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Total rookie Japan itinerary assistance please
Hello travelers, my spouse and I have decided to try something totally new this year, traveling to Japan, a country we don't know a whole lot about thus far.
We will be using our miles to fly RT Tokyo and will be staying 14 days not including travel time. We plan on hiring a private guide for each city using the rail in between. We already have good leads for guides from prior Fodors research. We would like to spend about 3-4 nights in each major city and at least 3 nights in a nice beach resort area to veg out. My spouse is interrested in War musuums, sites, and aircraft but not the actual bombing sites (saddness) and I am open to anything and mostly like gardens and museums, historical places, places of beauty. Sorry this is so vague but if a fodorite could give us a general idea if how much time to spend in each area we'd have a general starting point. Thank you sincerely. |
To begin with, what cities are you interested in visiting?When will you be traveling?I would also suggest you get a guide book like Frommers or Rough Guides which should give you a better idea of what you might like to see.Then you could be assisted in a better way.l As for beach resorts, they do not exist, as we know them.A way to veg out would be to stay in a gorgeous setting at a ryokan -an inn which could be an amazing experience.Good luck!
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Also include in your information what time of the year you plan on visiting.
The time of year really makes a difference on what we recommend. You'll probably want to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima/Miyajima, maybe Hakone or Mount Koya for starters....give us a little more info so we can be more specific. Aloha! |
Thanks for both your responses.
We plan on traveling mid July for 2 weeks or a little over. I know it is peak travel season but we are already pretty much committed for the rest of the year travel-wise. Hawaiiantraveler, I will search attractions in the cities tou've listed and tour company itinerary websites for ideas and comment back when I get a general idea by tomorrow morning. Thanks and as Arnie says "I'll be back":) |
Here, use this site for some info on the cities I mentioned and other cities in Japan. Check out the WHOLE jnto site as it is full of information
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/index.html Aloha! |
Okay, I will definitely read the link. I was hoping to do this on our own but I placed a call to our travel agent. She's worked with us for years and will put together an itinerary for us with guides.
I realized I probably really need her as I have asthma and positively can't have a smoking hotel room as I get very sick. So as soon as I get my first rough draft I'll post it here. We are also going to try a ryokan. Yea!!!!! |
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mt Fuji are the must-sees. You can Nara and whatever else that interest you.
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Thanks so much JC98. We are definitely going that route. It's been tough putting an independent itinerary together, we really don't know much about the country, starting from scratch.
My FIL that was in the navy spent a few years going back and forth after the war but of course his recollections are probably much different that what it's like there today. He did say that the people were so kind. Again, thank you Fodorites that have been assisting me, the links are also great:) |
I think Kyoto would be a good place to spend 3-4 nights, especially if historical places, gardens,etc. You might also want to check out a tea ceremony. Even if you are not into tea, it is cool to get a sense of tradition. Most of the tea ceremonies take place in BEAUTIFUL gardens, so that would be a treat.
If you go to Kyoto, of course, do not miss out on Ginkakuji (I enjoyed their garden the most - it was a feast for the eyes). Have fun! |
Yes Manisha, thanks. What I'm doing now is looking at other tour company itineraries for what to do in each city.
I am very interrested in a tea ceremony! We are really into gardens too, I just love to look at beautiful flowers and greenery as we live in the desert. |
have you gotten an idea of where you want to go yet? here are some more ideas from the japan-guide dot com site. Check out the WHOLE site....its one of my favorites!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2400.html Aloha! |
What exactly do you mean by war museums? Do you mean WW II? 20th centuray? Or could that interest include weapons and armaments from the shogun days? Samurai stuff, magnificent castles? There are quite a few castles in Japan and each one has some museum-type exhibits. At Himeji castle I saw a great showing of bonsai trees on the grounds.
In July there is a grand sumo tournament held in Nagoya. Based on the interests you listed, you might consider visiting Kanazawa to see Kenrokuen garden. Here is a guide about Japanese gardens from the JNTO site: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-808.pdf I see that guide mentions Ninomaru Garden at Nagoya castle. I don't remember that garden, but it may be of interest. The castle is interesting tho it is a reconstruction: it has elevators! Displays of artifacts on several floors. Between the garden, castle, sumo, and even baseball you might consider a stop in Nagoya. This is particularly tru if you want to visit a Japanese castle but are not very mobile. |
Hello, here is what I'm looking at so far.
