Also- is pickpocketing a major concern?

I was thinking of taking a small carryon roller and my daypack. I don't really have a small cross body purse anymore. Would my wallet/passport be ok in my backpack, or would I need a money belt?

I really hated wearing a money belt and I didn't find it necessary anywhere other than Rome, but I realize that transit is very crowded in Japan.

Alternatively I suppose I could use my backpack duffel but the trouble is I can't wear it and my daypack at the same time. So then the question becomes what kind of purse should I take that will hold my daypack stuff. (I want the day pack for my water bottle and guide book and rain jacket mostly).

To the best of my knowledge, pick-pocketing is not a concern at all, I've never come across a single story about it, either from tourists or locals. My impression is that this category of personal petty crime is very low - that's not to say there is no crime, but that it's not so high in this category as other countries. Would be interested to see if others have similar opinion.

We used a daypack with multiple zippered pockets, at least one of which is the kind that has two zips that can meet in the middle or to one side, so we could lock one compartment with a tiny padlock if need be, to secure passports and currency - with just a small amount plus credit cards in our wallets. That said, we rarely felt any need to use the padlock whilst out and about.

I think that Japan is a very safe country. However, I do still use a money belt, at least while in transit. If you find yours uncomfortable, try wearing it with the pouch at the back.

Went back to look at my TR and saw your question on hotel in Miyajima it is Hotel Sakuraya. Am in the middle of planning my return trip to Japan October-November.

I have a small cross body bag that I use for money, passport and camera. For the larger or more bulky stuff I have a tote.
Have tried and always pack a daypack but rarely use it.
One of the things I have problems getting used to.

Thanks, NYwoman!

It's my camera causing the debate really. I travelled without it last time and missed it. But it doesn't fit in my crossbody.

It's not just the camera - mine is quite small. But there is also the folding umbrella/sunshade, water bottle, sometimes an extra layer, etc. etc. I use a daypack.

I had a very similar internal debate myself, as I've been a keen amateur photographer for decades, but I also know that I really need to minimise weight carried on my shoulders - even my smallish SLR on a strap - or suffer the consequences - tension headaches and migraines.

For our last trip, I did take my SLR with a small and light 50mm f1.8 lens that I could use for a few blow out restaurant meals - I find the quality of images I can capture are much better with that lens, especially in darker spaces.

But for 95% of the time, I only used my camera phone camera, that applied for all photos at attractions, basically everything other than the few restaurants for which I took the SLR out. If I was out and about on foot, then the SLR stayed at home.

I was nervous, having bought a new mobile phone just before the trip (I dropped the previous one down the loo just weeks before the trip!) but I am really happy with my choice, I may have missed a few photos that would have been better with my SLR and various lenses but I would definitely have missed a whole lot more by not wanting to carry the camera at all, or by taking time out to recover from the headaches!!

Right, that's exactly it. I can't carry the camera around my neck because it's a major trigger for migraines. My crossbody has to be pretty small and light. So if I want to carry my camera and water bottle, day pack is my only option. But I'm concerned it will be too hot to comfortably use a day pack.

Hadn't considered the umbrella though...

how is the situation with water fountains? Are they common? Elsewhere I would just buy bottled water but it sounds like it may be difficult to find trash cans.

It's easy to find trash cans, I don't remember ever looking for water fountains but there are vending machines virtually everywhere. Everywhere!

Thanks, kavey!

My husband and I went to Hokkaido without a car in the summer of 2009. If I recall correctly, we flew into Tokyo, took the train up to the onsen where Tsurunuyo is (didn't stay there -it was booked- but the area was lovely and the train ride magnificient - then took a train to Hakodate. From Hakodate we took a train to Asahikawa (where we stayed at a wonderful hostel) and then the train to Noboribetsu and Sapporo. There may have been some busses involved but we did not have a car. We did all of this with a one-week JR pass. We then flew to Osaka.

Hookaido was a nice place to be in July - not too hot, not rainy. Japan can be very rainy in the summer.

I’m chiming in a bit late, and am not reading the full thread in detail, but hope I’ll provide some useful input nonetheless.

You can see Himeji-jo as a day trip from Kyoto:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html
(click on “ACCESS”)

I’m glad you’re getting the Rough Guide – I found it very useful.

