I made my first trip to Tokyo last month and I am hooked! I now want to go back with my husband. We have 7 days and here is a draft plan (based on recommendations seen here). Your feedback is much appreciated:) Thanks

May 2nd week

Arriving in NRT

Stay in Tokyo (Marriott Ginza) - 2 nights

Make day trip to Mt.Fuji

Take train to Kyoto

Stay in Westin Kyoto - 4 nights

take day trips from Kyoto (Nara, Himeji,etc)

Take train to Osaka

Stay in Hilton Osaka - 1 night

Fly out of Osaka.

I have two primary questions:

1. Should I be concerned that I am going in mid may? Are there other times that are better?

2. I have a Marriott Bonus Bucks coupon for a JW Marriott. Is there a JW Marriott in any of these cities I can use the bonus bucks for? (I understand this is not the Marriott forum, so responses may be limited)

Thanks much!

harini

isnt it rain season from may to mid june?

if yes it might be a really bad idea.

dp

isnt it rain season from may to mid june?
if yes it might be a really bad idea.
dp

No, usually from the 1st week of June, to the 2nd or 3rd week of July. May has usually dry and sunny weather.......much like a continental summer climate. Do not come during the rainy season and the summer, it's gross!

Hilton Osaka is very nice. After a long day of walking around, get a massage and spa treatment there. Not cheap (nor terribly expensive) but worth every penny.

Looks like a nice schedule. May should be OK.

There is no JW in Japan.

Ginza Marriott is not so great - I've only been as far as the lobby - it looks rather old. Basically it's a rebranded Tobu hotel. The other Marriott in Tokyo is no better. If this is a points thing, then OK... but if you're not committed to Marriott, then some other hotel in Tokyo may be better.

What is the reason for moving to the Hilton Osaka on your final night?
If it's a points thing, then OK... but if you're trying to be closer to KIX, then don't bother. Stay 5 nights at the Westin - and on your final day you can take the free shuttle to Kyoto station and then the Haruka Express to KIX.

I made my first trip to Tokyo last month and I am hooked! I now want to go back with my husband. We have 7 days and here is a draft plan (based on recommendations seen here). Your feedback is much appreciated:) Thanks

May 2nd week

Arriving in NRT

Stay in Tokyo (Marriott Ginza) - 2 nights

Make day trip to Mt.Fuji

Take train to Kyoto

Stay in Westin Kyoto - 4 nights

take day trips from Kyoto (Nara, Himeji,etc)

Take train to Osaka

Stay in Hilton Osaka - 1 night

Fly out of Osaka.

I have two primary questions:

1. Should I be concerned that I am going in mid may? Are there other times that are better?

2. I have a Marriott Bonus Bucks coupon for a JW Marriott. Is there a JW Marriott in any of these cities I can use the bonus bucks for? (I understand this is not the Marriott forum, so responses may be limited)

This looks fine. The rainy season is actually early to mid-June through Mid-July, so it shouldn't be a problem. You won't be arriving until after Golden Week (through the first week of May,) so again, no problem. My favorite time to visit is early to mid-April, but it might be too late to arrange that. I also really like and recommend the fall - late October through November, but May will be nice, too.

There are a couple of major festivals in mid-May, in particular the Kanda Matsuri in Kanda, Tokyo on the closest weekend to the 15th and the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto on the 15th, but it seems that will be after you leave. Assuming you are in Tokyo and Kyoto around May 7-14, you should have warm weather and avoid most of the festival crowds. If you are still in Kyoto on the 15th, you might want to try and see some of the pageant, but the crowds will be fierce. Maybe Lap Lap will comment on her experiences at last year's Jidai Matsuri, which is in the fall.

It seems that you will not have much time in Tokyo - 2 days, one of which will be spent going to Fuji-san. Since you have already been there recently, that may not bother you. Your 4 days in Kyoto seem about right for a quick trip, just leave some time for the city. One or two day trips to Nara or Himeji might be nice but I'd recommend at least 2 days actually in Kyoto, 3 or 4 would be better. :)

I can't help with your Marriott question.

Have a great time.

JR

... What is the reason for moving to the Hilton Osaka on your final night? If it's a points thing, then OK... but if you're trying to be closer to KIX, then don't bother. Stay 5 nights at the Westin - and on your final day you can take the free shuttle to Kyoto station and then the Haruka Express to KIX.

This is a great suggestion, with which I agree wholeheartedly. The Haruka runs at least twice per hour, is only 75 minutes to KIX and delivers you right to the airport. Plus it is a very comfortable train.

JR

2. I have a Marriott Bonus Bucks coupon for a JW Marriott. Is there a JW Marriott in any of these cities I can use the bonus bucks for? (I understand this is not the Marriott forum, so responses may be limited)


Just a quickie now (it would take me a while to comment on the Jidai Matsuri!)

Rather than return to Tokyo after visiting the Fuji area, you might want to consider staying at the Marriott in Nagoya (but I’d advise arriving late and leaving early! ;) ). If luggage is an issue, just send it on by Takkyubin from Tokyo to the Westin in Kyoto and take along the bare minimum with you to Fuji/Nagoya.

The Marriott in Nagoya was too expensive for me when I was there, but it does look stunning and I’m sure even Nagoya looks quite pretty from very, VERY high up!!!

The Marriott in Nagoya was too expensive for me when I was there, but it does look stunning and I’m sure even Nagoya looks quite pretty from very, VERY high up!!!

I'm sure it would look even more dynamic from up there at the time of the Great Chubu earthquake that Shoko Asahara predicted for right about now.

I'm sure it would look even more dynamic from up there at the time of the Great Chubu earthquake that Shoko Asahara predicted for right about now.

Ah, Mr Asahara, probably one of the only people who'll be devastated should his prediction prove incorrect.

Lack of snow on Mount Fuji is supposed to signal an imminent eruption, so that's three grand scale disasters our intrepid OP would have to navigate through (Great Chubo Earthquake, Great Kanto Earthquake and the explosion of Mt Fuji). Who said Japan was safe? ;)

Thank you very much - feedback is very useful. I am glad May will be fine. Maybe I need to make a second trip in the fall as well:)

I really wanted to get out of the city, so only picked Tokyo for two nights. I am really looking forward to Kyoto and its beautiful surroundings. I will consider staying on the Westin for 5 nights. Pity I miss the Hilton massage:)

Any tips on where I can find good local food:) The Curry rice temple is onmy list. Happy to add more.

Thanks again
harini

Any tips on where I can find good local food:) The Curry rice temple is onmy list. Happy to add more.


Then you definitely need this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=468207) list

And this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522673) one also has some good suggestions.

As mentioned - try to eat at lunch time where possible. Often lunches are just a quarter of the price of evening meals in the same establishment.

My personal favourite is this place: http://www.flyertalk.com/reviews/review.php?review_id=181 which is very good value in the evenings.

Thank you very much - feedback is very useful. I am glad May will be fine. Maybe I need to make a second trip in the fall as well:)

I really wanted to get out of the city, so only picked Tokyo for two nights. I am really looking forward to Kyoto and its beautiful surroundings. I will consider staying on the Westin for 5 nights. Pity I miss the Hilton massage:)

Any tips on where I can find good local food:) The Curry rice temple is onmy list. Happy to add more.

Thanks again
harini

If you don't want to return to Tokyo after visiting Mt. Fuji (not sure which route you're taking, or if your visit will include the hokey but fun Hakone circuit), just have the hotel ship your luggage to Kyoto before you go to Mt. Fuji, spend some time enjoying the scenery, and then go to the nearest Shinkansen station (Odawara? Shin-fuji? I forget) and hop on the next westbound train. You may have to change in Nagoya, which may take all of 15 minutes, but that's better than staying in Nagoya. (It's not a hellhole or anything, but I wouldn't waste a night there on a short trip.)

I agree with the advice to stay in Kyoto until it's time to leave. I took the Haruka for the first time last October, and it was fast and comfortable and went straight to KIX. You go through part of Osaka on the way, and as a short-term visitor, you see all you need to see of it. Again, like Nagoya, it is short on traditional charm, and for the same reason (World War II bombing).

As far as traditional food is concerned, I never follow guidebook advice but just start poking around in neighborhoods full of restaurants until I find something that looks good. If you want traditional Kyoto cuisine, you can even find restaurants specializing in it in department stores, although it's a little pricier than the average department store cuisine.

Thank you for all the wonderful recommendations. Our plans have now changed slightly - we are flying in and out of NRT now (I could not get tickets out of KIX). Our dates have also changed - I am now going in two weeks - still in April. The schedule however remains fairly consistent:)

I have two questions:

1.Between Tokyo and Kyoto, I had originally planned to stay at a place on the Izu Peninsula (Thanks to IndyDavid). However, my husband is now balking at the costs, so I am looking for alternate options. I did see some listings by TR35R, but not sure if they fall between Tokyo/Kyoto.

I would really like to get into the countryside (and not break the bank!). Your advice will be much appreciated.

2. If I am flying out of NRT, do I need to come back into Tokyo a day early?

Thanks
Harini

1.Between Tokyo and Kyoto, I had originally planned to stay at a place on the Izu Peninsula (Thanks to IndyDavid). However, my husband is now balking at the costs, so I am looking for alternate options. I did see some listings by TR35R, but not sure if they fall between Tokyo/Kyoto.

I would really like to get into the countryside (and not break the bank!). Your advice will be much appreciated.


Some alternatives listed here -
http://www.outdoorjapan.com/section-accommodation.html#shizuoka

It is also possible to make a day time visit to many hot springs - without the high cost of staying. So you could stop somewhere on the way to Kyoto if you wanted. Izu peninsular is not "en route" but a relatively short side trip.

2. If I am flying out of NRT, do I need to come back into Tokyo a day early?

Depends on your flight time. We had this discussion on a couple of threads with robyng.

She is staying at the Granvia Hotel in Kyoto (directly above Kyoto station). And her flight leaves Narita at 4pm or so. (Therefore needs to check in by 2pm).

I believe she has decided to take a Shinkansen from Kyoto in the morning - and connect to the Narita Express at Tokyo Station. It is a perfectly feasible 4 hours travel.

Check the train times on hyperdia:
http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperd01.cgi

(Search - Kyoto to Narita airport)

[QUOTE=jib71]Some alternatives listed here -
http://www.outdoorjapan.com/section-accommodation.html#shizuoka

It is also possible to make a day time visit to many hot springs - without the high cost of staying. So you could stop somewhere on the way to Kyoto if you wanted. Izu peninsular is not "en route" but a relatively short side trip.
QUOTE]

Thanks for the options. Is Shizuka the closest site between Tokyo and Kyoto by train?

Is Shizuka the closest site between Tokyo and Kyoto by train?

Depends what you mean by "closest site" - if you just want the closest hot springs to a Shinkansen station, then you could get your bath at Atami - which has onsen and a Shinkansen station .... But Atami is NOT a rural retreat. It is something akin to "Coney Island meets Tijuana with hot springs and kimonos."

The unavoidable fact is that there is no Shinkansen station on the Tokaido route between Tokyo and Kyoto that is very far "off the beaten path," because the Shinkansen is the beaten path. In order to get somewhere quiet, you need to take a side trip.

Hakone is one idea (it's a side trip from Odawara)

Izu is one idea.

- Another idea might be to take the Minobu line from Shizuoka to (for example) Shimobe Onsen in Yamanashi

- Another idea might be to get off the Shinkansen at Nagoya and take the Hida line up to (for example) Gero Onsen

Another idea might be to just go all the way to Kyoto without diverting and then go to Kurama Onsen, which is in the mountains to the North of Kyoto. Nice and rural and quite easily accessible.

The more I think about it, the more I think the Kurama option might suit you best:
http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/kurama.htm


EDIT TO ADD - Kurama also offers a day-time option for 2500 yen (Does not include accommodation or meals - just use the baths - they provide towels, soap and a yukata)
http://www.kurama-onsen.co.jp/plan01/index.html

The more I think about it, the more I think the Kurama option might suit you best:
http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/kurama.htm

Ooh yes,

We braved the crowds there last year during their festival – but got enough of a glimpse to realise what a lovely town this is.

Bamboo groved mountain sides line many of the streets, and you can walk for hundreds of yards without coming across any vending machines.

Funnily enough, we were talking about Kurama last night saying how much we wanted to return at a ‘normal’ (non-festival) time.

It is also possible to make a day time visit to many hot springs - without the high cost of staying.
Possible, yes, but if you don't stay overnight you'll miss out on the pre-dinner bath, elaborate dinner, the post-dinner ablutions, a night's sleep tatami, the pre-breakfast bath, a bizarre breakfast and the last sniff-sniff bye-bye bath before you head out. I'd definitely try to squeeze in a night at a decent ryokan for any trip to Japan.

The more I think about it, the more I think the Kurama option might suit you best:
http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/kurama.htm


The only caution here is the "no English spoken." Not usually a problem, but might be a bit off-putting for a first time visitor.

JR

Kurama sounds fantastic - We do not know any Japanese, but I am sure we can manage.

A friend also mentioned Arima Onsen near Kobe. Any thoughts on how that compares to Kurama?

Thanks much. I am so looking forward to getting to Japan

Harini

The biggest difference would be that Arima is a lot more developed and attracts more visitors than Kurama. Mt.Rokko is right there next to the heart of Kobe while Kurama is a bit out in the sticks.

Btw, please remember that outside of Ryokan you will most likely have to bathe separately.

Kurama sounds fantastic - We do not know any Japanese, but I am sure we can manage.

A friend also mentioned Arima Onsen near Kobe. Any thoughts on how that compares to Kurama?

