Japan - What to see, where to go, how long for?

ixoy

We're heading to Japan in late October / early November for 3 weeks. I'm wondering how should we spend our time there? We'll need at least one day to acclimatise to jet lag out of that. The intention is to fly both in and out of Tokyo, where we'd spend at least seven days.

How else should we distribute our time though? I'd like to see Kyoto for example, Hiroshima, and Mount Fuji. I'm not too pushed on Osaka as, from speaking to people who've lived there, there's not all that much to see. Where else should I go to? How long is it worth spending in these places to get to see all the sights?

dearg lady

3 weeks, that's brill, you can see loads! I'm sure you've heard of the Japan Rail pass, you can buy the voucher here, and then exchange over there for the actual ticket. It's pricey( I think it cost around 220 when I was there) but then gives unlimited travel on trains between cities, and on some local trains. If you're planning on seeing a bit of Japan, it's fantastic. The bullet trains are incredibly cool too!

Matsumoto is a beautiful spot not far from Tokyo, has a great castle, and it's just a really nice chilled spot. Kyoto is just wow, I could've stayed there so long, so many temples, so many little streets to explore. Hiroshima is definitely worth a look, but I wouldn't spend much time there tbh. We also went to Kobe, mainly for the beef, yum!!

If at all possible, I'd say don't make definite plans about dates, but I realise that might not be possible, if not, give a good chunk of time to Tokyo and Kyoto anyway. But 7 days for Tokyo might even be too much, though it really depends on what you're looking for!

Are you planning to climb Mt Fuji? That'd take up a couple of days too, in terms of getting there, and a possible camping overnight,the climb, and then back down.

Ah you'll have a ball, I'm jealous!

ixoy

Meant to reply earlier - yeah, I'd definitely be getting the Japan rail pass.

That Mount Fuji climb would have been excellent but I'm out of season so it's not open (unless I'm insane and climb it alone!).

Are there any other sites worth seeing? Some more obscure places that I'd never have heard of? I want to see a fair few places if I can! I'm good at seeing the main sights if I can. Last year I managed to see six German cities in the space of 13 nights for example!

missingtime

I've always wanted to go to Japan, and you'd never know I just might. What kind of funds (all in) would you be looking at?

killbillvol2

Kyoto lives up to the hype. Tokyo is a fascinating city and 7 days is about right I'd say. Hiroshima is worth a visit and if you go there don't miss Miyajima.

Apart from the obvious there are lots of less well known options. You could travel to Kyushu and do some hot springs and volcanoes. Kagoshima was one of my favourite places. Nagasaki is another lovely laid back city with a lot of history obviously. The weather should be pleasant on Kyushu too.

I also like Matsuyama (on Shikoku) and the post towns in the Gifu region.

The Japan National Tourism Website is a mine of accurate information. To be honest it became my main source of info while I was there and definitely directed me to places I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

A fairly hectic travel schedule is easily done because the trains are so fast and efficient. If you're an early riser you can have lunch 600 miles from where you had breakfast without any discomfort.

One bad note: the euro's weakness is making Japan quite expensive again so keep your fingers crossed for some movement there before you travel.

Any questions just ask...

MiCr0

i've no details or any additional info - but i'm heading to Tokyo at exactly the same time so this thread deserves a bump :-)

killbillvol2

Some other useful websites:

Train timetable

Toyoko Inn Hotel Chain - cheap and cheerful business hotels usually within a very short ditance of railway stations. Bookable online, free breakfast, spotless, free internet (at least 20 MB).

AWL Travel - to get your rail pass. Friendly people with a lot of useful info.

Kyoto

Useful guide to Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Get up at 4 in the morning and do not miss this! Google it to check that it's open on the day you're going.

Tokyu Hotel Group the Inns are another budget option. Bookable online.

Google Ryokan for info on more traditional Japanese guesthouses. They're not cheap but worth at least a couple of nights for the experience.

Japan Guide More really useful, accurate info.

old hippy

Lucky you. I recommend Miyajima - an island not far from Hiroshima; there's a beautiful Shinto temple there, wild deer roaming the streets and take the cable car to the top of the mountain - there's monkeys running about. And try and stay in one of the traditional inns there.

Okinawa is fab as well; very colourful and different vibe to the rest of the country, some good clubs and restaurants. And there's ferrys to the other sub tropical islands, worth checking out for scuba enthusiasts.

