FlyerTalk Forums - Japan http://www.flyertalk.com/forum en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:50:48 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg FlyerTalk Forums - Japan http://www.flyertalk.com/forum Transfers at Nagoya http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1019072-transfers-nagoya.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:15:02 GMT Hello, we will be coming from Takayama to Nagoya at 12.01 and have to catch the Shinkasen at 12.10. Our return flight to Narita is as 18.30 so we have just enough time to reach Narita. If we miss the Shinkasen, we miss our flight. My question is... Hello, we will be coming from Takayama to Nagoya at 12.01 and have to catch the Shinkasen at 12.10. Our return flight to Narita is as 18.30 so we have just enough time to reach Narita. If we miss the Shinkasen, we miss our flight.

My question is whether 8 minutes is enough to do the transfer in Nagoya (Platform 4 to 15) or whether I should catch an earlier train from Takayama.

Thanks for your assistance.

Kind regards
GC ]]> Japan gemcap http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1019072-transfers-nagoya.html Tokyo Kyoto without reservation http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1019058-tokyo-kyoto-without-reservation.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:41:39 GMT We are planning to buy the Japan Rail Pass and to use it to go from Tokyo to Kyoto on December the 31st. I have not found where to book on line for this trip and being peak season I am a bit worried. Are there many non reserved seats on JR trains?... We are planning to buy the Japan Rail Pass and to use it to go from Tokyo to Kyoto on December the 31st. I have not found where to book on line for this trip and being peak season I am a bit worried. Are there many non reserved seats on JR trains? Would it be possible to book as soon I arrive into Narita on the 27th or it will be too late? ]]> Japan lof http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1019058-tokyo-kyoto-without-reservation.html Japanese Honeymoon Itinerary Checkup http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018786-japanese-honeymoon-itinerary-checkup.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:14:34 GMT Hi all. My fiance and I will be heading to Japan as first time visitors in May 2010 for our honeymoon. I've done a lot of research and asked questions on the forum at japan-guide.com, but still there are some loose ends I'm hoping to sort out. As the date draws nearer, our plans are becoming more finalized and I want to make sure we are booking wisely. So far we have booked our flight and airport, so that is non-negotiable, but otherwise please comment and advise.

Monday, May 10th: Arrive in Tokyo, stay in the Ueno area at the Ueno Park Side Hotel (http://www.parkside.co.jp/en/guide.html - BOOKED ALREADY). Use Keisei Skyliner to get into Ueno.

Tuesday, May 11th:
*Ueno - Walk around the park, maybe go to the zoo. Visit Shinobazu Pond and the temple there.
*Asakusa - See the temples and shrines there (i.e. Sensoji).
*Akihabara - Check out the shops (how late is this area "open"?).

Wednesday, May 12th:
*Kamakura - Daytrip. We want to try and hit all of the major sites here, including Enoshima if possible (and reasonable).

Thursday, May 13th:
*Studio Ghibli Museum - Head out here at around 10:00am. We'll pick up our tickets from a Lawson's either this morning, or the evening before (how late are Lawson's open?).
*Shibuya/Harajuku - Check out these areas upon our return from the Studio Ghibli Museum. Peruse the shops, visit Hachiko Statue, and wander the Love Hotel Hill (any particular establishments we should keep our eye out for? ;) Is it worth "renting" a room just for kicks?).
*Tokyo Tower - If that is not packing too much into our day. How late is the visitors platform open until? We will probably also stop by the Pokemon Center since it is supposed to be nearby ;) Can anyone tell me what time the Pokemon Center closes?

Friday, May 14th:
*Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa - We'll probably hang out in Asakusa for most of the day to view the parade and other festivities. Not sure how long we should expect to hang out here, or how late activities will run. If it isn't an all day thing we will probably just wander about the Akihabara/Ueno/Asakusa area again. See Ameyoko if we haven't already up to this point. Or maybe head to Tokyo Tower/Pokemon Center if we don't have time the previous day.

Saturday, May 15th:
*Head to Kyoto - I figure we would "activate" our JR Pass this day (although nozomi trains are fastest and are not eligible to use with the pass. Hmmm...). I know I have to pick up the JR Pass outside of Japan, but not exactly sure of the procedure to do this.
*Stay at Shunko-in Temple (http://www.shunkoin.com/direction.html). If it is nearby (and I cannot really tell) maybe make a stop to Kinkakuji Temple. Not sure what else is nearby that is worth seeing, or if there will be time. Also, Aoi Matsuri is this day in Kyoto, so also not sure how that might interfere.

