I am considering going to Japan with my son, 15, and would like any recommendations on tour operators vs. doing it myself. Thinking 10 to 14 days. Any good tours you would recommend. I speak no Japanese and would leave from Michigan. Thanks

My husband and I returned from Japan just two weeks ago and had a lovely time. We did a "combination" trip. We took a 12 day tour with General Tours - TBI Tours; however, we came in two days early to Tokyo and stayed three days after the end of the tour in Osaka. The tour was entitled "The Inland Sea of Japan" and it included a morning tour of Tokyo, a visit to Mt. Fuji and an overnight in Hakone National Park, a city tour of Kyoto, a walking tour of Kurashiki (very quaint historical district), a visit to Okayama Castle and the beautiful garden in Okayama, Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. On our own, using the subways and the trains, we took in the early morning fish and produce market in Tokyo, the temples and shrines of Kamakura, Yokohama's Chinatown, Osaka Castle and another beautiful garden, the temples and shrines of the Nara Park area in Nara and a visit to Kobe. We do not speak any Japanese. Fortunately, the train and subway stations also have signs in English and the Japanese are very friendly and helpful.

I am not sure that paying for a tour is all that necessary - even if you don't speak Japanese. Like the person above noted, there are many signs in English and the Japanese are very helpful. Just get a rail pass, a Lonely Planet guide and strike out on your own. You'll both have a great time.

Just came back from 15 day trip to Japan with a 4 year old. Forget the tours. You can hire English speaking private guide for 2-3 hours in some places (check with local tourist info), the rest you can do at your own pace and a good guide book. <BR>I do not speak any Japanese either and that was not a problem. There are plenty of English signs and Japanese are very helpful. <BR>Enjoy the trip and have fun. We did.

There are many useful English web tools now available to help with travel in Japan. Check out http://www.japaninyourpalm.com Complete English menus and other useful items. Print out pages or download it to your Palm computer and take it with you.