Japan Itinerary Help Needed

Old Jun 22nd, 2017, 09:33 PM
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Japan Itinerary Help Needed

We are planning at trip to Japan, arriving 12/27 and returning on 1/4, for a total of 8 nights. It will be chilly but that is when my husband is able to travel! I have never been there and I'm just starting to plan this. Some questions about itinerary as well as basic info from experts on this forum:

1. How long to stay in Tokyo and which section would be best

2. How long to stay in Kyoto, which looks lovely

3. Is there a day trip or two we could do from Tokyo

4. We should get the JR pass, right?

6. What are ways to save money on food??

7. Where should we spend New Years Eve? Are there fireworks displays in either Tokyo or Kyoto?

8. Our flight leaves at 5 pm from Tokyo. Could we possibly leave Kyoto and go straight to the airport?

9. I've heard it's confusing to take the trains as there are no English signs, but is there an app or online tool that makes it easier?

10. Would want to see Mt Fuji. How might that be done as well?

I know we don't have a ton of time there, but I figure if we are smart in creating an itinerary, we can at least see the highlights and get to know Japan a bit!

Thank you so very much for any help you might be able to offer!! Any and all answers are appreciated!
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Old Jun 22nd, 2017, 10:57 PM
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I've never been at that time of year, so can't comment on any special considerations because of that.

With just 8 nights - that's only 7 full days - I think you are right to focus on just Tokyo and Kyoto. You may be pushing it to also try and include Fuji but it's up to you and your priorities.

As to how long to spend in each, you need to do some research on which attractions and aspects of both cities appeal to your personal interests - you've not shared those here so it's difficult for us to advise.

I recommend you spend a lot of time at japan-guide.com to get a good feel for the two cities.

Did you already book your return ticket into and out of Tokyo or do you have the option to make it an open jaw (into Tokyo and out of Kansai)?

To work out whether the Japan Rail Pass would make sense for you, use Hyperdia.com to price the cost of tickets for the train journeys you plan to make and see if the total comes to more or less than the cost of the JR Pass. If it's marginal, I'd err on side of getting the pass as it's convenient and you might also use it here and there on local JR trains. Otherwise, pay the individual tickets individually.

If you can provide more information about your likes and dislikes, your travel style, your budget (not just high, mid or budget, as those terms are meaningless to an international audience where one person's budget equals another's splurge), what kind of food you like etc.

Personally, even though trains and transport run like clockwork in Japan, I would not risk travelling back to Tokyo and directly to the airport myself. If you do have return flights to Tokyo (which is what I usually book), I'd split your Tokyo time between start and end of the trip, sandwiched around 4-5 nights in Kyoto.
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Old Jun 22nd, 2017, 11:17 PM
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Sounds like you need to do some research! The best single source of on-line information I know for planning time in Japan is japan-guide.com – do spend some time with it, even if it isn’t perfect!

1. Depends on your interests. See http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html
2. Depends on your interests. See http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html
3. Many – depends on your interests. See the site linked in to Q1, scroll down.
4. Perhaps.
5. No Q 5
6. See http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html
7. I don’t know.
8. I would not.
9. You have not heard correctly. Most stations in Japan, at least in Tokyo and Kyoto and other major tourist destinations, have extensive English signage. See http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2019.html
10. No guarantees, as Fuji-san is not always visible. For some options, see http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6933.html

As Kavey noted, do consider options for flying into Narito (or Haneda) and out of Kansai (or Osaka) or vice versa. Once you count the cost of backtracking, it is often more economical, and with a trip of this duration, saviing time might matter more than saving every possible dollar.

Please feel free to come bck to us when you have done some of your own research. The good news is that you have time to do so!
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 05:29 AM
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Lots of good advice, with which I agree. I, personally, prefer Kyoto to Tokyo, but your interests may be different.

I have found the Tokyo subway system annoying, because it is run by separate entities, but the rail system is excellent and easy to use. I have never found the JR Pass cost-effective, but you need to cost your specific trip at hyperdia to see whether it will work for you.

