Begnning or Ending Trip in Tokyo?
Jul 16th, 2013, 10:05 AM
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Begnning or Ending Trip in Tokyo?
Hello all,
I'm trying to set my itinerary and need to decide if I should start my trip with a couple days in Tokyo or end the trip in Tokyo. My flight would arrive around 430p in NRT. I'm not especially interested in Tokyo itself, really. I would probably do day trips to Nikko and Kamakura. I'm planning on Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Mount Koya.
I know that one concern could be jet lag. I haven't experience it before but this would also be my longest flight. Any other reason to not just take the train to Kyoto upon arrival?
Thanks in advance!
I'm trying to set my itinerary and need to decide if I should start my trip with a couple days in Tokyo or end the trip in Tokyo. My flight would arrive around 430p in NRT. I'm not especially interested in Tokyo itself, really. I would probably do day trips to Nikko and Kamakura. I'm planning on Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Mount Koya.
I know that one concern could be jet lag. I haven't experience it before but this would also be my longest flight. Any other reason to not just take the train to Kyoto upon arrival?
Thanks in advance!
Jul 16th, 2013, 12:34 PM
#2
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Since you say you have no interest in Tokyo is it possible for you to fly in and out of Osaka/Kansai? That would nix Nikko and Kamakura but since you already are seeing Kyoto no need for Kamakura. It makes more sense with your interests and locations to fly into and out of KIX and save Tokyo and its environs for another trip.
Aloha!
Aloha!
Jul 16th, 2013, 01:31 PM
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Hi hawaiiantraveler,
No, I'm flying on an award ticket with Delta and they don't fly to KIX.
I'll be in Tokyo too early to see a sumo tournament. I'm just not feeling seeing a large city. I think I may base myself in Kyoto...
So much to consider!
No, I'm flying on an award ticket with Delta and they don't fly to KIX.
I'll be in Tokyo too early to see a sumo tournament. I'm just not feeling seeing a large city. I think I may base myself in Kyoto...
So much to consider!
Jul 16th, 2013, 04:09 PM
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One thing I considered was the ease of traveling within a city. Unlike Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, etc., Tokyo is not on a grid; it has a great transportation system, but some of the underground stations are so monstrous that I thought it might be easier to get lost there; not all it's streets have names; ... Since I prefer to tackle more difficult places at the end of a trip, after I've recovered from jet lag and once I've gotten a bit of familiarity with a country, I chose to visit Tokyo last. (Other people want their easiest destination to be last; either way, it's a factor!)
Another consideration is where you'll want to be the night before your flight home. I don't like to count on reaching my departure city on the day of my departure, and even though I have no objection to one-night stays when they suit my purpose, I don't like to add any to an itinerary unnecessary. To me, that would be an argument for putting all of your time in Tokyo at the end of your trip (given that you are committed to flying into and out of Narita).
As for jet lag, it may depend on when your flight arrives. Personally, I hate starting a day with jet lag -- I want to use the time to explore, but I'm too tired to fully appreciate it, etc. I don't mind extending the length of my travel time if it means that I'll get somewhere I want to be in time for a quick bite to eat and a long night's sleep. Just my preference!
BTW, I trust you've found japan-guide.com
Another consideration is where you'll want to be the night before your flight home. I don't like to count on reaching my departure city on the day of my departure, and even though I have no objection to one-night stays when they suit my purpose, I don't like to add any to an itinerary unnecessary. To me, that would be an argument for putting all of your time in Tokyo at the end of your trip (given that you are committed to flying into and out of Narita).
As for jet lag, it may depend on when your flight arrives. Personally, I hate starting a day with jet lag -- I want to use the time to explore, but I'm too tired to fully appreciate it, etc. I don't mind extending the length of my travel time if it means that I'll get somewhere I want to be in time for a quick bite to eat and a long night's sleep. Just my preference!
BTW, I trust you've found japan-guide.com
Jul 17th, 2013, 12:05 AM
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Hi kja,
I had definitely planned on staying near NRT the night before my departure for the same reason as you.
Yes, I think since I'm arriving late afternoon that extending my travel day won't be a big deal. Plus, I'm not doing the driving! I almost always fall asleep on flights...yet I have sleep issues that I'm actually nt too concerned with jet lag (knock on wood).
Yes I am familiar with japan-guide.com I need to browse it more, I mainly clicked on everyone's links
Off to book some hotels...
Thank you!
I had definitely planned on staying near NRT the night before my departure for the same reason as you.
Yes, I think since I'm arriving late afternoon that extending my travel day won't be a big deal. Plus, I'm not doing the driving! I almost always fall asleep on flights...yet I have sleep issues that I'm actually nt too concerned with jet lag (knock on wood).
Yes I am familiar with japan-guide.com I need to browse it more, I mainly clicked on everyone's links
Off to book some hotels...
Thank you!
Jul 17th, 2013, 09:07 AM
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On that Japan Guide site there is this page that explains the discounted domestic flight tickets you as a foreigner can qualify for. Using Delta you would probably want to use ANA airlines and its special <b>ANA Experience Japan</b> fare of ¥10,000(about $100.00 US)per flight segment. Like I mentioned earlier if you don't want Tokyo you can fly from NRT to either KIX (Kansai) or ITM (Itami) and connect to Narita for your flight back home. Depending of course on your flight time back home from NRT. ANA has an extensive network within Japan and daily flights between those cities.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html
Aloha!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html
Aloha!
