My husband and I are looking forward to our upcoming 9-day trip to Tokyo and Kyoto, and would appreciate a few ideas from fellow travelers. On March 16, we'll be flying from the midwest to Los Angeles, overnighting there, and then going on to Tokyo on Singapore Airlines. After a few days in Tokyo, staying at the Hilton Tokyo, we'll be traveling via the bullet train to Kyoto for three nights, and then returning to Tokyo for two final nights After returning to the US, we'll be spending four days in Los Angeles before returning home.

We've gotten a lot of helpful information from the postings on the Japan site. However, we'd really appreciate some responses to the following:

1. Regarding luggage: We plan to check one 22" piece, and have two carry-ons. We'll "store" the 22" at our Tokyo Hilton while we travel to Kyoto. We're wondering if it will be problematic handling the 22" in the airport in Tokyo, or on the bus transport to the hotel.

2. Money: We thought we'd bring about $100. worth of yen to have cash for immediate needs until we can get to a bank or ATM. We're counting on using credit cards as much as possible. Are they widely accepted both in Tokyo and Kyoto, except for small shops? Any ideas on money issues?

3. Side trips from Tokyo: How practical is it to book day trips from Tokyo with the hotel conciege desk at the Hilton? We're thinking that weather may be a factor in deciding which areas to explore, so we hesitate to book day trips from home. But are we taking our chances by waiting, especially since we'll be there toward the end of March?

4. We're finding that learning some basic Japanese is more time-consuming than we had imagined. We have a beginners' book, with an accompanying CD, but we will definitely not know too much Japanese for our trip. Any ideas on getting along without it? We'll take our phrase book along, but. . .stick with guided tours???

5. Clothing suggestions for mid/late March: We're trying to "pack light", but don't want to be cold. Normally, what is the weather at that time? Springlike? Daytime warm, evenings chilly? And is "dress casual" appropriate for most activities, including evening dinner? Any suggestions regarding the type of clothes needed?

Thank you to all Fodorite's who have any ideas to share to help make our first trip to Japan an enjoyable one!

1. No problem with a 22" bag on bus transport as they will probably store under bus for you. The inside of Japanese buses are narrow and the seats are too. If you have to carry the 22" inside with you it may pose a space problem for you but is manageable.

2. Credit cards are accepted at larger stores and hotels throughout the areas you will be traveling but cash is the norm for the smaller shops and eating venues. A VISA card is now more widely accepted in Japan than the Mastercard and Amex though all are accepted in major hotels.

3. Practical,but a better idea would be to book one from the travel desk in the Hilton if they have one or have the front desk recommend one. Do you need ideas for daytrips from Tokyo and Kyoto? Ask here about specifics and I bet you will get plenty of answers.

4. Japan has been "occupied" by English speakers since the end of WW II.... over 70 years. English signage and language are prevalent on the well beaten tourists paths. It's not hard at all to get around with just a few Japanese words like hello, goodbye,thank you,good morning and good night. If you are headed out into the countryside it is a little different but very manageable as everyone is so genuinely helpful.

5. It will be cool in the days and cooler in the evenings. Expect rain and plenty of it but the sun will shine Conservative casual dress is comfortable for me while traveling in Japan.

others will chime in with more ideas I'm sure but here is a start. Check this guide out if you haven't already

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3051.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3950.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html

Aloha!

Regarding cash and ATM's. I lived in Japan from 1993 to 1997, and subsequently, did many business trips there from 2002 to 2008. I always used either my DINERS/ AMEX or VISA cards at hotels, but, you may need to check to see that your ATM cad will work at cash machines.
My prior experience was that overseas issued cards would not work on Japanese Bank Machines. The only way I could get cash out, was go to the POST OFFICE and use their machines. Hours of operation are limited as well.

Will you have JR RAIL PASS for 7 days. ?

NIKKO is a nice day trip from Tokyp. JR Bullet Train to UTSUNOMIYA and take the local JR train to NIKKO. You can walk about 1 or 2 kilometers to the shrines. They also have buses going up the mountain etc. Quite a ride down the mountain in the bus as well.

We spent 4 nights in Kyoto, with one day consumed in a day trip to Nara (so only 3 in Kyoto). We saw the sights of Kyoto by using bus passes and subway. But I came to realize that many of the key sights are at opposite ends of the city and so I didn't get to see all that I had hoped. My advice to see the most is to book a guided tour of Kyoto, or even two day tours covering different areas. Otherwise, 3 days is not enough! Have a great trip.

>>>Help With First Trip to Japan<<<


Greetings (and warm congrats on forthcoming journey to Japan).

Noticed you're flying Singapore Airlines and, well, all I can say is, Congratulations! Now, if not done so, would gently suggest getting more ideas from the SQ board on flyertalk and yes, the incomparable, SQTalk. (A couple of truly knowledgeable SQ SIN-NRT-LAX travellers on the latter site.)

And, to really get into the whole pre-SIA flight experience, venture over to singaporeair.com and, if so desired, look into pre-ordering special meals (whether you're flying first/business or not) and seat preferences. (For a 'fee' on some flights, you can obtain economy exit row seating - just like some 'other' airlines.)

Can't help you much with other aspects of your trip, as most of my time in Japan consists of Tokyo office rooms, the Park Hyatt, and the All Nippon lounges at Narita. (Before flying SQ637 - love those A380s - or SQ11 on to Singapore.) For what it's worth, you're currently scheduled on those beloved and gradually retiring B747s for your SQ 11/12 flights. I'll always cherish '17A, all the way', on the upper (business) deck. Some may not concur, but I'm going to miss flying F/J on those 'megatops'.

Have fun in Japan. (Loved my one visit to Kyoto - saw a family friend's shop and a photo of my mum and grandmother proudly displayed in the store - and savoured a late summer's 'evening/sunrise' ascent of 'Fuji-san' a 'few' years back.)

Safe and joyous work/leisure travel to all of you this week. ('Hot' times in sweet SIN this past weekend; check that place out sometime - perhaps, with your sweetie.)

macintosh (robert)


... And the in-flight service even other airlines talk about ...

Mmm sounds a lot like an advertisement to me

Re: 4 (language). We have been to Japan twice and have relied on the Berlitz Japanese phrasebook.

Many Japanese understand English well but are perfectionist and shy to speak. The best way to approach them is to say "Sumimasen, nihongo wakarimasen" which means "excuse me, I don't speak Japanese." Then, they are relaxed (the word "sumimasen" is KEY) and can help you, either in Englsih or by using the phrasebook).

I feel it is polite to say "sumimasen" at least. I was given this advice from a Japanese girl, who said it's best to avoid startling the Japanese person by starting in English. "Sumimasen" puts them in a comfort zone.

Good luck!

remember that japan guide site I left earlier? More detailed answers to your questions some with pictures.

1. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2274.html

2. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html

Although you should now note that recently MC has been in negotiations with 7-11 regarding their cards use and 7-11's are currently not accepting MC cards.

3. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3051.html

http://www.kyoto.travel/

4. My previous answer above is good.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e621.html

5. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2273.html

Aloha!

>>>Mmm sounds a lot like an advertisement to me<<<

(Would never, ever do such a sordid thing on this fine, family friendly forum - a bit of personal/professional SIA connection, yes, but, ultimately, just another 'paid traveller' who loves SQ.) (Love, occasionally returned.)


(And just between us, 'suki': loved your little Scotland trip report - contained everything, save gorgeous Asian women and certain cherished members of my beloved MacKintosh clan, including 'the rich rogue', who rather adroitly ditched his rather shrewish Scottish wife, and now spends his time in Thailand with tender Thai women.)

Now, back to the SQ flying OP and all 17 of you in fodorland: 'a little bird' informs SIA will soon release even more attractive fare promos. (You know the site to check.)

As always, sweet and smooth (SQ) rides to you,

robert


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

A day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura on JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station only takes one hour each way and is well worth it. Good way to squeeze in a bit more on such a short trip. Ideally go on a weekday as Japanese flock here too.

Kyoto is a great city, possibly my favourite. Forget a tour, hire bikes and get a guide map. Lots of great historical sites and Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Kyoto Studio Park)was fun.

Japan is so easy to travel without any language skills, unlike se asian countries your attempts at reading from a phrasebook will likely be understood. I've winged it solo twice and had no problems. Happy Journey

(The best way to approach them is to say "Sumimasen, nihongo wakarimasen" which means "excuse me, I don't speak Japanese.")

Just my two cents worth (I couldn't resist!) under the form of a clarification - wakarimasen means more "don't understand/know" as opposed to "don't speak". Also, there would normally be the particle "o" inserted in-between "nihongo" and "wakarimasen" ...

..."don't speak" (hanasemasen) in this context could be confusing perhaps as one would be pronouncing japanese while at the same time saying they do not speak it - I suppose this could be a little puzzling

... all of this is purely anecdotal, though since the Japanese would normally understand what you mean, and also be highly appreciative of the effort to communicate in their language

Enjoy Japan, its a beautiful country !
Mata ne
kanadajin

We used both post office and 7-11 store ATMs in Japan with no problem, but our bank card is Visa-logoed. The 7-11 ATMs were a bit easier to use than those in the post office, but not excessively so.

The ATM in Narita airport was a bear. Many of us foreigners were having trouble because at one point in the withdrawal process the English wording is unusual, and we were all poking the wrong button and exiting the process before we got our money. Eventually we figured it out.