3rd trip to Japan, doubts
 

Hi. I'm thinking of doing my 3rd trip to Japan next October.
Previously, I have visited, with comments and good advise from this forum, Japan' biggest cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki) and some significant spots (Nikko, Kamakura, Nara, Beppu, Hakodate, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Koyasan, etc.). (2 trips/20 days each)

I'm starting to build my itinerary. I'm thinking of visiting Tokohu region (5-6 days, Sendai-Matsushima, Hiraizumi --according to previous Japan Forum threads-- Kakunodate, Nyuto onsen area) and center-south Kyushu (4-5 days. Kumamoto, Mt Aso), maybe passing through Kanazawa when going south.

Just in case I could add more days to my trip, I want to ask you some heterogeneous questions (my head is confused, I'm sorry):
-After reading a Korea trip report by jpatokal, I'm thinking of spending some days in Korea. I don't know if it's easy to re-entry Japan in case I take the ferry Fukuoka-Busan (I'm national of Spain, eligible for a visa exemption). In that case, I'd prefer to take the ferry instead of flying to Korea.
-As my return flight will leave from Tokyo-Narita and the closer I have seen Mt Fuji is from Shinkanshen line, maybe I could do a Hakone tour. I have browsed Sunrise Tours website, which offers a day-trip to Hakone. Is it a good option or it's better to go on my own, with a Free Pass?

Of course, I'd like to consider any suggestion about places to see (I've read several forum threads) in Tokohu and Kyushu.
Please, feel free to add confusion!

Thanks!

If you're going in October, you have a better chance of actually seeing Mt. Fuji than in the summer.

Anyway, Hakone is an easy self-guided tour. You just buy your Free Pass and follow everyone else as they transfer from one means of transportation to another along the standard route.

Either buy an all-inclusive ticket from Odakyu-Shinjuku (in the Odakyu Department store at the west exit of JR Shinjuku) or, if you have a JR Pass, take the Kodama to Odawara (the Hikaris and Nozomis don't stop there) and buy your Hakone Free Pass in the station.

Kanazawa is best if visiting in the winter. Snow scene at Kenrokuen is famous and sitting in an outside tub at Wakura onsen with snow falling is great. You didn't mention Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki. These are worth a visit. The Korakoen at Okayama is a summer garden best when it is lush. Rounding out the 3 famous gardens, Kairakuen at Mito is worth a visit but best in late Feb and early March during the ume hanami. There are other smaller spots such as Tsuwano northeast of Yamaguchi.

I dont think you will have a problem with re-entry. Since you dont need a visa(i'm assuming you dont need one)

In 2007, and 2008, I entered Japan multiple # of times in a month. I went to Korea and Singapore, and I flew in from YYZ also.

I had the same concerns like you and I asked the same question. The only thing that may be of a concern is when you leave Japan near the end of your allowed stay (90 days or whatever) and then re-enter right after. SOme people of course do this because they are staying there illegally.. or otherwise. You of course, wont have this problem..

But multiple entries is OK, as long as you have an itinerary showing your intentions.

Let me guess ... Paris in the Spring, Miami in the Fall?

OT but Miami in Feb and St. Augustine in April this year. Both were pretty nice. Only time to Paris actually was in spring many moons ago. I would say New England (or Japan) in the fall.

My trip to Kanazawa was in Feb just after a big snow, very pretty. Taking the JR Thunderbird from Osaka made it easy too.

My only visit to Kanazawa was in the summer, and I thought it was well worth visiting even then. As one of the few cities not to be bombed in World War II, it has a lot of old charm. I especially enjoyed the central marketplace and the so-called "ninja temple." Even Kenrokuen was impressive, with the "crutches" propping up the trees.

As in California, Kanazawa cani season should start from Oct/Nov time frame.

There were a lot of crabs in the market in Feb. Seems to be smaller than Alaskan King Crab and similar in size to the Canadian Maritime Provinces Snow Crab. The Kanazawa cani were prized and only a small sampling at the ryokan dinners. My favorite is still Maryland Lump Crab Cakes.

In winter they make a conical shaped thing with ropes to protect trees from heavy snow.

Kenrokuen (about 130KB)

Random.