Sunday, May 16th:
*Zen Meditation and Tour at Shunko-in Temple
*Depart for our ryokan accommodations at Shiraume (http://www.shiraume-kyoto.jp/jpn/index.html - ALREADY BOOKED), located in the Shirakawa area of Gion.
*Take in the flavor of the local area around the ryokan.
*Have Kaiseki dinner.

Monday, May 17th:
*Have Japanese breakfast at Shiraume.
*Depending on what time breakfast is, and the travel time between locations, take an English tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:00am. Otherwise we can do the tour at 2:00pm, although that may interrupt the rest of our day.
*Do the Higashiyama walk as suggested on this website.
*Visit Gion Corner, if it is recommended.

Tuesday, May 18th:
*Arashiyama - Want to try to do it all, i.e. see the bridge, bamboo groves, temples, monkey park, boat and train tours. Maybe see Katsura Imperial Villa if it is recommended and if there is time.

Wednesday, May 19th:
*Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine.
*Daytrip to Nara - See the tame deer and Todaiji Temple. It is also supposed to be Nara's 1300th anniversary in 2010, so perhaps special events will be going on.

Thursday, May 20th:
*Head back to Tokyo and stay at the Courtyard Marriott hotel in Ginza (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel...rd-tokyo-ginza...).
*Explore Ginza. Maybe catch a Kabuki play in the evening.

Friday, May 21st:
*Take a trip to see Mt. Fuji - This day tour was recommended to me (http://www.jtb-sunrisetours.jp/JTB.S.../tour.aspx?aff...). Other suggestions are welcome, however.

Saturday, May 22nd:
*Tsukiji Fish Market - I am not sure if we will make the point to see this or not, since "on paper" it doesn't sound very interesting, but I see it recommended again and again. Our flight leaves at 4:55pm this day, so we wouldn't have much time for other activities, anyway.
*Depart Tokyo and head back to Narita Airport for our departure. Not sure which line would be best to take from Ginza to the airport (or should we leave for the airport from somewhere other than Ginza? How far in advance should we leave in order to be on time for our flight?).

------------------------------------------------

Unless someone sees reason to save me from myself, I am going to book the rest of my trip in accord with this itinerary.

Any pointers about traveling between/around locations? Or this "luggage forwarding" I've heard mentioned?

Things we generally want to do in Japan (that have not yet been alluded to) include playing pachinko, making wishes and having our fortunes read at a Shinto shrine, visiting a castle, enjoying nature/wildlife, and also a hot spring. We'd also like to ''soak in'' the Japanese culture without feeling like we're just rushing from place to place. If this schedule does not seem laid back enough (or if it is too lax), please let me know!

In view of the "miscellaneous" things we'd like to do on our trip (playing pachinko, making wishes and having our fortunes read at a Shinto shrine, visiting a castle, enjoying nature/wildlife, and also a hot spring), does this itinerary support our agenda? Are there specific places along our path we should make time for in order to fulfill these activities?

And finally, sometimes in my research I come to feel that I don't even know what questions I should be asking because some stuff I would just never have thought to be issues on my own :) If anyone has the answers to the questions I SHOULD be asking, but haven't, please let me know.

Thank you everybody SO much for your input. I am trying very hard to make this the trip of a lifetime. :)

~Elana ]]> Japan Elana http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018786-japanese-honeymoon-itinerary-checkup.html Booking a room at Richmond Hotel, Narita http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018751-booking-room-richmond-hotel-narita.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:24:54 GMT Can someone help me with making a booking for this hotel. I get most of the way through the Japanese internet booking system then seem to get stuck. http://richmondhotel.jp/en/narita/index.php Thanks. Can someone help me with making a booking for this hotel. I get most of the way through the Japanese internet booking system then seem to get stuck.

http://richmondhotel.jp/en/narita/index.php


Thanks. ]]> Japan g1ant http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018751-booking-room-richmond-hotel-narita.html Which Hotel for One Night in Tokyo? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018733-hotel-one-night-tokyo.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:07:01 GMT I'm transiting through Tokyo in early December and arranged a one-day layover. Arriving on UA Sunday at 16:15, departing Monday on NW at 18:15.

I haven't visited Japan before but am eager to explore as much as one can in such a short time. I've read through the other related threads and can use them and a guidebook to figure out what to do. My question is on where to stay...

