bkf

I am going to Japan next week and will overnite in Tokyo,and then head out to Kyoto for a couple of days and back to Tokyo while my husband works. We will move to the hotel Nikko which from all accounts may not be that convenient but the meetings are there. I am a seasoned European traveller but this is my first to Japan [my husband goes often]. My guess is I will be alone during the day for 5 days as no other western partners are attending. my plan is to use tours thru the hotel but am only mildly pleased with the prospect. I have gone off by myself in Bangkok but for some reason am more concerned about this time. any help would be great. Also Is trip to Nara from Kyoto worth the time?

Florence

Bonjour,<BR><BR>You have no reason to be afraid of being on your own in Japan. You'll be safe, transportation is plentiful and convenient, and there is a myriad things to see, from museums to department stores, from temples to specialty stores. The TIC (see addresses in Tokyo and Kyoto at www.jnto.go.jp) can give you lots of informations and suggest a great many things to visit and tours to take. <BR><BR>Visiting Nara is a must if you have the slightest interest in traditional architecture.<BR><BR>Have a safe and pleasant stay.

bkf

thanks....i am not so worried about safty as i am about missing something!My usual travel method is serious research mixed with a high dose of serandipity. This one has come up too soon to research like i want to and i love the wandering around the back streets part of travel.I am a bit insecure about getting lost but confident i will be found! My real fear is i won't know enough about where i am and i will walk past one of those "majic finds" that defy description but define travel. When i can translate i can cath them but here it will be pure visual luck.still what a visual it will be

bkf

Back from Japan and late posting! Took the train to the main station every day from the Nikko and picked up subway ....no problems at all. Subway is very easy to use but as crowded as NYC. By the way, the view of Tokyo bay at night from the hotel was extraordinary.<BR>Wandered around the Asakusa and found some antique hand painted kimonos, walked over to the restaurant supply district and saw every culinary tool ever made. worth the tripjust for the sheer variety. Sushi great of course but i really loved the pottery!<BR>thanks bkf

Myszk

<BR>I have not been in the Nikko hotel, just the other one across the street. You are in a very nice area of Tokyo. In fact one of my favorite areas. This is where my husband and I go to see movies or shop because the parking is here. I also love eating in the restaurants that over look central Tokyo, over the bay. <BR> The Nikko and surroundings are built on reclaimed land. In fact the whole island just opened about a little over two and a half years ago. You have the all women's mall, Venus Fort, that is sort of like Disney, in that it goes from day to night in about two hours. It has fountains in the middle and just fun to walk around. On the main floor, is the old car museum, that one can walk around and see for free.<BR>Across from this building, is the Toyota Show Rooms which is just fun to look at the cars and attractions. <BR>Walking through this building you will come to some rides. The Ferris Wheel is a fun one to get an all over view. <BR>There is a walkway over the expressways, from this area to the other side of the island. There are three more mall places over here. Lots of neat eating areas. <BR>You will also find the Science museum and Maritime Museum here on the island. They are both fun. <BR>From O'Daiba, the name of the Island your hotel is on, it is easy to get about anywhere using public transportation. You get on the overhead train, look for the blue stylized seagull logo, I don't have the spelling of the line in front of me, something like the Yurikamome Line, that makes its last stop in Shimbushi. From there you can hook up to most of the lines easily. If you would like more specifics on what to see or do in the city, please email me, and I will send you exact directions on where and what to see in Tokyo etc. Myszka

oops

It is a good idea to read the other replies before answering!