Originally Posted by
WorldLux
Book everything well in advance. IIRC March is usually very busy.
Will do suspected this and as a german I have to plan in advance (in my DNA). I was surprised to so easy get ANA First tickets using Virgin Atlantic points.
Originally Posted by
WorldLux
IMO an average hotel. Not bad, not outstandingly good. Rooms were clean, staff friendly, breakfast excellent.
Just need something easy (things to walk to) with a lounge (if we don't feel like doing much). And the Free Weekend Day voucher makes the price reasonable. But open to other options. Just the first to have a starting point.
Originally Posted by
WorldLux
^ But don't forget that Tokyo has lots to offer too. Kamakura, Nikko are all within reach from Tokyo. There are many shrines in Tokyo that are worth a visit.
Agreed. My wife isn't interested in Tokyo but that will probably change. Easy to add night in the beginning or the end
Originally Posted by
WorldLux
While Osaka is nice, I don't think that it is necessary to spend a couple of nights there just after spending a couple of nights in neighboring Kyoto. Rather than changing hotels there, I'd probably more nights in Kyoto (You can do Nara from there as well).
On my first trip to Japan (already quite some time ago), I visited Nara on a day trip from Kyoto and traveled the next day to Hiroshima (stopping of at the Himeji castle). I spent 1 night in Hiroshima, visited the peace park the next morning continued by train to the Itsukushima Shrine and from there to Osaka.
Another rather popular trip is the one to Mt. Koya and sleeping a night in a buddhist temple. Can be done from Osaka.
OK Osaka seems to be a day trip and/or being replaced by other stops. Mt Koya sounds interesting.
Originally Posted by
WorldLux
You could leave Okinawa out given that you'll have enough to see and discover on Honshu. That said, Okinawa may be an interesting way to end your trip in Japan: While it is relatively cold on Honshu, you'll probably be able to enjoy a couple of summer weather in Naha.
Okinawa is a "must" as my wife wants to see where she was born
Originally Posted by
WorldLux
If you only travel Tokyo->Osaka/Kyoto oneway, a rail pass makes AFAIK no sense. BTW: If you include Okinawa in your trip remember that JL and NH have air passes if you arrive in Japan on a *S or OW airline. IIRC the price of a flight segment is 90-100$.
Great info. As I arrive on ANA that will work.