Try the old capital of Nara - lots of ancient wooden temples. Yokohama is worth a day trip, not far at all from Tokyo. Nikko is another stunning old town - Tokogawa the Shogun is buried there.

The missus is Japanese, so I'm lucky we usually have somewhere to stay as accomodation is varied in price. Depends what kind of luxury you want.

coloneldecker

We're looking at goin in March next year but are concerned about the fact that we have zero knowledge of the language. How is it gettin around with no English, are everyday tasks made a lot more difficult or is there much English spoken there or whats the story at all?

dolliemix

I'm going to Japan tomorrow and I'm so excited I can't sleep!!!

We're spending just over two weeks there. We'll be doing it with a group travel company. Including flights accommodation and Japanese Rail Pass its just over 3000 euro. We'll have to buy food over there, but apparently food is pretty cheap. We're traveling to Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima and Kyoto. We'll fly out of Tokyo at the end. I'll be back on July 26th and I'll tell you all.......:)


@Killbill - Thanks a million for those links. I've copied and pasted them in emails to myself!

Even though the Fish MArket is an early start, I reckon with the JetLag we will probably be awake at that time anyway. I'm still not convined a Fish Market will be my cup of tea but it seems to be the Number 1 attraction in Tokyo on everyone's list.


I downloaded some apps on to my iphone earlier

Japanese Phrases
Lonely Planet Guide to Tokyo and Kyoto
Tokyo Subway Map
Japanese News in English

I'll let you know if they're worth it!

corblimey

coloneldecker wrote: »

We're looking at goin in March next year but are concerned about the fact that we have zero knowledge of the language. How is it gettin around with no English, are everyday tasks made a lot more difficult or is there much English spoken there or whats the story at all?

As long as you stick to the main towns, you'll be fine with a mixture of English and pointing. Out in the sticks and halfway up a mountain, you'll be more pressed getting them to understand you.

BTW, March may well be the height of the sakura season (although they were pretty late this year), so everything will be booked waaay ahead of time than later in the year. I've not been myself at this time (I went over last year and just caught the tail end of the autumn leaves) but plan on a return visit in the next few years

Tristram

Nice time to visit ixoy! All the current nasty heat and humidity will be gone and you'll have a lovely temperate fall season to enjoy.

Some good recommendations above imo but must ask what kind of tourist are you? Everyone is looking for different things and I might be able to make better recommendations if I have an idea what you're into!

I would dispute one claim from above: you may be using English while you're pointing but for the most part it's the pointing that's getting the job done. Even in Tokyo English won't get you far (unless you're in Roppongi which is a ****hole).

Japan is amazing. Prepare to be wowed!

corblimey

Tristram wrote: »

I would dispute one claim from above: you may be using English while you're pointing but for the most part it's the pointing that's getting the job done. Even in Tokyo English won't get you far (unless you're in Roppongi which is a ****hole).

It would depend on where you are. For example, I never failed to find anyone who spoke English at the major train stations (any on the Yamanote line and most of the big ones outside of Tokyo) and all the good restaurants and shops had someone with at least passable English skills (better than my Japanese skills anyway).

Tristram

corblimey wrote: »

It would depend on where you are. For example, I never failed to find anyone who spoke English at the major train stations (any on the Yamanote line and most of the big ones outside of Tokyo) and all the good restaurants and shops had someone with at least passable English skills (better than my Japanese skills anyway).

Some people in Tokyo (Osaka/Nagoya/Yokohama to a lesser extent) who work in service industries that deal with a lot of foreigners will have some English. What were you asking them anyway? There are English speakers out there. I just worry that people might come here and expect to use English and get by comfortably. The chances of that happening are almost non-existent if you are going to travel independently.

Aside: Tokyo might as well be a different planet compared to the rest of Japan anyway.

nibtrix

I was in Japan a couple of years ago, loved it. There's been some great destinations listed so far, I just wanted to mention one more place that we loved - Himeji castle. It's the "Ninja Training School" from You Only Live Twice. It's a pretty cool castle even apart from that, and there's a nice garden right beside it.

Best thing is that you can go see it on the way from Kyoto to Hiroshima, we hopped off a train at 11am, went to see the castle and have lunch, and hopped back on the train at around 3pm.

killbillvol2

nibtrix wrote: »

I was in Japan a couple of years ago, loved it. There's been some great destinations listed so far, I just wanted to mention one more place that we loved - Himeji castle. It's the "Ninja Training School" from You Only Live Twice. It's a pretty cool castle even apart from that, and there's a nice garden right beside it.

