I just came back from a trip of a lifetime to Japan in Autumn, with my wife Poonam and 12 close friends. I have penned down some notes for us, to read later and relive the moments.
Preface:
Japan has always enticed me. I have been planning my own trips with family and friends and been traveling to foreign countries for several years.
I used to think that, it would be difficult to visit Japan on my own and would probably chose to go with a packaged guided tour. My recent trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia had given me some confidence about traveling to far east Asian countries.
I had been doing some research about Japan, speaking to experienced travelers about it. To give an extra edge to the experience of exploring Japan, Cherry Blossom Sakura or Autumn would have been interesting. After seeing some pale Sakura photos by a few relatives, I was sure that I would want to visit Japan in Autumn.
My research showed that 15th November would be a sweet spot for viewing Autumn in Japan.
Coming to how we planned and how so many of our friends could come together.
All these college/ school friends have been traveling to several places in India and abroad, but not all together.
I had been to most of the places in their wishlist. Japan was one place that all of us had not been to and wanted to explore.
ANA had been offering special fares for Mumbai Tokyo direct flights, since a few months from October 2024, which would be open only for a window of 3 days and travel period would be within 9 moths.
My budget was 60% of what the reputed travel agencies offered (4 Lacs) and spend 2 days more to make it more relaxed and see more, if possible.
Many of us were completing 60 years in 2025. I floated the idea in our group in December 24 and all were positive and receptive.
Sunil- Padmaja, Vikram- Jaee agreed immediately.
Shrikant was skeptical because of Uma's knee problem, long flights and and a lot of climbing and walking. But his confirmation came soon. Charu-Anjana confirmed after checking the schedule of his family. Susheel- Pradnya were keen but could not confirm because of Susheel's busy and demanding schedule. But they promised to join a bit later, even if it meant higher flight fares or hotel costs.
Vaishali and Poornima were keen to join us but were not acquainted to everyone in the group, except Charu and Anjana. All were gracious enough to accept them wholeheartedly.
So 12 of us were on board when we decided to book tickets in Jan 25. It was a good number in multiple of 4, if we were to take 3 taxis for any journey. That was a big number to plan for.
Getting hotels for such big numbers could have been a challenge.
I was waiting for the ANA offer in Jan. Finally, saw it at 10.30 pm on 17th Jan 25. Called everyone and booked the tickets on 2 PNRs 8 and 4 nos. I could not somehow book tickets on ANA website and had to book through a third party website GOTOGATE. On hindsight, it's always advisable to book tickets from the airline website as much as possible and if the fare difference is not much. One always get better support from the airlines if the tickets are booked on their own website.
Susheel confirmed his and Pradnya's availability in May 25.
We booked his air tickets at a slightly higher, but reasonable price in June 25.
Itinerary was simple. Reach the farthest point 1st. Keep the return jorney as short and comfortable as possible.
Our open jaw air ticket Itinerary was
Mumbai- Tokyo-Osaka- 7th November 25
Tokyo - Mumbai - 18th November 25
Osaka 2N
Kyoto 4 N
Kyoto- Tokyo by Shinkansen train
Tokyo 4 nights
Which later got changed after Jaee's suggestion to
Kyoto 6 N
Kyoto- Tokyo by Shinkansen train
Tokyo 4 nights
We could have ideally had 1 night extra at Tokyo.
Finalizing dates was the next issue. Going out on a Friday evening and using 2 weekends would mean that we would be using only 7 working days.
Initial planned dates were 16th to 27th November 25. But for various reasons, we decided on 7th to 18th November 2025, so that we could have birthdays of 2 of us in Japan.
Which location to stay at, in each city is always a major decision.
Kyoto is a smaller and pretty city. The outskirts retain a small town or a village feel. Has maximum number of beautiful temples. It used to be the capital city of Japan for hundreds of years in ancient times.
Osaka is a big modern city similar to Tokyo. It has the cheapest hotels between the 3 cities.
Tokyo is modern n very big in size and population. 3.6 million people stay here out of the total 12 million population of Japan.
I booked, canceled and re-booked several hotels at various locations during these 9 months of planning. Finally, we arrived at a good decision according to me.
Seeing Kyoto first was a good decision. Staying closer to Kyoto station, if possible on the north side is a good choice. We stayed just above the station on the South side, which was also good.
Reasons for staying close to Kyoto station:
Coming in from the Kansai Airport or by Shinkansen makes it easier.
Its also a train and bus transportation hub which makes local sightseeing and day trips out of Kyoto easier.
Teamlab is at a walking distance. It has multiple dining choices inside and around the station.
Reason for staying close to Tokyo station.
1. Direct express bus to and from Narita and Haneda airports. Bus takes 1 to 1.30 hours to Narita and is the most reasonable and comfortable choice when you are traveling with luggage. You can walk to and from the hotel with bags
2. Day trips to Mount Fuji, Nikko and other places start from ouside Tokyo station and its also a drop off point for them.
3. Tokyo Station is the main hub for Skinkansen arriving from Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto and various lines like Tokaido (west), Tohoku (north), Hokuriku, and Joetsu; and connecting to local routes like the Yamanote Line. Tokyo Station is the historic main gateway.
4. Imperial palace, Ginza the glittering shopping district are at a walking distance.
5. Multiple metro lines to connect to any place quickly
Osaka is a neonlit modern city. Doesn't offer a great deal that is very different than Tokyo. It is a good idea to visit it on a day trip from Kyoto. Osaka castle architecture and gardens are very similar to all 12 castles in Japan, including the largest Himmeji castle and Tokyo imperial palace. Seeing any one of them as per the schedule is enough.
Nara is a good one day or a half day trip from Kyoto. It has good temples and parks. It was Japan's capital for a few decades.
Seeing Nara and Osaka in one trip was a good decision.
Mount Fuji area, Lake Kawaguchiko, Hakone village are few of the prettiest places in Japan. If possible, one should spend at least 2 days here. We didn't do it and saw it on a day trip from Tokyo, because we didn't want to change many hotels and travel with bags.
