I'm going to be Japan in two weeks for about two weeks and am looking for some local knowledge and assistance on the best way(s) to get from the Hakone area to Hiroshima. I'd also appreciate advice on interesting things to do and see around the Hiroshima area. Current plans are to be there for around 1 1/2 days. TIA.

Jenn

ps. I'll be bringing a Starbucks mug with me

Seeing as I am going for the first time this July, I have done exhaustive research on Japan.

The best way to get around Japan are the bullet trains. As a tourist, you can buy a Japan rail pass before you go, it is a great value. BUT YOU MUST BUY IT BEFORE YOU GET TO JAPAN!! I was told to get it through JTB (Japan Travel Bureau, a LARGE travel agency), but my usual travel agent was able to get the pass for $30 less than JTB sells it for.

If you goto/call the JNTO (Japan National Tourist Organization (chicago phone (there are other locations) 312-222-0874)) they will send you info on any areas you wish. I highly reccomend asking for a copy of the Railway Timetable for the bullet trains. It is very easy to use and shows all the train schedules/times. I looked up the time from Hakone(Odawara stop) to Hiroshima, it was about 4.5-5 hours travel depending upon train taken.

I have been told by some FT's that Peace Memorial Park is very moving. It has the A-Bomb dome which is a building remnant from the A- bombing of Hiroshima. Hiroshima Castle is another sight to see.

Another area near Hiroshima, about 45 minutes away, is Miyajima, which is an island in the Seto Sea. Just one of the sights here is the "floating shrine" built so that when the tide is in, it appears to be floating on the water.

Can't state strongly enough to contact JNTO before you go for many more ideas.

PS: my wife will be bringing her Starbucks mug as well (it's a sick habit you people hooked on Starbucks!!)

Jenn,

I did not notice at first that you were based in Europe.

The JNTO website is:

http://jnto.go.jp

As sweet willie has posted, DO get the rail pass. I go back once a year, went to college in central japan, and the pass is a godsend. not only is it good for the Shinkansen (bullet trains) but also for the local Japan Railway lines. Where are you flying in to? Narita? The rail pass is also good for the Narita Express train from Narita airport into Tokyo. It's a good deal if you are there for more than a week. For example you can go anywhere at a whim, just show the pass, get on the train and go. Enjoy Hakone and be sure to stay at an Onsen! It's heaven!!

" be sure to stay at an Onsen! It's heaven!![/B][/QUOTE]

thezipper, What is an Onsen? is it a Ryokan?

Onsen are natural hot-spring baths, and are often coupled with tradtional Japanese inns, or Ryokan. Its worth finding the ones that are not overrun with tourists.

Do you have any suggestions? I am also under the impression that some Ryokan do not welcome tourists.

The OP might want to consider getting a JR West pass since travel is apparently limited to west (or south) of Tokyo. The regional passes are cheaper than the national ones.

As for ryokans, many don't want to deal those who don't speak/understand Japanese (too difficult to use mime/hand language, play charades) more than not wanting to deal with foreigners.

In/near the Hakone area, I believe the closest bullet train station (albeit the "local" bullet train called Kodama) is at Odawara. From Odawara, take a Kodama shinkansen to a station from where you can get a regular express shinkansen (called Hikari). You could either backtrack to Shin Yokohama, where many Hikari stop, or go down to Nagoya perhaps. Hikari's are included in the rail pass fee. IMHO, the fastest shinkansens, called Nozomi, which are not included in the JR passare not worth the extra charge. JNTO have a nice little timetable for almost all JR trains and most of the main private trains.

I agree with Sweet Willie's suggestion of the peace memorial and Miyajima Island.

[This message has been edited by unagi1 (edited 06-03-2001).]

Hi Jenn,

Thanks for remembering. Catch you in a few.

Mike

Thanks everyone for all the feedback and especially for the link. I wonder why it didn't show up using Google and Yahoo?

I'm off to show my parents the wonders of Japan!

Jenn

Hakone itself is a neat place to visit. All my Japan stuff is packed away currently

I agree that the Peace Park (look for the scarred tree - it survived the blast) and Miyajima would be two good places to start. There's a restuarant in the hills above Iwakuni (where I was stationed) that is renown for its fugu (puffer fish). Been there several times, but never had the nerve to try the stuff (deadly if not properly prepared).

I'm itching to return to Japan, just have to clear a hole in my schedule...

Boilermaker, can you remember the name of the restaurant that served the fugu????

Shoot, no. It's been 17 years since I was there. It was in the hills in a rustic setting. You could probably ask any cabbie in Iwakuni and they would know.