Kathie’s & Cheryl’s Impressions of Japan
Nov 23rd, 2013, 06:59 PM
#41
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I'm so glad you enjoyed Japan.
Shinjuku station is mind-boggling. Period. In Echigo-Yuzawa I have had to ask where to go every time! I think I am directionally impaired but even so…I just have developed the habit of asking to avoid going hopelessly wrong. Drives Teaghan crazy, her being a teenager who knows all and finds supreme embarrassment in being with her mother anywhere then said mother asks obvious directions...
The MSG is an issue to be sure. Last week our office ordered noodle delivery lunch - I ate mine and they were delicious! But no sooner was I halfway through the bowl when Mimi looked a bit concerned and asked if I was ok…my face and arms were bright red, an MSG reaction of course. A liter of water and a couple of hours later I was fine, but disappointed that delivery noodles from that place are out for me!
In Nara there is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant we will show you!
Shinjuku station is mind-boggling. Period. In Echigo-Yuzawa I have had to ask where to go every time! I think I am directionally impaired but even so…I just have developed the habit of asking to avoid going hopelessly wrong. Drives Teaghan crazy, her being a teenager who knows all and finds supreme embarrassment in being with her mother anywhere then said mother asks obvious directions...
The MSG is an issue to be sure. Last week our office ordered noodle delivery lunch - I ate mine and they were delicious! But no sooner was I halfway through the bowl when Mimi looked a bit concerned and asked if I was ok…my face and arms were bright red, an MSG reaction of course. A liter of water and a couple of hours later I was fine, but disappointed that delivery noodles from that place are out for me!
In Nara there is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant we will show you!
Jan 1st, 2014, 07:46 PM
#42
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Kathie, thanks so much for your wonderful trip report. So enjoyable and informative as I prepare to my trip in May. E.g. I learned it may be worth paying extra for green car on the Shinkansen and I need to be careful about msg. Heading over to Cheryl's blog now.
Jan 2nd, 2014, 05:18 AM
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kathySTAug... If you have any questions or need help , esp . With MSG free places in Kanaznwa , be sure to contact Kim. Her office can help with internal travel and reservations. She is delightful, even if her teenage daughter does not appreciate her.
Jan 3rd, 2014, 09:09 PM
#44
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Great trip report. Loved Cheryl's photos. My only criticism is the lack of pictures of both of you!
I would not worry about getting lost in Shinjuku station. I have a great sense of direction and I have been through Shinjuku station at least 50 or more times in my life and it has not been uncommon for me to come on the wrong side.
I would not worry about getting lost in Shinjuku station. I have a great sense of direction and I have been through Shinjuku station at least 50 or more times in my life and it has not been uncommon for me to come on the wrong side.
Jan 5th, 2014, 08:03 AM
#48
Visiting Hakone is always a good idea, but I thought that putting a relaxing visit to Hakone at the end of a Japan visit like you did was a particularly good plan. The onsen, natural beauty, and two nights in a nice Western hotel before leaving Japan just sounds right.
How did you work out the trip from Odawara to the airport, shinkansen to Narita Express? JR Pass? How did you feel about the total trip from the Hyatt to the airport in terms of time, complexity, and comfort level?
How did you work out the trip from Odawara to the airport, shinkansen to Narita Express? JR Pass? How did you feel about the total trip from the Hyatt to the airport in terms of time, complexity, and comfort level?
Jan 5th, 2014, 08:53 AM
#49
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Yes, from Odawara to the airport, it was shinkansen to Narita Express. We opted for the green car to make sure there was space for our luggage. The trip from the Hyatt was easy - as long as you take a taxi to Odawara! I understand the Hyatt has a shuttle to Odawara station, but it doesn't run until afternoon - too late for us.
Hakone was a lovely ending to our trip.
Hakone was a lovely ending to our trip.
Jan 7th, 2014, 11:31 AM
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Kathie, similar question. I am hoping that we will be able to arrange the extra day in Japan and do the overnight in Hakone. I would prefer to schedule it at the end of the trip to minimize checkins and checkouts. If we do that, we would go to Narita from Hakone for an 11am flight. Do you think it would be a problem, getting to Narita from Hakone so early? I've checked the train schedule and it seems doable..any thoughts? What time was your flight out?
Jan 7th, 2014, 12:01 PM
#51
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You could certainly get from Hakone to Narita in time for an 11 am flight. To ensure you make it, take a taxi from where you are staying to the Odawara station. The little trains beyond Odawara can be very crowded and you could have to wait through several trains - not something you want to do if you are trying to make a flight.
Jan 7th, 2014, 04:48 PM
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I'm FINALLY catching up with your report, Kathie, and I've enjoyed reading it. You brought back some lovely memories, including ones of Nomura-ke in Kanazawa -- exquisite indeed! -- and the Okochi-Sanso estate in Kyoto -- such a delight! Thanks for posting.
