Arriving in Kyoto on Sat.May27, is it still raining? I've been getting conflicting reports from the various web weather sites.I'll come prepared for what-ever but just curious about what it's really like. If rain, is in the am or pm?
Really excited about my first vist to Japan.
Thanks for any info.

"Let's bring an umbrella"
http://weather.jal.co.jp/en/dom/airport_kix.html
Looks like cloudy early, rain later.

Are you going to stay at the airport the first night or go to Kyoto? What's your itin after that? How are you getting to the cruise ship?

Yes, it looks like the umbrella will be in my carry-on.
Taking the MK shuttle directly to Kyoto and staying at the Okura for 5 nights. Plan to do self-touring of Kyoto & surrounds (have 4 day JR pass).
On the 6th day we train to Himeji(port of embarkation)see the city sites,spend the night then taxi to the port.
The cruise will be on the Clipper Odyssey for 11 days around Japan. Will fly back home on 6/14 from Tokyo.
I have a ton of info from this board and hope to put it to good use during our visit. Thanks to all.

kbella: I posted a review of the Okura on my trip report (from my trip last month) yesterday. Did you see it? I loved the hotel, esp. the location and the underground shopping/restaurant "Zest" complex.

WOudl love to hear about your Japan cruise when you get back. We get some info on cruises to other countries that leave from Japan or dock in Japan, but I have never seen a Japan cruise report. Maybe they get posted on the cruise forum.

Wow. The C.O. looks like a very nice yacht, only 128 passengers, and it gets a 4 star rating w/great cabins and great food served. The June ininerary looks great, going through the inland sea, around to Nagasaki, hopping over to S. Korea, then up the coast of Honshu and up to Hakodate. PLease let us know how you like it. The other C.O. itineraries also look very good.

Hi emd,
Loved your trip report. Also liked to hear good things about our hotel since we will be there 5 nights.
Looking forward to all aspects of our trip and I will be sure to let you know about the cruise.
Thanks again for your input on this board.

That is going to be a great trip. Actually was thrilled to see that the boat will stop in Hagi and Matsue. Also Kanazawa, Okayama, Hiroshima and Miyajima. Arriving in Nagasaki by boat is appropriate and it is scenic.

If I coudl get over my fear of being at sea I'd love to do a trip like this!