Sukie

We (husband and self) can afford to spend about 21 days in Japan in Cherry Blossom time. We are thinking last week in March first two in April. Will probably fly into Osaka as there is a Sumo tournament at that time.

I understand Himeji will be covered and beginning 5 years of extensive restoration from April 2010, rotten timing eh?. Is Osaka castle similar? From there to Kyoto where the Geisha spring dance performances will be on as well we hope as spectacular blossoms. We will take the advice given here and use it as a hub, including a few days in Hiroshima and Miyajima.

A must visti for me is the Itchkju Kubota Art Museum. Fuji 5 Lakes can be visited on a day trip from Tokyo. Has anyone done this and visited the museum? Is it quick and easy to get to by public tarnsport or should we be considering staying in the area for a night or two? We love to walk and hike so it may be a good place to stay awhile.

Although we will probably never return to Japan, I do not want to rush hither and thither, prefering to have time to enjoy the people and places along the way. Very keen photographers.

Finally (for now) any thoughts on going out of our way to see 'snow' monkeys and if so where is a great place? Would prefer to see them actually in the snow if that is still possible in late March.

Thanks for any and all help, this is a great forum.
Sue, Waterloo Ontario Canada.

hawaiiantraveler

You can do Fuji Five Lakes on a day trip from Tokyo but it would be a long day. I would stay at least a night, maybe two in the FFL region if I had an interest to be there such as the IKA museum. Have you seen this?

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6905.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6900.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/schauwecker/081112.html

and of course the monkeys, there should still be some snow in March

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6025.html

Aloha!

hawaiiantraveler

The English links at the bottom of the Japan guide on monkey parks are of particular interest.

<i>Although we will probably never return to Japan</I>

That's what I said before our first trip.....

Sukie

Thank you again. Someone on another thread suggested driving around rather than taking trains and buses. I wouldn't think of driving in most of Asia but my husband thinks Japan would be ok. What do you think? Would you drive yourself, and isn't parking a problem?

Sue

hawaiiantraveler

There are parts of Japan you would want to drive in and parts you don't. You will mostly be in the parts you don't. If you happen to make it up to Fuji Five Lakes and have a couple of nights there you might consider it but know all the rules and requirements before you leave home:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2022.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2024.html

Again, the English links at the bottom of the rental page are worth delving into.

If it were my first trip, I wouldn't rent a car but I don't know your whole itinerary either.

Aloha!

traveluster

I just went to the IK Museum this past June (my 2nd visit there) and it is AMAZING! You can do a day trip from Tokyo by train and bus. I have stayed overnight in the Fuji Five Lakes region as well (there's a great spa hotel there) but it isn't necessary to overnight as it isn't that far. Get good train/bus directions, start early, and go for it. Although it's easy to drive once out of the city, I wouldn't recommend driving for a first-time visit. (You may not make it out of the city!!) We rented a car but our "driver" was a Japanese friend and so there was no problem with signage. If you do decide to drive (remember they are on the left)just get good directions! Most of the way is freeway and parking is not a problem either at the Kubota museum or anywhere else in the area. If you're going the rental car route, I'd suggest renting a car from somewhere that has easy-on access to the freeway and an English GPS, if such a thing exists. Gambatte!