Fuji-san is notoriously fugitive, I would not base an itinerary for such a short trip on the hope of seeing it. There is more than enough to see in Tokyo and Kyoto, especially with day trips, to fill the time you have.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 06:41 AM
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You need to go to japan-guide.com and hyperdia.com and get research. As for the particular questions, YOU HAVE PROVIDED ABSOLUTELY NO INFORMATION ABOUT YOU, YOUR NIGHTLY LODGING BUDGET, AND YOUR INTERESTS, and therefore many of the questions are unanswerable. There is no universal one-size-fits-all answer to any of your questions.

So, doing the best we can with what little you have provided, here goes:

1. How long to stay in Tokyo and which section would be best

As long as is feasible for your interests. Tokyo is one of the largest and busiest cities in the world. There is no best area. There are many areas that could be feasible (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ginza, Asakusa, Roppongi Hills, Akihabara) but the where is highly dependent upon what you want to see and how much you're willing to shell out.

2. How long to stay in Kyoto, which looks lovely

Kyoto's great. Your time is limited. You can do a 3/5 split in Kyoto's favor or a 4/4 split or whatever. We lean toward Kyoto.

3. Is there a day trip or two we could do from Tokyo

Of course there are.

4. We should get the JR pass, right?

Not necessarily for a Tokyo-Kyoto trip. The Japanican RT ticket will be less expensive than a JR pass by about 6000 yen and your incidental JR rides may not make up the difference. Plus the Japanican offer lets you ride the fastest train from Tokyo-Kyoto (and back).

6. What are ways to save money on food??

WTH does this mean? Eating in Japan is NOT expensive. And there are innumerable food purveyors in the major cities. The easiest way to save money is limit your intake. But really, unless you're trying to eat at Michelin-starred restaurants, you won't have to spend big bucks.

7. Where should we spend New Years Eve? Are there fireworks displays in either Tokyo or Kyoto?

Wherever you prefer. According to Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, Tokyo has fireworks. Kyoto probably does too - it is not a dang village; if it were in the US, it would be the 6th or 7th largest city (around the size of Philly or Phoenix).

8. Our flight leaves at 5 pm from Tokyo. Could we possibly leave Kyoto and go straight to the airport?

Yes. Japanese trains run more like clockwork than your own watch.

9. I've heard it's confusing to take the trains as there are no English signs, but is there an app or online tool that makes it easier?

Who told you that? Whoever it was is an idiot. English is the second language in Japan.

Getting out of Shinjuku station is confusing, but that's because it's a labyrinth.

10. Would want to see Mt Fuji. How might that be done as well?

Can't miss it riding from Tokyo to Kyoto on the train unless there's fog or cloudiness. Check japan-guide.com for more options.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 12:17 PM
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Couple of things I forgot to mention on the food issue.

Bento boxes - good value.

Department stores and food courts. Ditto.

Kyoto station has a good choice of places to eat on the top floors.

I don't happen to like noodles, but if you do there are lots of inexpensive places to eat.

On the other hand, you can spend a great deal of money on one meal, if you choose.