Like thursdaysd, I found Japan very safe – but I would NEVER travel without an under-clothes money belt. There are different styles, so if the one you used didn’t suit, you might try a different type.

For a camera, water bottle, and the other little things I want to have with me when out and about, I just use a small linen beach bag. I also use a tiny backpack for a scarf, rain jacket, etc.

Are you planning to visit the Gion Matsuri parade? I saw a different one, and thought it worth seeing.

Thanks! Perhaps Himeji would be better to do as a day trip, because then I'd have more time in Hiroshima. Yes, I plan to see the Gion Matsuri parade (the second one).

I tried a neck one, and ended up using it as a bra one as it was a migraine trigger around me neck. It did not work out. And it was visible, and that was under a wool shirt, so I think it would look ridiculous under one of my sundresses. And the waist ones are uncomfortable or at least the ones I have tried so far, especially in hot weather. Still thinking it over. I don't know. I was happy to have it in Rome, especially on the buses. But I didn't wear it in London because London wasn't any different than NYC or Chicago. I wear a cross body purse and the only way someone would get it from me is to wrench it from my neck or to mug me.

No, no - not a neck one! This is what I use (also on amazon, but the link was sooo long):

http://lewisnclark.com/waist-stash/

It can be hot if you're somewhere steamy, but after a trip I feel undressed without it. Definitely wear it with the pouch at the back, though. I wear it in big cities in the US and UK, at least on travel days. Remember, it's not for cash you need that day.

I did Himeji as a day trip from Okayama, and that worked well.

If it helps, I though about 4 or 5 hours sufficient for Hiroshima -- the A-Bomb Dome, Peace Park, and Museum. I got there late morning, stashed my luggage at the train station, visited these incredibly moving sites, and then moved on to Miyajima by 4 or 5 p.m. -- early enough to meet my ryokan's needs. (I can check the exact times if it would help.)

My favorite under-clothes money belt is in a shoulder-holster style. Like you, I don't like the ones that hang around one's neck, and I'd only go with a round-the-waist one if absolutely necessary....

I've been to Disney twice, and I'd say you don't need four nights there. Three nights will give you two very full days, plus you could always check out some things on the day of your arrival if you choose.

So here are my official TDL tips:

Ask for front row for Journey to the Center of the Earth. Makes a difference. learn how to ask in Japanese. Also, you can try to do this twice, once during the day and once at night.

Aquatopia has no fastpass, so try to do that early. Do Journey first, then Aquatopia.

Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain both have single rider lines, and they are truly Fornt-of-the-Line. As a bonus, they will probably let you go together anyway if you ask. again, even better if you learn how to ask in Japanese.

The entrance to Triton's Kingdom is easy to miss. Make sure you see it, it is fantastic.

Ask for a map of Fortress Exploration in English. The best free souvenir you can get. But they do not make it readily availalble, so you really do have to ask. Use it. You don't want to miss any of the rooms. Again, it is fantastic.

There are some shows at TDL where admission is done by lottery. It is a waste of time to stand on line for the lottery, just to see if you have a chance to get in. You get only one chance a day. Wait for the last show of the day, and go to the lottery after the line has vanished. This does not decrease your chances, and at least this way you don't have to spend time on line. I twice got in this way, but that does not mean my chances were increased.

Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall is a delight to see, but it is the only inefficient thing at TDL. Get there well before everyone else eats lunch, becasue even a short line there takes way too long.

In Disney Sea, you can eat at the Cape Cod Cookout and watch the Duffy show at the same time as a bonus.

Many women bring a parasol to TDL to protect form the sun, which can be a real lifesaver. If you are the type to get to Rope Drop early, a parasol can prevent you from baking even before you enter the parks.

Make sure to do everyhting that is unique to the Tokyo parks. It is all worthwhile.

You might want to figure out how to do Pooh's Hunny Hunt twice. It is that good.

Shelemm- have you stayed on property both times or day tripped at all?
I currently have a hostel reservation in Tokyo; I'm hesitant to cancel it because I think I may want less time than I expect at TDL. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a hotel, and I'm worried I'll feel that I wasted the money if I do so.

I don't know. Bit frustrated because I felt like ripping up my whole itinerary last night and starting from scratch, but it's too short notice to do so.

Where do you ask for a map of fortress exploration?