Best thing is that you can go see it on the way from Kyoto to Hiroshima, we hopped off a train at 11am, went to see the castle and have lunch, and hopped back on the train at around 3pm.

Did the same thing - well worth a diversion.

As regards spoken English, I found very little outside Tokyo (and not a lot in Tokyo). The best example was a tourist office where no one spoke English!

I never really found it a problem - I'll eat anything so I was happy to point and take my chances and the people are so naturally helpful that you'll always get by.

@dolliemix - that looks like a nice itinerary, I'm sure you'll have a ball

corblimey

nibtrix wrote: »

I was in Japan a couple of years ago, loved it. There's been some great destinations listed so far, I just wanted to mention one more place that we loved - Himeji castle. It's the "Ninja Training School" from You Only Live Twice. It's a pretty cool castle even apart from that, and there's a nice garden right beside it.

It is a great castle, but for the next 4 years, it'll be at least partially blocked by scaffolding. Shame. I visited it in a day trip from Kyoto when I was over and it really ruined me for other castles on offer (Hiroshima, Osaka) later in the trip.

Tristram

Yeah, huge pity about the scaffolding. Same situation with the shrine at Izumo Taisha, Booourns Japan!

Hey! Im heading to japan in september for a month..

planned itinary so far is:

Tokyo (for about 7 days)
kyoto
osaka
nara
kobe
fukuoka
hiroshmia
beppu
kagoshima
okinawa

..possibly leaving out some for more time in other depending on people advice..

iv got a month of rosetta stone and phrase books ahead before I go.. but im still quiet worried about how we'l survive in some of the places wer going without japanese

also iv heard that you need to book things well in advance, is this true?

Aside from the usual sites does anyone have any tips? cirque du soleil and studio ghibli are at the top of my list!

I have also heard that atms only give you about €60 a day (or that thats their daily limit), surely this aint right...?

And one last thing, anyone been to okinawa in late september? I hear its typhoon season but I still really wanna go!

killbillvol2

Deleted User wrote: »

Hey! Im heading to japan in september for a month..
planned itinary so far is:
Tokyo (for about 7 days)
kyoto
osaka
nara
kobe
fukuoka
hiroshmia
beppu
kagoshima
okinawa
..possibly leaving out some for more time in other depending on people advice..
iv got a month of rosetta stone and phrase books ahead before I go.. but im still quiet worried about how we'l survive in some of the places wer going without japanese
also iv heard that you need to book things well in advance, is this true? Aside from the usual sites does anyone have any tips? cirque du soleil and studio ghibli are at the top of my list! I have also heard that atms only give you about €60 a day (or that thats their daily limit), surely this aint right...?
And one last thing, anyone been to okinawa in late september? I hear its typhoon season but I still really wanna go!

There's nothing much to see in Fukuoka IIRC but you have to pass through it on your route to change trains. The railway station is called something else btw, can't remeber off the top of my head. Don't hang around.
You left out Nagasaki which you shouldn't miss as you're in Kyushu anyway. Apart from the history it's a really nice city.
You were told wrong about atms but a lot of them don't take foreign cards. Not a problem in big cities but it can be in smaller places. I remember walking for quite a while and trying 20+ atms before I found a working one in Oita. (It was in the Post Office).
As for weather/typhoons. Who knows? It's unpredictable by nature. Play it by ear when you get there.

The language will be an issue on Kyushu but you'll get by. It's not worth stressing over.

killbillvol2

killbillvol2 wrote: »

There's nothing much to see in Fukuoka IIRC but you have to pass through it on your route to change trains. The railway station is called something else btw, can't remeber off the top of my head. Don't hang around.
You left out Nagasaki which you shouldn't miss as you're in Kyushu anyway. Apart from the history it's a really nice city.
You were told wrong about atms but a lot of them don't take foreign cards. Not a problem in big cities but it can be in smaller places. I remember walking for quite a while and trying 20+ atms before I found a working one in Oita. (It was in the Post Office).
As for weather/typhoons. Who knows? It's unpredictable by nature. Play it by ear when you get there.

The language will be an issue on Kyushu but you'll get by. It's not worth stressing over.

Was going to do a day trip to Nagasaki whilst in Fukuoka.. but might extend it to a night or so instead..

Cheers for the heads up on the atm thing, do you know if visa/ matercard are accepted in alot of these smaller places?