Thanks much. I am so looking forward to getting to Japan

Harini

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. We are almost done with our trip and I wanted to give some quick updates:

1. Tokyo was great - stayed at the Hilton in Shinjuku and then the Meridien. Detailed stay reports will be on the Miles and Points site.

2. jib71, we did go to the Kurama onsen and spent a night - Loved the baths and the dinner. Breakfast is still settling in:) We also did an onsen in Hakone for one night - very relaxing:)

3. Kyoto was awesome - just blew our minds away. Did the temples, really enjoyed the temple with the 1001 buddhas. Also went to Nara for one day - highly recommend the day trip. The deer were a good distraction, but beware they can be pretty aggressive:)

The food across our trip was fabulous - I really liked the sweet green peppers, grilled or fried. Does anyone know if this is a spring time speciality? I also bought bottles of yuzu ocha back with me - I do not think you can find that in the U.S

Overall, great trip thanks to all your feedback. I am already planning my next trip - this time going to Izu and smaller towns in the Gizu region.

Thanks!

harini

The food across our trip was fabulous - I really liked the sweet green peppers, grilled or fried. Does anyone know if this is a spring time speciality? I also bought bottles of yuzu ocha back with me - I do not think you can find that in the U.S



Glad you had such a great time!

If you're talking about the small green peppers I'm thinking about, they should be a year-round thing, so you can look forward to them on your next trip. For the yuzu-cha, do you mean the stuff in jars that looks like marmalade? If so, you should be able to get it in the States in Korean supermarkets (I can find it pretty easily here in NY).

No, usually from the 1st week of June, to the 2nd or 3rd week of July. May has usually dry and sunny weather.......much like a continental summer climate. Do not come during the rainy season and the summer, it's gross!

i will be going to japan from June 6th-13th. :( So should I expect cold and rainy, or is it warm? Are we talking torrential downpour from morning to night, or just for a few hours during the day?

i will be going to japan from June 6th-13th. :( So should I expect cold and rainy, or is it warm? Are we talking torrential downpour from morning to night, or just for a few hours during the day?

Prepare for rain. Be grateful if it's sunny.

The middle of June is the "tsuyu" rainy season - It's not cold but you're likely to have unstable weather and high humidity for at least some of the time.
The nature of the rain varies - some years it seems to rain non-stop during Tsuyu - but in some years, "Tsuyu" just produces occasional showers.

Glad you had such a great time!

.....For the yuzu-cha, do you mean the stuff in jars that looks like marmalade? If so, you should be able to get it in the States in Korean supermarkets (I can find it pretty easily here in NY).

Thanks for the trip report!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!!

It took me a long, long time to locate yuzu-cha in London. Thankfully, when I did, it was one of my favourite brands, which happens to be Korean (I buy it in Keio Plaza, Shinjuku). The citron fruit 'Yuzu' is called 'Yuja' in Korean.
http://www.samhwatea.co.kr/eng/infoprod/infolist.asp It's the product called "honey citron tea" - couldn't find a direct link. Apologies!

Lovely stuff!

For the yuzu-cha, do you mean the stuff in jars that looks like marmalade? If so, you should be able to get it in the States in Korean supermarkets (I can find it pretty easily here in NY).

I think harinig means yuzu-cha as in yuzu-tea. The Freshness Burger has it iced, very nice. BTW, +1 was mentioned in the NYT in an article about Japanese cooking shows.

I think harinig means yuzu-cha as in yuzu-tea. The Freshness Burger has it iced, very nice. BTW, +1 was mentioned in the NYT in an article about Japanese cooking shows.

Yes, I was very proud of him! He occasionally gets used when they need a lives-in-Japan-authority-type quote.

With yuzu tea, there's a version that looks like marmalade, which you then dissolve in either hot or cold water. I'm a big fan of it, as is LapLap, but was trying to figure out if there was another kind.

I'm a big fan of it, as is LapLap, but was trying to figure out if there was another kind.

There were a few ephemeral additions to the usual drinks stocked at vending machines and conbini this year on this theme. I remember Ito En, Kiri and Calpis all selling bottled yuzu tea or hot yuzu drinks.

I bought a few of them, but preferred the tea you can get at the Renoir coffee shops, or even the stuff that came out of a tupperware container at the hamburger cafe on Kamakura station's platform (lovely lady, she even gave us, unbidden, a return timetable for the trains. Graciously and without any fuss.)

Yes, I was very proud of him! He occasionally gets used when they need a lives-in-Japan-authority-type quote.

With yuzu tea, there's a version that looks like marmalade, which you then dissolve in either hot or cold water. I'm a big fan of it, as is LapLap, but was trying to figure out if there was another kind.

