5 nights in Japan.
Dec 24th, 2014, 04:34 AM
#1
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5 nights in Japan.
Dear fellow Fodors,
I will be spending 5 nights in Japan from 25th March 2015 to 29th March 2015. I will be flying in and out of Osaka. Since it is such a short stay, just wondering which are the major sights that I should focus on.
Someone suggested that I should spend 3 nights in Kyoto and 2 nights in Osaka before I leave. I was thinking what type of JR tourists passes I should buy.
I have never done a free and easy tour on my own in Japan. I can foresee some communication problems too.
Would really appreciate some suggestions from those seasoned Japan travelers.
Thank you.
I will be spending 5 nights in Japan from 25th March 2015 to 29th March 2015. I will be flying in and out of Osaka. Since it is such a short stay, just wondering which are the major sights that I should focus on.
Someone suggested that I should spend 3 nights in Kyoto and 2 nights in Osaka before I leave. I was thinking what type of JR tourists passes I should buy.
I have never done a free and easy tour on my own in Japan. I can foresee some communication problems too.
Would really appreciate some suggestions from those seasoned Japan travelers.
Thank you.
Dec 24th, 2014, 10:08 AM
#3
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http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_icoca_haruka.html
This discount ticket package would probably be helpful for you coming in and out of KIX....
Also your dates are the beginning of cherry blossom time so you are advised to look for accommodations sooner rather than later.
Check out japan-guide.com for tourism info - an excellent source.
This discount ticket package would probably be helpful for you coming in and out of KIX....
Also your dates are the beginning of cherry blossom time so you are advised to look for accommodations sooner rather than later.
Check out japan-guide.com for tourism info - an excellent source.
Dec 24th, 2014, 11:37 AM
#4
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I agree that you should consider concentrating your attentions on Kyoto and that you would do well to consult japan-guide.com.
I wouldn't worry too much about communication, as English is widely spoken in major tourist destinations. Just be sure to learn the basic civilities (hello, thank you, etc.) and perhaps learn a bit about some of the cultural norms (e.g., no tipping!). Here's some info on Japanese etiquette:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html
Enjoy!
I wouldn't worry too much about communication, as English is widely spoken in major tourist destinations. Just be sure to learn the basic civilities (hello, thank you, etc.) and perhaps learn a bit about some of the cultural norms (e.g., no tipping!). Here's some info on Japanese etiquette:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html
Enjoy!
Dec 24th, 2014, 12:04 PM
#5
You wrote that you "have never done a free and easy tour on my own in Japan". Have you been to Japan before? as part of a guided tour or something?
Have you traveled to other countries where you don't speak the language and traveled on your own? Or are you a tour group kind of traveler?
Do you know much about Japan? Any interests there?
Have you traveled to other countries where you don't speak the language and traveled on your own? Or are you a tour group kind of traveler?
Do you know much about Japan? Any interests there?
Dec 25th, 2014, 06:48 AM
#6
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Dear all,
Thank you for your advice and tips.
I have visited Japan twice on a guided tour. Visited Hokkaido and Kyushu.
I have always like Japan cos it never ceases to amaze me. I guess I just have to take the first step of discovering more of it at my own pace.
Thank you.
Thank you for your advice and tips.
I have visited Japan twice on a guided tour. Visited Hokkaido and Kyushu.
I have always like Japan cos it never ceases to amaze me. I guess I just have to take the first step of discovering more of it at my own pace.
Thank you.
Dec 25th, 2014, 09:37 AM
#7
You can take your first step here:
Kyoto is called the cultural heart of Japan for good reason:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html
Nara is an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2165.html
Himeji Castle will entirely re-open a couple of days after you arrive. It is less than an hour from Kyoto to Himeji and less time from Osaka.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html
Hiroshima is about 2 hour from Kyoto.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2160.html
Kyoto is called the cultural heart of Japan for good reason:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html
Nara is an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2165.html
Himeji Castle will entirely re-open a couple of days after you arrive. It is less than an hour from Kyoto to Himeji and less time from Osaka.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html
Hiroshima is about 2 hour from Kyoto.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2160.html
Dec 28th, 2014, 04:35 AM
#8
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If you haven't been to Kyoto or Osaka before (sounds like you didn't visit this area on your previous trips) I'd probably do 4 nights in Kyoto and 1 in Osaka, or possibly even all 5 nights in Kyoto, depending on time of day of departure flight.