I've got points to burn, so can anyone recommend any of these properties based on 1) convenience to the rail line that is used by Narita Express (I'd prefer to avoid transfers, though I'll be travelling light) and 2) proximity to the tourist attractions and ideally some other off-the-beaten-path kinds of things.

- Courtyard Tokyo Ginza
- Conrad Tokyo
- Hilton Tokyo
- Hilton Tokyo Bay

If I was planning to spend more time at the hotel, I'd probably go with the Conrad for sheer luxury, but since I'll probably only spend five hours there sleeping, I'm not sure it matters much.

Thanks! ]]> Japan schematic http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018733-hotel-one-night-tokyo.html Suggestions for 7 days in Japan with daugthers(14/10 y old) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018708-suggestions-7-days-japan-daugthers-14-10-y-old.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:15:05 GMT Hello, I am visiting Japan with my family over new year. Our idea was to stay the 1st night in Tokyio, then a couple of nights in Kioto/Osaka and then another 4 nights in Tokio, and make from there day trips. A few questions: - would you... Hello,

I am visiting Japan with my family over new year.

Our idea was to stay the 1st night in Tokyio, then a couple of nights in Kioto/Osaka and then another 4 nights in Tokio, and make from there day trips.

A few questions:

- would you recommend to stay in a hotel in NRT aiport the day we arrive, at arround 1 pm, after a 10 hour flight, and after resting for a while going for dinner downtown and back to NRT or better to stay downtown? the Hilton at the aiport costs a fraction of the Hilton Tokyo.
- does the above schedule make sense or we should stay overnight in some other cities/towns? we would prefer not to have to pack/unpack too often
- to go arround the best option is the JR Pass? is it valid between Narita and downtown Tokio?
- to visit Kioto do you recommend a hotel there or is it OK to be in Osaka? the JR pass is valid between Osaka and Kioto?
- which day side trips would you recomend from Tokyo?
- it is worth paying for 1st class on the JR or not really?

Thanks very much for your insight ]]> Japan saviox http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018708-suggestions-7-days-japan-daugthers-14-10-y-old.html Where to purchase a JR ticket? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018418-where-purchase-jr-ticket.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:32:33 GMT Going to Japan in Dec, I need the following train trips: NGO to hotel local, local hotel to train, NGO-NRT (actually, Shinagawa), and local Shinagawa to NRT. I'm reading that you can only get local train service in yen cash at the station. Trying to figure out how to purchase the NGO-NRT Shinkansen ticket.

Using hyperdia, for the Shinkansen I've narrowed down the route, train number, and time... I just can't figure out where to actually purchase the Shinkansen ticket!

Where would someone purchase a Shinkansen ticket, while in the US? US web site? JP web site? I've visited internationalrail.com, and have received an email saying they'll call me back. Am I missing something? This doesn't seem as easy as ordering tickets for Europe.

Thanks!

edit: finally found jtbusa, turns out the JR Pass is valid on all trains except Nozomi Shinkansen, the very route I want to be one. Their advice, given the small number of segments, was to purchase all the trips locally in cash. Anyone know if a Shikansen can be charged on a credit card, or am I taking enough cash to purchase all the tickets with cash? ]]> Japan sbagdon http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018418-where-purchase-jr-ticket.html 7-day JR pass and SUICA+N’Ex ideal for this itinerary? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018134-7-day-jr-pass-suica-n-ex-ideal-itinerary.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:52:49 GMT Hi everyone, I’m having trouble deciding if a 7-day JR rail pass coupled with a SUICA+N’Ex deal will be sufficient for a 20-day visit to Japan comprising Tokyo (including the GTA), Kyoto, and some day trips in the Kansai area. Here’s my... Hi everyone,

I’m having trouble deciding if a 7-day JR rail pass coupled with a SUICA+N’Ex deal will be sufficient for a 20-day visit to Japan comprising Tokyo (including the GTA), Kyoto, and some day trips in the Kansai area.

