Where to go other than Tokyo?
Aug 23, 2018, 8:17 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 169
Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like I'll be planning 3 days in the Kansai region before heading to Tokyo (MiraCosta looks great, but I've already booked a hotel near Shinagawa station).
I feel like I can realistically plan to do one or two things per day with the uncertainty of toddler behaviour. Getting any more done would be gravy. With that in mind, would a good base be Osaka or Kyoto? Seems like near Shin Osaka would be good for jumping on the Shinkansen but not much else.
I feel like I can realistically plan to do one or two things per day with the uncertainty of toddler behaviour. Getting any more done would be gravy. With that in mind, would a good base be Osaka or Kyoto? Seems like near Shin Osaka would be good for jumping on the Shinkansen but not much else.
Last edited by bcx; Aug 23, 2018 at 8:18 pm Reason: Added more words
Aug 23, 2018, 10:24 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
Programs: Former UA Premex, now dirt
Posts: 6,531
You will get different opinions. I am a Kyoto fan but others here like Osaka. You can find good options in both cities. I think easy access to the only JR station is a plus for Kyoto if you will be doing any day trips out of town, such as to Nara, Himeji or Hikone.
Aug 23, 2018, 11:20 pm
#18
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 590
Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like I'll be planning 3 days in the Kansai region before heading to Tokyo (MiraCosta looks great, but I've already booked a hotel near Shinagawa station).
I feel like I can realistically plan to do one or two things per day with the uncertainty of toddler behaviour. Getting any more done would be gravy. With that in mind, would a good base be Osaka or Kyoto? Seems like near Shin Osaka would be good for jumping on the Shinkansen but not much else.
I feel like I can realistically plan to do one or two things per day with the uncertainty of toddler behaviour. Getting any more done would be gravy. With that in mind, would a good base be Osaka or Kyoto? Seems like near Shin Osaka would be good for jumping on the Shinkansen but not much else.
Aug 24, 2018, 8:52 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota,USA
Programs: UA, NW
Posts: 3,752
Another possibility for a couple with a three-year-old is Nara because of two things: the tame deer that wander around begging to be fed (vendors sell special crackers to feed them with) and the hole in the pillar at Todaiji in front of the Great Buddha of Nara. Supposedly crawling through the pillar guarantees enlightenment in one's next life--and you have to be either quite slender or a child to manage the feat. All the major sites are located in a park-like setting, which might make for a more relaxing outing if that is what you need. It's a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto Station.
But again, you know your child better than anyone else does.
But again, you know your child better than anyone else does.
Aug 27, 2018, 1:11 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: AA 2MM & Plat for Life, Marriott Gold for Life, Mmbr of all Hotel Pref Partner Prgrms for Clients
Posts: 6
I agree with others re Kyoto being a better base than Osaka. It’s a much more interesting and more beautiful city with more to see and do. From there you can easily take day trips to Nara, Uji, and even Osaka. Also, you can take the shinkansen from Kyoto Station directly to Shinagawa - no change of trains required.
Aug 27, 2018, 9:02 pm
#22
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Another possibility for a couple with a three-year-old is Nara because of two things: the tame deer that wander around begging to be fed (vendors sell special crackers to feed them with) and the hole in the pillar at Todaiji in front of the Great Buddha of Nara. Supposedly crawling through the pillar guarantees enlightenment in one's next life--and you have to be either quite slender or a child to manage the feat. All the major sites are located in a park-like setting, which might make for a more relaxing outing if that is what you need. It's a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto Station.
But again, you know your child better than anyone else does.
But again, you know your child better than anyone else does.
And Hakone has an interesting Japanese historical theme park that would be great for kids AND adults.
Aug 28, 2018, 1:08 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,404
Which park are you referring to? Have to admit I’m scratching my head trying to work out which one you mean?
Aug 28, 2018, 10:25 am
#26
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD (formerly SAN)
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Posts: 1,928
I'm a huge fan of Osaka. One of the highlights of our Japan trip from a couple years back. Stayed at the IC Osaka - great service and it was super convenient to everything - shopping, trains, sightseeing, etc. I would not hesitate to go back.
Aug 28, 2018, 10:37 am
#27
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
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Posts: 580
Aug 28, 2018, 9:07 pm
#28
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
I love that place. But I will just add that I think you'd need 90min max up there, unless you decide to have a meal up there.
Aug 29, 2018, 3:24 am
#29
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Between Seas
Posts: 4,738
Yea, it's wonderful in all senses. There's also a kid-tastic sandwich and ice cream counter for those in a rush and they do decent takeaway coffees. When we return, I'm going to take a cup down the winding gardens, but only after my nose has been fragranced silly.