Originally Posted by
fransknorge
I will go to Japan in October. This is my third trip there and I have visited Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara extensively on previous trips.
I will spend 11 nights, 4 nights in Tokyo (first 3 and last one) because Tokyo is always a good idea. For the remaining of the trip I would like to base myself in one region and do day trips from there. In early October Kansai sounds like a good idea, plenty to do and see. I wonder where to base myself: Osaka or Kobe. Osaka seems like there would be plenty of things to eat, to see during evenings and is worth 2 days in itself. But I am afraid that I will have to commute to a train station at the beginning and end of each day trip, but it might be a too much hustle and noise.
Kobe seems more authentic, less touristic and has a Crowne Plaza at the train station. But is it a convenient starting point for day trip in Kansai?
Also, I have a SUICA card (and will get a JR Pass), is that accepted now in most of Kansai, or should I get the ICOCA ?
Kobe is a nice, walkable city. Great if you like to hike too, as the trails start right behind ShinKobe station.
If you have a Japan Rail pass, than ShinKobe Crowne makes sense. The "special rapid" is a fast local JR train that we usually use, and that runs through the main station of Sannomiya, which is in the center of Kobe. About a 20-minute walk from Shin Kobe (3 min subway).
I am pretty sure SUICA will do everything ICOCA will.
Kurashiki is another point west to consider. Tatsuno (near Himeji) is also interesting.