Here’s my itinerary:

Day 1 (SUICA+N’Ex):
NRT > Tokyo
Tokyo and around

Days 2-8 (7-day JR pass):
Tokyo > Kyoto
Kyoto and around
Kyoto > Osaka vv. (1 day)
Kyoto > Nara vv. (1 day)
Kyoto > Kobe vv. (1 day)
Kyoto > Himeji vv. (½ day)
Kyoto > Tokyo

Days 9-19 (SUICA):
Tokyo and around
Tokyo > Yokohama vv. (1 day)
Tokyo > Kamakura vv. (1 day)
Tokyo > Hakone vv. (1 day)

Day 20 (SUICA):
Tokyo > NRT

The 7-day pass is definitely worth it for this, but I’m wondering if the 14-day pass (without SUICA+N’Ex) will be more cost-effective if I add a few other day trips here and there from Tokyo and Kyoto. I suspect not, but I thought I’d get a second opinion from everyone. Thanks! ]]> Japan qvh http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1018134-7-day-jr-pass-suica-n-ex-ideal-itinerary.html Fancy an impulse trip from Tokyo? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1016775-fancy-impulse-trip-tokyo.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:29:07 GMT This may interest you. ---Quote--- Fare JPY 10,000 per flight for all routes. Applicable routes SNA all routes From / to Haneda(Tokyo) - Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and Kagoshima From / to Naha(Okinawa) - Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and... This may interest you.
Quote:
Fare JPY 10,000 per flight for all routes.
Applicable routes SNA all routes
From / to Haneda(Tokyo) - Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and Kagoshima
From / to Naha(Okinawa) - Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and Kagoshima
Conditions Non-Japanese passport holder, aged 3 and over can use VISIT JAPAN fare.
You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing, under the entry status of “Temporary visitor.”
“Temporary Visitor” entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 90 days for ”sight-seeing, etc.”
If you apply for a “stay for sight-seeing” when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as “Temporary Visitor,” as shown below. Only person who has a passport bearing this stamp can use a VISIT JAPAN fare.
Available on stand-by basis only. When there is a seat available at the airport on the day of departure(booking is not available).
http://www.skynetasia.co.jp/eng/fare/price/visit.html ]]> Japan valve bouncer http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1016775-fancy-impulse-trip-tokyo.html <![CDATA[Beijing-Toyko - NRT or HND? & Toyko hotel recommendations?]]> http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1016180-beijing-toyko-nrt-hnd-toyko-hotel-recommendations.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:53:14 GMT I'm planning a holiday in China and Japan next spring. Currently have J tickets booked LHR-PEK then NRT-LHR with BA.

Need to book PEK to Toyko, but would appreciate suggestions of whether its better to fly into NRT or HND ? (Both offer multiple carriers about the same price with roughly the same schedule). Date of flight would be 1st April 2010 (apparently United fly PEK-NRT and were the cheapest but stop flying there on 27th March 2010 !?!)

Does HND offer an advantage for getting into central Toyko ?

I've no experience with asian carriers, but was leaning towards AirChina. At the moment I'm simply considering Y tickets, but may consider J tickets as it's only essentially double the cost. I have concerns about baggage as the J-ticket BA flight has a generous allowance, and I don't want to get screwed on excess baggage if I book Y from Beijing to Toyko. Any thoughts ?

Secondly, can anyone recommend hotels in Toyko - a quick expedia search suggests that I could be looking at ~£100 a night for accomodation, but that seems rather cheap for central Tokyo. I was expected (or rather prepared) to spend ~£200 a night.

I want to stay somewhere central, but connected to the underground system. I'd prefer somewhere near shopping / eating areas rather than business. We're in our very early 30s, so have no issues walking around.

Any information / suggestions / tips would be widely appreciated!!

edit

Mods - if you feel this thread would be better suited to the dedicated Japan forum then please just move it! ]]> Japan malkie http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1016180-beijing-toyko-nrt-hnd-toyko-hotel-recommendations.html Rental phones in Japan http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015563-rental-phones-japan.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:31:02 GMT Could any FTer's recommend any cell phone rental agencies they have used in Japan? Thanks for your suggestions and advice! ]]> Japan NRTbound http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015563-rental-phones-japan.html Realistic plan for Tokyo-Kyoto ? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015252-realistic-plan-tokyo-kyoto.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:43:41 GMT Minor background: My gf and I are still planning our vacation for the end of this month! We came down to 2 choices - Hawaii or Italy. I thought...if we are going to fly 15 hours or so (NY to Hawaii) why not just go to asia...so we added Japan.... Minor background:
My gf and I are still planning our vacation for the end of this month!
We came down to 2 choices - Hawaii or Italy.
I thought...if we are going to fly 15 hours or so (NY to Hawaii) why not just go to asia...so we added Japan. (I've never been, but my gf has been to Tokyo, but wants to go to Kyoto)

But then it seems like we don't have enough time for Japan (we have Nov 30-Dec 4 off). So we settled on Italy.

