My wife and I (50 and 60 respectively) are in the embryonic stage of planning a trip to these countries in April/May of '00. We are pretty seasoned travelers to Europe but don't know enough about Japan and New Zealand to ask basic questions. Please help us with any suggestions, no matter how elementary. We are totally open to the best time be there, we're travelling on Delta miles. We enjoy riding bicycles and staying in B&B's, or the equivalent. Thanks, Richard & Sandi VA <BR>

To Richard. <BR> <BR>Both N.Z. and Japan in April/May are delightful countries. With N.Z. you could hire a car or campervan and travel around at your liesure, to do both islands comfortably you should allow at least 23 days, I personally prefer car and then you can stay at B.&B's, cheap motels or caravan parks in on site vans. Plenty of walks can be taken and wonderful scenery. <BR>Japan is Cherry Blossom time and just wonderful take a train pass and then purchase an Inn pass and go as you both wish, the people very friendly. <BR>If you need further assistance contact me on my email, <BR>Regards, <BR>Judith <BR>

Hi Richard <BR>Contact me <BR>[email protected] <BR>I can give you some advise - do visit the coromandel peninsula 2 hours south east Auckland - spectacular. <BR>Cheers <BR>Sharon

The Cherry Blossom in Tokyo-Kyoto area is approximately around 1st-2nd week of April depending on the year. The best blossom time lasts just few days so timing is crucial. We visited Kyoto at just when the petals start falling off the trees (97th day of the year.) Seeing the slow shower of these pink petals fall from the sky at Kiyomizu temple was an ethereal experience.

Kia ora and hello from Gisborne the first city to see the sun on the new day. We are in the Eastland Region and can offer you biking odessys to Wineries, Arboretums, Beaches, Art & Craft Trails, Farms, Gardens, one observatory, Hot Pools and Maraes to name a few. (the night skies in the Sthn Hemisphere are intriguing and beautiful) Our B & B's in the region are amongst the finest, friendliest and offer a variety of locations. We look forward to the oportunity to tell you more Contact us on our email <BR>Trudy

I have lived in Japan off and on for the past 10 years (tokyo right now). I think you will have a more enjoyable time in NZ. Not to say that I don't love Japan (I do) but there will be crowds at all the tourist sites at that time, especially Kyoto. If you do come here, other than Kyoto may I suggest Kamakura, Nara, and Kobe as additional sites that you may be interested in visiting. Rent a car or camper and just enjoy NZ to the fullest. If you need any assistance with Japan, just send me a note. <BR> <BR>Regards

philip shall stop over tokyoend july what to see where to go <BR>[email protected]