I didn't chose to visit Hiroshima, as I thought it has only one half destroyed dome and a war museum to see the signs of the atom bomb destruction. Otherwise, it's a new modern city.
...to be continued....
Preface:
Japan has always enticed me. I have been planning my own trips with family and friends and been traveling to foreign countries for several years.
I used to think that, it would be difficult to visit Japan on my own and would probably chose to go with a packaged guided tour. My recent trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia had given me some confidence about traveling to far east Asian countries.
I had been doing some research about Japan, speaking to experienced travelers about it. To give an extra edge to the experience of exploring Japan, Cherry Blossom Sakura or Autumn would have been interesting. After seeing some pale Sakura photos by a few relatives, I was sure that I would want to visit Japan in Autumn.
My research showed that 15th November would be a sweet spot for viewing Autumn in Japan.
Coming to how we planned and how so many of our friends could come together.
All these college/ school friends have been traveling to several places in India and abroad, but not all together.
I had been to most of the places in their wishlist. Japan was one place that all of us had not been to and wanted to explore.
ANA had been offering special fares for Mumbai Tokyo direct flights, since a few months from October 2024, which would be open only for a window of 3 days and travel period would be within 9 moths.
My budget was 60% of what the reputed travel agencies offered (4 Lacs) and spend 2 days more to make it more relaxed and see more, if possible.
Many of us were completing 60 years in 2025. I floated the idea in our group in December 24 and all were positive and receptive.
Sunil- Padmaja, Vikram- Jaee agreed immediately.
Shrikant was skeptical because of Uma's knee problem, long flights and and a lot of climbing and walking. But his confirmation came soon. Charu-Anjana confirmed after checking the schedule of his family. Susheel- Pradnya were keen but could not confirm because of Susheel's busy and demanding schedule. But they promised to join a bit later, even if it meant higher flight fares or hotel costs.
Vaishali and Poornima were keen to join us but were not acquainted to everyone in the group, except Charu and Anjana. All were gracious enough to accept them wholeheartedly.
So 12 of us were on board when we decided to book tickets in Jan 25. It was a good number in multiple of 4, if we were to take 3 taxis for any journey. That was a big number to plan for.
Getting hotels for such big numbers could have been a challenge.
I was waiting for the ANA offer in Jan. Finally, saw it at 10.30 pm on 17th Jan 25. Called everyone and booked the tickets on 2 PNRs 8 and 4 nos. I could not somehow book tickets on ANA website and had to book through a third party website GOTOGATE. On hindsight, it's always advisable to book tickets from the airline website as much as possible and if the fare difference is not much. One always get better support from the airlines if the tickets are booked on their own website.
Susheel confirmed his and Pradnya's availability in May 25.
We booked his air tickets at a slightly higher, but reasonable price in June 25.
Itinerary was simple. Reach the farthest point 1st. Keep the return jorney as short and comfortable as possible.
Our open jaw air ticket Itinerary was
Mumbai- Tokyo-Osaka- 7th November 25
Tokyo - Mumbai - 18th November 25
Osaka 2N
Kyoto 4 N
Kyoto- Tokyo by Shinkansen train
Tokyo 4 nights
Which later got changed after Jaee's suggestion to
Kyoto 6 N
Kyoto- Tokyo by Shinkansen train
Tokyo 4 nights
We could have ideally had 1 night extra at Tokyo.
Finalizing dates was the next issue. Going out on a Friday evening and using 2 weekends would mean that we would be using only 7 working days.
Initial planned dates were 16th to 27th November 25. But for various reasons, we decided on 7th to 18th November 2025, so that we could have birthdays of 2 of us in Japan.
Which location to stay at, in each city is always a major decision.
Kyoto is a smaller and pretty city. The outskirts retain a small town or a village feel. Has maximum number of beautiful temples. It used to be the capital city of Japan for hundreds of years in ancient times.
Osaka is a big modern city similar to Tokyo. It has the cheapest hotels between the 3 cities.
Tokyo is modern n very big in size and population. 3.6 million people stay here out of the total 12 million population of Japan.
I booked, canceled and re-booked several hotels at various locations during these 9 months of planning. Finally, we arrived at a good decision according to me.
Seeing Kyoto first was a good decision. Staying closer to Kyoto station, if possible on the north side is a good choice. We stayed just above the station on the South side, which was also good.
Reasons for staying close to Kyoto station:
Coming in from the Kansai Airport or by Shinkansen makes it easier.
Its also a train and bus transportation hub which makes local sightseeing and day trips out of Kyoto easier.
Teamlab is at a walking distance. It has multiple dining choices inside and around the station.
Reason for staying close to Tokyo station.
1. Direct express bus to and from Narita and Haneda airports. Bus takes 1 to 1.30 hours to Narita and is the most reasonable and comfortable choice when you are traveling with luggage. You can walk to and from the hotel with bags
2. Day trips to Mount Fuji, Nikko and other places start from ouside Tokyo station and its also a drop off point for them.
3. Tokyo Station is the main hub for Skinkansen arriving from Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto and various lines like Tokaido (west), Tohoku (north), Hokuriku, and Joetsu; and connecting to local routes like the Yamanote Line. Tokyo Station is the historic main gateway.
4. Imperial palace, Ginza the glittering shopping district are at a walking distance.
5. Multiple metro lines to connect to any place quickly
Osaka is a neonlit modern city. Doesn't offer a great deal that is very different than Tokyo. It is a good idea to visit it on a day trip from Kyoto. Osaka castle architecture and gardens are very similar to all 12 castles in Japan, including the largest Himmeji castle and Tokyo imperial palace. Seeing any one of them as per the schedule is enough.
Nara is a good one day or a half day trip from Kyoto. It has good temples and parks. It was Japan's capital for a few decades.
Seeing Nara and Osaka in one trip was a good decision.