I am flexible with the first 8 days. So far I have: Arrive June 13pm & rest. Tokyo 14th & 15th Kyoto, Nara, and Hakone 16th-20th depart for Okinawa on the 20th -24 rest up again 2 days in Tokyo before going home 24, 25, & 26th. Hawaiian traveler, I just have to ask though I probably know the answer, are you currently in Hawaii? I must commend you on your knowledge of Japan. Mrwunrfl, my husband's father joined the military during WWII and would like to see some historic war areas though he does not so see any bomb sites. So he would like to see Japanese Aircraft, and like WWII museums if there are any. I really have to look into the great suggestions you've made. I enjoy looking at the aincent armory. Will definitely want to take in as many castles as possible. Okinawa may be a bit far (2 hr. flight) but I love exotic destinations and chances to see rare species of birds, etc. |
travelinwifey - I can see from some of your posts that you are a very different type of traveler than I am. However, I think you are spending too little time in the Kyoto area and adding Hakone as well. I know you said you want to go to the beach as part of your trip but I really think you are cutting out some of the best sites in Japan by shortchanging the Kyoto area.....Just my humble opinion of course...whatever, enjoy!
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Mara, how many days would you suggest in Kyoto? Do you think Hakone is doing too much?
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travelinwifey,
Thank you, yes we are from Hawaii. I agree with Mara, lots to do and see in Kyoto, maybe you should save Hakone for your next visit. I am envious of your trip to Okinawa. It is on our list to do.....maybe next yr. Tell us all about it when you return. Looks like your trip is starting to shape up. Have you decided on hotels/ryokans yet? What is your budget? We can make some suggestions if you like? Aloha! |
Hi Hawaiiantraveler, I just had to know because my spouse's best friend lives in Hawaii and although he originally thought it would be only a few years he now says it will his final resting place! Even the daughter that had major island fever is going to UNLV here in Las Vegas and hopes to return back to Hawaii for hotel management. We visit regularly.
Okay, so for hotels. I'm having a moral dilemma as I've involved the travel agent trying to find an itinerary for us and nothing worked out. She did a lot of work for us (still is) and I feel bad if I don't at least let her book hotels for us as we'll be doing the majority of our trip alone. The cheapest day guide she could find us was $500/day (no way) but thanks to your links and others we can choose walking tours in Tokyo and Kyoto in English. Okay, so we can drop Hakone. And Nara seems to have activities we like, is Nara doable as a day trip from Kyoto? Regarding price we are using our miles to get there so we consider that a huge savings and prefer 4-5* quality. In Tokyo we will probably Priceline, it looks as though we can get the Intercontinental for between $140-$200 and the location is good. So we can splurge a bit for Kyoto, but not over $500/nt (accounting for the weak $) and hopefully breakfast included. We also still want to do a night in a nice ryokan. We will dine on the cheap. Believe it or not my spouse does not eat red meat so when we are out of the country he goes on a McDonalds binge, it's the only time he really lets go. Ps, I didn't just write that, must protect the secret:) |
I have stayed at the Granvia in Kyoto and liked it. The location in the train station is a big plus if arriving and departing by train and the station itself is a must see of Kyoto imho. You get a discount if you have a JR railpass.
See here http://www.granviakyoto.com/ The Westin Kyoto and the Hotel Okura are well within your price range and very nice places to stay in Kyoto. The Kyoto Hyatt is also recommended. We did a day trip to Nara from Kyoto two years back. Really easy to do, I think it only took 40 minutes or so by local train. You may want to try the ryokan experience while in Kyoto....some such as Hiiragiya are highly recommended. See here for some info http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/hiiragiya.htm I have used Japan guest houses before with good success. Check out the rest of their site for other ryokan locations and information. Hope this helps! Aloha! |
I am going to suggest not dropping Hakone. You are interested in seeing beautiful places and I think the Fuji-Hakone N.P. is one. It is a good break from the cities. Fresh air. You can find a nice ryokan there and enjoy an onsen.
So it's June and not July? What is your plan for Okinawa? Is this part of the WW2 interest or beach or both? I believe there are some beaches there but not sure about the weather when you would be there. You have three full days there and two travel days. The only WW2-related site that I can think of in Japan besides Hiroshima and Nagasaki is the memorial to Japanese war dead. The place where the prime minister goes and lays a wreath to honor their war dead and gets the Chinese upset. Saw a Zero fighter recently, but that was in Auckland. |
Okay, I'm going to research the Kyoto suggestions more today.
Sorry Mrwunrfl, we are indeed traveling in July. We are doing so much traveling now through July I am getting my own dates mixed up! July 12 (arrive on 13th @4pm) and depart July 26 @ 4pm. I wanted a few days to veg out and see rare wildlife in Okinawa and a previously suggested tour suits our needs, here is the itinerary: Day 1 / Iriomote Island - Transfer to Haneda Airport - Fly to Iriomote Island in Okinawa Accommodation: Iriomote Sanctuary Resort Nirakanai Day 2 / Iriomote Island Day at leisure Accommodation: Iriomote Sanctuary Resort Nirakanai Day 3 / Iriomote Island - Go canoeing and trekking Accommodation: Iriomote Sanctuary Resort Nirakanai Day 4 / Iriomote Island - Take an excursion to Barasu Island Accommodation: Iriomote Sanctuary Resort Nirakanai Day 5 / Tokyo - Transfer to Tokyo Included in the price are: - Accommodation for 4 nights - 4 breakfasts, - Airport transfer from and to your hotel in Tokyo - Activities for Day 3 and 4 - Airfares, ferry transfer in Okinawa On the way out we would be flying from Osaka airport to Okinawa. Am I correct that the travel time between Kyoto and Osaka is 30 minutes? I am really waffling about Hakone/Mt. Fuji. This may be the only time we go to Japan but I don't want to make my spouse too tired either. |
From Kyoto to Osaka is 25 minutes or more by train, but you would have to go to KIX which is about 70 minutes by train and 100 minutes by bus....unless you leave from Itami which is a little closer.
some direct hotel links http://kyoto.okura.com/ http://tinyurl.com/2snxce http://tinyurl.com/2n2xxk Aloha! |
Sorry if I sound repetitive, but how about driving time? Thank you so much for your patience, if you ever visit Las Vegas (Hawaii's 5th island, right?) I will buy you a drink!
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I don't know......maybe 90 or more minutes if you drive with no traffic. Your not thinking of driving are you? That would be stressful especially in Japan ;)
Buses and trains are the way to go. Very comfortable and affordable. The limo bus service has a stop at the Granvia hotel in Kyoto which is direct to KIX. I have used it and it is wonderful. They will drop you right at your terminal gate so its literally door to door. Some other fodorites have also mentioned hiring drivers before in Kyoto that do airport transfers....just can't seem to remember who. Maybe someone else with chime in with the information soon. |
The only military museum is in Tokyo near Yasukukni Shrine,Japan's memorial to their war dead.It is called Yushukan and was founded in 1882.If my memory serves me correctly, there is an exhibit on the kamikaze pilots along with a replica plane. I hope this helps.
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So HawaiianTraveler if I understand you correctly you cannot take rail directly kyoto-osaka but must go via the airort which makes the route 90 mins?
The Westin looks especially good as we have a gold card membership though our AMEX cc. Mflickermd, thanks for the mention of Yushukan. We will certainly visit. I have to fit in things that make both of us happy and he's really into military stuff because of his pops' service. |
travelinwifey - I think ht was trying to explain to you how to get to Kyoto from the airport near Osaka which is KIX.
Yes, you can go direct from Kyoto to Osaka without going to the airport. Also here is a link to the museum that mflickermd mentioned - http://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/yushukan/index.html |
That Okinawa tour sounds good. Ok to skip Hakone then since you are getting out into some nature on Okinawa. You are getting beyond Tokyo-Kyoto which I think is a very good idea (for any trip of a week or more). There is some effort required in traveling to, and around, the Hakone area. That may not be worthwhile to some people for one night.
You could have a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone as an option for one of your Tokyo days. If the weather forecast for the next day is clear (so that you can see Fuji-san) then book it (a tour bus that picks up at your hotel, for example). You won't need a JR Pass for your trip. MK Taxi is a company that provides car/driver service. They are in Kyoto. I saw on TV once something about caves on Okinawa that were used during WWII. And/or it was dugout tunnels and rooms. |
Wow, I am truly impressed by everyone's expertise. I can't thank all of you enough.
I need to contact the tour operator and see the exact Osaka airport they would have me fly out of. If they only do Tokyo flights we'd have to do Kyoto first. It would be really nice to see Hakone, it would be nice if we can fit it in. And thanks for the link to the museum! |
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Hai! :"> When are you in Kakunodate, ht? I think you will hit the sakura just right in Tokyo and down south, based on the japan-guide "best viewing" dates.
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mrw, We are hoping it will be the right time.....you never know till your there. ((?))
We plan to be in Hirosaki 4/25 and Kakunodate 4/26 thru 4/28. I'll be in Noboribetsu before that so hope we are guessing correctly. "Guessing correctly" is that an oxymoron?, lol Aloha! |
Hi again, just an update. Well I priced the Okinawa hotel direct and it was $280/nt so there is no explanation why the price is soooo extravagent with realjapan.com.
So at least I have the days set up where we want to be for Tokyo and Kyoto, and we are using Jun's tours for Tokyo one day. Just an update, the rates have changed. It's now $200 plus travel expenses for up to 7 hours. Will keep searching.... |
Hi there!!! I just posted our two week trip (we also are using miles for our tickets) and we think we are getting a nice balance of spas and nature and history!!! We thought about Okinaawa too but decided against it in case the weather was dicey - instead we decided to go to Kyushu where there's beach and ocean too!!! Think about Miyazaki for a "beach resort" - the Phoenix seagaia resort looks like a great place to veg out. We ended up choosing ryokans instead of a beach resort. Kumamoto apparently has great gardens and if you are after interesting nature, you might want to check out Yakushima. There's apparently a cool pilot's museum near Kagoshima too.
Japan is apparently very hot in July. |
Thank you so much Puttakka! You may have just solved my dilemma. I will most certainly read your trip report now:)
Yea! I'm excited\:D/ |
Another thing to consider is that Hiroshima does not have to be approached as a sad place. Peace Park is beautiful and speaks of new life. I would encourage you to reconsider Hiroshima. You may want to skip the museums there, but the actual park is wonderful and worth seeing.
Just a thought. Either way, you will love Japan! |
Actually another reason my spouse doesn't want to go to Hiroshima, in addition to the atrocity that happened there, is the possible radiation still in the area. He is exposed to radiation every day at work so he tries to avoid it away from work as much as possible.
I'm getting there! I'm getting there! |
Well, I won't worry about residual radiation. The atomic bomb was dropped more than 60 yrs ago, and there are many local residents there with no apparent health impacts. You'll probably be exposed to more radiation flying long-haul.
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Thanks W9London. Since we are now going to Kyushu oerhaos we will venture to Nagasaki.
I hope to get the hotels wrapped up today so things are set for the ta to book for us tomorrow. |
What is your itin now?
Nagasaki is an interesting place. It has a long history as an international city with Dutch, Chinese, Korean, English, Portuguese influences, the U.S. Navy in 1853, and the bomb. It is important in Japanese art history, too. I enjoyed staying there, hopping on the ancient street cars to get around. |
Oh, if I could only get a few pennies with each typo...I could buy a pizza pie:D
Okay, I am getting (hopefully) into the final phases of the planning. The 4 Seasons has a 4th night free package which I couldn't do over the website. If she can get it for me we will use one of the 4 Tokly days to see Mt. Fuji if it's clear or Nara. July 13, 14, 15, 16? Tokyo July 17-21 hotel yet TBD but definitely 1 night at Hiiragiya ryokan July 21-25 at Miyazaki Sheraton. I think we can take one hour train trips to visit the northern part of the island. July 25th and 26th back to Tokyo then home. Encouragingly my spouse said we can return again to Japan one day if all goes well, I really do want to see Okinawa. Thanks (me bowing my head) for the assistance:) |
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