First-timers’ trip to Japan: 4 weeks, an unexpectedly awesome trip
Dec 10th, 2023, 05:40 PM
#81
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KarenWoo, we didn't use luggage forwarding but used the coin lockers at several stations to store our bags. Because we only travel with a carry-on with wheels and a small backpack each, we were able to fit everything in two large lockers. For example, we travelled from Takayama to Kyoto via Nagoya and used the lockers in Nagoya so we could look around without our bags. Each of the train stations have elevators and ramps, as did most of the subway stations in Tokyo and in Kyoto.
Dec 10th, 2023, 09:48 PM
#82
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I think one can get a decent overview of Tokyo with 6 nights and 5 days. Would not give much room for the many day trips you can do to places like Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and the Izu peninsula. The baggage forwarding system is known to every reliable and very reasonable in cost. On our November trip we had to drop our bags off by 1400 in Kyoto and it was delivered to our hotel in Tokyo around noon the next day. Cost is per bag and dependent on size. Cost for us was about $60 for (4 )24 inch suitcases. This service allowed us to travel much more easily and we only needed one taxi instead of two to go to the train station in Tokyo and one taxi to go from the train station in Tokyo to our hotel for the 4 of us. The train station lockers are very secure and user friendly as they are locked to the credit card on your Suica and paid for the same way. We used a locker to store our carryon bags at the train station in Kyoto while we continued our Kyoto visit before heading to Tokyo.
Dec 11th, 2023, 06:08 AM
#83
Original Poster
trip planner and mjs, Thank you for your comments and still following this thread! It's much appreciated!
More comments about luggage forwarding....we had 2 carry-on luggages, so smaller than mjs's suitcases and I believe we spent $7/per suitcase. We used the service twice: to send our luggage from Tokyo to Matsumoto, which made transiting through Shinjuku very easy. We then were able to walk to our hotel (about a 15 minute walk) without dragging our luggage. We also forwarded our luggage from Matsumoto to our next stop in the Okuhida region, which was helpful as we had 2 buses to take and we didn't know how easy or hard it would be to take them with us.
Later on, we felt it was easy enough to take our luggage with us because we didn't want to make a decision about what to keep and what to pack before sending our luggage off. And, we found that with carry on luggage, it was easy to take a taxi or even walk to our hotel with the luggage.
More comments about luggage forwarding....we had 2 carry-on luggages, so smaller than mjs's suitcases and I believe we spent $7/per suitcase. We used the service twice: to send our luggage from Tokyo to Matsumoto, which made transiting through Shinjuku very easy. We then were able to walk to our hotel (about a 15 minute walk) without dragging our luggage. We also forwarded our luggage from Matsumoto to our next stop in the Okuhida region, which was helpful as we had 2 buses to take and we didn't know how easy or hard it would be to take them with us.
Later on, we felt it was easy enough to take our luggage with us because we didn't want to make a decision about what to keep and what to pack before sending our luggage off. And, we found that with carry on luggage, it was easy to take a taxi or even walk to our hotel with the luggage.
Dec 11th, 2023, 12:36 PM
#86
Original Poster
October 26, and on to Matsumoto
The journey continues, and we’re off to Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese alps and home to Matsumoto-jō, Japan’s oldest wooden castle and one of 4 castles designated as a National Treasure. Matsumoto is also the birthplace of the artist, Kusama Yayoi, whose work is featured in the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.
An easy ride from Asakusa to Shinjuku using the metro where we changed to the Limited Express to Matsumoto. It was helpful to have already gone through Shinjuku Station to feel comfortable traversing the station, but it really wasn’t difficult at all. We picked up a couple of lunches in one of the small markets within the station and had an easy 3-hour ride. And the views from the window were lovely - we started to see the hint of autumn color in the hills and mountains, something I was hoping that we might see on the trip.
And good old Google Maps let me know that we had a less than 15 min walk to the Matsumoto Maranouchi Hotel, so rather than looking for a cab, we just hoofed it. An easy walk and we arrived just about 3pm, so we were able to check in immediately.