Mount Fuji area, Lake Kawaguchiko, Hakone village are few of the prettiest places in Japan. If possible, one should spend at least 2 days here. We didn't do it and saw it on a day trip from Tokyo, because we didn't want to change many hotels and travel with bags.
I didn't chose to visit Hiroshima, as I thought it has only one half destroyed dome and a war museum to see the signs of the atom bomb destruction. Otherwise, it's a new modern city.
...to be continued....
Continued...
PREFACE:
As we came closer to the month and date of departure, the excitement started building. Spending quality time with friends itself was a big reason. It was a dream come true.
We all met at Vikram's place once in April for preliminary discussion. I had made a basic PPT presentation. We decided to meet some more times for planning and coordination, which didn't materialize. We had several group video calls.
We booked internal Tokyo Osaka ticket in the month of June 25. We applied for Japan Visa in August, 3 months prior to the trip, via VFS. Visa process was simple and inexpensive. ( 500 Rs + 750 VFS fees) We went to VFS office without any prior appointment. Submitted all the relevant documents. We got the visa in 5 days. I got it for 6 months. Some of us git it for 5 years. We could not understand the logic behind that.
There is an option of directly applying at the Japanese consulate, which we didn't explore.
We booked most of our trips and tickets on Klook app in October 25.
1. Shinkansen Train ticket from Kyoto to Osaka (8700 Rs)
2. Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo (3600 Rs)
3. Tokyo to Narita airport bus booking
4. Teamlab Kyoto ( this could have been booked on the spot to offer more flexibility)
5. Tokyo 3 days metro pass (this also could have been bought at Tokyo on Suica card)
6. JR WEST KANSAI TRAIN PASS for 3 consecutive days (5days for people traveling to Hiroshima) The 5 days pass was a good deal. 3 days was convenient but also puts limitations and doesn't save much cost. It also covered Kansai Airport transfer to Kyoto.
Apps:
The apps we used were Google translate, Google maps (downloaded offline maps of relevant places), Klook, Booking.com for hotels.
Phone:
Most of us just to international roaming pack from our normal phone operator. Airtel for me. Some of us took e-sim from apps here. Some bought local sims on the airport.
Money:
How much money to carry? This was going to a very small component, as we had already paid for flights, hotels, many of our transportation, attractions.
100 Yen were 60 Rs when we went.
I bought 40,000 Yen (24000 Rs) total for both of us, from a local dealer.
I used IDFC FIRST BANK MAYURA CARD and WOW CARD for many transactions in Japan. I got a very good rate without any mark up fees from card.
Some of us bought yens on prepaid forex card. It costed the same.
We bought Red Suica card of 5000 yen per person on the airport for local expenses.
This was more than enough. We had to blow off the balance money on the last day on shopping.
I also carried 2000 USD in cash. I didn't need them.
Clothes:
Light jacket, 1 sweater is all we needed besides normall clothes. Japan is reasonable and clothes could have been bought on the go.
Food:
We carried 10 preserved Food packets per couple, premade tea, coffee sachets, lots of snacks to ha e on the go. Theplas and Khakras. 3 of us are vegetarian.
We had booked hotel breakfast for 4 days.
Some of us ate out, tried local cuisine. We also bought Sandwiches, smoothies etc from 7/11. We found that was a very tasty and reasonable option.
Water:
Tap water in Japan is potable and safe. We filled empty bottles in the hotel toilets and carried them.
Transportation and sightseeing:
We used local transport everywhere.
JR local trains for trips to and from Kyoto, such as Nara, Osaka, Arashiyama.
Local buses at Nara and Kyoto.
Local subway trains at Osaka and Tokyo.
Express bus for Tokyo to Narita airport transfer ( prebooked)
Bus tour for Mount Fuji ( prebooked)
We did all the sightseeing without a guide.
Ideally, a guided walking tour would have been more rewarding.
We had several calls and video calls to discuss Bags, Packing, Food to carry, places to book, how and how much money to carry and many more topics.
I worked out daily, hour by hour itinerary after a lot of study. Poonam and Jaee's research helped a lot.
The excitement was building day by day.
I was praying for divine help every day.
Finally, we were ready for our expedition.
... to be continued...
PREFACE:
As we came closer to the month and date of departure, the excitement started building. Spending quality time with friends itself was a big reason. It was a dream come true.
We all met at Vikram's place once in April for preliminary discussion. I had made a basic PPT presentation. We decided to meet some more times for planning and coordination, which didn't materialize. We had several group video calls.
We booked internal Tokyo Osaka ticket in the month of June 25. We applied for Japan Visa in August, 3 months prior to the trip, via VFS. Visa process was simple and inexpensive. ( 500 Rs + 750 VFS fees) We went to VFS office without any prior appointment. Submitted all the relevant documents. We got the visa in 5 days. I got it for 6 months. Some of us git it for 5 years. We could not understand the logic behind that.
There is an option of directly applying at the Japanese consulate, which we didn't explore.
We booked most of our trips and tickets on Klook app in October 25.
1. Shinkansen Train ticket from Kyoto to Osaka (8700 Rs)
2. Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo (3600 Rs)
3. Tokyo to Narita airport bus booking
4. Teamlab Kyoto ( this could have been booked on the spot to offer more flexibility)
5. Tokyo 3 days metro pass (this also could have been bought at Tokyo on Suica card)
6. JR WEST KANSAI TRAIN PASS for 3 consecutive days (5days for people traveling to Hiroshima) The 5 days pass was a good deal. 3 days was convenient but also puts limitations and doesn't save much cost. It also covered Kansai Airport transfer to Kyoto.
Apps:
The apps we used were Google translate, Google maps (downloaded offline maps of relevant places), Klook, Booking.com for hotels.
Phone:
Most of us just to international roaming pack from our normal phone operator. Airtel for me. Some of us took e-sim from apps here. Some bought local sims on the airport.
Money:
How much money to carry? This was going to a very small component, as we had already paid for flights, hotels, many of our transportation, attractions.
100 Yen were 60 Rs when we went.
I bought 40,000 Yen (24000 Rs) total for both of us, from a local dealer.
