takayama and Takayama back to Tokoyo. The 7 day JR pass will save us money compared to the regular fare with reserved seats. However, by buying ordinary fare tickets with no reserved seats(no JR pass)will also save us $$. Question: Is it advisable to take these three train trips with no seat reservation, or should we pay a little more and purchase the JR pass?

I'll be taking the train from Tokyo to Takasaki to go see a concert. I want to spend a little time exploring the area, shoot some photos, prior to the concert. After googling around the area for a bit, I came across the mention of the Takasaki Kannon and also a nearby cave with 33 Buddha Kannon inside. Is it really as easy as jumping on a bus heading for 'kannon-sancho' from the train station and then getting off and seeing both attractions at once? I have tried to find an English website for more information but thus far it has eluded me. Has anyone visited this area? Is photo-taking allowed in the cave? I just need to keep myself occupied until the concert starts and I am fascinated by Buddhas & Kannons, so this spot seemed ideal. Thanks!

I was wondering if there are any places to rent bicycles in Hiroshima-preferably near the station. Thanks for your help!

How late do the taxis run at Haiki station in Sasebo. I'll be getting in around 10:30pm and need to get to Hario Base.

Where to get a simple room or even shared room in Tokyo for two months starting May? Or does somebody has room to offer or even a bed? Btw, the prospective tenant is a female.Somewhere near as possible to the university of tokyo hongbo campus

Hi folks,

Is it a good idea to go to Toba and pearl island Mikimoto?
I will be in Nagoya next april.

Thank you and have nice trip :-)

Violette

How do I get, how much & what are the benefits?

I know this can vary enormously, but I wondered if anyone might be willing to offer an esitmate for a daily budget. I'm a diabetic and will need to eat three meels daily. I'm not terribly picky and I'm an experienced traveler. I don't need five-diamond restaurants, but I don't mind having nice meals either.

Any guidelines?

Thanks a million!

I will be visiting Utsunomiya again in the fall and I have always wanted to get a real Japanese Katana, but with so many cute shops to explore, I have not found one yet that sells them and/or i run out of time to look. Also how much can I expect to send - I imagine it depends on the katana and do any of the place offer shipping, as in shipping it back home to the States?

Hello everybody

I travel on my own to japan for the first time, and I will spend a night in Takayama on april 9th 2009.

I would be pleased to meet local people for a drink, and discovering the city by night.

Hoping you will have a little time to meet me,
Thank you,

Nathalie

Please help with our Japan itinerary. We are going to Japan for the first time May 1-14, and we’ll have 12 full days. We came up with a list of places we would like to cover, but there’s no way we can make it to all of them in 12 days, so we need help with trimming down the itinerary. We are a married couple in our late twenties, pretty fast paced when it comes to traveling. Out of all the places, Kyoto and Tokyo is a must, but we would also like to see the villages and experience the culture. We are arriving and leaving out of Narita. Here’s our current itinerary, which would take 14 full days when we only have 12. What do you think we can eliminate or change? Thank you so much for your help!

Day1 Arrive Tokyo @4pm + Train to Kyoto
Day2 Kyoto
Day3 Kyoto
Day4 Narra (daytrip)
Day5 Mount Koya (daytrip)
Day6 Kyoto
Day7 Hiroshima
Day8 Miyajima Island (overnight) + Himeji Castle
Day9 Takayama/Shirigawa go/Kanazawa (overnight)
Day10 Hakone (overnight or daytrip)
Day11 Tokyo
Day12 Tokyo
Day13 Nikko (daytrip)
Day14 Tokyo
Day15 Kamakura (daytrip)

Hi does anyone know the dates for Tori No Ichi in 2009? Can't seem to find anything on google.

I have two questions for you, the wisdom and knowledge of the great, vast sea of forumites.

1. I am staying in a hostle in Asakusa, and I was wondering where people would suggest getting some japanese eats. I:m really looking for some affordable shabu suggest getting some japanese eats. I:m really looking for some affordable shabu-shabu, but I will try most anything as long as it doesn:t burn some affordable shabu-shabu, but I will try most anything as long as it doesn:t burn a hole in my wallet.

2. I am a bit of a gamer nerd. I was am a bit of a gamer nerd. I was looking forward to the arcades of akihabara, but found myself wanting. All the arcades have simalar fare in them and I was looking for something spectacular. So if anyone can help me out, where can I find the most impressive, and varied video game arcade in tokyo. What wonders of technology away me? Only tokyo. What wonders of technology away me? Only you can tell.

Thank you very much.