russ_in_LA

We decided to try a different place than Hotel Mume this time and regretted it. We are hoping for a trip 4 one day so we can go back to Mume!

yestravel

Reviewing this fabulous trip report again. Do you recall what the temps were like in Nov? Thanks!

Mara

lol...just reading my post above about visiting Japan in the fall of 2021....well, that didn't happen obviously but I am leaving next weekend for a two week visit.

yestravel

Have a great time! Hope you will report back on your trip. I'm trying now to go fall 2023 and just trying t figure out a time.

russ_in_LA

Our trip dates were Nov 8-29. We had fantastic weather the first two weeks and only had rain and cold our last 3 days in Tokyo. The rest of the time the daytime highs were in the low to mid 60’s (f). If I were to do it again I’d either go a week later, since the fall colors weren’t very vivid the first week, or I’d go the same dates but start in the mountains, where the colors start earlier. I’d bet that Nikko, Koyasan and Hakone areas are lovely in the early part of the month. (Note that Nov-Feb are the driest months of the year, so Nov is really an ideal time to go).

russ_in_LA

Sorry about your postponed trip but have a great time! We are itching to go back again soon.

yestravel

Thanks! Will need to figure out best time for us to go considering the fall colors. Getting late into NOv doesnt really work for me.

russ_in_LA

If you haven't already, check on the Japan-Guide website (link here: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014_when.html ) for the best places to go for fall colors in early to mid- Nov.

yestravel

thanks! Thats great.

mrwunrfl

I was too late for fall colors in Hokkaido last week and too early in Kyushu this week

There were lots of tourists at Dazaifu on Saturday

Getting a rail pass at Hakata eki quickly is a matter of timing’ Saturday evening at 6pm or so was no problem. Got N Kyushu pass and seat res in 10 min. Long line on Sunday at noon. Was feeling smart about being all set to go and then learned my train was cancelled due to accident.

Beppu Showen ryokan is really nice

mrwunrfl

Best to be prepared with screenshots of the 3 QR codes for entry.

Had to use MySOS for COVID QR and they wanted screenshot. Used Visit Japan Web for immigration and customs codes. They didn’t ask for screenshots.

I think you can get all three at VJW now. Or I suppose you can use paper forms for I and C

Mara

I signed up with the Visit Japan app which will be in effect on my arrival date next week - took time but everything except my passport which I was able to skip was accepted and I have QR codes....I didn't need a rail pass and I purchased two shinkansen tickets on the SmartEx app and saved some yen with hayatoku tickets...

mrwunrfl

Showa Kinen Koen - Showa Memorial Park is amazing . About an hour on JR from Shinjuku to Nishi Tachikawa station Should have colors for weeks. So big it has a tram to get around. Also J-garden and bonsai.

laurieco

I just came across this fabulous trip report! Your photographs are stunning. I've been to Japan twice, but the last time had to be at least 15 or more years ago and it is way past time for another visit. One of my favorite countries ever. You visited some different places than we did and I will be looking into them. The only advice I would give if you go back, if you are back in Kyoto, I would visit the Miho Museum. It was not just a highlight of Japan, but of all trips we have taken (and there have been dozens). Anyone going to Japan will most likely be going to Kyoto, and the Miho Museum is beyond fabulous.
https://www.miho.jp/
I would love to go in the autumn to see the colors. The last time we were there, it was spring and lucky enough to be there during cherry blossom season in Kamakura and Tokyo.

mrwunrfl

I learned the next day that there is a Kaiji limited express (also Chuo Line) that goes from Shinjuku and the first stoo is Tachikawa. It is only 25 minutes. Change there to a local, one stop, to Nishi (West) Tachikawa.

The directions to the park that I got at the Hyatt Regency were wrong. The guy looked it up on a phone and told me Chuo Line to Tachdikawa station and then taxi. That rapid train was not rapid and made all the stops. Basically it was a crowded subway train while the Kaiji L'Ex was MUCH more comfortable and lots of open unreserved seats. I learned this when i took it to Otsuki on the way to Kawaguchiko.

russ_in_LA

Thanks for the comments! We did get to the Miho museum on our second Japan trip, which you can read about in my trip report at this link:

Trip Report: Second Time to Japan - Sakura, Gardens and Castles