I used IDFC FIRST BANK MAYURA CARD and WOW CARD for many transactions in Japan. I got a very good rate without any mark up fees from card.
Some of us bought yens on prepaid forex card. It costed the same.
We bought Red Suica card of 5000 yen per person on the airport for local expenses.
This was more than enough. We had to blow off the balance money on the last day on shopping.
I also carried 2000 USD in cash. I didn't need them.
Clothes:
Light jacket, 1 sweater is all we needed besides normall clothes. Japan is reasonable and clothes could have been bought on the go.
Food:
We carried 10 preserved Food packets per couple, premade tea, coffee sachets, lots of snacks to ha e on the go. Theplas and Khakras. 3 of us are vegetarian.
We had booked hotel breakfast for 4 days.
Some of us ate out, tried local cuisine. We also bought Sandwiches, smoothies etc from 7/11. We found that was a very tasty and reasonable option.
Water:
Tap water in Japan is potable and safe. We filled empty bottles in the hotel toilets and carried them.
Transportation and sightseeing:
We used local transport everywhere.
JR local trains for trips to and from Kyoto, such as Nara, Osaka, Arashiyama.
Local buses at Nara and Kyoto.
Local subway trains at Osaka and Tokyo.
Express bus for Tokyo to Narita airport transfer ( prebooked)
Bus tour for Mount Fuji ( prebooked)
We did all the sightseeing without a guide.
Ideally, a guided walking tour would have been more rewarding.
We had several calls and video calls to discuss Bags, Packing, Food to carry, places to book, how and how much money to carry and many more topics.
I worked out daily, hour by hour itinerary after a lot of study. Poonam and Jaee's research helped a lot.
The excitement was building day by day.
I was praying for divine help every day.
Finally, we were ready for our expedition.
... to be continued...
Quote:
True
>> Ideally, a guided walking tour would have been more rewarding.
Am wondering why. And where
In Kyoto old town, Higashiyama ward.Originally Posted by mrwunrfl
Jaee's suggestion was a good one.True
>> Ideally, a guided walking tour would have been more rewarding.
Am wondering why. And where
Gion area, to explain the culture, customs, trivia, history thats not there on Google snd Youtube.
It is usually a good orientation tour in any place.
We usually take a 2-3 hours free walking tour in all the cities in the intial days, preferably 1st day at any place and tip them at the end of the tour. They give some good tips on popular joints, Shopping places from where they locals buy, some offbeat places to explore.
We also go to Sunday flee market garage sales, just for fun and atmosphere. Its also a chance to interact with the locals.
We like to do at least one non touristy thing on a trip.
07.11.25 Friday ( Day 1)
_________________
FLIGHT TO TOKYO
Our ANA flight was at 8 pm. We had planned to meet at the airport at 5 pm. I started a bit late at 4.30 pm from Dadar. Poorva and Jagrat dropped us to the airport. We have been spoilt by our now grown up children for the past few years, when it comes to airport to and fro transfers on our innumerable trips every year.
On the way to the airport, our group people called me to tell that, if we don't board the connecting flight of ANA from Tokyo to Osaka. Its called skiplagging or hidden-city ticketing, or missed connection on purpose.
All this happened because we had booked a ticket that was Mumbai-Tokyo( Narita)- 20.00 to 7.45 am Tokyo (Haneda) 11 am to Kansai Osaka 12.15 pm.
There was 3.15 hours time between the 2 flights, in which we had to go through immigration at Tokyo Narita, collect our bags and manage our own transfer to Tokyo Haneda airport. The journey time is approx 1.30 hours. It was impossible for anyone to do this and check in bags 1 hour prior at Haneda. This was a wrong and impossible connection sold to us by ANA. Usually when we book a flight with a stopover, the luggage is checked in for the final destination. Because this was a different airport 1.30 hours away, we had to go through immigration and collect our bags management self transfer. The time of 3.15 hours was unrealistic.
After we understood this issue, we had decided to forgo our connecting flight and booked a new flight from Narita airport so that we don't have to stress ourselves. Even after traveling for so many years and planning several trips to international destinations, I was totally unaware of the consequences of such an act and the term skiplagging.
I also got a call from ANA Mumbai office to tell that it was a special fare and our return journey from Tokyo to Mumbai would automatically get canceled if we miss the interim connecting flight.
My entire journey to the airport was tense and consumed by calls to ANA International helpline which was in Japan. This lasted till we reached the check in counter and even after that. Poorva took all the details and took the responsibility of coordinating with ANA. They flatly refused to help.
I met the entire group when they were out of the airport lounge. I was stressed out for the entire time till we boarded the flight.
I got a call from Poorva.
After 2-3 one hour calls, she could finally get them to agree to let us travel back from Tokyo to Mumbai on the same tickets. She also sent a screenshot our our revised itinerary as per our PNR. That was very big relief.
Several times in the past, I have realized that God is with us. What I felt was the adversity, was a blessing in disguise. I remembered the famous quote by a french philosopher Michel de Montaigne: "My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened,"
Poorva was a huge help.
I prayed and asked God to be with us throughout the journey and take care of all of us. May this trip be a good and memorable trip of a lifetime for all 14 of us. It was the 1st time I had planned and was leading a trip for so many people. That too to a place where language, script, customs and food could have been a problem for us.
We had purchased our prefered seats just 2 days earlier for 1400 per person for the return journey. So we were sitting together on good seats.
ANA goofed up with the food preference and vegetarian people could not get veg food. But we somehow managed. The seats were comfortable and wide. Leg space was way above average. Poonam and Myself took half a sleeping pill each. So the 8 hours direct flight was comfortable. They served Chivas Regal 12 yo. Vikram and Charu charmed their way with me to the crew station at the back to get some more refills
_________________
FLIGHT TO TOKYO
Our ANA flight was at 8 pm. We had planned to meet at the airport at 5 pm. I started a bit late at 4.30 pm from Dadar. Poorva and Jagrat dropped us to the airport. We have been spoilt by our now grown up children for the past few years, when it comes to airport to and fro transfers on our innumerable trips every year.