Have since added in Yakushima to the trip.. very excited!

ixoy

Tristram wrote: »

Some good recommendations above imo but must ask what kind of tourist are you? Everyone is looking for different things and I might be able to make better recommendations if I have an idea what you're into!

Well I want to visit Tokyo to see the tech/weird aspect of modern Japanese culture.
Outside of that though, I'd really like to see two things: the ancient temples, castles (the one pictured is exactly the sort!), etc. and any particularly amazing scenery.

Deleted User wrote:

also iv heard that you need to book things well in advance, is this true?

Where did you hear this? I'm heading in October/November and there doesn't seem to be any festivals, etc. on around that time that would cause you to need to book things in advance.
Oh and I may steal bits of your itinerary!

Japan is amazing. Prepare to be wowed!

That's what everyone is saying!

killbillvol2

Booking well in advance only applies to festivals in smaller places. For example, I was interested in going to Takayama last year during the festival and there literally wasn't a hotel room available within 150 km.

Third_Echelon

Japan is brilliant... still my favourite holiday!

we had just over 2 weeks and covered Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. The JR Rail pass is a must.. it was so handy and well worth the money paid before you leave. It is a definite saving.

Tokyo is an amazing city. Each of the neighbourhoods has its own feel and theme. Akihibara for example is electric town with all the tech stores and neon etc... 7 days is probably the very max you would need for Tokyo. Hakone was about an hour (i think, not too far anyway) outside tokyo. We went to an onsen for a couple of days. Stayed one night. It was soooooo relaxing. We all wished we had stayed for longer. It was really nice, up in the national park area.. Its a must-do.

When we went further south, we used Osaka as our base. Kyoto was only 15 mins away on the train for example, so we could go for day trips there no probs... Osaka was good fun for going out at night. Good nightlife, restauarants, pubs, clubs etc. Kyoto in that respect was a lot quieter, so we were glad we stayed in Osaka. Kyoto is a very nice city, but we found after a few days we were getting tired of temple viewing...

We went down to Hirishoma for a day. It was only a couple of hours on the train from Osaka. Really worth the trip to see the A-bomb dome etc. Its a pretty modern town, with not a lot of old buildings etc (for obvious reasons) so not very touristic apart from all the a-bomb dome museum stuff etc.

We split our tokyo visit to 3 or so days either side of the our visit to Osaka/Kyoto area as we were also flying in and out of Narita/Tokyo International.

With regards to speaking English, we found English speakers few and far between. It was mainly younger people who spoke english and mainly on nights out in pubs or nightclubs they would ask you if they could speak english with you are find out about where you are from (in a friendly way of course ). I would make a broad sweeping statement and say that most people over 40 probably wont speak much english if any at all... our experience it seemed to be the younger generation... of course there are exceptions. Even without the lack of English, we got on fine in restaurants, railway stations etc... everything is signposted well and has english translations...

You are going to have a ball!! Have to get back to Japan some time soon

Is 6 days in the kyoto/osaka area too long? was gonna spend 3 nights in each with day trips to kobe and nara.. or are these places worth staying in?

dolliemix

Im back and suffering severe withdrawal symptoms. I absolutely loved Japan. Tokyo is crazy. People everywhere. Lots to do and see and its all documented in the guidebooks.

Nikko was nice. Lovely bridges and rushing bridges. Really chilled place.

Hakone was alright. Also really chilled. We went to a Karaoke bar there and the owner gave us a lift back to accomodation because it was raining. Nice. We visited a really cool open air museum with loads of sculptures. If you make it to Hakone its worth a visit. It has loads of Picasso stuff which was a nice surprise.

We stopped off at Nagoro on the way to Takayama to see the SUmo Tournament. Well worth trying to get to see if you're there when a tournament is on.

Then we moved onto Takayama. I loved Takayama. Really old style buildings but when you go into them all the shops and restaurants are really cool and quirky. The gardens around the shrine are very nice as well. But I'd give the Floats Museum and the Nikko Museum a miss. The museums are pretty expensive in Japan. The Hido Village nearby is worth a visit as well if you have time.

Our next stop was Hiroshima. The A Bomb museum was very well done. And only 50 cent! The night life in Hiroshima was mental. We went to a bar called Macs. Someone had written in Irish on the graffiittied walls so its obviously a popular spot for tourists. We also went to see the Hiroshima Carps playing in the baseball stadium. The game itself wasn't great but it was fun watching the fans and all their chants and rituals. We tried the Okotamayaki Pancake in a floor of a building dedicated solely to Okotomayaki restaurants.

