Tokyo in Summer
 

I am planning to go to Tokyo this summer with my parents who have not been there in a long time and it will be my FIRST time actually not going to Japan for a connecting flight. Anyways, I am not so sure how long we should be there for. Since we have other places to go, we will only be staying in Tokyo but there may be some time to go to the neighboring cities. For now, we are planning to stay 6 nights. I'm not so sure whether that's enough because we will be devoting two of the days in Disneyland leaving three days open for Tokyo. Is that enough or should we stay longer? Any recommendations on a hotel for three guests that's reasonably priced? We don't want to spend so much because it would cost a lot to stay in Tokyo for that long and Japan will not be the only place we will be visiting.

Lastly, do you think this particular route will cost a lot?
Late June LAX-NRT
Early July NRT/HND-KUL
July KUL-HKG
Aug HKG-SFO
They are currently asking for $1750 and we paid $1230 for a SFO-SIN ticket (including stopovers in HK and SIN) last year. I do know that its a little early but do you think, later on, this route will cost less than purchasing a ticket to NRT from PVG or HKG and using the same route as last year? We live in SF but it seems SQs route serves us better than NH/JAL/UA plus we will be in LA before traveling to Asia.


Thanks!

I'd make it shorter - Use your money for the other places on your itin. Visit Tokyo some time in Spring or Fall.

Summer time in Japan is not the best time to come. It is either rainy, or hot and humid. Since you are from CA, I wouldn't spend 2 days at Disneyland either. Maybe one. I would want to spend more than 3 days in Japan if possible. Tokyo and the Kanto area have many interesting things to do.

Do a thread search, and you will find some good suggestions.

Did you win first prize or something? Congratulations, because second prize would be a whole week in Tokyo Disneyland in summer.

I wish I can, but I don't have the time to go in Spring or Fall.

I have not been to Disney Sea so maybe one day is good. I can only go to Tokyo during the summer so there is no other time I can go. Other than that, will four days be enough then?

There's enough to see and do in and around Tokyo to last a lifetime, but four days is a good start. The guidebooks have standard itineraries.

When I was teaching, I could visit Tokyo only in the summer, so I know that it's doable. Just remember to wear loose (not sloppy) breathable clothing and to take advantage of the cold drink machines that are found on every street.

If you feel a headache or nausea coming on, duck into an air-conditioned environment, drink liquids, and perhaps eat something salty.

If it's any consolation, Kyoto is much worse than Tokyo in the summer. After I spent two weeks in Kyoto one August, Tokyo actually felt pleasant in comparison.

Since the OP is talking about visiting Tokyo in late June/early July, I don't think the problem will be the heat and humidity of summer, but that this time falls within the rainy season. (In my mind "summer" here means late July to mid September--the time of year I try really hard not to be here.) Picking the wrong day and going to Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea in the rain kind of ruins the experience. Best be prepared to be flexible on a day-to-day basis.

Thanks for your opinions. I have an AP with Disneyland in Anaheim, so I can go there whenever I want... in fact, I will be going there before I go to Asia. I'm only interested in experiencing some rides that I won't be able to experience back at home. Any recommendations on lodging that's reasonably priced for three people? Like I said, we are not looking to spend over $1000 for 6 nights. We are OK with anything besides hostels and ryokans... as long as it is clean, comfortable, and centrally-located. Thanks!

Update
We will probably choose between the Citadines Shinjuku and the Chisun Hotel Shinagawa-West. Any opinions of the two? Do the Narita Express trains pass through Shinjuku and Shinagawa station? Which location is better? Any vacation rentals? Thanks!

One day for Disney Sea is better. Four days is a good starter for Tokyo. I would just not try to do too much. Also, since it will either be rainy, or hot and humid I would build into your schedule some indoor activities just in case.

OK, we have decided between the Chisun Hotel Hamamatsucho and the Citadines in Shinjuku for now. Which location is better? The Chisun Hotel is near Hamamatsucho Station and the Citadines is in Shinjuku. Any experiences with any of the two? It seems like it's easier to get to the Chisun from the airport but that is not a very big issue. Thanks!

Update: The Chisun Hotel in Shinagawa-West is also another one we're looking at. Opinions on the location on that one? We are mostly looking to be in a good location that's easily accessible to places of interest.

No? Really? I would have never guessed that from their names. Hamamatsucho is closer to both the airport and Disneyland, and my guess also closer to the station itself. I'd stay there.

I doubt it.

He he. OK. If the only two hotels in Tokyo were those two, I'd stay at the Chisun. I usually stay elsewhere, you may guess where.

Thanks for your opinion. I would also stay elsewhere if I could, but the Langham does not operate in Japan, finding a room for three is difficult, and there are other places we have to go to.

Actually, I also found another reasonably priced one. This one is the Shimbashi Tokyu Inn which is near Shimbash/Shiodome Station for those who don't know. Opinions on this location?

Ahh, the famous, sneaky Shimbashi-Shiodome trick! Shiodome can be quite a walk from Shimbashi, but nearer to Ginza. Also, the Tokyu chain is not as nice as the Chisun chain in general.