That bridge in Harajuku is a real good one to trek along even if its raining. :D

Been across it a few times while in Harajuku to check out the stores that line the streets there.

Another place to visit: Takemashi(sp) Street in Harajuku (goth shops and such can be found on this street)

Sanosuke!

Yep. While I would normally wholeheartedly recommend first class train travel, JR has eliminated all the nice perks very effectively. No lounges, no free catering (and no restaurant coach) etc. Just the difference seatwise and more space in general.

Thank you all for your responses and feedback, it's very much appreciated! I think I'll end up taking the train in economy (not green) since it's a very short segment. Thanks again all. Cheers.

On the Narita Express, I consciously avoid the green car because it fills up with clueless loud-mouthed foreigners. It's much more pleasant to be in the ordinary car where the majority of the passengers are quiet locals.

I'm pretty sure the Harajuku bridge was the one I had read about previously. While checking out the link to Kanagawa, I noticed they had one of the zen temples. I was told to visit the rock garden while I was there. I thought they said it was at a zen temple in Kyoto. Would anyone know which one they were referring to?

Thanks

You might be best off getting a better guide book than whatever it is you are currently using. You should aim to learn just a little bit about gardens and temples/shrines before you get to Japan.

My guess is that they were referring to Ryoanji Temple
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8Dan-ji

There are zen temples all over Japan. The one Lap Lap refers to is in western Kyoto very near Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavillion) and makes a wonderful addition to a visit there. Ryoan-ji does, in fact, have the famous 15-stone rock garden but there are other very nice examples at other zen temples in other locations.

I second the recommendation that you (or any new visitor to Japan) invest a few bucks in a good tourist guidebook or two. There are just way too many great places to visit to just travel on a hit-or-miss basis or rely on what you have "heard" from friends or on a talk board. A little time with a good guidebook will allow you to plan what you want to see and route your transportation much more efficiently along with seeing much more of what you are interested in. The aforesaid Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji are prime examples. Planning to see them on seperate days would be a mess. They are kind of out of the center of town and would tie up some time. Planning them for the same visit, you could see both in no time - they are only one local bus-stop apart, or even walkable.

JR

I have the Lonely Planet Japan and Tokyo editions. They have a lot of information to take in and honestly I have been extremely busy leading up to my first 3 week vacation. I find it easier to learn about a place by talking to people and was using this as a forum to get some insight and ideas from a knowledgeable group of people. I'm afraid the first chance I will have to really absorb the guidebooks will be on the trip over there. It's difficult coordinating activities with 7 other individuals and I have been trying to find ideas that would appeal to the majority of our group rather than creating a list based on a guidebook. I'm a bit anal and once I lock in on something it's tough to let go.

On the ride over, I assume we will agree to some ventures with the idea that we will add more as we get a feel for things there. Many of the activities I have listed are based on information I found online and in the guidebook. I was adding these as examples so readers could give me more ideas that may or may not be in a guidebook. The information I have received has been invaluable and will be printed and placed in my guidebook for the trip.

Thanks for all of the advice and let me know if you can think of any other must do's or maybe it's not the right place/time for that. Now back to work so I can still go on the trip.

Okay, another day and more questions.

I tend to dress up more than my fellow travelers. Is there a good reason to take Khaki's and a pair of dressier shoes? The others will not be interested in doing so unless it limits some of the things we can do am I wasting luggage space? Size 12 1/2 leather shoes take up some space and add a fair amount of weight.

Also, I have read that there is little storage space with train travel. I plan on taking a carryon and a rolling duffle. I'm a big guy and there is no good way to pack ultralight for 21 days. Will I have problems traveling between cities with a large duffel? If so, what are the options? We will spend the first and third week in Tokyo at the same hostel. The middle week will be divided between Kyoto and Osaka.

Thanks again.

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I can't comment on your clothes, but there is rarely any reason to carry much around in Japan.

Just run a search for "takkyubin". (In Google or this forum)

It's a very cheap and efficient porter service. My advice is to take two bags. One larger one for the bulk of your clothes and personal effects. The other a small roller with enough space for 2-3 nights worth of clothes. You can get the large bag sent from Airport to Hotel or from Hotel to Hotel or from Hotel to Airport as you please. The small bag remains your companion and you recharge it from the big one as necessary.

Unfortunately, its also the more recently closed museum. :(

I know tech is what you are most interested in, but while in Tokyo, I would suggest 2 great cultural experiences: The Edo-Tokyo museum, and a kabuki performance in Ginza. You would most likely be waiting in line for standby tickets there, and they might be standing-room only. But you should rent the English in-ear translation, and enjoy a fantastic cultural experience.

I suggest you do. Most restaurants prefer their male guests to wear slacks, especially at dinner. Shorts are generally frowned upon when dining out (fast food joints and family restaurants excepted, of course). You can leave the suit and tie at home but you'll get a better reaction from the wait staff if you dress halfway decent.;)

In your case, I recommend the Eyewitness Guide to Japan
http://www.amazon.com/Eyewitness-Tra.../dp/0789455455

Not a guide I'd usually urge people planning a trip to get, but its photo heavy style and minimalist approach to text does get across just about everything worth knowing in a concise and easily digestible way. Your Lonely Planet books will be able to fill in and give further info on anything you get particularly interested in.

I'd go so far as to say shorts are generally frowned on, period -- you don't see Japanese above elementary school age wearing them much, no matter how hot it gets outside. Of course, most Japanese would never be so crass as to comment on gaijin waltzing about in tanpan, but if you want a little extra respect...

Women, on the other hand, are perfectly free to display as many miles of leg as they can muster :cool: