<BR>Hello everyone,<BR><BR>As I'm unemployed ( one of those cutting cost thing ), I'm taking advantage of days off and 4 night package trip to Tokyo from New York. I'm wondering if 4 days are enough to see places in Tokyo. Unfortunately, I can't extend my trip ( airline policy ) further. Please would someone help me what are the things i can squeeze in my four day tour ? Please advise what are the must see and do in Tokyo..<BR>I will be staying in Shunjuku-ku area. Thanks in advance.

<BR>When will you be going? Where in Shinjuku?<BR>You could get a JR East pass.<BR>Use it for the Narita Express, some trains in Tokyo, and for trains for day trips elsewhere, like Nikko.<BR>I recommend going down to Hakone, getting the Hakone Free Pass (not free) and take the tour circuit to see Fuji-san (by bus, boat, cable car, inclined train, and RR train). <BR><BR>You can get there on Japan Rail using the JR pass, but it would involve a couple of train changes. There is a direct &quot;Romance Car&quot; train from Shinjuku on a different company. Buy a ticket to get to get there and then use your JR pass to get back to Tokyo (with a detour to Kamakura, as time and energy allow). You should also visit an onsen (a hot springs spa).<BR><BR>Here are some sites to check:<BR>www.japanrail.com<BR>www.jnto.go.jp<BR>w ww.SUMO.or.jp<BR><BR>I took the N'Ex from the airport to Shinjuku. Shinjuku is said to be the busiest train station in the world with 2 million people passing through each day. <BR>When I arrived, at the peak of the PM rush hour, I think all 2 million were there.<BR><BR>

Bonjour Gautham,<BR><BR>There is a LOT to be seen and done in Tokyo, and a lifetime wouldn't be enough. You might get a copy of &quot;Tokyo for Free&quot; by S. Pompian (Kodansha) for ideas of what to see, do, and taste for the price of a subway ticket.<BR><BR>In 4 days, you can have a taste of traditional areas/culture, contemporary lifestyle, shopping, and a daytrip to either Fuji area or Nikko.<BR><BR>I'm not sure the price of a railpass would be worth it, considering the price of the regular fares inside and around Tokyo if you don't use the Shinkansen. Nikko and Hakone are best reached through private lines, not JR.

Bill and Florence- Thanks alot for your valuable suggestions. I'm going in next week and staying in Keio Plaza hotel. I heard it's very close to Shinjuko station. Since I do not have much time, I have decided ( ofcourse can change ) to go to either Kamakura or Hakone taking private lines as suggested. Also planning to take Narita E'press instead Airport Limousine to get to Hotel to save time. Any more suggestions are welcome. Thanks again.

<BR>You might check out the japanrail web page and look for the JR East passes for 4 days and 5 days in Japan. I'm mentioning this again because it can cover the cost of the Narita Express. And because I love riding trains.<BR><BR>I can recommend a nice onsen in Yumoto (as part of a Hakone trip). Go left on the street in front of the station and stand on the bridge to catch the free shuttle. It has a sauna in addition to the water (basically it was clay oven!).<BR><BR>You can take the Narita Express al the way to Shinjuku. There are (at least) two other railroad companies there Odakyu and Keio (these in addition to the JR lines and subway lines). The Odakyu company runs the Romance Car to Hakone. <BR><BR>Florence mentioned taking a private line to Nikko. I wouldn't be surprised to learn you can catch the train at Shinjuku (instead of going to Tokyo Eki).<BR><BR>You would take the Keio line to Fuchu to get to the Tokyo Race Course (horses) if you are into that.<BR><BR>I didn't look at the Narita Express schedule for returning to the airport. It didn't run as frequently as I expected. I got a bus at the Shinjuku Hilton. It drove over to the station, by the Keio &amp; Odakyu entrances, I think. Then it went on to the airport. I was very happy with this because I got to see more of the city. Some really good views and the city just went on and on. It wasn't until I left, on that bus, that I really began to grasp how immense the city is.<BR><BR>The Hilton has a shuttle to the station, but it was a bit inconvenient when returning. By the name, Keio Plaza, it sounds like you'll be right on top of it.<BR><BR>My pointing you away from Tokyo is not a knock on the city.<BR><BR>

I'm from Canada but Tokyo is like my second home! You'll love it there, if you don't mind the crowds too much. The people are so kind and helpful. As for sightseeing, Mt. Fuji is a must. It's breathtaking just driving by it! You might want to check out Tokyo Tower (in Roppongi) on a clear day. Yoyogi Park is the biggest and most beautiful park in Tokyo. If you're into clubbing, there are a few good clubs in Roppongi that are frequented by foreigners. Lexington Queen, Lanai, and GasPanic are a few of them. If you're into souvenir shopping, Ueno and Harajuku are great for cheaper shopping. Omote-Sando is a beautiful area for shopping, eating or just walking around. The whole street is lined with huge leafy trees. There's so much to do in Tokyo but it depends on your interests. Feel free to email me if you have any questions!