"Can't miss it riding from Tokyo to Kyoto on the train unless there's fog or cloudiness" - as there was for my train ride. There was also what would have been an excellent view from Kamakura, except the mountain was only vaguely visible through the clouds.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 03:23 PM
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I never knew one could sometimes see Mt. Fuji from Kamakura! I certainly didn't see it when I was there (and I paid attention to the views) -- I'm glad I didn't know enough to have been disappointed. ;-)
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 04:40 PM
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Well, I didn't see it from the middle of town. After I viewed the Great Buddha I walked down to the waterfront and then headed west along the coast. From checking the map I would say I saw it from a park just west of Cape Inamuragasaki and then had coffee and took the train back. I was really surprised, but I checked with some locals who said yes, it was Fuji-san.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 04:59 PM
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I walked along that coast before visiting the Great Buddha, looking east and west and every which way, and although I wasn't looking for it, I saw nothing that would have made me ask. I just checked my pictures, and confirmed a heavy cloud bank over land -- I remember thinking that it's edge paralleled the shore. Although the clouds had a few shifting holes, they were just enough to let in a few rays of sun here or there -- nothing that would have allowed a view into the distance. But a quick look at the map suggests that it should, indeed, have been Fuji-san. I'm glad you got to see that glimpse, thursdaysd!
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 05:11 PM
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Thanks! It made up some for not seeing it from the train on the previous trip, although it was still quite indistinct. However, I saw a mountain in Chile that was just as beautiful, so that made me feel better - https://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/.../Puerto-Varas/
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Old Jun 23rd, 2017, 05:32 PM
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@ thursdaysd: You have a terrible habit of adding to my list of desired travel destinations, which is already too long! ;-) Glorious view -- thanks for sharing it!
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Old Jun 26th, 2017, 08:41 AM
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Thank you all so much for your suggestions! Looks like I have a lot more research to do (all part of the fun of traveling!!) I've created itineraries several times for Europe but this is our first foray into Asia, which is very exciting! Maybe we'll just have to extend our trip by a few days. Though it's a small country, there is so much to see.

After seeing your feedback, I've added some info and a few other questions, if you don't mind taking the time to answer.


About us - We are definitely budget travelers! We like a deal and we don't mind 3 star or even 2 star accommodations as long as they're clean and the beds don't hurt our backs!!We are a couple in our 50s who will be traveling with our 14 year old. I think the Harajuku section might be fun for our daughter to see. Any thoughts? Tokyo seems overwhelming to me because of all the different sections, which is why I asked about where to stay there. Any can't be missed section is all I'm looking for - and something that a teenage girl in particular would enjoy! Also, I like off the beaten path ideas, such as staying in a buddhist temple, which I hear is expensive. If any of you know of one that is reasonable in Kyoto maybe, I would appreciate a recommendation.


Food - As far as food goes, we have friends that just went to Japan and said a small burger is $12.00 and it's something I've heard many times over the years! We do love noodles and it's good to know that simple food like that would not be exorbitant!! We don't mind splurging though on a once-in-a-lifetime, unique dining experience. Any thoughts on the robot dinner???!!!! Or something unique like that?? My husband loves sushi and I hope we can assume that sushi is relatively inexpensive there (like a few tuna rolls, or something like that! Again, we don't mind blowing the budget one night on something special!!)


New Years - I heard back from a hotel in Tokyo that there are no fireworks, which is fine. They also said that New Years Eve day everything would be closed, so suggestions as to where to go would be great!! I hope New Years Day that shops and restaurants are open! We aren't much into shopping and wouldn't mind going somewhere for a day trip on one of those days.


English - I have friends who said nothing is in English, but there's always Google translate. I saw on another thread that you can get free guides who want to practice their English. We will definitely consider arranging that.


Flights - I've checked out flying into Tokyo and flying out of Osaka but the price difference was pretty substantial. I'll recheck and crunch some numbers to see if it might be worth paying more and maybe not even getting a JR pass.

Thank you so much!!
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Old Jun 26th, 2017, 12:52 PM
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Yes, the small burger probably was $12, but WHY would you order a burger in Japan? Eat the local food. You can get truly excellent beef in Japan (think kobe and wagyu), but it a waste to make it into a burger, and it is always expensive.

WRT accommodation, I stay in business class hotels like Toyoko and Dormy Inns, but while they work well for singles, perhaps not so much for families. If you are OK with sleeping on the floor, you may find Japanese style rooms work out cheaper. In Tokyo I chose to stay in the Asakusa region, in the expectation it would be quieter, but that is perhaps less interesting for a teen. (I stayed here: http://www.f-kamogawa.jp/english/ )

Unless you get off the main tourist trail, which it doesn't sound like you are doing, you don't have to worry too much about the language.
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Old Jun 26th, 2017, 04:04 PM
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I found sleeping in tatami surprisingly comfortable, but many people do not, so you might want to stay in a Western-style room and pay careful attention to comments about beds, mattresses, and sleep comfort.