The hotel, Matsumoto Maranouchi, is a pleasant mid-sized hotel in a fabulous location, only a short distance away way from the train station. Our room, a superior double, is very spacious by Japanese and overall, I’m happy with our choice. A few little quirks - I have no idea why but there’s a lot of space on my side of the bed, but no outlet and no bedside table. Since we all have digital devices and need to charge them, this is a bit puzzling but otherwise, I’m happy with the hotel.
After a brief rest, we go out to see what I consider to be the Main Event - Matsumoto Castle. And it is striking! We really both were taken by the beauty of the castle - also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior. Built in the late 16th century, this castle is one of the most complete of Japan’s original castles.
We walk slowly around the moat, taking lots of photos as it’s stunning from any angle. We’ll see the interior the next day, but for now, we’re just enjoying this wonderful sight.
The restaurant gave us a few recommendations for dinner and we wander over to one of the places on our list (unfortunately, I didn’t save the list) but, without reservations, we couldn’t get seated. We noticed a place right across the street and wandered in - luckily, we were seated, as it was pretty small and there were already a few people inside. But what a wonderful experience! Did you ever see the show “Midnight Diner”? A wonderful series about a Tokyo diner, or izakaya, where the chef serves up personalized dishes and each episode tells the story of one of the customers. Well, this place felt like that! We sat near a pair of retired men, and M, who had learned some basic Japanese, had a delightful time chatting with them. And there was a father and son from Croatia - but the son knew Japanese, too! It was a fun evening with everyone interacting with one another!
Our first night in Matsumoto and we were smitten.
The journey continues, and we’re off to Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese alps and home to Matsumoto-jō, Japan’s oldest wooden castle and one of 4 castles designated as a National Treasure. Matsumoto is also the birthplace of the artist, Kusama Yayoi, whose work is featured in the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.
An easy ride from Asakusa to Shinjuku using the metro where we changed to the Limited Express to Matsumoto. It was helpful to have already gone through Shinjuku Station to feel comfortable traversing the station, but it really wasn’t difficult at all. We picked up a couple of lunches in one of the small markets within the station and had an easy 3-hour ride. And the views from the window were lovely - we started to see the hint of autumn color in the hills and mountains, something I was hoping that we might see on the trip.
And good old Google Maps let me know that we had a less than 15 min walk to the Matsumoto Maranouchi Hotel, so rather than looking for a cab, we just hoofed it. An easy walk and we arrived just about 3pm, so we were able to check in immediately.
The hotel, Matsumoto Maranouchi, is a pleasant mid-sized hotel in a fabulous location, only a short distance away way from the train station. Our room, a superior double, is very spacious by Japanese and overall, I’m happy with our choice. A few little quirks - I have no idea why but there’s a lot of space on my side of the bed, but no outlet and no bedside table. Since we all have digital devices and need to charge them, this is a bit puzzling but otherwise, I’m happy with the hotel.
After a brief rest, we go out to see what I consider to be the Main Event - Matsumoto Castle. And it is striking! We really both were taken by the beauty of the castle - also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior. Built in the late 16th century, this castle is one of the most complete of Japan’s original castles.
We walk slowly around the moat, taking lots of photos as it’s stunning from any angle. We’ll see the interior the next day, but for now, we’re just enjoying this wonderful sight.
The restaurant gave us a few recommendations for dinner and we wander over to one of the places on our list (unfortunately, I didn’t save the list) but, without reservations, we couldn’t get seated. We noticed a place right across the street and wandered in - luckily, we were seated, as it was pretty small and there were already a few people inside. But what a wonderful experience! Did you ever see the show “Midnight Diner”? A wonderful series about a Tokyo diner, or izakaya, where the chef serves up personalized dishes and each episode tells the story of one of the customers. Well, this place felt like that! We sat near a pair of retired men, and M, who had learned some basic Japanese, had a delightful time chatting with them. And there was a father and son from Croatia - but the son knew Japanese, too! It was a fun evening with everyone interacting with one another!
Our first night in Matsumoto and we were smitten.
