Can anyone suggest a great place to go outside of Tokyo for a day only? I'd love to go to Kyoto, but it is very expensive to get there(US$540 RT for two). Thanks in advance if you can help,

Kurt

Ooops. I've been drinking too much Port wine. I have already posted this question. Sorry! Please feel free to respond tho'

Kurt

Hi, I have a post on my family travel blog about going to Yokohama that you might find interesting. It's geared to kids but anyone might enjoy it, and it's a quicker day trip than many others.

Here's the link: http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Seafarer/...-yokohama.html

Have a good time, Sheila

Thank you Sheila, I appreciate your recommendation. I will make sure to leave a trip report when I come back. Thanks again

Just for the record the cost would be about $487 rt for two at today's exchange rate. That's reserved seats on the Nozomi shinkansen.

My guess is that the $540 number was arrived at using the easy math exchange rate of 100 yen per dollar. But the actual rate is better than that.

After doing the easy 100Y/$ subract another 10% from price to get a more accurate conversion.

I think you can get a 10% discount from ticket resellers. Still, at well over $400 it would be a high cost for a day trip.

I would go to Kamakura, especially if you can't go to Kyoto. It is fairly small (nice change from Tokyo), located on the water, and filled with shrines, little parks, shops, and traditional wooden houses that wind through the hills. I think it took us under an hour by train. Almost forgot, it's famous for its giant Buddha.

I'd also suggest Kamakura. Easy to get there, and a pleasant walk between the many temples. Good food in town, too.

I've understood there's a Japanese saying that goes something along the lines of "Once you see Kyoto, you can never go back to Kamakura again." But I'm one of the rare people who prefers Kamakura to Kyoto! I love the history of the city, the temples (the serenity of Engaku-Ji in particular) & shrines, etc.

Mind you, I love Yokohama too & have had some great meals in Chinatown, but if you want to see something you definitely won't see in Tokyo (and have an interest in ancient Japanese culture) I'd suggest Kamakura, especially on a weekday.

Thank you so much gals/guys! Kamakura is sounding better everyday.

Katt58, I am currently in Tokyo staying in Roppongi Hills, Kamakura sounds really great, do you remember which train line you took? Also have gone to Yokohama, "Chinatown" was just OK, lots and lots of restaurants, had lunch at one and it was just wonderful, can't remember name, but it was opposite a small park with a gezzebo in front. I love getting lost in the Ginza, going up and down all the side streets and alleys