DtoC: You have mail, and I look forward to hearing from you.

To add to scruffy's info, no Sumo in Oct. (Only odd months.) - unless there is an exhibition. I have wrestler acquaintances, and could probably swing a morning visit to watch practice at their "stable." -Not horrifically exciting, although the food is always good! (A tip: Don't try to empty the pot, because they will just keep filling it back up!)

Baseball: I'm not up on baseball, but my coworkers are. I could find out scheduling if you'd like.

Kabuki/Noh: I lived in the birthplace of Noh for 3 years (Nabari - near Nara but in Mie). I've been to see Noh just twice, and the second time involved force! -Not many other countries offer 5 1/2 hour 3 Act plays! Unless you truly know what you would be getting into and desire it, I would definitely recommend spending those 5 hours somewhere else!

Kabuki has a bit more action, and I've been a handful of times. Costumes are colorful, movements are neat, and Kabuki is generally preferred over Noh ("No" is perhaps an apt name!). I've taken US client/friends, and delight in one friend's constant complaining about the whiny voices, etc., but there are some plays I like. (Definitely get the English rental headsets, as they explain much more than just what is being said.)

October is too early to see the Autumn colors - unless maybe you spend a day getting up to Nikko. Hakone is great, but mid-Oct seems early to me. (Otherwise is pretty spectacular.) If you're in Atsugi, Hakone is not that far. -Most baths are not excruciatingly hot, if you are interested.

Love hotels are a kick, too. Many books/articles have been written about the cheap, clean, funky experience that is a Japanese "Love Hotel." -Not sure who you're traveling with, and I am not overly knowledgeable in this area.

Yokohama/Kamakura are close and interesting (Big Buddha, Chinatown).

I lived in Kyoto during college, and it is one of my favorite places. Unfortunately, it's too far for you - as you no doubt know. (Noh? No! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif)

We can pick this up off the board - although it sounds like some here know Atsugi better than I - especially hotels. With luck maybe our schedules will match. --I'm still hoping at some point to confirm that FT posters are actually flesh and blood people!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

A list of well-known hotels in Tokyo with prices. I've never used Asiatravel.com for a hotel in Japna but have used it several times for hotels in other parts of Asia and found reliable.
http://asiatravel.com/japan/prepaid.html

tfjim,
I agree about the New Sanno, nice place and unbeatable rates.
http://www.thenewsanno.com

The only problems is that you must be on gov't or military travel orders.

Jay

nilsman:
I stayed 4-5 nights at the Akaska Prince a few months ago. It's a nice hotel at a good location, close to the imperial palace.

I also recommend the Airport limo bus from NRT. It will take you straight to the hotel. Make sure to get a reservation at the hotel when you want to go back to the airport. The bus was fully booked when I wanted to get back to NRT!

A couple of years ago, I stayed at the New Otani Hotel in Kaihin Makuhari. About 30 minute train ride from Tokyo. I paid $125 a night, which included a nice buffet breakfast (choice of American or Japanese style). But
that was my corporate rate. Now, I think it
is $135 without the buffet. It is about $100
less than the New Otani downtown. Every day
after work (and in the morning when I wasn't
working) I hopped the train into Tokyo - not a big inconvenience. The hotel was GREAT!

Tack Lasse!

Nice to see another Swedish person on the board... Do you remember if the Airport limo bus was easy to find on arrival to Narita?

nilsman:

The limousine bus ticket counter (also the train counter) is very hard to miss when you come out the Arrivals exits. Most hotels have a stop arranged, so if you give the counter folks (English is okay) your hotel name they can tell you what you should do.

The bus can take marginally more time than the trains, but the lack of walking/changing trains/etc. makes the bus very convenient when staying at a hotel they service. (Again, that's most of the hotels.)

The information desk is right next to the bus/train counter, in case you have other questions as well.

-KP

If you do end up staying in Kaihin Makuhari, the Airport Limousine bus is a lot faster than any other mode of transportation. The train to Tokyo doesn't go through Kaihin Makuhari. I also second the recommendation on the New Otani there, although I also agree that it is a convention/business area and unless you really want to save money, or are really interested in Disneyland, you ought to stay in Tokyo.

My Tokyo weekend day tourist highlights included the temple at Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, and walking around Shinjuku (especially interested on Saturday at 7 pm to see people getting out of work).