I will be based in Tokyo from June 1 - 13 attending Irelands first three World Cup games. I will therefore be in Niigata on June 1, Ibaraki on June 5 and Yokohama on June 11. I have accomodation in Tokyo and would appreciate suggestions on what I should do on the days between games. My interests are shopping, strolling through authentic Japanese areas (non-tourist trap areas), some temple and museum sightseeing. I've been all over Europe and saw tons of museums, galleries and churches and know how you can burn out on these. Would like to experience some "old world" Japan but again avoid the tourist traps. Being Irish I know how offensive it is when my country is portrayed as a the donkey riding, thatched roof capital of the world so I want to experience the real Japan and not a contrived or deliberate tourist attraction such as Kyoto sounds in the posts I have read so far. I may be wrong but it sounds like a trip to Kyoto is like kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland (which by the way is just another method for attracting Americans Tourists into a small village to spend more dollars). So what to do between games to experience the real Japan and not just spend my time watching soccer..........

There are so many places you can visit in 2 weeks. First of all, I'd strongly recommend a JR pass. It would be a pity not to visit Kyoto if you've never been to Japan. Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan with countless historic sites. Also Nara is only 1/2 hr away and it has probably the nicest park in Japan. Although most tourist sites are very touristy in Japan, they are worth a visit. You can leave all your shopping in Tokyo and Yohokama.<BR><BR>Other suggestions include, Nikko, Sendai (with a side trip to Matsushima), Hiroshima (with a side trip to Miyajima), Mt. Fuji and its surronding lake. If you want to get away from it all, try to stay at a couple ryokan (traditional Japanese Inns). There are many wonderful traditional ryokan in Niigata area. But to do all of the above, you'll need a JR pass (I believe it's the best way to travel in Japan).

Bonjour Declan,<BR><BR>Good luck to the Irish team. <BR>There are hardly any tourist traps for foreigners in Japan. The bulk of tourists in Japan are the Japanese themselves. No tourist attraction is built with Western tourists in mind, outside the Handicraft center and Gion Corner shows in Kyoto. First time tourists like Kyoto because it is easier to navigate, less hectic than Tokyo, and packed with original buildings, and return time and time again because of the atmosphere, the craft, the arts, the food... <BR><BR>In Tokyo, you will find a number of traditional areas, some still with old houses that have withstoud the 1923 earthquake and the 1945 bombings. One such area is Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi. Another is Asakusa (have a look at this month's Nipponia issue at www.jinjapan.org). Take your time, go on foot as much as you can (have very good shoes). <BR><BR>Read the English language papers (Japan Times, Yomiuri, ...) for listings of events. Some department stores hold very good exhibitions on traditional arts. Remember those are staged to the benefit of the Japanese, not us tourists.

Thanks for the good advise, I'm learning more everyday and really looking forward to my trip. I'll investigate the Rail Pass and am considering adding Kyoto back into my plans. Anyone want to add more.......

Declan- Kyoto may have lots of tourists, but it is for a good reason. It definitely does not qualify as a tourist trap. What is there is for the most part, very real.<BR>The beauty of Kyoto is that you can see various aspects of japanese culture- art, architecture, religion, modern culture and shopping, all in a very compact area and centrally located. The bus system is great, there are hotels for all budgets, and the city is fairly well signed for foreigners. <BR>I'm sure enjoy Japan where ever you go, but I think you'll really enjoy Kyoto.

Declan, Kamakura is a fabulous historical/temple/green area just an hour from Tokyo. It's rainy season in June and lots of older Japanese will go to see the temple gardens. It'll give you an insight into Japan seeing the temples (though Kyoto is a million times more important historically). <BR>Try just wandering the backstreets or ask the tourist information for a walking map - careful if it's rainy as some of the walks are up and down mountain sides. <BR>Actually try backstreet walking anywhere in Japan for an eye-opening experience; it really is a rather poor country in terms of housing lifestyle!!! <BR>People are super friendly - but the media is really pushing the hooligan (good Irish word I believe) idea so leave your soccer garb for the match.<BR>

I highly recommand Hakone. It is within 2 hours travel from Tokyo. You can either take a day trip or spending 1 to 2 nights there.

Another Irish guy (living in the US) going to the World Cup and looking to do the same thing until the 12th June and then it's off to Seoul for the next round.<BR><BR>Looks like exactly the questions I would ask,however I've a couple more..<BR><BR>Can anyone tell me if you can get to places like Sapporro on the other islands by train, or are they simply too far away ? <BR><BR>Also how does one book a Ryokan while in Japan. Can you do it through a travel agent, or does one walk in on spec ? My concern is speaking the language (or not as the case may be), particularly outside of Tokyo. <BR><BR>I've already booked my flights, hotel , JR pass etc all via Web, from my home, which has been quite easy.<BR><BR>Looking forward to this, big time.<BR><BR>Kaiser

Bonjour Kaiser,<BR><BR>Yes, you can go to Sapporo by train, but count on a whole day or more. Better to fly.<BR><BR>As for booking hotels while in Japan, rely on the TIC (Tourist Information Center): they will phone your next location and arrange reservations for you, without charge.<BR><BR>Have a great and safe trip.

Roy Keane got sent home. So much for the Irish chances. sigh