Then my sister just called and said that my brother in law will be in Tokyo for work that week, and if my gf and I go, then my sister (and maybe my niece) will go to Tokyo also. (my sister is in Taiwan)
I haven't seen my sister and niece in over a year, so thats a plus for Tokyo.

But I also want my gf to have fun...so my initial thought is:
Fly into Tokyo for 3 days and then Kyoto for 2 days and fly out of Kyoto.
I guess we'll arrive sunday, spend mon-weds in Tokyo, take the train from Tokyo on Thursday, and spend Thursday and Friday in Kyoto. Fly out Sat.

This all happened in the last 10 minutes so I havent done much research yet.
But is this realistic?
3 days in Tokyo and 2 in Kyoto...or are we way too ambitious?

For those of you who visited the France forum, we had a trip to Paris in Sept and we had a very packed schedule (I want to see all the touristy things)

Thanks ]]> Japan sard http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015252-realistic-plan-tokyo-kyoto.html Japan on yen10k/night budget - brief accomm report http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015235-japan-yen10k-night-budget-brief-accomm-report.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:35:49 GMT I used this forum a lot to help with my planning before hand so I though I'd quickly review the accommodation in case it is of benefit to someone else.

I printed out Laplaps basic lingo crib sheet which I found invaluable:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...ainlessly.html

We were in Japan for 9 days, into KIX and out of NRT taking in Kyoto, Hiroshima/Miyajima and Tokyo. Budget for us meant keeping the average accommodation below JPY10k (no dorms hopefully).

Accommodation (all prices for 2 people per night)

Days 1-3
Tour club hostel, Kyoto. - western double room with private shower/ toilet.
JPY6980
Clean, basic, handyish to main station and jolly small - but more than happy.
http://www.kyotojp.com/
tripadvisor

Day 4
Hotel Sunrise Itoyama, near Imabari - western twin with private toilet/sink (shared Japaese style bath/onsen)
JPY6300
http://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/english.html
We stayed here in order to do the 70km Shimanami Sea Route along the dedicated cycle route to Onomichi (a ride over 6 suspension bridges that despite being quite "industrial" in places I really enjoyed). the accommodation was spacious and clean if unexciting. The restaurant was similar.

Day 5
Hiroshima
Hotel Active - double room with private shower/toilet.
tripadvisor
JPY7500 including breakfast
Fully deserves its no1 spot on tripadvisor - breakfast was great.

Day6
Miyajima Morinoyado
JPY19100 including dinner (served in room) and breakfast.
tripadvisor
website
This was our splurge for a ryokan on the island of Miyajima. Mutli course/bowl Japanese dinner. Mostly didn't know what I was eating but it tasted good! Fairly standard japanese breakfast. On the whole Miyajima doesn't seem to be a cheap place to stay but this place is state run and as such a bit cheaper than the private equivalent. A highlight for the experience and location.

Day 7
Hotel Dormy Inn. Akihabara, Tokyo
JPY9800/night booked on Rakuten.
Double room with private bathroom. A little on the small side but pleasant enough. Clean and modern.
Really nice japanese baths on top floor with indoor and outdoor baths.
Good value japanese breakfast at just JPY600.

Day 8-9
Rose Garden hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
JPY9000/night booked on Rakuten.
tripadvisor
Good size double room with private bathroom - a pleasant hotel not far from Shinjuku station. Happily stay again at this price.

Average out at about JPY9000/night so mission accomplished. Hope this helps someone.... ]]> Japan simon77 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015235-japan-yen10k-night-budget-brief-accomm-report.html Which tower at Tokyo New Otani http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015182-tower-tokyo-new-otani.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:20:43 GMT The special rate I can get at the New Otani is basically the same for a standard Garden Tower room or a Main Tower Quality room, is there a huge difference in the rooms. The special rate I can get at the New Otani is basically the same for a standard Garden Tower room or a Main Tower Quality room, is there a huge difference in the rooms. ]]> Japan ltp711 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015182-tower-tokyo-new-otani.html Japan Railways loyalty partners? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015162-japan-railways-loyalty-partners.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:10:20 GMT I'm looking to take the JR bullet train from Hachinohe-Tokyo and I was wondering if anyone here is aware of a loyalty program with JR points that could transfer to JAL or ANA? I know they have some type of partnership with JAL on intl flights, but is there anything resembling a loyalty program? ]]> Japan Cityhawk http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1015162-japan-railways-loyalty-partners.html