The stuff is so good, I got both versions, marmalade and a tea like powder. Thanks for the link, LapLap. Good to know I can get it here as well. It is pretty additictive:)

Depends on your flight time. We had this discussion on a couple of threads with robyng.

She is staying at the Granvia Hotel in Kyoto (directly above Kyoto station). And her flight leaves Narita at 4pm or so. (Therefore needs to check in by 2pm).

I believe she has decided to take a Shinkansen from Kyoto in the morning - and connect to the Narita Express at Tokyo Station. It is a perfectly feasible 4 hours travel...



That is in fact what we decided to do. Leaving Kyoto at 10:46 and arriving at Narita 2:28. Very doable.

Unless there is a reason to stay in another hotel (points - price - location - whatever) - I can recommend the Granvia. I'll write it up in another thread. Robyn

We made all our connections today and got back to Newark airport (where we are overnighting before our plane back to Florida tomorrow morning).

One word of caution about our connections. The concierge at the Four Seasons bought our train tickets and allowed 27 minutes for the transfer between the Shinkansen from Kyoto and the Narita Express. Allow yourself a lot more time - maybe 45 minutes or more - unless you know your way around or have a bellman from the Four Seasons who is meeting you at your train and helping you to navigate between the 2 train lines - especially if you have to take any elevators (some have lines). If you are "train-station" challenged and have difficulty with signs - allow almost an hour (at worst - you'll have extra time for a cup of coffee).

As it is - we got there with plenty of time to spare - 4 minutes ;) . This is apparently considered routine in Japan - the bell staff at the Granvia apologized for getting us to the station too early - like 12 minutes before our train left! But it can be a bit unnerving to American tourists who aren't used to "just in time" arrivals at train platforms.

A general observation about walking times in Japan. When someone in Japan tells you that something is a "10 minute walk" - they are talking about going at a really good pace - like a morning exercise walk. Your mileage may vary - especially when carrying luggage (ours did). Robyn

robing

Okaeri nasai!

Welcome home!

Thanks for keeping us posted throughout your trip, your trip reports have been charming and wonderfully informative.

And your advice is going to prove invaluable for me once I start showing Japan to some of my own 'mobility challenged' relatives (even though it's HIGHLY unlikely that we'll be frequenting any of the hotels you stayed at. ;) )

Oki-ni!

duplicate - deleted

robing

Okaeri nasai!

Welcome home!

Thanks for keeping us posted throughout your trip, your trip reports have been charming and wonderfully informative.

And your advice is going to prove invaluable for me once I start showing Japan to some of my own 'mobility challenged' relatives (even though it's HIGHLY unlikely that we'll be frequenting any of the hotels you stayed at. ;) )

Oki-ni!

You're welcome. And thank you to all of you for giving me so much information ahead of time that helped to make our trip almost totally hassle free. My husband was surprised how much I knew once I hit the ground. I in turn was surprised how good his Japanese was - and how a little went a very long way in terms of making our trip more enjoyable (I do recommend that everyone planning a trip should learn at least a little Japanese - not only does it make things easier - people are also very impressed that you've made an effort to learn something of their culture).

One thing to keep in mind regarding the hotels. All have twin bedding options. So 2 unrelated people can stay together (that's the way my elderly aunts travel). The Granvia - being a "Japanese style" hotel - even has "family rooms" - with 3 (and perhaps 4) separate beds.

Another thing is that we weren't dealing with terrible mobility problems. Just a braced leg that tended to fade during a strenuous day. I think people with real mobility problems - i.e., people who need canes - walkers or wheelchairs - will have a formidable time planning their trips. E.g., many of the subway stations have lots of staircases and no elevator/escalator accesss. Our of our friends told us that at some stations - the only option is for the station attendant to carry the patron up and down the stairs. On the other hand - it's very easy to get cabs just about everywhere. If I had big problems getting around - I'd take cabs - or even leave room in my budget for renting a car with a driver. On the third hand - many tourist attractions aren't handicap friendly at all. I think it would be difficult to plan a trip to Japan if I had to deal with a person who was dependent on a mobility device like a walker or a wheelchair.

Finally - as retired personal injury lawyers - my husband and I noticed that Japan has many more unexpected dangers under foot than the US does (guess people in Japan are not as lawsuit crazed as those in the US) - with fewer warning signs (and the language on those warning signs can be hysterical). Like large gutters here - there - and everywhere - at castles - in gardens - etc. Big enough to break an ankle or leg if you walk into one of them inadvertently. So watch where you're going (which can sometimes be hard to do when you're a tourist and not looking at your feet)! Robyn