Hey yo so me and the old lady have decided to travel to Japan in November of 2017 for approx 2-3weeks since I got a new job with benefits. We are thinking of doing Kyoto, Osaka , Hiroshima and 1 day of visiting her friend. Then we are going to Seoul Korea for 2-3days. Then for like 4 days in Tokyo before going home. So how should I start looking at this trip when planning? Thanks... Oh yeah should I get the JR rail pass?
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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
Figure out the dates your planning on, use hyperdia.com and check if the individual ticket prices are more expensive than the JR Pass and if so, buy the JR Pass. If not, then don't because it won't be worth it.
You can use a IC Card like PASMO/Suica for train travel besides that.
But yeah, start with dates for things and what you want to do so you can figure out how much it's going to cost you all in all I'd say.
MikeHattsu
Member
Depends on where her friend live and how you're getting to South Korea from wherever you're staying and from South Korea and back to Tokyo.
Zeouterlimits
Member
Heyo folks.
I'm looking to spend 2 weeks in Western-ish Japan in September or October.
The Kyoto-Osaka and ancillary highlights kind of trip - I've been to Tokyo once, a few years ago.
Is there a particular period I should go for? Mid September to late October? Early October to mid October?
Should I book everything up front, or have the first few days set and then figure it out from there?
Edit: reading over the last few pages has given me lots of good advice
I'm looking to spend 2 weeks in Western-ish Japan in September or October.
The Kyoto-Osaka and ancillary highlights kind of trip - I've been to Tokyo once, a few years ago.
Is there a particular period I should go for? Mid September to late October? Early October to mid October?
Should I book everything up front, or have the first few days set and then figure it out from there?
Edit: reading over the last few pages has given me lots of good advice
MikeHattsu
Member
You should be in Tokyo on October 1st so you can join the GAF meetup ;p
So, our travel itinerary's slowly taking shape:
We've researched that we could take night buses for the Nagoya->Osaka and Osaka->Tokyo trips in order to save a couple thousand yen, but going to Nagano city by bus and then taking a train into the Matsumoto countryside would cost the same as simply just riding the train there.
As for data/internet plans, one of us spotted https://t.iijmio.jp/en/index.html, which sells 2 GB data SIMs valid for 90 days for ¥3800, and that seems dirt-cheap compared to other alternatives and would certainly be serviceable enough for checking google maps while on the move and stuff like that.
For the sake of being conservative, we're thinking about an average of ¥1500 for daily food and travel expenses. We'll probably be cooking our own food, buying hyakuenshop food and walking instead of taking trains as much as we can to keep the costs down, but we still want to go eat some nicer stuff a couple days a week (but still nothing too fancy). The funniest part is that these daily food and short train expenses more than double the costs we've looked into for long-distance travel and lodging combined...
- Sept 12-24: Tokyo
- Sept 25-Oct 3: Nagano countryside
- Oct 4-12: Nagoya
- Oct 13-Nov 13: Osaka/Kyoto/Nara
- Nov 14-Dec 6: Back to Tokyo until our return
We've researched that we could take night buses for the Nagoya->Osaka and Osaka->Tokyo trips in order to save a couple thousand yen, but going to Nagano city by bus and then taking a train into the Matsumoto countryside would cost the same as simply just riding the train there.
As for data/internet plans, one of us spotted https://t.iijmio.jp/en/index.html, which sells 2 GB data SIMs valid for 90 days for ¥3800, and that seems dirt-cheap compared to other alternatives and would certainly be serviceable enough for checking google maps while on the move and stuff like that.
For the sake of being conservative, we're thinking about an average of ¥1500 for daily food and travel expenses. We'll probably be cooking our own food, buying hyakuenshop food and walking instead of taking trains as much as we can to keep the costs down, but we still want to go eat some nicer stuff a couple days a week (but still nothing too fancy). The funniest part is that these daily food and short train expenses more than double the costs we've looked into for long-distance travel and lodging combined...
a Master Ninja
Member
Ignorant question #1: I want to get yen at the airport. Using my American debit card is the smarter way to do this over bringing a large amount of US dollars, right?