Agreed. I've had no problem -- a couple of extra questions, maybe (as they probably should ask) but no problems at all. As long as you are not doing something you shouldn't be, you'll be fine.

Sounds like a nice plan!
I've not done this, but would like to at some point (my Japanese father-in-law is fluent in Korean and loves the country, I hope to go with him in the near future). I've travelled to Japan with my Spanish passport before and for a short visit - under three months - there was no difference from using a British one.
From what I understand, many non-Japanese English teachers go to Korea for short visits solely to extend their visas. As you won't be travelling for this purpose I would have assumed you have less reason to be concerned than they have.
Basically, I'd feel perfectly happy to do the trip you're planning with my Spanish passport.

I visited Hakone on my very first trip to Japan and used the Free Pass which I purchased in Shinjuku (just as ksandness described). It was all very straightforward.
You're a veteran with two trips behind you. I wouldn't bother with the Sunrise tour - I can't see how you'd get any value out of it.
The Hakone circuit is so straightforward I've recommended it here for people with limited mobility problems (some stairs and steps are involved) as well as for those with children as the Free Pass can give a day or two of freedom of movement, covering a lot of ground, but without having to do much walking - a rarity in Japan!

Thank you for your feedback!

Unfortunately, I can't choose the dates for my holiday (in any case, I think Spring is the best time to visit Paris)

SJUAMMF. I visited Himeji, Okayama and Kurashiki on my first trip (I used Hiroshima as a base)

I have checked out timetables on Hyperdia. So, as a first draft:

Day 1. day of arrival (early morning), trains Narita-Tokyo-Sendai, walk around city center.
2. boat tour to Matsushima Bay / visit to Zuigan-ji
3. Hiraizuimi. Sleep in Tazawako or Kaukunodate
4. Kakunodate
5. Nyuto onsen area
6. Trains to Kanazawa (via Tokyo? 7.30 hours -flight from Sendai? 6 h)
7. Kanazawa
8. Trains to Fukuoka (flight?)/maybe same day ferry to Busan?
9-10-11. South South Korea (Busan area). Ferry back on day 11. Train Fukuoka-Kumamoto
12. Kumamoto
13. Mt Aso (possible in 1 day from Kumamoto?)
14. To Tokyo (flight: 4 h/ trains: 8 h)
15. Hakone (self-guided)
16. Leave Japan

Seeing possible time spent on trains on days 6-7-8, maybe it's better to skip Kanazawa and try to fly from Akita or Sendai to Fukuoka.
Or stay in Tokyo 2 nights and then visit Hakone. (6. train to Tokyo / 7. Hakone / 8. train or flight to Fukuoka+ferry).
Or perhaps change Kyushu for more time in the north coast...
Ufff, I'm confused.

My plan is to take a JR Pass for the full stay and, if needed (I did it last time), an ANA airpass with 3 legs.

Apart from anything else, maybe it's a short time in Korea, but I prefer spending most of the time in Japan, a country that is fascinating me. I just want to have a little taste of Korea, and maybe plan a wider trip to Korea sometime in the future.

Thanks!

There are flights to Seoul from many of Japan's regional airports. I think you may be able ot fly Sendai-Seoul or Komatsu-Seouil. You could still take the ferry in one direction if you're determined to experience the ferry.

Aso san will not take the whole day. A friend drove to the top may be in one hour from downtown. Due to gases, you cannot stay too long at the top anyway.

There should be a flight from Kumamoto to Haneda, may be two hours duration. The airport bus from downtown is very convenient and may be about Y500.

Kanazawa is worthwhile and late Oct is usually start of crab season. Try to find a flight as jib71 suggested.

Kanazawa central market

Added: There is a PM flight from Sendai to Komatsu on ANA. A little bit more than a standalone JR ticket. By train would be about 6 hours via Tokyo, Maibara. Likewise, there is a Komatsu to Fukuoka ANA flight. But I think picking up an egi-ben, a bottle of sake, enjoying scenery and talking with fellow travelers on a train is quite enjoyable.

Agreed. Just take the Odakyu line from Shnjuku. http://www.odakyu.jp/english/freepass/hakone_01.html
I went on my first trip too when the only Japanese I spoke was basic greetings and I had no trouble doing the loop.
Sunrise Tour is just too expensive.