We also stopped off at Himeji Castle. Scaffolding still there!! But I'm glad I saw it.

Kyoto was fantastic. I felt a little like 'Lost in Translation' the first day or two but then once I got into it and really began to orientate myself I wanted to stay longer. Cycling around Kyoto and up or down the river is wonderful. We went to a tea ceremony and I did the Geisha transformation thing which was a great experience.

I couldn't recommend it enough. I's actually love to go back and see more.

I don't think people had English but they are very helpful. I made it to a few places in Kyoto just by showing people on the street the picture in the guidebook and they'd send me off in the right direction.

Vending machines/ Toilet shoes/ Electronic toilets where you do not have to touch a thing/ Bullet Trains/ shop assisstants shouting something like 'Hasay hasay' at nobody in particular/ the train station music when a train is approaching/ the considerate people with colds who wear masks/ the Ukiyo art/ the teenagers in Tokyo/ Free tissues on the street/ Choosing your dinner from a picture on a vending machine/ the onsens/ steps steps and more steps to climb in 35 degree heat at the temples and shrines.....but most of all the Japanese food. It was all amazing!

I'm so envious of anyone who has still to go there!

Third_Echelon

dolliemix wrote: »

Vending machines/ Toilet shoes/ Electronic toilets where you do not have to touch a thing/ Bullet Trains/ shop assisstants shouting something like 'Hasay hasay' at nobody in particular/ the train station music when a train is approaching/ the considerate people with colds who wear masks/ the Ukiyo art/ the teenagers in Tokyo/ Free tissues on the street/ Choosing your dinner from a picture on a vending machine/ the onsens/ steps steps and more steps to climb in 35 degree heat at the temples and shrines.....but most of all the Japanese food. It was all amazing!

I'm so envious of anyone who has still to go there!

Yeah, it was all these little things that make Japan 'Japanese' for me.. you don't get these things anywhere else in the world. The sounds and smells just make Japan very 'different'... To try and explain it a bit better, it felt like being in a Nintendo game at times

Liquidus

I'm going to Japan for 2 months will be mainly in Okayama, and in Kyoto and Osaka at the weekends, just wondering has anyone here been to Okayama before.

Dont be at yourself

I lived in Okayama for a while. They have one of the top 3 Japanese gardens in all of Japan, called Kourakuen. They also have one of only a few black castles, right beside it.

Outside that, there's not a lot of touristy stuff in Okayama. Maybe take a train to Kurashiki which is nearby, and check out the old samurai quarter (Bikan area).

The Kibi bike road is also a great way to spend a day. Rent bicycles, and cycle around lovely Japanese scenery - temples, forests, rivers, and so on.

Do you know whereabouts youre staying, exactly?

Liquidus

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

I lived in Okayama for a while. They have one of the top 3 Japanese gardens in all of Japan, called Kourakuen. They also have one of only a few black castles, right beside it.

Outside that, there's not a lot of touristy stuff in Okayama. Maybe take a train to Kurashiki which is nearby, and check out the old samurai quarter (Bikan area).

The Kibi bike road is also a great way to spend a day. Rent bicycles, and cycle around lovely Japanese scenery - temples, forests, rivers, and so on.

Do you know whereabouts youre staying, exactly?

I will be staying around the naka ward in Okayama.

ixoy

Dolliemx - How did you find using money over there? Seems it's difficult to get an ATM in many places that will take Western cards, banks aren't open often, and traveller's cheques not widely accepted.

And to anyone else: Is it possible to see all of Tokyo easily just by staying in one district? Which would be recommended if so?

dolliemix

I have a mastercard which is accepted in all the Post Office atms. And all the Post Offices have ATMs. There's an English option so its very easy to use. Just make sure you have enough cash to keep you going for the night or weekend because obviously you can only withdraw cash during post office opening hours. I had no problem.

Apparently the 7eleven convenient stores accept foreign credit cards but when I tried one it didn't have an english option so I hadn't a clue what to do! The second time I tried one it had an English option but it was out of service so I just stuck to Post Office after that. The ATMs at the Central Post Office in Kyoto, right beside the train station, are open 24 hours.

We stayed in Ueno in Tokyo which was very handy. A lot of museums are in the park in Ueno, and there's lots of restaurants and a market nearby. Also a train from Narita Airport brings you directly to Ueno. 2400 yen for express (1hr) and 1000ish yen (1hr 20 mins). 2400 yen = around 22 euro. 1000 yen = around 9 euro

The subway system will bring you wherever you want otherwise. Its very easy to use once you get over the initial 'there are so many people and will I ever know where I'm going' shock, that I'm sure everybody feels on arrival to Tokyo!