Bboy AJ
My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
Yes. Go to 7-11 ATM.
MikeHattsu
Member
If you're withdrawing large amounts then make sure you know about any daily/weekly limits of your card. Oh, and the new transaction limit of the 7-11 ATMs which is 50000 JPY (but you might be able to just withdraw money several times instead)
Zeouterlimits
Member
Oh man, don't tempt me.
MikeHattsu
Member
Hello Japan-Travel-Gaf
I need a holiday so in November I'll be going to Japan, now before I order my tickets I want some advice. I'm planning to go between either the 5th and 20th of november or between the 12th and 27th of november. Are there any festivals or events during this time that I need to take in account when deciding in which timeframe I go? So far I've decided I want to visit Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kagoshima and do some hiking or sightseeing.
I need a holiday so in November I'll be going to Japan, now before I order my tickets I want some advice. I'm planning to go between either the 5th and 20th of november or between the 12th and 27th of november. Are there any festivals or events during this time that I need to take in account when deciding in which timeframe I go? So far I've decided I want to visit Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kagoshima and do some hiking or sightseeing.
MikeHattsu
Member
There's Labor Thanksgiving Day on the 23rd. No major festivals. Various events are happening all the time.
MikeHattsu
Member
I'm helping plan a 2 1/2 week trip to Japan this November for a group of 6. I've been doing a ton of research but wanted to see what some more seasoned travelers think of what we have so far. Would love any suggestions if you have any
Seems like a good schedule. Namco Wonder Tower closed down years ago though
You're better off going to Mandarake (+ they got that floor with pre-owned figures and stuff and one with robot figures and such) than Retro Game Camp if you're actually interested in buying anything. Less overpriced.
Most likely you'll not see any cosplayers at Jingu bridge. You'll have a slightly higher chance to see any if you go there on a Sunday though, but still only a slim chance.
And I think you've put Skytree on the wrong day? It's closer to Ueno/Sensoji than Odaiba. Unless you're planning to take the bus there after you've checked out Odaiba or something.
Seems like a good schedule. Namco Wonder Tower closed down years ago though
You're better off going to Mandarake (+ they got that floor with pre-owned figures and stuff and one with robot figures and such) than Retro Game Camp if you're actually interested in buying anything. Less overpriced.
Most likely you'll not see any cosplayers at Jingu bridge. You'll have a slightly higher chance to see any if you go there on a Sunday though, but still only a slim chance.
And I think you've put Skytree on the wrong day? It's closer to Ueno/Sensoji than Odaiba. Unless you're planning to take the bus there after you've checked out Odaiba or something.
Really appreciate the tips - I guess some of the guides I was looking at were a bit outdated :x
As for the Skytree, we were planning on taking a bus up there depending on how long we stayed in Odaiba that morning. I'll bring it up with our group though and make sure everyone knows about the travel time.
MikeHattsu
Member
Any particular reason why you're taking the Skybus? It only got like 8-9 buses a day.
It's much cheaper to take the train. Can even get a day pass for the Yurikamome which enables you to get around in Odaiba without walking too much.
SiegfriedFM
Member
MikeHattsu
Member
My Japan
travel blog was linked to in an AP story:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/07/25/arts/ap-as-travel-japan-anime-tourism.html
Woo!
anime
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/07/25/arts/ap-as-travel-japan-anime-tourism.html
Woo!
Nice! You're an incredible help here. =D
ThatCrazyGuy
Member
MikeHattsu
Member
Oh ok. I'll have to make sure to check it out between checking in and going through security cause I'm flying out.
MikeHattsu
Member
Make sure you're in the right terminal and such since there's international flights from all 3 of them
Can you just walk over to each of them or are they connected by train or something?
MikeHattsu
Member
Valkerionseven
Member
Heading to Fukuoka Friday just to get out of Kagoshima for a weekend. Been before but did not really go anywhere. Any suggested places, restaurants, shopping and what not?
Hope to arrive in the afternoon or late morning from the shinkansen, check in and head out. Only really know Tennoji the party area, though do add that if you know a fun club or bar.
