Budget suggestions for Japan
 

I would like to visit Japan in the fall when the leaves change color. Our budget for 2 people is $4,000. Is it possible to do Japan that cheaply? I would like to see Tokyo with a day trip to Nikko and another to Fuji and Hakone. We then would like to see Kyoto with a day trip to Nara. Is it possible for that price? I know package tours are pretty expensive but I met a guy who went for 3 weeks on less than $6,000 and our trip would be closer to the 10 day marker.

Sure, you can make Japan as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. By the way, doing all that you mentioned on a 10 day schedule is do-able but -very- rushed.

You usually have to pay per person for hotels in Japan. Check out the Japan Hotel Network for reasonable rates in many cities. I'm assuming the $4000 includes your plane ticket? You'll want to get a JR pass too (Definitely a good deal).

Nikko is lovely but there are two areas to see, one is the lake and waterfall and the other is the temple (origin of the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys). I think it will be difficult to do both on a day trip from Tokyo. If you have any questions about what to see when on a time limit in Tokyo, let me know.

Not counting airfare? Yes. Figure $130 a night for hotel, on average, and about $700 for a pair of JR passes. That's half the budget. With airfares of $700 each, that would leave you $60/day for food, subway tix, etc. for 10 days. You could find lower priced lodging, of course.

That doesn't sound rushed to me. Basing in Tokyo and Kyoto, basically. I suggest that you consider staying in Hakone/Yumoto overnight and visit an onsen. You'd a get a break from the high cost/small room Tokyo hotels.

The leaves were at their peak color in Kyoto around Nov 18, 2001, as this photo shows:

oops

as this photo of the top of Ginkaku-ji shows:
http://www.billk.org/image011.jpg

Sundays in November are "Memorial Days", or something, at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. Parents dress their children in traditional dress and visit the shrine.
Check out this cutie:
http://www.billk.org/image001.jpg
Grandfather was understandably proud of her and was flattered when I asked to take the shot, and we exchanged "domo arrigato gozaimas" after.

And traditional weddings at Meiji Shrine:
http://www.billk.org/image004.jpg

But, Eveningmerchant, I don't see anything about Japan on your site except for the photos of Japan which are not ready yet. Just trying to promote your site like you are doing on the European forum (nothing wrong with it since it is obviously not commercial) or am I missing something?

are there good traditional places to stay in toyko / kyoto etc?? (not american)