I'm sure other people who spent more time in Tokyo have better suggestions, but seeing as I don't know any different Ueno was perfect!

ixoy

Okinawa seems nice but troublesome to get to unless you're willing to go through the hassle of an extra flight or a long ferry ride. Is it really worth it with just 20 days or so in Japan in total?

From looking around it seems there's enough scenery that would provide a broad equivalent in Kyushu.

Liquidus

I think the Citibank atms accept foreign cards aswell.

killbillvol2

ixoy wrote: »

Dolliemx - How did you find using money over there? Seems it's difficult to get an ATM in many places that will take Western cards, banks aren't open often, and traveller's cheques not widely accepted.

And to anyone else: Is it possible to see all of Tokyo easily just by staying in one district? Which would be recommended if so?

As dolliemix said, the Post Office is your guranteed working atm. It's more of a hassle the further you get from Tokyo. You just need to be organised. I basically took out a load of cash in Tokyo and carried it with me - the chances of being mugged in Japan are less than the chance of being struck by lightning!

The Yamanote Line (surface rail) is the best way to see Tokyo. It's a loop with stations at most major districts. You'll also get your bearings more easily than using the metro. So basically if you stay near any station on that line, Tokyo is wide open. Ueno's good. I like Ginza (Yurakucho station) personally. Shibuya and Shinjuku are good for pure OTT Tokyo bright lights and nightlife. It has stations in Akihabara, Harajuko and basically most places you'll want to go. Just avoid it before 9.30 in the morning! Your Japan Rail Pass will work on it too.

@dolliemix - I think the Japan bug has bitten!

dolliemix

Liquidus wrote: »

I think the Citibank atms accept foreign cards aswell.

Yes they do. I forgot about them. There's one at Narita Airport just when you come out of arrivals. I didn't see them anywhere else though. But I had the Post Office Option (which are marked on maps) so I wasn't looking for them.

+1 to Kill Bill's comment on carrying cash around being very safe. Obviously you should always be cautious but I got the feeling that if my wallet dropped on the ground somebody would come running after me with it. No exaggeration! When we were in Shinjuku there were Japanese men walking around with their wallets half way out their back pockets!!!!

FruitLover

Citibank ATMs are pretty rare, probably best to find a PO near you with an ATM and take out plenty of cash. Many 7-Elevens have ATMs that take foreign CCs, but I don't remember whether they have an English option. CCs are getting more popular in big cities (Tokyo, Osaka, etc) but I wouldn't rely on one (i.e. if you're going out to a fancy restaurant, make sure you have cash just in case).

ixoy wrote: »

And to anyone else: Is it possible to see all of Tokyo easily just by staying in one district? Which would be recommended if so?

Anywhere reasonably central will be fine if you're near a train line. Personally, I prefer the West side (Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya) as there's more to do, and it's easier to get home if you're out partying after the trains finish. I currently live in Nakano and rarely travel to the East side of Tokyo any more.

I'd say the best bet is to find reasonably priced accom somewhere near a central train line.

dolliemix wrote: »

I got the feeling that if my wallet dropped on the ground somebody would come running after me with it

Hell, I had a yakuza help me with directions once! Even the gangsters are (sometimes) friendly here...

dolliemix

FruitLover wrote: »

).







Hell, I had a yakuza help me with directions once! Even the gangsters are (sometimes) friendly here...

Haha I'm reading a book about them now. Its like a different Japanese world to the one I witnessed!

killbillvol2

dolliemix wrote: »

+1 to Kill Bill's comment on carrying cash around being very safe. Obviously you should always be cautious but I got the feeling that if my wallet dropped on the ground somebody would come running after me with it. No exaggeration! When we were in Shinjuku there were Japanese men walking around with their wallets half way out their back pockets!!!!

Two examples:

I saw people in Kyoto parking their bikes at the metro to commute to work - and leaving them unlocked all day.
At a streetside coffee shop the man next to me got up and went inside to get more coffee. He was gone for 10 minutes. His iBook, mobile phone and "manbag" were left on the table.

dolliemix

killbillvol2 wrote: »

Two examples:

I saw people in Kyoto parking their bikes at the metro to commute to work - and leaving them unlocked all day.
At a streetside coffee shop the man next to me got up and went inside to get more coffee. He was gone for 10 minutes. His iBook, mobile phone and "manbag" were left on the table.