Hope to arrive in the afternoon or late morning from the shinkansen, check in and head out. Only really know Tennoji the party area, though do add that if you know a fun club or bar.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-dCkSvkIDxHn9yp6yTtXHdHs03S_UDiq
Micaela has plenty of vids on Fukuoka if you're interested. Give you some ideas and stuff
MikeHattsu
Member
It a really good time to visit. Except for the first week of May next year because of Golden Week.
^ This
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan)
So uhh, go after May the 5th and you'll be good
MikeHattsu
Member
May 5th is a Friday next year so better to avoid the 6th and 7th if possible too
Sweet, thanks guys. Last time I went at the end of November and first week of December, It was great! A little bit cold but very very good.
Stratosphere
Member
I have a friend that's going to be visiting Japan shorty. I asked her to get me something, but I have no idea what I'd want. Any recommendations on some cool/interesting souvenirs?
Hi there, I've got a quick question about the JR Pass validity: does it expire at the same time of activation or does it last the entire last day of validity?
I'll get a 14-days pass, and I'd like to activate it at Narita (to spare the Nex ticket) on August 29 around noon. Then I'll go around and come back to Tokyo in the evening of September 11.
08/29 to 09/11 are exactly 14 days, but you know, I'd like to avoid the horrible surprise of having to pay for the Shinkansen back from Osaka to Tokyo.
I'll get a 14-days pass, and I'd like to activate it at Narita (to spare the Nex ticket) on August 29 around noon. Then I'll go around and come back to Tokyo in the evening of September 11.
08/29 to 09/11 are exactly 14 days, but you know, I'd like to avoid the horrible surprise of having to pay for the Shinkansen back from Osaka to Tokyo.
MikeHattsu
Member
It will last the entire last day so you will be fine.
Thanks, that's a relief!
Valkerionseven
Member
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-dCkSvkIDxHn9yp6yTtXHdHs03S_UDiq
Micaela has plenty of vids on Fukuoka if you're interested. Give you some ideas and stuff
Seen her before years ago, never checked it out really. Good info on Hakata station where I will be staying near. Thanks.
Any ideas if the joban expressway is still open as it passes through the exclusion zone?, as far as I remember only the IC exits were closed and through traffic was still permitted? Will be the first time i'll be driving up north again since the quake and i am somewhat apprehensive.
MikeHattsu
Member
They finished construction last year:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...expressway-stirs-tohoku-reconstruction-hopes/
I mean there is the obvious video game and anime merch.
My most used souvenir are really nice hand made chop sticks though. Reasonably priced (I mean chop sticks come in a massive price range from dirt cheap to luxuriously expensive) and no burden on your friends luggage to boot.
Also easy to acquire if your friend doesn't want to hunt down rare anime figurine x in the backstreets of akihabara.
MikeHattsu
Member
Japan Travel GAF Meetup thread posted if anybody is in Tokyo or Osaka in September/October:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1253412
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1253412
Splash Wave
Member
My girlfriend and I stayed in Tokyo for 3 months last year, and we're looking to make another short two-week trip this Fall/Winter. Has anyone gone back to Japan after a long stay and found it incredibly depressing? Like, I'm somewhat worried that going back for a short trip will feel painfully inadequate!
I'm also looking for weird, offbeat neighborhoods to explore. We were able to see a lot while we were there, so we're looking for something we wouldn't have already thought of.
I'm also looking for weird, offbeat neighborhoods to explore. We were able to see a lot while we were there, so we're looking for something we wouldn't have already thought of.
My travel partner is vehemently anti-smoking, doesn't like being around it at all, but I would like to check out Pachinko at some point (ideally would love to find that Metal gear machine . Are there parlours that aren't smokey wastelands of despair? And is it worth checking one out? Not spending a day or anything, just wanna check it off the bucket list.
. Are there parlours that aren't smokey wastelands of despair? And is it worth checking one out? Not spending a day or anything, just wanna check it off the bucket list.MikeHattsu
Member
Why not check out one of the other cities in Japan?
Splash Wave
Member
We have some friends and family in Tokyo, and there are a few things in that city that we miss terribly. It's highly likely we'll spend our second week elsewhere, though. We're still planning things out.