Thanks for your comments on my trip report. (And yes, it was long!) Regarding taking pictures of people, like others, I always asked if it was ok - unless at a distance and using the telephoto. During the "monk parade" I did take photos without asking. Many tourists were lined up doing so. Asking wouldn't have been practical. As to how they felt about it, I don't know - except to say it happens every day and I'm certain there are tourists taking photos every day. I thought about it and guessed they found it mildly annoying but just part of the scene. I was careful not to get too close - and because I had a 10x zoom on my camera, didn't have to. I found that kids usually loved having their pictures taken - and wanted to see the result! Even some elderly people reacted that way, including the man who spoke no English, had black teeth, and was with a bunch of water buffalo. Much of how you'll be received depends on your method of approach - friendliness begats friendliness. If you've looked at my pictures yet, you'll see that I got a bunch of people shots - they're my very favorites! (And there are several of the "monk parade"!)

Will also comment on your question about shopping - like the others, I enjoyed the shopping because things are cheap. But what I REALLY enjoyed was finding souvenirs that aren't as easy to come by back home. My favorite things: two Buddha busts (a stone one and a wooden one) - both on my mantel and both really cool, a silk blouse from Artisans d' Angkor in Siem Reap, an unusual pair of silver earrings from Bangkok and a silver medallion necklace from Luang Prabang, and pillow covers from the Jim Thompson house (on my couch). All are unusual items that I enjoy immensely for the very reason that they are unusual and also bring back pleasant memories.
Karen

Adding Colin and Julie's trip report link for research

http://www.colin-julie.com/travel.htm

Copying Offwego's trip report for reference

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34866654

There are a lot of spring festivals in little towns in Japan at this time of year (Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, etc). See links below for some resources:

http://gojapan.about.com/

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/

http://www.japan-guide.com/

cyn:

Here are a couple of links to a couple of my reports on areas you want to travel to. We went about the same timeframe as you are on our first trip Feb-March:

http://digbig.com/4mted

http://digbig.com/4mtee

We loved doing Japan at the end of a trip to SE Asia trip as it eased our way timewise and lengthwise back to Hawaii and the beauty of Japan is always calling me back.

Aloha!

<b>Many thanks HT</b>! They are both printing as I type - and will be added to my already considerable (and <font color="purple">joyfully</font> anticipated!!) stack of reports-to-be-read. I blame Karen for my taking so long - her report is huge ( )and has so much info, and then there's Bob's!....and...then I have to work &quot;sometimes&quot;.

Anyone else who I haven't linked in here yet - please add!!!

They are certainly helping me get a picture of what I want to see...and then, I'll be back with ... <b>more questions!!!</b>

<font color="green">Cyn</font>

I love it that someone is still getting benefit from my report! I was tempted to top it but felt too sheepish. I hope you're enjoying it!


There have been so many good ones - this board is truly a treasure trove.

Karen

Adding KimJapan's Thailand trip report for reference:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34734627