I wish I could stay longer in Japan. Obviously, there is so much to see and experience. As I have only four nights to spend, I'm wondering if I can cover both Kamakura and Hakone in one day ?<BR>I'm thinking of covering Kamakura half day and half day and night over Hakone and back to Tokyo next day morning. Would that be feasible ?<BR>Bill - You recommended Onsen Yumoto, what's the name of it ?<BR><BR>I will be reaching Narita by 5 pm, if I take Limousine Bus I would get a chance to see City in evening as suggested by Bill. I guess it's a good idea. I can always take Narita express back to airport- experiencing both.

<BR>You can certainly visit Fuji-san from Tokyo on a day trip. And there are day tours for Kamakura that might include a stop elsewhere (maybe/maybe not Fuji-san).<BR><BR>Oh, ok, you're willing to overnight, away from Shinjuku. In that case, I will describe what I did.<BR><BR>I bought a Romance Car ticket to Odawara and then JR Pass to Yumoto. Then a bus to a guest house. Told the bus driver which stop I wanted and paid attention to the recorded voice anouncing each stop.<BR>Then checking with the driver again before I got off. I was not-quite-paranoid because I was arriving at night, probably on the last bus of the day (around 9PM or so).<BR><BR>One proprietor has two guest houses in Hakone. One of them is the Moto-Hakone Guest House. I stayed at the other one. Very inexpensive by Japanese standards. A futon on the floor and shared bath.<BR><BR>I stayed two nights in Hakone, one night more than necessary. First day, took the tour circuit, ending in Yumoto where I visited the onsen (I will try to find the name tomorrow). Then back to my lodgings.<BR><BR>Next day I did the tour circuit again, ending in Yumoto. Then JR to Odawara and got help at a tourist info office just outside the station. The man in the office was very helpful and escorted me outside after we got my itinerary set. I said &quot;domo arrigato gozaimashita&quot; and quickly turned to be on my way. As I turned, I think I noticed that he was bowing. I greatly regret having just continued on my way.<BR><BR>JR from Odawara, change of trains, and I was in Kamakura. Then a short light-rail trip with a few dozen schoolkids in their uniforms. Then a walk to the Buddah in the garden (go inside because you can, for 2 yen). A stop for crepes on the walk back, the rail trip back to the Eki.<BR><BR>Caught a differnt JR line, changed trains, and was back at Odawara. Crossed the platform and immediately boarded another train to Atami. City bus to an onsen, got a bit lost, so I had them call a taxi for my return to the JR station.<BR>JR to Odawara and a JR Kodama shinkansen to Tokyo and a JR subway line to Shinjuku. Too late for the Hilton shuttle bus.<BR><BR>It was quite a bit of travelling for a day, but I really enoyed it. Even I thought it might be a bit too much, but the transfers were quite amazingly efficient.<BR><BR>There might be a JR bus to/from NRT. If so, it is probably covered by the JR East pass. japanrail.com<BR><BR>Do call the JNTO and they will send you all the tourist info you need, including a JR schedule jnto.go.jp<BR><BR>On the way from Odawara to Kamakura three or four little kids and a woman boarded the train. The kids sat around me. The bold little girl asked me, in English, &quot;Where are you from?&quot; &quot;What is your name&quot;? &quot;What do you?&quot; [do?] The woman smiled. The other kids were in awe and amazed at their friend, and, of course, they giggled. Priceless.<BR><BR>If you'd like to know what I enjoyed most about Japan, see the first photo on my pic post page: http://www.geocities.com/billkdotorg/<BR><BR>If I don't get back to you on the onsen in Yumoto, then try asking:<BR>Onsen no basu wa doko des ka?<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

<BR>Hoping that you will check out my pix, here is a brief guide:<BR><BR>Tokyo: Meiji Shrine<BR>Kyoto: Ginkakuji and Todaiji<BR>Matsuyama: Dogo Onsen and the Castle<BR>Ferry to Hiroshima<BR>Fukuoka: SUMO! Oh, yes.<BR>Nara: great sites there and nearby<BR>Tokyo Race Course on both Japan Cup days<BR><BR>Shinjuku Odakyu station with Salvation Army playing and singing Christmas carols at the end of November. I got homesick.<BR><BR>Hakone: guest house and tour circuit.<BR>Yumoto: a blurry shot from the bridge<BR>Kamakura: Buddah (Buddha) has windows<BR>Outside the palace grounds in Tokyo<BR>Beijing and the Great Wall<BR><BR><BR>