Dec 11th, 2023, 04:24 PM
#89
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Hi progol! I'm slowly catching up on some trip reports that I want to read, and it's been a pleasure to revisit your photos and observations. Looking forward to more, as I know you visited some places we haven't been.
Dec 11th, 2023, 05:24 PM
#90
Original Poster
Hi, tripplanner and ms_go!
tp, we didn’t visit Himeji Castle, but from the photos, they certainly have a lot of similarities, though I think Himeji is much larger. We were happy we saw Matsumoto.
We took the bus from Matsumoto into the Okuhida region and then the bus to Takayama - the colors throughout were stunning.
ms_go, nice to “see” you! You were such a help with my planning, too, I’m glad you’re following along to see how things unfolded for us!
tp, we didn’t visit Himeji Castle, but from the photos, they certainly have a lot of similarities, though I think Himeji is much larger. We were happy we saw Matsumoto.
We took the bus from Matsumoto into the Okuhida region and then the bus to Takayama - the colors throughout were stunning.
ms_go, nice to “see” you! You were such a help with my planning, too, I’m glad you’re following along to see how things unfolded for us!
Dec 11th, 2023, 07:00 PM
#91
wonderful photos, love the farmland/mountains view.
>>Did you ever see the show “Midnight Diner”?
You reminded me to go to Netflix, Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, S1:E2, Corn Dog, to listen to the end song again for the umpteenth time. it starts at 21:55. I think her name is Kimie Fukuhara,
>>Did you ever see the show “Midnight Diner”?
You reminded me to go to Netflix, Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, S1:E2, Corn Dog, to listen to the end song again for the umpteenth time. it starts at 21:55. I think her name is Kimie Fukuhara,
Dec 12th, 2023, 04:13 AM
#93
Original Poster
KarenWoo, mlgb, mrwunrfl, yestravel, thanks for still following!
KarenWoo, the forwarding luggage really is a wonderful service. I think we’re just too lazy to plan ahead! If you don’t do carry-on, it makes travel so much easier.
mlgb, I hope you’re planning a trip to Japan!
mrwunrfl, thanks for the kind words - and all the help! Our trip was greatly enhanced by all the support you gave me (and so many others here). Sadly, we dropped Netflix so I can’t return to Midnight Diner at the moment. It’s a wonderful show and we both loved it.
yestravel, thank you! Of course, the feeling is mutual with your wonderful TR right now!
KarenWoo, the forwarding luggage really is a wonderful service. I think we’re just too lazy to plan ahead! If you don’t do carry-on, it makes travel so much easier.
mlgb, I hope you’re planning a trip to Japan!
mrwunrfl, thanks for the kind words - and all the help! Our trip was greatly enhanced by all the support you gave me (and so many others here). Sadly, we dropped Netflix so I can’t return to Midnight Diner at the moment. It’s a wonderful show and we both loved it.
yestravel, thank you! Of course, the feeling is mutual with your wonderful TR right now!
Last edited by progol; Dec 12th, 2023 at 04:19 AM.
Dec 13th, 2023, 10:53 AM
#95
Original Poster
Dec 13th, 2023, 11:15 AM
#96
Original Poster
October 27
Visit to Matsumoto Castle
We really loved the castle - small but achingly beautiful, it is one of the castles in Japan that retains its original interior woodwork and exterior stonework.
The morning was cool but bright and sunny and we arrived before opening time at 8:30. We enjoyed another walk around the castle and again, admiring it from different angles. I hope you don't mind more photos of this lovely castle!
At 8:30am, we were some of the first people on line. Later, as we were leaving, there were a number of tour groups so we were glad we arrived early.
The wooden interior is dark, with large wooden beams and wooden flooring. There is no furniture in the space although there is a small display of military artifacts. The stairs between floors are VERY steep! Several of the staircases are very narrow so you have to wait until a group of people complete their journey in one direction before you can proceed in the other direction. Fortunately, not too busy when we went so we didn’t have to wait much to go up or down.
There are beautiful views from the castle, too, and I loved looking out over the tiled roofs.
We were out less than an hour later and walked around the grounds, where M found a partner in the resident ninja!