Wow. Its incredible! You actually feel uneasy for them doing stuff like this but it is genuinely that safe. They're just so honest.

Liquidus

So do most people leave their bikes unlocked then? just wondering as the company will be giving me a bike for work. Another question is that for people who say for less then 90 days and don't need to apply for a gaijin card, do you have to carry your passport at all times in case you get stopped by the police?

ixoy

ixoy wrote: »

How did you find using money over there? Seems it's difficult to get an ATM in many places that will take Western cards, banks aren't open often, and traveller's cheques not widely accepted..

This is also something I was curious about.. some of the hostels / guesthouses dont even accept credit cards

The post office scenario sounds fine.. but im just a little worried about how this will work out in some of the smaller places in kyushu (will the screen be in english...will there always be one aboout? etc)

ixoy wrote: »

Okinawa seems nice but troublesome to get to unless you're willing to go through the hassle of an extra flight or a long ferry ride. Is it really worth it with just 20 days or so in Japan in total?

From looking around it seems there's enough scenery that would provide a broad equivalent in Kyushu.

I really wanted to go to okinawa, but it just seemed like a real hassle so opted for kyushu and a trip to yakushima.. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4650.html

killbillvol2

Deleted User wrote: »

This is also something I was curious about.. some of the hostels / guesthouses dont even accept credit cards

The post office scenario sounds fine.. but im just a little worried about how this will work out in some of the smaller places in kyushu (will the screen be in english...will there always be one aboout? etc)

There are Michelin 3 star restaurants in Tokyo that don't take credit cards! You can never take it for granted that plastic will work.

Kagoshima, Nagasaki etc. are good sized cities. You'll get cash somewhere. The bottom line though is simple, when you go to an atm, stock up.

(I just noticed Beppu on your list. Don't miss it. When the Japanese do tack they do it with relish. Beautiful hot springs, bubbling volcanic pools all surrounded by a cross between Bray and Vegas!).

ixoy

It seems odd, from an Irish perspective, to be carrying around lots of cash but it seems everyone's saying it's the right thing to do. Can't imagine ever doing it if I was visiting Dublin!

My itinerary is looking quite like you're esuiol! I've got plans for Tokyo (incl. day trips to the likes of Hakone) and then down south/west through Honshu onto Kyushu taking in the likes of Kyoto, Nara,Takayama (maybe), Himeji castle, Hiroshima (incl. Miyajimi island), Nagasaki and Beppu.

So far not too bothered with exploring much of Osaka (except maybe as a base of travel) or Fukuoka.

For beautiful scenery and nice areas just to walk - where would you recommend (preferably in the regions I'm already visiting)?

FruitLover

Liquidus wrote: »

for people who say for less then 90 days and don't need to apply for a gaijin card, do you have to carry your passport at all times in case you get stopped by the police?

Legally, you're obliged to carry photo ID of some sort with you at all times. That plus the fact that you pretty much need one to get a phone can make it worth getting a gaijin card even if you're staying for fewer than 90 days.

killbillvol2

ixoy wrote: »

It seems odd, from an Irish perspective, to be carrying around lots of cash but it seems everyone's saying it's the right thing to do. Can't imagine ever doing it if I was visiting Dublin!

My itinerary is looking quite like you're esuiol! I've got plans for Tokyo (incl. day trips to the likes of Hakone) and then down south/west through Honshu onto Kyushu taking in the likes of Kyoto, Nara,Takayama (maybe), Himeji castle, Hiroshima (incl. Miyajimi island), Nagasaki and Beppu.

So far not too bothered with exploring much of Osaka (except maybe as a base of travel) or Fukuoka.

For beautiful scenery and nice areas just to walk - where would you recommend (preferably in the regions I'm already visiting)?

On your way from Nagasaki to Beppu you can cross Kyushu through the Aso Caldera. If you stop at Aso station for half a day you can go up to Naka Dake, an active volcano. It's a great place to go for a stroll. Literally 5 minutes takes you away from the Japanese tourists to this:



I spent hours wandering around. There's a good hike up there too that brings you down somewhere else - I was too lazy.

corblimey

Just to stick in my own tuppence 'orth. I went over for 3 weeks last year and just brought enough cash to last the full 3 weeks. I knew that my biggest expense would be hotels so I made sure to find hotels that took credit cards (most do, but some smaller ryokan may not) and put the rest into cash. I never felt anything less than 100% secure carrying around several thousand yen, and in fact on the day I checked out of my Kyoto hotel, I accidentally left my wallet sitting on a couch in the lobby with about 2/3 of my cash in it. I was 10 minutes away before I realised. Upon my return, the wallet was still sitting there unmolested. I may have been lucky but I also think that no Japanese person would just "pick it up" no matter their intentions.

