Welcome to Flyertalk and the Japan forum,
jessieh!
Originally Posted by
jessieh
a) I have booked flight to Tokyo airport and back from Osaka airport. But I read from a few travel agents' itineraries and it seems like most of them are starting from osaka airport and ending in Tokyo airport. So, I'm thinking of whether to change my flight. Which way is better and cheaper for travel in japan? Appreciate if someone can advice this as I really need to make final decision and further plan.
No difference - trains will cost the same in either direction. By flying into NRT you can buy the NEX Suica package which wouldn't be available if you were travelling the other way.
Originally Posted by
jessieh
b) I thought of spending 3 days in Tokyo, 2 days in Kyoto and 3 days in Osaka. Is that ok and enough time for me to cover Kyoto, narita, mt fuji, hakone, tokyo and nara and kobe?
No. You don't have that much time. I'd suggest dropping Narita, Hakone and any trip to Mt Fuji (I can almost promise you it will be a disappointment). You might be able to see Fuji from the bullet train (make sure you don't travel at night and sit on the North side of the train/right side) and there are vantage points in Tokyo. Kobe too I would drop. But you can decide for yourself once you're in Japan as it's a short cheap hop from Osaka.
Originally Posted by
jessieh
c) any budgetted and convenient location of accommodation (Tokyo,Kyoto and Osaka)with private bathroom can be introduced? (9000yen or below for twin/double bedroom)
Depends - are you prepared/able to share a semi-double bed? (roughly 110cms wide)
One you answer this question I can help you further.
Ryokan Tokaisou in Tokyo is the cheapest place I know with ensuite bathrooms and twin futons (7,000yen). I do not know if there is availability for your dates.
Originally Posted by
jessieh
d) Understand that Kyoto and Osaka are quite near to each other. Since I'm going to spend 2 days in Kyoto and 3 days in Osaka, should I book 5 days of stay in the same hotel or different hotel in different place? If same hotel, which place is better?
You are more likely to find cheaper ensuite accommodation in Osaka than Kyoto. As budget is a concern, you need to factor in the costs of travelling between Osaka and Kyoto each day.
Nara is easily visited from Osaka, so I would suggest 3 days in Kyoto, 2 days in Osaka. It isn't that Kyoto is 'better', but that there is much more there that you are likely to want to see.
I can't stress enough that you barely have the time to cover Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with 5 days.
Originally Posted by
jessieh
e) any budget local ground tour (eg, from Tokyo to Kyoto or vice verse) can be recommended?
The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka is simple and won't require a tour (I would recommend Sunrise Tours only if you were returning to Tokyo).
There are cheap tours within Tokyo from
Hato Bus but I have never used them (nor am I likely to)
In Kyoto -
Johnny Hillwalker
or the
walking lecture on Kyoto Geisha Culture
As an afterthought:
Osaka - Do you have any Starwood points? 1,000 SPG points cost US$35. For 1,600points plus $30 a night (approx $85 - currently 7,800yen) you might be able to snag the Osaka Sheraton Miyako with Cash & Points. The location is ideal for visiting Nara, you can choose a King or two single beds and the usual price is over 15,000yen for
two people. Check availability before buying the points, particularly as this Hotel rarely has C&P availability on weekend nights.
If you sleep well in buses there are cheap overnight routes between Tokyo & Osaka
Here's just one company:
http://www.123bus.net/route/tyo/tyo-osa.html
The deluxe version costs just over 10,000yen
http://travel.willer.co.jp/x/bus/dyn...m/e_index.html
It's from the same company as 123.bus and seems like a feasible way to save on hotel and transport costs (and time)