On the way to the airport, our group people called me to tell that, if we don't board the connecting flight of ANA from Tokyo to Osaka. Its called skiplagging or hidden-city ticketing, or missed connection on purpose.
All this happened because we had booked a ticket that was Mumbai-Tokyo( Narita)- 20.00 to 7.45 am Tokyo (Haneda) 11 am to Kansai Osaka 12.15 pm.
There was 3.15 hours time between the 2 flights, in which we had to go through immigration at Tokyo Narita, collect our bags and manage our own transfer to Tokyo Haneda airport. The journey time is approx 1.30 hours. It was impossible for anyone to do this and check in bags 1 hour prior at Haneda. This was a wrong and impossible connection sold to us by ANA. Usually when we book a flight with a stopover, the luggage is checked in for the final destination. Because this was a different airport 1.30 hours away, we had to go through immigration and collect our bags management self transfer. The time of 3.15 hours was unrealistic.
After we understood this issue, we had decided to forgo our connecting flight and booked a new flight from Narita airport so that we don't have to stress ourselves. Even after traveling for so many years and planning several trips to international destinations, I was totally unaware of the consequences of such an act and the term skiplagging.
I also got a call from ANA Mumbai office to tell that it was a special fare and our return journey from Tokyo to Mumbai would automatically get canceled if we miss the interim connecting flight.
My entire journey to the airport was tense and consumed by calls to ANA International helpline which was in Japan. This lasted till we reached the check in counter and even after that. Poorva took all the details and took the responsibility of coordinating with ANA. They flatly refused to help.
I met the entire group when they were out of the airport lounge. I was stressed out for the entire time till we boarded the flight.
I got a call from Poorva.
After 2-3 one hour calls, she could finally get them to agree to let us travel back from Tokyo to Mumbai on the same tickets. She also sent a screenshot our our revised itinerary as per our PNR. That was very big relief.
Several times in the past, I have realized that God is with us. What I felt was the adversity, was a blessing in disguise. I remembered the famous quote by a french philosopher Michel de Montaigne: "My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened,"
Poorva was a huge help.
I prayed and asked God to be with us throughout the journey and take care of all of us. May this trip be a good and memorable trip of a lifetime for all 14 of us. It was the 1st time I had planned and was leading a trip for so many people. That too to a place where language, script, customs and food could have been a problem for us.
We had purchased our prefered seats just 2 days earlier for 1400 per person for the return journey. So we were sitting together on good seats.
ANA goofed up with the food preference and vegetarian people could not get veg food. But we somehow managed. The seats were comfortable and wide. Leg space was way above average. Poonam and Myself took half a sleeping pill each. So the 8 hours direct flight was comfortable. They served Chivas Regal 12 yo. Vikram and Charu charmed their way with me to the crew station at the back to get some more refills
Our gang of 14 friends met at Mumbai airport. I am still on call with ANA to sort out the issue of possible Skiplagging.
[img alt="Entering the flight.
Excitement of visiting a dream destination and anxiety of possible unknown and unexpected problems, handling a group of 14 people, both on my face and mind.
"]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/1280x960/img_20251108_wa0022_cdafd284d2279cb7260db66206bb2d 172c47f71d.jpg[/img]
Entering the flight. Excitement of visiting a dream destination and anxiety of possible unknown and unexpected problems, handling a group of 14 people, both on my face and mind.
... Continued...
8.11.25 Saturday (Day 2)
Tokyo Osaka flight and transfer to Kyoto (6Nights) We landed at Tokyo Narita airport. The flight was extremely comfortable. The seats were wide and food was great. .Our flight landed at 7.45 am. Just as we came out, 2 ANA ground staff women were waiting on the aero bridge just outside the flight gate with my name on the iPad to greet us. They took our Tokyo Osaka boarding cards and canceled them. They told us that the next leg of the flight is canceled but we will be able to continue our jorney from Tokyo to Mubai as per our booking. This confirmed that Poorva had done a great job of liasoning with ANA.Our process of immigration was smooth and quick. It took us around 30 minutes.We collected our luggage. We went to the JR office on the lower floor of the airport and bought the Red Welcome Suica card with a 5000 Yen each by paying through credit cards.This is valid for 30 days and can have zero balance.Went through the check in and security process again for the domestic Jetstar flight. We had some Parathas and some food that we carried from home while waiting for the flight. We boarded around 11.10Jetstar flight was on time at 11.40 am and reached Osaka Kansai at 13.25 pm.We collected our luggage. Vikram bought a prepaid phone card. We had purchased our JR West Kansai pass for 3 days/ 5 days, which worked for our train jorney from Kansai Airport to Kyoto station.The train station is one level above the arrival gate. There are several train companies that operate and we had to look for JR zone. As we reached the JR zone and were about to entre the station, Poornima realized that she had forgotten her purse in the toilet. She ran and looked for it, but someone had picked it up before her. She had her passport, iPhone, 3000 USD cash and 20,000 Yen. This was a big jolt to all of us. Japan is supposed to be safe country and we were not prepared for such a shock. Poornima, Vaishali and myself waited to see if something can be done. The rest of the group went ahead to Kyoto. We went to the customer care, the Kansai police booth. Police were totally ignorant. They had a small counter and an office behind. They disappeared inside despite our knocking on the door. Finally one guy came out to the counter. He refused to see the cctv footage or write any report of missing passport. He told us that all police stations are closed at 4 pm on Saturday and they will only open at 9 am on Monday morning. We should go to Minami police station at Osaka on Monday morning. We went to the customs left luggage counter, 2 customercare desks. They all spoke broken English and didn't help at all. We walked thousands of steps up and down when the local authorities made us feel like a ping pong ball. We were extremely frustrated and dejected. Poornima almost felt like taking the next flight and coming back to India. This did tarnish the image of Japan that we had and everyone portrayed. We found them very cold and unhelpful. Poornima was strong to resurrect herself.We thought this was a bad start to the trip n why this had to happen on the 1st day. On the hindsight towards the end of the trip, had it happened later, we would not have time to get anew passport and no one would have been able to extend our stay for it. Though it was traumatic for the entire group, it didn't really alter our tour plan and we had the time to do the procedure to get the alternate temporart passport. The fact that we were at Kyoto for 6 nights also helped. We 3 took the train to Kyoto at 4.30 pm . It was crowded and we didn't get place to sit n had to stand for 1 hour. We watched the beautiful sunset from the train, at around 5 pm. Our 1st in Japan. Reached Kyoto station at 6 pm. Walked 15 minutes, which seemed like hours, with the strolleys to the hotel.
