Japan Trip Delayed

Old Oct 21st, 2016, 04:18 PM
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Japan Trip Delayed

Looks like necessary surgery will delay my long planned trip to Japan; original departure date Oct 25. The trip was booked with miles so, fortunately, I can make changes with some degree of ease.

My concern is whether to plan the trip another four weeks out, departing Nov 27.

Looking at weather history, I think it will be quite a bit cooler and there will be a lot more rain in some areas (and I don't love cold weather). There's about an hour less daylight, per day.

I had very much looked forward to "koyo". Anyone have personal experience at this time of year?

Original plans included Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Kanazawa and Niigata.
Kyoto should be OK. I'm concerned that Hakone might look very "winter without the snow", a little depressing; same for Niigata. Strangely it snowed mid-March when I was in Tokyo in 2014 so I'm aware nothing is a given.

What would you do? Is the encroaching winter weather a big enough factor to postpone the trip until a more ideal time? Thanks for any thoughts or personal experience!
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 04:51 PM
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Only you can make that call, as all of our opinions won't matter a damn if you think you should do otherwise. When I visited Japan in Nov. 2013, Kyoto was probably just shy of peak in most locations during my time there in the middle of the month. Miyajima had to be at full peak. I don't believe much in Tokyo had even started to turn. And yes, Hakone was well past peak. But koyo is just one thing to enjoy in Japan, so if you're talking about waiting a whole additional year, I'd go in late November. Life it too short and we never know what's down the road.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 04:59 PM
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How long a stay are you doing? I am planning a 2 to 3 week trip to Japan. I've never been there, it is expensive and takes a long time to get there, so would like to spend some time looking around.

I'm a photog and will be based in Tokyo and take day trips around. I just got back from 8 days in NYC and it was plenty for my photo work. I shot 16 - 8 GB cards. But I expect I will need more time in Japan.

Regarding winter?

Cold weather never bothered me in Europe. I took warm clothes for my trips. Although 30's F was my limit. Back in the day I used to travel to Europe in the cold season for $290 to $310 RT, so I figured I was being paid for dealing with the cold.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 05:49 PM
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I think MinnBeef captured my thoughts quite well, except I don't have his experience of Japan during koyo (I visited in May). Your call!

Some questions you might consider:
- Will the more limited daylight hours affect your plans, and if so, how?
- Will the number of days you have on the ground be the same or not? I don't remember seeing your itinerary, but I could be wrong, and of course, its up to you whether to share it or not -- but I think we would be better able to comment if we knew your plans in a bit more detail.
- Were there any special events (other than koyo) that you planned to attend, or would you have different opportunities under various delay options?
- How do you expect the surgery to affect your experience of a trip? Will you have limitations, or be worried about them? Will your doctor clear you for travel? Will you choose different insurance than you normally would?
- If you defer a trip to Japan, would you try to go somewhere else at this time, or would you defer your travel entirely? Have you considered other destinations? If you defer a trip now, what (if anything) will that mean to future travel plans?

I'm sure you've already considered these, and many other, questions. I'm just throwing them out in case they help.

Most importantly, best wishes for the surgery and please, take care of yourself!
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 09:04 PM
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Four weeks out from surgery seems like you are putting pressure on yourself. You may not feel up to going, or if you are far away, and have a problem, that's not good either.

Award tickets are generally good for one year from the ticketing date, so maybe you can wait and see how you are feeling. Can you plan on going in the spring? It might give you something to look forward to. If you have to reinstate your miles, then you simply pay a fee. In the past, they have waived the reinstatement fee for medical emergencies, but all the airlines are getting tougher.

Hope all goes well for you.
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 12:11 AM
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I can't answer most of your points, but I will say that when we went to Hakone this year, on 1st April, we didn't really see the all-year-round beauty that people talk about as most of the trees were bare and everything was a bit dull and beige. I think what people mean is that in the peak of each of the four seasons, it is beautiful - in winter when there is snow on the ground, in spring once the new leaves and flowers have covered the trees, in summer when everything is lush and green, or in autumn when the autumn colours are on display but before leaves have fallen... But that long stretch of bare trees is less attractive.
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Old Oct 31st, 2016, 05:47 PM
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My apologies for not responding until now. I read and greatly appreciate the thoughtful replies.

Surgery was last Friday and I'm pleased with my progress. Fingers crossed that I'll be traveling at the end of November.

From "do it- you never know what will happen" (a great attitude!), to those suggesting I take particular care of myself, I found it wonderful that you each took time to respond to a stranger with concerns. Despite the fact I wasn't completely clear what those concerns were!

It appears the weather will be cooler and days shorter, but I believe we'll have a little color left on the trees and some Illuminations to compensate for what might otherwise be lacking.

And if I continue to move forward with my healing, we'll depart for Japan November 26.

Thanks so much for the encouragement and kindness.
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Old Oct 31st, 2016, 05:54 PM
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Oh that is so wonderful. I hope you have a great time.
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Old Oct 31st, 2016, 06:04 PM
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Excellent! Continued good wishes for both health and travel.
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Old Oct 31st, 2016, 06:08 PM
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Glad to hear you're on the mend! Here's hoping you make it on Nov. 26th. Looking forward to reading your trip thoughts and/or report upon your return.
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Old Nov 2nd, 2016, 07:39 AM
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I distinctly remember landing in Tokyo in October on my first visit and !!sweating!! in my US clothes (long sleeves) until able to check into our hotel. I don't remember November being so cold, just wearing a light sweater in most areas we traveled to, unless way up in the mountains.
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