BTW, I stayed in Shinagawa, literally across the road from the main station. There's not much in the general area, a few nice (but pricey) restaurants, so I can't recommend it for that, but for proximity to the Yamanote line and the N'EX line to the airport, it's pretty good.

Mickalis

Hey everyone! Had been thinking about going to Japan for some time now, it was up in the air with South America or India. After reading everyones experience on this thread It's pretty much decided! My plan so is to go for a month next June or July (2011) (I know its a long way off but just have the bug for going :rolleyes: )and travel around the entire country, staying in one place if it's cool and enjoyable or just moving on to another if there's not much to do or see! Have one friend who's definitely game for coming and another two that I have to talk to yet so there's more than likely going to be four of us. So should be an amazing trip. I just have a few questions that if anyone has any insight or thoughts it would be much appreciapted

Do you think a month is too long to go for? Or is it a good amount of time to see all of Japan and actually enjoy it and its places instead of racing through each location?

How much money do you think I'll need to enjoy the trip? And I know someone will say 'depends on what you want to do!' so i guess what we'd like to do is to fly into Tokyo, spend a week there is what everyone seems to be saying, then travel around the country, seeing all the sights, maybe climb mt fuji, check out all the temples, local customs, food etc. Just have the experience. and were all 23-24 so we dont have a problem staying in mass hostels or cheap places. as for food we obviously wouldnt really care about eating in massive fancy places or anything like that. obvioulsy once in a while wed have a nice meal in a expensive place to treat ourselves or enjoy some special foods but for the most part, just general cheap foods and what we get on the go or cheapish places! Am i being optomistic thinking 2000 euro is enough each for the whole month spending wise? not including the plane ticket and rail pass. purely for accom, food, gifts, souvenirs, drinks, clubs, temples etc

corblimey wrote: »

Just to stick in my own tuppence 'orth. I went over for 3 weeks last year and just brought enough cash to last the full 3 weeks.

Just wondering, if you feel comfortable saying, how much you brought/spent over for the three weeks?

Thanks all for any thoughts you have!

Revised itinerary:

Tokyo (3 nights.. inc. one set aside for jetlag!)
kyoto (2 nights)
Osaka (3 nights)

// day trips to kobe / nara while in kyoto & osaka

Fukuoka (2 nights)
Nagasaki (1 night)
Beppu (1 night)
Kagoshima (2 nights) //inc a trip to yakushima

Yokohama & kamakura (2-3 nights)
Tokyo (6 nights) //inc day trip to nikko

Spending Money

After accomodation I had planned on a budget of €90 a day for food / day trips / museums / going out at night and hopefully having a bit left over for shopping... too much, too little?
I also have a jr pass... but its only for 14 days (basically for from kyoto till i get back to tokyo..) so 90 a day should include travel for when im in tokyo..

5 weeks to go..:D

corblimey

I spent 3 weeks over there, 8 days in Kyoto, 2 in Osaka, 2 in Hiroshima and 10 in Tokyo. For me, it was the perfect length, I managed to fit in quite a few day trips from Kyoto (Kanazawa, Nara, etc) and still get plenty of time to take in Kyoto's temples, and the week and a half in Tokyo was just the right length. However, outside of those 4 places and my day trips, I didn't see enough of Japan, so will be going back in a few years to experience life outside the cities. I'd say you could easily fill a month in these general areas, but like most places, you could probably also fill a month in Kyoto alone.

In terms of budget, I won't say how much I brung over, but it fitted in with the medium budget at japan-guide. I had my hotels covered by cc and my JR Pass covered all my trains for the first 2 weeks until I got back to Tokyo. After that, it was just food, drink and various souvenirs. Outside of Tokyo, these were cheaper than Ireland, but once back in Tokyo, the price ramped up considerably - I spent about €7 on 1 glass of beer in Shinagawa. I had 3

corblimey

By the way, join the forum at japan-guide and plug your itinerary in. You'll get lots of people who live there and/or are veteran visitors who'll give you tips and warn you about things you wouldn't have considered (for example, travel time between places, etc)