Lucy

Hi all, will be going to Japan for 2nd half of month of June with a group. Will see Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Matsuwa (?). Will have two home stays and using rail pass. Have the opportunity to extend trip at end (Tokyo is departure city). And would like to know how long would you suggest I stay for, what sights should I not miss before leaving?<BR><BR>Our itinerary isn't completely nailed down and will try to hit some major attractions, but just in case, appreciate any suggestions, cities, sights and hotels any could recommend.<BR><BR>Thanks

Florence

Bonjour Lucy,<BR><BR>It's a bit difficult to give advice without knowing what you'll have already seen and done before. Most tours don't go further North than Nikko, you might consider going to places like Niigata and Sado Island...<BR><BR>Let us know as soon as you have more information on your itinerary, and I'm sure you'll be flooded with suggestions.

Bob

Go hang out in Hokkaido. It's completely different from the South. Open spaces and beautiful scenery. Use your JR pass and go North.

greg

Lucy,<BR>I hope you know that June is a rainy month in all over Japan. It is muggy and wet, nothing dries once it gets wet because of the high humidity. So the places that hinge on good view should have other back up places in mind in case of bad weather. Longer you stay, more you can stay away of the rainy season and more chance to catch summer festivals.<BR><BR>I was in Tokyo-Osaka in June on a business trip. Absolutely miserable weather during the whole week.

Alec

Just a word of advice. Football World Cup will be in full swing when you reach Japan and you should expect congestions in the venue cities and in the surroundings towns. Check with www.fifa.com for match schedules, so that you can avoid the worst of crowd (unless you are a soccer fan!). Also any form of accommodation will be heavily booked, if you need to stay in hotels. I've read recently that rail companies are considering offering reduced-price JR passes for the duration of the Cup (final on June 30), so I'd watch out for any announcement and delay buying your exchange voucher until shortly before your departure.