Visit to Matsumoto Castle
We really loved the castle - small but achingly beautiful, it is one of the castles in Japan that retains its original interior woodwork and exterior stonework.
The morning was cool but bright and sunny and we arrived before opening time at 8:30. We enjoyed another walk around the castle and again, admiring it from different angles. I hope you don't mind more photos of this lovely castle!
At 8:30am, we were some of the first people on line. Later, as we were leaving, there were a number of tour groups so we were glad we arrived early.
The wooden interior is dark, with large wooden beams and wooden flooring. There is no furniture in the space although there is a small display of military artifacts. The stairs between floors are VERY steep! Several of the staircases are very narrow so you have to wait until a group of people complete their journey in one direction before you can proceed in the other direction. Fortunately, not too busy when we went so we didn’t have to wait much to go up or down.
There are beautiful views from the castle, too, and I loved looking out over the tiled roofs.
We were out less than an hour later and walked around the grounds, where M found a partner in the resident ninja!
Dec 13th, 2023, 11:35 AM
#98
Original Poster
October 27, continued...
Around Matsumoto
One of the things I loved was discovering small shrines and there are many on small streets, alleyways and in other nooks and crannies. As we were walking to the train station, we stumbled upon Kasamori Inari, a small shinto shrine with its guardian wolf-dogs.
Around Matsumoto
One of the things I loved was discovering small shrines and there are many on small streets, alleyways and in other nooks and crannies. As we were walking to the train station, we stumbled upon Kasamori Inari, a small shinto shrine with its guardian wolf-dogs.
Dec 13th, 2023, 12:03 PM
#99
Original Poster
Matsumoto, October 27...
Yohashira shrine
Another lovely shrine, right near the Metoba river, is the Yohashira Shrine, built during the Meiji period and dedicated to 4 Shinto deities and is believed to have special wish-granting properties. It's a very beautiful yet peaceful spot.
Yohashira shrine
Another lovely shrine, right near the Metoba river, is the Yohashira Shrine, built during the Meiji period and dedicated to 4 Shinto deities and is believed to have special wish-granting properties. It's a very beautiful yet peaceful spot.
Last edited by progol; Dec 13th, 2023 at 12:07 PM.
Dec 13th, 2023, 12:17 PM
#100
Original Poster
Matsumoto, October 27...
Nawate Dori
Right around the corner from the Yohashira Shrine is Nawate Dori, or Nawate Street. I hadn't read anything about this particular street, but found it charming, with a number of quirky shops, cafes and -- FROGS! Lots of frogs! I found out later that it's nickname is "Kaeru Machi" or "Frog Street".
Once upon a time, there were a lot of frogs in the river but following the 1959 typhoon, they abandoned the river and moved to higher ground and cleaner water upstream. Despite the people's efforts to clean up the river the frogs didn't return, so the town constructed artificial ones instead to revive the “spirit” of the street. And there is a definite quirkiness to the street.
Frog Statue at the entry to Nawate Street
Frog statue beside a frog shrine
Shrine
It’s not just frogs. There has to be a tanuki somewhere!
View of the Metoba River with mountains in the distance.
We also stopped for cappuccino in Sweet, a lovely cafe that has been around since 1923.
Nawate Dori
Right around the corner from the Yohashira Shrine is Nawate Dori, or Nawate Street. I hadn't read anything about this particular street, but found it charming, with a number of quirky shops, cafes and -- FROGS! Lots of frogs! I found out later that it's nickname is "Kaeru Machi" or "Frog Street".
Once upon a time, there were a lot of frogs in the river but following the 1959 typhoon, they abandoned the river and moved to higher ground and cleaner water upstream. Despite the people's efforts to clean up the river the frogs didn't return, so the town constructed artificial ones instead to revive the “spirit” of the street. And there is a definite quirkiness to the street.
Frog Statue at the entry to Nawate Street
Frog statue beside a frog shrine
Shrine
It’s not just frogs. There has to be a tanuki somewhere!
View of the Metoba River with mountains in the distance.
We also stopped for cappuccino in Sweet, a lovely cafe that has been around since 1923.
Last edited by progol; Dec 13th, 2023 at 12:34 PM.