We had booked this hotel " Stay Sakura Kyoto station Shichijo" for 2 nights, as the other hotel which we had booked for next 4 nights, wasnt available on these 2 dates for 14 people. This was an after thought when we decided to cancel Osaka stay and shift it to Kyoto 6 nights.
Hotel was small but cosy and nice. Rooms were small but well equipped. Toilets were well equipped and functional. Wcs had self warming seats, built in jet spray. They provided us white night suits. All these were going to be the standard norm in Japan on our trip. One thing that we felt like taking with us to India was their WC
We had hot coffee provided by the hotel in the ground floor lounge. Had our dinner brought by us, in the lounge.It was a long tiring day. Slept at 10.30 pm
... to be continued...
8.11.25 Saturday (Day 2)
Tokyo Osaka flight and transfer to Kyoto (6Nights) We landed at Tokyo Narita airport. The flight was extremely comfortable. The seats were wide and food was great. .Our flight landed at 7.45 am. Just as we came out, 2 ANA ground staff women were waiting on the aero bridge just outside the flight gate with my name on the iPad to greet us. They took our Tokyo Osaka boarding cards and canceled them. They told us that the next leg of the flight is canceled but we will be able to continue our jorney from Tokyo to Mubai as per our booking. This confirmed that Poorva had done a great job of liasoning with ANA.Our process of immigration was smooth and quick. It took us around 30 minutes.We collected our luggage. We went to the JR office on the lower floor of the airport and bought the Red Welcome Suica card with a 5000 Yen each by paying through credit cards.This is valid for 30 days and can have zero balance.Went through the check in and security process again for the domestic Jetstar flight. We had some Parathas and some food that we carried from home while waiting for the flight. We boarded around 11.10Jetstar flight was on time at 11.40 am and reached Osaka Kansai at 13.25 pm.We collected our luggage. Vikram bought a prepaid phone card. We had purchased our JR West Kansai pass for 3 days/ 5 days, which worked for our train jorney from Kansai Airport to Kyoto station.The train station is one level above the arrival gate. There are several train companies that operate and we had to look for JR zone. As we reached the JR zone and were about to entre the station, Poornima realized that she had forgotten her purse in the toilet. She ran and looked for it, but someone had picked it up before her. She had her passport, iPhone, 3000 USD cash and 20,000 Yen. This was a big jolt to all of us. Japan is supposed to be safe country and we were not prepared for such a shock. Poornima, Vaishali and myself waited to see if something can be done. The rest of the group went ahead to Kyoto. We went to the customer care, the Kansai police booth. Police were totally ignorant. They had a small counter and an office behind. They disappeared inside despite our knocking on the door. Finally one guy came out to the counter. He refused to see the cctv footage or write any report of missing passport. He told us that all police stations are closed at 4 pm on Saturday and they will only open at 9 am on Monday morning. We should go to Minami police station at Osaka on Monday morning. We went to the customs left luggage counter, 2 customercare desks. They all spoke broken English and didn't help at all. We walked thousands of steps up and down when the local authorities made us feel like a ping pong ball. We were extremely frustrated and dejected. Poornima almost felt like taking the next flight and coming back to India. This did tarnish the image of Japan that we had and everyone portrayed. We found them very cold and unhelpful. Poornima was strong to resurrect herself.We thought this was a bad start to the trip n why this had to happen on the 1st day. On the hindsight towards the end of the trip, had it happened later, we would not have time to get anew passport and no one would have been able to extend our stay for it. Though it was traumatic for the entire group, it didn't really alter our tour plan and we had the time to do the procedure to get the alternate temporart passport. The fact that we were at Kyoto for 6 nights also helped. We 3 took the train to Kyoto at 4.30 pm . It was crowded and we didn't get place to sit n had to stand for 1 hour. We watched the beautiful sunset from the train, at around 5 pm. Our 1st in Japan. Reached Kyoto station at 6 pm. Walked 15 minutes, which seemed like hours, with the strolleys to the hotel.
We had booked this hotel " Stay Sakura Kyoto station Shichijo" for 2 nights, as the other hotel which we had booked for next 4 nights, wasnt available on these 2 dates for 14 people. This was an after thought when we decided to cancel Osaka stay and shift it to Kyoto 6 nights.
Hotel was small but cosy and nice. Rooms were small but well equipped. Toilets were well equipped and functional. Wcs had self warming seats, built in jet spray. They provided us white night suits. All these were going to be the standard norm in Japan on our trip. One thing that we felt like taking with us to India was their WC
We had hot coffee provided by the hotel in the ground floor lounge. Had our dinner brought by us, in the lounge.It was a long tiring day. Slept at 10.30 pm... to be continued...
Mount Fuji from our flight. This was a lottery for us, just 1 hour before landing. Visible from the right side of the flight. This was a big bang start to our trip.
Fun things at Narita airport
ANA staff waiting for me on the aerobridge. This confirmed that our issue of Skipleggiing was resolved and our trip was on track
Landing at Kansai Airport
Waiting for JR Train from Kansai airport to Kyoto, with 2 curious Japanes girls who had just started working after college
Poornima, managing a smile and keeping her morale high after losing her passport and everything that she was carrying including money and phone.
Beautiful sunset from the train
Trying to smile after a tense situation. I think I am looking the most tense at least in this photo.
