Originally Posted by
Pureboy
1) Just do the research yourself. This question has been answered here at least once a month for years. Search the board, check out the travel wikis, look at guidebooks. If you have specific questions around certain interests, we can be of better help. Sorry if I'm being harsh, but this is probably the easiest question about visiting Japan that you can find 100+ answers to.
No worries here. I'm certainly doing all you've described as well. Just wanted to throw it out generally (without priming and planting any seeds) and see if anyone had anything I was missing. Was certainly expecting responses to the tune of what you've written above, given that it was such a general and lazy-sounding question.
Originally Posted by
Pureboy
Traditional day trips are Yokohama, Nikko and Kamakura, and at least overnight in Hakone. Research them and see if any of them make sense for your itin and interests.
Thanks for reiterating these. These are the ones I've seen as well, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. We'll probably get in Yokohama perhaps when we're in Yokosuka. Of the others, Nikko is of the most interest to me - the mountains look beautiful. Maybe will just have to see how Tokyo is going and then make a decision on the last day.
Originally Posted by
Pureboy
But if you are worried about inadvertently being insensitive, study up on cultural faux pas a little bit and don't be a "loud American."
Certainly always make it a point to do this wherever I go, so I'm glad to hear that a bit of common sense will continue to go a long way. I appreciate it!
Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
I hope you don't think you must stay in ryokans when in Kyoto. There are many, many fine western-style hotels. I, for one, simply do not do ryokans anymore but have enjoyed many nights in Kyoto. The advantages are being much closer to the historical and cultural sites, the ability to walk to and from the hotel or return for a change of clothing or a nap and, truth be told, the more central location for day trips(!)
Among the better day trips from Kyoto are Nara, Hikone and Osaka, all of which require zero connections from Kyoto Station. Osaka is nice but rather a repeat of the big city that is Tokyo. If you are into the nightlife and dining scene, Osaka is probably a fine choice. I like quiet, history, great food and culture so I always stay in Kyoto or Nara.
We certainly debated it, and looked pretty extensively at both Ryokans and western-style hotels in Kyoto. Doesn't look like we were the first to have this debate either.
Seems we've sold the Kyoto crowd short, but that only means one thing...we'll just have to plan another trip sometime!
