12 days in Japan in September. Kyoto to Tokyo. Itinery and JR Pass?

Hi guys,

I've looked through the forum before deciding to post this thread, I think I'm suffering from a case of information-overload, so I hope the good folks of TT will be able to help =)

My partner and I are visiting Japan in September, it will be the first trip to Japan for both of us (how exciting!)

We are landing in Osaka, then will depart from Tokyo (onward to Beijing). From what I've read in the TT forum so far, it seems like I can give Osaka a miss (or I could do Osaka as a day trip from Kyoto, or stay in Osaka for the first day or two, then onward to Kyoto)

We are quite flexible with our itinerary, and this is what we've come up with so far:
- Sep 3rd - land in Osaka
- 4th - Osaka (or even Kyoto)
- 5th - 8th - Kyoto (with day trips to surrounding areas, such as Nara and Hiroshima??? unsure where else)
- 9th - 13th - Tokyo (1 day in Disneyland, and the rem... more »

typhoon in mountains and september travel?

Are the mountain areas affected by typhoons as well?

Is september a good month to visit Japan on a bicycle? I don't mind some heat, but much dislike the rain!

Hiking in Japan for 4 days, need advice

Hi there,

A friend and I are going to be in Japan for 16 days in August and want to do a 4- ish day hiking trip. We were hoping for something slightly remote/not busy with people. I currently have the lonely planet hiking guide to Japan but can't find something like this.

At the moment we start our trip in Tokyo, work our way to Kyoto then Hiroshima and end in Osaka (Yes I know this is right by Kyoto but our flight goes from there).

We looked at possibly doing part of the 88-Temple pilgrimage in Shikoku or the Japan Alps, however both these options seem very busy with people. We would prefer the Shikoku or the area around Hiroshima/Kyoto/Osaka but are open to the Alps as well. We are considering Kumano-Kodo pilgrimage but not sure this wont be packed either...

Both of us are relatively experienced hikers, looking for an adventure and to experience a bit of rural Japan (T... more »

money

What is the best thing to do concerning costs and exchange rate?

• Do we take cash euro’s with us and change them in Japan?
• Do we purchase Japanese yen in Belgium?
• Do we withdraw cash with visa at domestic ATMs?

JR Pass

Hello,

I have been researching the JR pass to see if it is worth my while and i am still very confused and hoping you guys can help.
My Plan is to fly into Osaka, train to Kyoto the next day (3 nights), then Train to Hiroshima (2 nights), then train to Nagasaki(2nights), then Fly from Fukuoka to Sapporo(2-3nights), then Fly to Tokyo(4-5nights).

From What i can see the Nazomi Line (Hiroshima to Nagasaki) is not included in the pass, is that correct???

So my trains that can be included in the pass are:
540 yen Osaka to Kyoto
11,090 yen Kyoto to Hiroshima
15,400 yen day trip from Tokyo to Nagano
270,030 yen in total ($275USD)

but this would mean a 14 day pass at $466 USD

So are my calculations correct or is there other uses for a JR pass that i am missing
Also, can i use the JR pass to get to Fukuoka airport from Nagasaki because i'm assuming that i can't... more »

Minshukus with Kids

Hi,

I am thinking to make a trip to Japan taking my two kids (10 & 7) with me.
I am not so clear about pricing policies on kids in minshukus and other hotels in Japan since I got mixed information. Are these hotels typically charging on a per person model or per room?
If per person, are kids at the age of 10 typically considered as an adult, i.e. paying the full price or will they be discounted?
If charging is per room, are family rooms usually available or will a family of four usually need to take two double rooms?

It is unfortunately not easy to get this information from guide books or hotel internet pages and many of the smaller hotels only have Japanese pages and if they have English pages this rather detail information is often not provided.

Thank you for your help.

Being handicapped in Tokyo: Trains are tough

The homu (platforms) in the Tokyo metro system clearly mark where the train cars with seats for rojin/shogaisha (aged/disabled) will be when the next train pulls into the station. A nice touch.

But often when I entered a train car, lugging my lame left leg with me, none of the sleeping sararyman sitting in those seats would wake up from his snooze. I was tempted to politely poke the gentlemen with my cane, but I only did this once. I felt sorry for their 8AM-10PM working lifestyles and usually figured they needed more sleep than my leg needed gravity comfort.

The hardest part about Tokyo train navigation for crips like me is transferring lines in the downtown stations. Tatoeba, changing from the Marunouchi to the Ginza line requires a roughly 1km walk. And there are no benches along the way. It's like a long mountain trek for the normally-abled.

If grandpa plans to visit, y... more »

Itinerary Advice - Japan Alps Area

Hi -

My husband and I are going to Japan, landing in Tokyo on Sept. 28th. We need some help with our itinerary with regards to the Japan Alps. Below is what we're thinking. I'd love advice on (1) if the routes are feasible and optimized; (2) are we spending too much time in specific places; (3) does it sound overwhelming/like too much travel? We're mostly going to the Alps to see the contrast as well as to hike. We're not really going to see temples and/or shrines.

1. Tokyo - A few nights
2. Tokyo (Depart AM) --> Takayama (spend night in Takayama)
4. Takayama (Depart AM) --> Magome --> Hike to Tsumago (spend night in Tsumago)
5. Tsumago (Depart AM) --> Kamikochi (spend 2 nights in Kamikochi)
6. Kamikochi (depart AM) --> Kyoto

Thanks!

Meg

Edited by: kem1982