First Time Visit to Japan in November 2015 - Itinerary Review
Jan 30th, 2015, 07:37 AM
#21
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@russ_in_LA - thanks! I'm feeling really excited about visiting Koyasan, and I dont think it will be too much of an issue trying to leave from there in the late morning and getting to KIX for a 5pm flight.
I was thinking about staying at Eko-in, but after all of the reccomendations for Shojoshin-in, I think I will try to stay there!
BTW, I read your trip report and it was very inspiring and helpful! Seems like you had a wonderful time!
I was thinking about staying at Eko-in, but after all of the reccomendations for Shojoshin-in, I think I will try to stay there!
BTW, I read your trip report and it was very inspiring and helpful! Seems like you had a wonderful time!
Jan 30th, 2015, 07:53 AM
#22
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@mrwunrfl - Thank you for clarifying the base fare vs. reserved/unreserved seats on the shinkansen. That was very helpful.
We will add Meiji Jingu to our itinerary on Sunday Nov. 8, since we will be visiting Harajuku and Yoyogi that afternoon (and I believe Meiji Jingu is near there). That would be amazing to see a wedding!
I just researches Shichi-go-san, and it seems like a such a special tradition to witness. Do you have any reccomendations for a Shinto Shrine to stop by on the morning of the 15th on our way out of Kyoto to Mt. Koya? We'll be staying in the Southern Higashiyama area of Kyoto.
We will add Meiji Jingu to our itinerary on Sunday Nov. 8, since we will be visiting Harajuku and Yoyogi that afternoon (and I believe Meiji Jingu is near there). That would be amazing to see a wedding!
I just researches Shichi-go-san, and it seems like a such a special tradition to witness. Do you have any reccomendations for a Shinto Shrine to stop by on the morning of the 15th on our way out of Kyoto to Mt. Koya? We'll be staying in the Southern Higashiyama area of Kyoto.
Jan 30th, 2015, 09:52 AM
#23
>>I just researches Shichi-go-san ...
Good, so now you will understand what's going on when you visit Fushimi Inari Taisha on the 14th. And at a Nara shrine, perhaps.
Heian Shrine. Maybe there on Day 7.
Good, so now you will understand what's going on when you visit Fushimi Inari Taisha on the 14th. And at a Nara shrine, perhaps.
Heian Shrine. Maybe there on Day 7.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 09:49 AM
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@nestorkelly508 - yes, Nikko is on our itinerary: "Day 5: Tokyo - Day trip to Nikko" - I would love to see the lake and waterfalls, but it does not seem like we will have enough time during our day trip.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 05:04 PM
#26
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Hi rachill,
Glad that my trip report was helpful to you. My trip was infinitely more successful thanks to the advice from this forum, so I'm happy if someone else benefits from my experience as well. Have a great time!
russ
Glad that my trip report was helpful to you. My trip was infinitely more successful thanks to the advice from this forum, so I'm happy if someone else benefits from my experience as well. Have a great time!
russ
May 9th, 2015, 07:18 PM
#27
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QUESTION: Worth eliminating Nara from itinerary to spend an extra day in Kyoto?
This past month I have finished making all of our hotel reservations and also booked our flight!
I am now finalizing all of our day to day itineraries - what sites we will see, what activities we will, restaurants we may want to try, etc. I am starting to think we might want to spend more time in Kyoto. Right now we have 4 nights in Kyoto (2 full days in Kyoto with a day trip to Nara). These are the days in question:
Day 7: Kyoto - arrive after 6pm
- Staying in a capsule hotel this night for the unique experience
- Spend the evening stroll around Pontocho Ally/Gion area
Day 8: Kyoto (Higashiyama)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Preserved Streets
- Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park
- Samurai Lessons
Day 9: Kyoto (Arashiyama Area)
- Monkey Park, Tenryuji, Bamboo Forrest, Jojakkoji, Gioji, Otagi Nenbutsuji
- Gion Corner Culture Show
Day 10: Kyoto - (Day trip to Nara or more time in Kyoto?)
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple Fall Illumination
This doesn't leave room for Nishiki Market, Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, or Mt Kurama - all of which we would love to see/experience. Is it worth giving up our day trip to Nara to have more time in Kyoto?
Thank you for any advice!
This past month I have finished making all of our hotel reservations and also booked our flight!
I am now finalizing all of our day to day itineraries - what sites we will see, what activities we will, restaurants we may want to try, etc. I am starting to think we might want to spend more time in Kyoto. Right now we have 4 nights in Kyoto (2 full days in Kyoto with a day trip to Nara). These are the days in question:
Day 7: Kyoto - arrive after 6pm
- Staying in a capsule hotel this night for the unique experience
- Spend the evening stroll around Pontocho Ally/Gion area
Day 8: Kyoto (Higashiyama)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Preserved Streets
- Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park
- Samurai Lessons
Day 9: Kyoto (Arashiyama Area)
- Monkey Park, Tenryuji, Bamboo Forrest, Jojakkoji, Gioji, Otagi Nenbutsuji
- Gion Corner Culture Show
Day 10: Kyoto - (Day trip to Nara or more time in Kyoto?)
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple Fall Illumination
This doesn't leave room for Nishiki Market, Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, or Mt Kurama - all of which we would love to see/experience. Is it worth giving up our day trip to Nara to have more time in Kyoto?