Gautham....just a note on transportation<BR>from Narita to Tokyo.<BR><BR>There are several methods, train ,bus, etc.<BR><BR>Just to advise....perhaps some of the more frequent travellers could comment.<BR><BR>You can take a local, or an Express train. The local is about 1/2 the cost of the Express. It stops at more stops, and is &quot;open&quot; seating, instead of reserved seating.<BR><BR>Just as an example: Between Narita and Yokohama the local saved me almost $20.00 USD, and only took about 1/2 longer....Just passing along a thought.<BR><BR>

Having lived in Japan many years ago and LOVED it, 4 days will not even scratch the surface in Tokyo. You will be jet lagged and tired, but tough it out and make the most of your stay there. From Shinjuku, take the train to Kamakura to see the countryside along the way and to see the Giant Budda. A good 3/4 of a day trip and you will get a chance to see life outside of the city. You need to see the Imperial Palace area and Meiji shrine. You HAVE to visit the Ginza area, even if to just walk around and brouse and people watch. You may want to take the train to the port city of Yokohama and see Sankien gardens there. You can take a train anywhere from Shinjuku station...trains and subways are easy and wonderful...whatever you do, have a wonderful time in Japan...it is VERY expensive...but you will LOVE it!!

Thanks Bill, Russell, Monica and Leslie for the info. As Russell indicated you could save half the price by taking Keisei Skyliner train from/to airport. <BR>Ofcourse, have to change trains too.<BR>Check &quot;http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetud...ndex.htm&quot; to Shinjuku.<BR>I wish I could stay longer. As per tour package policy, I can't extend my trip. Seems like I have to make another trip to cover other parts of the city and country. Perhaps, I can take advantage of Asia Pass if I do not get job anytime soon <BR>Only thing that bothers me is sitting in plane for 14 hours.<BR>Bill- &quot;Onsen no basu wa doko des ka?&quot;<BR>

Bonjour Gautham,<BR><BR>The (IMO) best way to Shinjuku if you take the Skyliner would be to stop at Nippori station and change to the JR Yamanote line (loop line) to Shinjuku, Nippori being much smaller than Ueno and the two lines meeting there (you'll avoid having to walk from Keisei to the main Ueno station). One caveat: <BR>- make sure you board the Yamanote and not the other local line (next stations should be in order Nishi-Nippori, Tabata, and Komagome - it is always possible to disembark and come back with the same ticket if you're on the wrong train ;-) <BR><BR>Don't plan too much, ask the TIC in Narita and Shinjuku for ideas (pity to miss an ongoing festival because you're already set on seeing Mt Fuji: Fuji will still be there on you next visit, the festival ? )

Florence, What festival is that ? Where is it ? Merci.

I was speaking figuratively. I don't know if there will be a particular festival while you're there, but if there is one, the TIC will know, and it might prove more interesting than visiting Fuji area in Winter ;-)

<BR>Gautham- I'll answer, in English, the question you asked me in Japanese: I already told you where the onsen's bus is! <BR><BR>Cross the street that is in front of the Yumoto station and turn left. You'll see the bridge ahead on the right. Walk on to the bridge 20 or 30 feet and wait. Hopefully, there will be someone there.<BR> <BR>Sorry, I couldn't find the name of that onsen. I doubt that there is more than one onsen in Yumoto with it's own shuttle basu. <BR><BR>Ask, with hands and &quot;onsen?&quot; and &quot;onsen doko?&quot; and &quot;onsen no basu?&quot; at the station, on the street, and on the bridge. If you get two answers that are the same then you'll probably find it.<BR>In any case, be calm &amp; patient.<BR><BR>There are several onsen in the Hakone area. After all, Fuji-san is a volcano. <BR>Which brings me to the following.<BR><BR>Florence- It's the other way around! Fuji-san could blow before Gautham returns. The Japanese are always going to have their festivals.<BR><BR>Here is a short nihongo lesson for your short trip:<BR><BR>In in words above and below, all the o's are long o's. Like in &quot;toe&quot; but shorter.<BR><BR>I'll list a couple phrases (in romajii) with the (pronunciation). Then I'll list their meaning and use.<BR><BR>1) Sumimasen (Sue me ma sen)<BR>2) Gomen nasai (Go men na sigh)<BR>3) Toire, doko? (Toe e reh, doe koe?)<BR>5) Arrigato gozaimashita<BR>Arreen gah toe go zye ma shtaa<BR><BR>1) Excuse me<BR>2) I'm sorry<BR>3) Toilet, where?<BR>4) Thank you (for what you have done)<BR><BR>You could/should use 1 and 2 (or both) on any encounter, even if you don't mean it.<BR><BR>Use 2 as necessary. Note that they are using an English word with an &quot;r&quot; instead of the &quot;l&quot; and with no &quot;t&quot; the end.<BR><BR>Use 3 often, as appropriate, to be polite (always a must). If you learn to say it as fast as you can, rolling the r's, and use the highest nasal voice you can muster, then they won't know you're not a local. lol!<BR><BR>Hoping the jet lag doesn't hit you until you're return. Have a great trip.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