Finally landed at Kyoto station
1st view outside Kyoto station at night.
Greeted by friends at the hotel lounge with a much needed hot cup of coffee. Having friends around did reduce our stress. This was our party place for the next 2 days.
Our tiny but well equipped room. This was one of the smallest rooms I have stayed in, anywhere in the world. That was Japan for us.
The toilet was extremely functional and well equipped
Small but funtional toilet. All japanese toilets are similar. All the WCs have a heated seat and a warm water jet spray. When will the western world learn this. This is basic hygiene.
... continued...
9.11.25 Sunday (Day 3)
NARA & OSAKA DAY TRIPS ON A sole RAINY DAY in our trip
Today's plan was Nara, but weather forecast showed rains the entire day. We thought it would be drizzling and will stop in some time. But Japanese weather forecast was as accurate as them. We still decided to go ahead with the plans. Got up early at 5.30 am to leave by 6.15. Sunil and Pamy got up late by 6 am as he couldn't sleep in the night. They told us to leave and they would join us later. We picked up some umbrellas from the hotel and walked 15 minutes to Kyoto station. Our pass JR Kansai west pass entitled us unlimited travel to Nara and Osaka.
We waited on the platform for Sunil and Pamy to come. We took a JR train around 7.30 and reached Nara JR station by 8.30am. There is an unlimited Nara bus day pass available at 650 Yen. But we knew that we needed only 2 buses for 250 yen each to go and come back. Buses are plenty and frequent. So took a bus from the stop outside the JR Nara station and reached Nara deer park in 10 minutes. Stop is just outside the park. It was drizzling throughout. Several deers welcomed us there. We went through the big gate. Entry to the large park is free. We walked to the famous Todaiji Temple. Took 600 Yen ticket by paying cash.
Todaiji, the "Great Eastern Temple" is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.
Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
We spent a lot of time clicking photos. Roamed around a bit in the park. We dropped the plan of visiting other shrines and landscaped garden, as it was raining and was getting cold. We did some window shopping, went to a local coffee shop outside the gate. It had a nice Japanese landscaped courtyard inside. Hot coffee felt good. We walked 5 minutes to the bus stop to go back. There was a long queue. We got the 2nd bus to the station. Tapped Suica card inside the bus for our tickets. Reached station in 10 minutes. We had some packed Theplas on the benches outside Nara JR station.
Took a train to Osaka Tennoji station around 2.30 and reached there by 3.30 pm. Tapped Suica card n Changed to Midosuji Red line to Hommachi station. Again changed to Chuo green line to Osakako station. Journey costed us 210 Yen. Walked around 10 minutes to the aquarium. 6 of us wanted to go to the aquarium and rest had planned to chill and have beer or do some window shopping. But the aquarium had limited tickets for a day and it was full. We had not done our research on this. It wasn't there on my radar too as we have seen a similar aquarium in Singapore. If one has to visit the aquarium, and advance booking is a must.
We decided to go to Dotonbori. Walked 5 minutes to Tempozan Harbor Village bus stop. Took bus no. 60 to Nigiwaibashi which took around 40 minutes. Tapped Suica card inside the bus for 240 Yen. Walked 10 minutes to Dotonbori area. This is the most famous bustling part of Osaka, best visited in the evening. Some of us wanted to do some shopping. Some of us headed to the Ebisu Bridge which is a great spot to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori. Standing on the bridge gives a nice view of the canal, especially in the evening when the neon signs reflect beautifully on the water. It’s a fun place to take photos and watch the boats passing by.
There are also many street food stalls and shops nearby, so you can easily grab a snack while enjoying the scenery. The combination of the colorful lights, the sound of the city, and a little street food makes the experience enjoyable and very “Osaka” in style.
It had stopped drizzling but the streets were wet. Were at the right time around 4.30 pm just before the sunset. We clicked a lot of pics. Looked for a canal side café which had outdoor sitting under a canopy. Had some beer and French fries.
They had fans with a built in hot coil. The hot breeze mad us feel warm. We left after spending some fun moments.
Overall, Ebisu Bridge is a simple but great place to relax for a moment, enjoy the canal view, and feel the energetic side of Osaka.
We did some window shopping on the way back where we had decided to meet at 5.45 pm. We walked to Namba station and took a metro on Midosuji Red line to Umeda station which is Connected to Osaka JR station. Its a long 15 minutes walk through underground shopping arcade to reach Osaka station. Took a JR train to Kyoto station at 6.20 pm and reached by 7.30 pm. We were quite tired by then but I decided to do some recce of the route to the next days hotel. Susheel volunteered to join me. It took us quite some time and phone calls to the hotel to understand the way. We explored the Kyoto station which has a lit up amphitheater on top and several departmental stores. We went through a several levels and maze of all shops. Reached the reception of our next hotel Miyako City Kintestu station. The lobby was large and oppulent. Took an approval for keeping our bags next morning with them. While coming back I took a video with commentary explaining all the landmarks on the way. This proved very helpful the next day, as we came there is separate batches. Susheel and I had a nice chat on the way. The15 min walk to our hotel didn't feel tiring. Back in the hotel, friends were ready to celebrate Charu's 60th birthday in their small lounge. He had got Jack Daniel whiskey for it. That was the last non Japanese whiskey we had on the trip. We warmed some food we had carried in the hotel microwave and had a great time. Packed bags for the next day. Slept around 10.30 am with an alarm of 5.30am
9.11.25 Sunday (Day 3)
NARA & OSAKA DAY TRIPS ON A sole RAINY DAY in our trip
Today's plan was Nara, but weather forecast showed rains the entire day. We thought it would be drizzling and will stop in some time. But Japanese weather forecast was as accurate as them. We still decided to go ahead with the plans. Got up early at 5.30 am to leave by 6.15. Sunil and Pamy got up late by 6 am as he couldn't sleep in the night. They told us to leave and they would join us later. We picked up some umbrellas from the hotel and walked 15 minutes to Kyoto station. Our pass JR Kansai west pass entitled us unlimited travel to Nara and Osaka.