Thank you for any advice!
May 11th, 2015, 08:58 AM
#28
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Personally, I find Nara more interesting that Kyoto, and certainly more pleasant. Descriptions of Nara will mostly talk about the Deer Park, but that's like thinking Fisherman's Wharf is the highlight of San Francisco. Check out Horyuji, with the oldest wooden buildings in the world (8th cent), and the other UNESCO-recognized ancient temples. Also the spectacular stautes in Shin Yakushuji ("shin" means "new": it dates from 747) and in Sangatsu-Do up the hill behind Todaiji. No photos allowed, so you won't find photos on the web. Also the National Museum. Kasuga Taisha would be a good place for Shichi-Go-San.
Uji, on the way from Kyoto to Nara, has the most famous building in Japan (look on the front of the 10 Yen coin) as well as the oldest shrine buildings, plus lots of historical associations (battle of Uji Bridge, Genji Monogatari), and tea.
Uji, on the way from Kyoto to Nara, has the most famous building in Japan (look on the front of the 10 Yen coin) as well as the oldest shrine buildings, plus lots of historical associations (battle of Uji Bridge, Genji Monogatari), and tea.
May 11th, 2015, 09:18 AM
#29
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BTW. Nikko in koyo will be a mob scene. Plus Rinno-ji is under repair and completely enclosed in a metal shed. And you miss a lot if you do not visit the waterfall and lake.
Why not take one day to go somewhere off the beaten path? I realize famous places are famous for a reason, but I often get more out of visiting lesser places in pursuit of a personal interest than from dutifully hitting the top sites.
It does no good for me to suggest such places, since it depends on your interests, but I will anyway. From Nara, go to IgaUeno and check out the ninjas (it also has a fine castle and Basho's birthplace, and it's a lovely train ride). Or in Tokyo, take out a 5,000 yen bill and ask, who is that woman? Visit the places she knew.
Why not take one day to go somewhere off the beaten path? I realize famous places are famous for a reason, but I often get more out of visiting lesser places in pursuit of a personal interest than from dutifully hitting the top sites.
It does no good for me to suggest such places, since it depends on your interests, but I will anyway. From Nara, go to IgaUeno and check out the ninjas (it also has a fine castle and Basho's birthplace, and it's a lovely train ride). Or in Tokyo, take out a 5,000 yen bill and ask, who is that woman? Visit the places she knew.
May 11th, 2015, 06:48 PM
#30
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I think that I will have time to visit Nishiki Market in the afternoon on Day 8. And I think I can add Kinkakuji on Day 9, before heading to Arashiyama. That will give me availability to do atleast a half day trip to Nara, stopping at Fushimi Inari either on the way or on the way back.
Sep 5th, 2015, 09:52 AM
#31
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Hi
I found this very useful. I am planning for a trip to Japan in Nov 2015 with my parents. Can you let me know what is the approximate cost you have come up for the itinerary you put together.
Also I am wondering what will be the options for elderly, not that my parents can not walk but if there is too much walking I would like to know if anyone knows of alternate options (other than reduce the places to visit )
Thank you
Shravan
I found this very useful. I am planning for a trip to Japan in Nov 2015 with my parents. Can you let me know what is the approximate cost you have come up for the itinerary you put together.
Also I am wondering what will be the options for elderly, not that my parents can not walk but if there is too much walking I would like to know if anyone knows of alternate options (other than reduce the places to visit )
Thank you
Shravan
Oct 19th, 2015, 12:10 AM
#32
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Hi there! I'm going to Tokyo too this November 16th. Since this is my first time travelling at this temperature (Autumn seems to be quite cold) i do need some tips on clothing and all. Hope you'll enjoy your trip! 
Oct 26th, 2015, 02:56 PM
#33
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We leave next week and I just started getting things together to pack! I'm getting so excited!
We are from Arizona where it is very hot. I am planning to bring a range of clothing from t-shirts, some long sleeved shirts, a sweat shirt, a light weight rain jacket, and also a heavy coat. I'm thinking we might need the heavy coats for when we visit Nikko and Mt Koya. Also bringing gloves and scarf just in case. I'm not planning to bring any shorts - mostly jeans and leggings.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some great weather and some beautiful leaves!
We are from Arizona where it is very hot. I am planning to bring a range of clothing from t-shirts, some long sleeved shirts, a sweat shirt, a light weight rain jacket, and also a heavy coat. I'm thinking we might need the heavy coats for when we visit Nikko and Mt Koya. Also bringing gloves and scarf just in case. I'm not planning to bring any shorts - mostly jeans and leggings.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some great weather and some beautiful leaves!
Oct 26th, 2015, 03:00 PM
#34
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Shravan21 - Expensive! 
Japan was a bucket list item for us and we defintely splurged on some of our accomodations. I'm sure you could do it for much cheaper.
I hope you were able to book your trip to Japan for you and your parents!
Japan was a bucket list item for us and we defintely splurged on some of our accomodations. I'm sure you could do it for much cheaper.I hope you were able to book your trip to Japan for you and your parents!
Oct 26th, 2015, 05:42 PM
#35
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Please consult this other thread by Affaz:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...mber-tokyo.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...mber-tokyo.cfm
