WOW, I have been reading all the messages posted about Japan, and what great information! <BR><BR>I am from Toronto and have always wanted to go to Japan. Searching websites for literature and plans is great but my mind is swirling from all the info!<BR><BR>What I need is a route defined, and you seem like the people who can guide me...<BR><BR>Can anybody very simply [because you all say so much is great to see] outline a trip for me and my husband that is 14-21 days long. If I go for 21 days, should I take advantage SOLELY of Japan or maybe go somewhere else in Asia? Where do you recommend I fly into? What path should I take from there? What time of year should we go? <BR><BR>We are interested in seeing the old and the new, the city and the countryside, and experiencing whatever will leave a lasting impression... We like being outdoors, have been to many major cities in the world, enjoy Japanese cuisine, seem to manage language barriers.<BR><BR>While I have books and printouts everywhere, I hope you can help me narrow down a plan.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance,<BR><BR>Alex

I am not from Japan(I'm from Thailand) but I've just recently return from a trip to Japan with my family. <BR><BR>When I was doing the research for my trip I looked at other people's experiences as a guide. My best advice for you is to do the same and I'll include the web site address where I found some of the trip "stories".<BR><BR>From a L.A. Doctor traveling to Japan for the 1st time:<BR>http://www.asktog.com/travel/Japan/japan01.html<BR><BR>From an artist who enjoy luxurious accommodation:<BR>http://www.edwardcartergallery.com/travels/articles/tawaraya.html<BR><BR>Lastly from my own experience, my family and I enjoyed staying in a Ryokan(Japanese Inn) very much. Perhaps you should give this a try but beware they're expensive.<BR>http://www.ryokan.or.jp/english/index.html<BR><BR>Hope this help!<BR><BR>Apiwat

First to Apiwat- Thanks for the web sites..I loved the doctor Togs!<BR>Alexandra- I wouldn't try to go to more than one country if you are doing the 14 days. If more, You could take a side trip to Korea or Taipei. I've done this on a few trips...the airtime isn't too bad, although getting too and from the airports is long and expensive, with the distance to the city, the airport taxes and security. <BR>In Japan, I would do this in either April or May or in the fall:<BR>First 2 nights in Tokyo staying at ryokan Shigetsu. Easy area to walk around Asakusa Kannon Temple and to get acclimated to Japan.<BR>Bullet train to Kyoto for 6 days. lots to see here, plus side trips to Nara, Himeji castle, Wakayama.<BR>Then head north to Takayama via Nagoya. Spend 3 days in this cute old village, then go the back route by bus to Matsumoto in the Japanese alps. Perhaps stop for a night in one of the onsen along the route. <BR>From Matsumoto, take train back to Tokyo. By now you'll be really comfortable, and Tokyo will seem so easy with all the english signs! Maybe stay closer to Ueno this time. Do some more sightseeing and shopping here, then head for home or to Seoul or Taipei! Beware though, that following Japan is a hard act.

Alexandra - you're right. the more info, the more confused and undecided one can get. There's much to see and experience in Japan; my suggestion is spend your 2-3 weeks there. See a festival or 2. Cherry blossom time is popular. I went in July and included the festivals in Kyoto (Gion) and in Osaka (Tenjin); they're within a few days of each other. But be warned that summer can be hot and humid. In addition to the other suggestions, you can also consider the Hakone and/or 5 Lakes area for a Mt Fuji experience. <BR>

Thanks – I will look into Apiwat's sites and map out Icuy's suggested route on a map so I can see how far of a round-trip this is! I think I will stick to just Japan as well. And Banares – summer heat noted.<BR>Appreciate it,<BR>Alex