We waited on the platform for Sunil and Pamy to come. We took a JR train around 7.30 and reached Nara JR station by 8.30am. There is an unlimited Nara bus day pass available at 650 Yen. But we knew that we needed only 2 buses for 250 yen each to go and come back. Buses are plenty and frequent. So took a bus from the stop outside the JR Nara station and reached Nara deer park in 10 minutes. Stop is just outside the park. It was drizzling throughout. Several deers welcomed us there. We went through the big gate. Entry to the large park is free. We walked to the famous Todaiji Temple. Took 600 Yen ticket by paying cash.
Todaiji, the "Great Eastern Temple" is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.
Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
We spent a lot of time clicking photos. Roamed around a bit in the park. We dropped the plan of visiting other shrines and landscaped garden, as it was raining and was getting cold. We did some window shopping, went to a local coffee shop outside the gate. It had a nice Japanese landscaped courtyard inside. Hot coffee felt good. We walked 5 minutes to the bus stop to go back. There was a long queue. We got the 2nd bus to the station. Tapped Suica card inside the bus for our tickets. Reached station in 10 minutes. We had some packed Theplas on the benches outside Nara JR station.
Took a train to Osaka Tennoji station around 2.30 and reached there by 3.30 pm. Tapped Suica card n Changed to Midosuji Red line to Hommachi station. Again changed to Chuo green line to Osakako station. Journey costed us 210 Yen. Walked around 10 minutes to the aquarium. 6 of us wanted to go to the aquarium and rest had planned to chill and have beer or do some window shopping. But the aquarium had limited tickets for a day and it was full. We had not done our research on this. It wasn't there on my radar too as we have seen a similar aquarium in Singapore. If one has to visit the aquarium, and advance booking is a must.
We decided to go to Dotonbori. Walked 5 minutes to Tempozan Harbor Village bus stop. Took bus no. 60 to Nigiwaibashi which took around 40 minutes. Tapped Suica card inside the bus for 240 Yen. Walked 10 minutes to Dotonbori area. This is the most famous bustling part of Osaka, best visited in the evening. Some of us wanted to do some shopping. Some of us headed to the Ebisu Bridge which is a great spot to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori. Standing on the bridge gives a nice view of the canal, especially in the evening when the neon signs reflect beautifully on the water. It’s a fun place to take photos and watch the boats passing by.
There are also many street food stalls and shops nearby, so you can easily grab a snack while enjoying the scenery. The combination of the colorful lights, the sound of the city, and a little street food makes the experience enjoyable and very “Osaka” in style.
It had stopped drizzling but the streets were wet. Were at the right time around 4.30 pm just before the sunset. We clicked a lot of pics. Looked for a canal side café which had outdoor sitting under a canopy. Had some beer and French fries.
They had fans with a built in hot coil. The hot breeze mad us feel warm. We left after spending some fun moments.
Overall, Ebisu Bridge is a simple but great place to relax for a moment, enjoy the canal view, and feel the energetic side of Osaka.
We did some window shopping on the way back where we had decided to meet at 5.45 pm. We walked to Namba station and took a metro on Midosuji Red line to Umeda station which is Connected to Osaka JR station. Its a long 15 minutes walk through underground shopping arcade to reach Osaka station. Took a JR train to Kyoto station at 6.20 pm and reached by 7.30 pm. We were quite tired by then but I decided to do some recce of the route to the next days hotel. Susheel volunteered to join me. It took us quite some time and phone calls to the hotel to understand the way. We explored the Kyoto station which has a lit up amphitheater on top and several departmental stores. We went through a several levels and maze of all shops. Reached the reception of our next hotel Miyako City Kintestu station. The lobby was large and oppulent. Took an approval for keeping our bags next morning with them. While coming back I took a video with commentary explaining all the landmarks on the way. This proved very helpful the next day, as we came there is separate batches. Susheel and I had a nice chat on the way. The15 min walk to our hotel didn't feel tiring. Back in the hotel, friends were ready to celebrate Charu's 60th birthday in their small lounge. He had got Jack Daniel whiskey for it. That was the last non Japanese whiskey we had on the trip. We warmed some food we had carried in the hotel microwave and had a great time. Packed bags for the next day. Slept around 10.30 am with an alarm of 5.30am
A sweet photo bombing by the deer
Dear conference under the tree
Smiles and laughters when friends are together
The main gate to Todai ji temple
The demon guardian outside the temple
Some photo stunts are our favourite couple
Japan's largest Buddha temple
First taste of the autumn
Hot coffee with friends on a cold rainy day
Coffee with a view and tranquility as a complimentary package
Window shopping
Even the deers know and reciprocate when you bow down to thank.
>> We also go to Sunday flee market garage sales, just for fun and atmosphere. Its also a chance to interact with the locals.
Outstanding!
(The Japanese people are the best part of a visit to Japan)
Outstanding!
(The Japanese people are the best part of a visit to Japan)
What a great, detailed report as well as wonderful photos! You and your friends are obviously having a fine visit!
My only suggestion is to divide your posts into more paragraphs for easier reading....
My only suggestion is to divide your posts into more paragraphs for easier reading....
Quote:
Outstanding!
(The Japanese people are the best part of a visit to Japan)
thanks.Originally Posted by mrwunrfl
>> We also go to Sunday flee market garage sales, just for fun and atmosphere. Its also a chance to interact with the locals.Outstanding!
(The Japanese people are the best part of a visit to Japan)
BTW.. congratulations on visiting 40 countries. That's a great accomplishment
what do you do for the badge of countries visited
Near the aquarium at Osaka
Ferris wheel, Osaka
Modern architecture at Osaka
Dotonbori, a good time to be there is at least half an hour before sunset
The famous signage over the bridge and river
Dotonbori river bank
Dotonbori riber bank
Beer with friends while watching the life around go by.. my most favorite activity anywhere anytime
River side cafe, Dotonbori, Osaka
