Japan - ADVICE PLEASE!
 

I am planning to go to Japan in October for a period of 3-4 weeks.

From reading I like the sound of Okinawa and would perhaps look to spend the first week or so down there, perhaps touring the islands. Can anyone please advise on what the weather is like in October, also any advice on getting there from Tokyo. Also, which islands are best>?

After Okinawa, i'd like to fly back to one of the soutern cities, before making my way back to Tokyo by train/bus etc. Any suggested itinteries? or other tips???

Any help greatly appreciated.

Regards, Paul.

I have never been to Okinawa but have been to Southern Japan. Maybe you can gleen some ideas from my recent trip report to the area

http://tinyurl.com/4cz6vl

A flight from Naha to Kagoshima or Kumamoto then train to Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo might be a start to a plan

Aloha!

thank you for your reply Hawaiiantraveler, i have just spent the last hour reading your trip notes and in turn have made some notes of my own, particularly regarding Sakurajima & Miyajima.

Kind regards, Paul.

Paul,

We didn't get to Okinawa, but we were in Japan for 2 weeks in April. Maybe my web page on that trip can help you in your planning.

Here's the URL:

http://www.travel.stv77.com/japan/japan.htm

I just looked at getting to Okinawa from Kyushu: you could consider returning to the main islands by ferry, which would let you stop off at some of the northern islands.

Weather--in general, October is a very pleasant time of the year to visit Japan. Not too hot, not too cold, not too rainy. The only thing you need to bear in mind is that early October may still have some typhoons. It's not terrible as they usually pass through in a couple of days.

Okinawa--I've been to the main island (Naha) some years ago, but enjoyed slightly different culture as well as the beach. Things I recall fondly are the restored palace/museum, pottery kilns near central market, local Blue Seal icecream, strong shochu-like but smooth spirits called Awamari(sp).

Most of the beach resorts in the main islands are about 1-2hr north of the airport. I found local public transportation to be somewhat limited--you may want to rent a car. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on other islands as I've never been there.

Flights--frequent flights from Tokyo (Haneda), which is centrally located.
I recall there were special discounts for domestic legs of flights if you fly StarAlliance (ANA/UA/LH/SAS) or OneWorld (JAL/AA/CX/BA) affiliates. Check for Yokoso Japan fare (in case of JAL).

Fukuoka is the main city in Kyushu, though it is on northwestern part of the island while more scenic areas like Aso/Yufuin hot spring are on the eastern side of the island.

Hi

I have no experience from Okinawa but my wife and I went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima etc a couple of years back. Maybe you can find some useful info in our trip reports: http://gardkarlsen.com/japan_tokyo.htm and http://gardkarlsen.com/japan_kyoto.htm . Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions :d

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Well I live in Japan and I would have to say that Okinawa is probably my favorite place so I am always happy to give some advice to people thinking of traveling there. Any time of year is a good time to go as far as the weather goes with the exception of September as that is typhoon season. Yet September is still considered “ High Season” in Japan and many Japanese people take there vacation there during that time of year.

There is some really great culture in Okinawa and it is very different and unique compared to main land Japan. Also the beaches are beautiful and if you like nature the Okinawan Island have some of the most pristine places to hike, with many of the small islands still possessing virgin rain forests.

If you want help planning your trip there http://okinawa-information.com/ has some really good info that should help you with transportation and sight seeing questions