The place that most people go to stay in a temple is Koyasan, which doesn’t fit into your itinerary very well and which can be expensive. There do seem to be other options, though I can’t speak to them at all. Here’s some information:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2025_temple_lodgings.html

You can eat in Japan at any price point. Like thursdaysd, I’d say nix the burger.

Most young people will speak English. Many older people understand at least some English, though they may be reluctant to acknowledge it for fear of misunderstanding. English signage is fairly ubiquitous in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other major tourist destinations. I managed very well in Japan without a translating app.

The Japanese National Tourism Organization coordinates free volunteer guides – “Goodwill guides” -- who are generally knowledgeable and happy to guide you in return for practicing their English – which can be excellent, but it is a bit of a luck-of-the-draw.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/tr...deservice.html
You pay any entrance fees and his/her meal if your time with the guide includes one. Do NOT tip these guides, or anyone else in Japan.

When checking your flight options, I trust you are checking “multi-city” options, not separate one-ways?

For your continuing research, note that you can type just about anything into the “search” box at the upper right of the japan-guide.com website. It’s not a perfect site, IMO, but OMG, it offers a wealth of information!

Hope that helps!
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Old Jun 26th, 2017, 08:09 PM
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Definitely have a hamburger in Japan.

Go to MOS BURGER where you can get a burger for US $3.50 and have an authentic Japanese fast food dining experience with a bunch of young people on their cell phones.

http://mos.jp/menu/global/english/?_...711.1498539550
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Old Jun 26th, 2017, 08:13 PM
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My reply to a "where to eat inexpensively in Japan?" question got put into the Fodor's Japan guidebook. It went something like this: If you see a place with a bunch of you guys chowing down, go there.
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Old Jun 27th, 2017, 02:49 AM
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@mrwunrfl - are you saying "go where the tourists go"???
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Old Jun 27th, 2017, 07:05 AM
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We're kind of budget travelers too so when we went to Tokyo and Kyoto we stayed in the following accommodations: hostel (8 person mixed dorm), hotel, capsule hotel, and a ryokan. We like deals (who doesn't?) but we don't mind splurging on something that looks interesting like the ryokan experience.

The food was pretty expensive but we balanced things out by getting breakfast and snacks at Family Mart.

We applied for a Japan Rail Pass to save some money on our Tokyo-Kyoto journey and JR trains while in Tokyo. The whole system is a little confusing because separate companies run trains from the same stations. There are station names in English - as long as you know the destination and direction you're going it should be pretty standard. Employees are pretty helpful, too. We stood looking at a map for a really long time and a station agent magically appeared to walk us through the whole process. Alternatively, you can ask other patrons for help though most of them will claim their English is bad even though we could understand them easily.

Here's a trip report I wrote with photos, our itinerary, and recommendations:
https://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2014...and-kyoto.html

Enjoy trip planning!
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Old Jun 27th, 2017, 07:49 AM
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Am saying go where Japanese go when they want inexpensive food.

>> If you see a place with a bunch of you guys chowing down, go there.

s/b: If you see a place with a bunch of young guys chowing down, go there.

I was thinking of a noodle shop when I made that comment.
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Old Jun 27th, 2017, 11:53 AM
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@mrwunrfl thank you so much for the specific food suggestions! My husband is a big burger connoisseur (lol) and I'm sure would love to experience a Japanese burger with the locals! See where the young Japanese guys eat - that makes perfect sense!

@lindygirl I will definitely check out your itinerary and thank you for understanding our need for budget travel and for the specifics about train travel.


@kjo - Yes I'm checking multi-city. So far, looks like the difference in open jaw is equal to the cost of the JR Pass. thank your for the info about guides as well as the link! Thanks for your rec about using japan-guide.

For New Years, a hotel responded back to me that many Japanese traditionally go to Senoji Temple on New Years Day.

Again, any special splurges for dinners would be appreciated if any come to mind!
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