<BR>Sumimasen. <BR>Gomen nasai. <BR><BR>I meant:<BR>Use 3 as necessary ...<BR>Use 5/4 often, as appropriate ...<BR><BR>Gomen nasai.<BR>Sumimasen.<BR>

We stayed for 4D3N in Tokyo. 1 nite in Shinjuku and the rest in Kayabacho. We didn't go to Mt. Fuji because there are so many things to see in Tokyo(and 4 days are not enough).<BR>I advised u to plan your journey very well. Get a good travel guide and start planning. Buses and cabs are not advisable because of traffic. Trains and subways are the most efficient mode of transport. There's JR(trains),Eidan and Toei(subway). We took advantage of their one-day pass. <BR>Recommended places to see in Tokyo:<BR>Odaiba - futuristic setting <BR>Sanrio Puroland <BR>Shibuya station - look for Hachiko statue and many eateries in this place though crowded<BR>Yoyogi park - inside is the Meiji Shrine <BR>Shinjuku - Tokyo Met.Govt. Office Observatory for pano view of Tokyo(Its free). Tokyo tower is a rip off(just take photos of it)<BR>Imperial Palace - seat of the emperor<BR>Ginza - advisable during nighttime and look for the Kabuki theatre(Kabukiza)<BR>Kaminarimon and Asahi Beer Factory - in Asakusa Station<BR>Tokyo Disneyland - Japanese speaking Disney characters.<BR>Tsukiji market -world's busiest fish market<BR>Guess what, I managed to squeeze all of this sights in my trip but its very hectic. <BR><BR> <BR><BR><BR><BR>

Hi again, Gautham!<BR><BR>I hope u can go around Springtime so u can see Ueno park with its cherry blossoms in profusion.<BR>Keio Plaza Intercon Hotel is just minutes from Tokyo Met. Govt. Office Observatories(magnificent view of Tokyo)and a long walk to Shinjuku station.<BR>More tips:<BR>1. When taking subways, take time to read those yellow boards upon stepping out of the sub. They are exit guides providing info on the nearest exit to your desired location. They are in English and Japanese. Shinjuku and Tokyo stations have NUMEROUS exits.<BR>2. When asking directions, talk to younger generat'n Japs.They can understand/talk a li'l bit of English) or look for Koban-san(police) to guide u. <BR>3. Bring along a Japanese phrasebook. <BR>4. Japan is a land of vending machines. <BR>Handy to have coins (1000 yen and 500yen). Check out those noodle shops where u place ur order in a vending machine.(The trick is the menu is in Japanese).<BR>5. Check these websites, tokyo essentials and go japan. Rough guide-Tokyo is my travel guide during our trip.<BR><BR>5. Have fun.<BR><BR>Tokyo is such an adventure. U get to see a different culture, unique infrastructure, disciplined/polite people and lots and lots more. U will have one incredible holiday. <BR><BR>

My husband and I just returned home from Japan and had a wonderful week around the New Years holiday. We spent a day and a half in the Fuji-Hakone area and I highly recommend the Fuji-Hakone guest house if you stay overnight in the area. They have an outdoor and an indoor onsen, Japanese style rooms, and an excellent Western style breakfast (fruit, bread, yogurt, egg). <BR>If you visit the area, definitely get the Hakone Free pass for transportation. <BR>In Tokyo, we really enjoyed staying in and visiting Asakusa; it has a great shrine and shopping area and feels more like old Tokyo. <BR>We also enjoyed eating shabu-shabu on our last evening. It is like a Japanese fondue of meat and vegetables with sauces for dipping. Very tasty. <BR>Have a great trip!