Jul 17th, 2013, 09:12 AM
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Given your parameters, I think I'd head straight to Kyoto as soon after landing as possible - the trains are easy and roomy and relaxing so not too taxing I think. You can even book your first Kyoto night in the Granvia which is actually within the main Kyoto station... we found it convenient base for half our time in Kyoto as made getting further afield easy. The other nights we spent in Gion area.
Jul 17th, 2013, 12:25 PM
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I don't know how many days you are planning for or if a JR Rail Pass is better for your itinerary(most probably is) or even what time of year you are traveling but here is another option for you with rail and hotel deal.
http://www.japanican.com/special/shinkansen/
http://www.japanican.com/special/shinkansen/
Jul 17th, 2013, 04:13 PM
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> I had definitely planned on staying near NRT
If you do decide to spend any time in Tokyo, you don't need to stay near NRT -- just near one of the trains that can take you there quickly and conveniently.
> Miyajima
I had a lovely time at Momiji-so. See japaneseguesthouses.com
If you do decide to spend any time in Tokyo, you don't need to stay near NRT -- just near one of the trains that can take you there quickly and conveniently.
> Miyajima
I had a lovely time at Momiji-so. See japaneseguesthouses.com
Jul 17th, 2013, 05:52 PM
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No just at the Hilton Narita the night before my departure. Free stay, also.
I was trying to stay at Momiji-so through JGH but haven't been able to get the dates available. I can through booking.com but I've never used them so I need to read the fine print.
I was trying to stay at Momiji-so through JGH but haven't been able to get the dates available. I can through booking.com but I've never used them so I need to read the fine print.
Jul 17th, 2013, 06:34 PM
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I've used booking.com for years with great success. Just be sure the option you choose clearly states a cancellation timeframe with which you are comfortable. You shouldn't have to read the fine print for that -- it is normally specified along with information about the type of room and rate. If it is NOT specified there, definitely read the fine print, because it may mean that you have to pay in full no matter how far in advance you cancel.
Jul 19th, 2013, 07:43 PM
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HT-
Why do you say that if you see Kyoto then no need to see Kamakura? Is that because one will have already seen sooo many temples in Kyoto? I will be starting my Nov. trip with 3 days in Tokyo. From there I will go to Hakone, Matsumoto/Kamikochi, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima. After one day taking the Shinkansen back from Hiroshima to Tokyo, I have one last full day that I am debating either spending in Tokyo or else visiting Kamakura. This is my first trip to Japan. Would appreciate your thoughts.
Thx
MB
Why do you say that if you see Kyoto then no need to see Kamakura? Is that because one will have already seen sooo many temples in Kyoto? I will be starting my Nov. trip with 3 days in Tokyo. From there I will go to Hakone, Matsumoto/Kamikochi, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima. After one day taking the Shinkansen back from Hiroshima to Tokyo, I have one last full day that I am debating either spending in Tokyo or else visiting Kamakura. This is my first trip to Japan. Would appreciate your thoughts.
Thx
MB
Jul 23rd, 2013, 07:03 AM
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MB,
Sorry, I did not see your question till now. Yes, too many temples and you will have seen a few already. Although I did not realize you were visiting in the fall and if you do have extra time on that last day there may be interesting fall colors in that area at that time (depending on your dates in Nov). The later in Nov the better for that part of the country. If late in November I might head out a little west to Showa Kinen Koen Park in Tachikawa, rent a bike and have a fabulous fall day in what I consider Tokyo's best park for entertainment and either cherry blossoms in the spring or fall colors in mid to late November.
Aloha!
Sorry, I did not see your question till now. Yes, too many temples and you will have seen a few already. Although I did not realize you were visiting in the fall and if you do have extra time on that last day there may be interesting fall colors in that area at that time (depending on your dates in Nov). The later in Nov the better for that part of the country. If late in November I might head out a little west to Showa Kinen Koen Park in Tachikawa, rent a bike and have a fabulous fall day in what I consider Tokyo's best park for entertainment and either cherry blossoms in the spring or fall colors in mid to late November.
Aloha!
Jul 23rd, 2013, 07:04 AM
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MB
gomen nasai, should have included this link for you
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/koyo12/121113.html
gomen nasai, should have included this link for you
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/koyo12/121113.html
Jul 23rd, 2013, 07:28 AM
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MinnBeef -- I'm not sure I agree that you will have seen "too many temples" if I've understood your plan correctly. I saw MANY more than you will have seen given the itinerary you posted above, I spent part of my last few days in Tokyo seeing more temples and shrines, and I never stopped wanting to see more!!!
I seem to remember that you really enjoyed the mosques in Turkey, and also the places where you could experience nature a bit -- those recollections make me think that you would want to spend more, rather than less, time at temples and shrines. But maybe I've misunderstood your question or your interests or your experience in Turkey.....
You might want to consider starting a new thread (or elevating an old one) to get feedback on this issue.
I seem to remember that you really enjoyed the mosques in Turkey, and also the places where you could experience nature a bit -- those recollections make me think that you would want to spend more, rather than less, time at temples and shrines. But maybe I've misunderstood your question or your interests or your experience in Turkey.....
You might want to consider starting a new thread (or elevating an old one) to get feedback on this issue.
