first time trip to japan!!
My girlfriend and I are a couple from the UK embarking on a gap year trip to asia heading to australia!We have been debating about going to japan in january because we are both fascinated by the country especially their food culture. We have been put off by people saying how expensive it is to travel. Firstly, I am not sure whether 2 weeks would be enough and am looking at 3 weeks (the rail pass only goes upto 21 days).
We are looking at flights in and out of Tokyo. Really my main queries are;
- is 2 weeks really enough to embrace the culture of this country?
-if anyone has advice on a good itinenary for 2-3 weeks that would be great?
We are looking to keep costs down so will use budget hostels.
Any advice would be amazing!!
Thanks,
Steven.
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steveson86 wrote:
We have been debating about going to japan in january because we are both fascinated by the country especially their food culture. We have been put off by people saying how expensive it is to travel. Firstly, I am not sure whether 2 weeks would be enough and am looking at 3 weeks (the rail pass only goes upto 21 days).
We have been debating about going to japan in january because we are both fascinated by the country especially their food culture. We have been put off by people saying how expensive it is to travel. Firstly, I am not sure whether 2 weeks would be enough and am looking at 3 weeks (the rail pass only goes upto 21 days).
You can buy multiple rail passes. Also, in general you don't need an active rail pass while you are spending time in a major city (ie. you don't always need one in Tokyo itself).
However, if you are on a budget there are many other options which will allow you to travel cheaply between cities (including overnight buses).
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2369.html
We are looking at flights in and out of Tokyo. Really my main queries are;
You may also be able to continue on from Kansai Airport (or elsewhere) depending on where you head to after Japan.
- is 2 weeks really enough to embrace the culture of this country?
Sure.
-is it cheaper to backpack independently compared to doing it through an organised tour e.g through STA travel?
Of course.
-if anyone has advice on a good itinenary for 2-3 weeks that would be great?
Obviously this depends on interests. Most first time visitors would concentrate on Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and possibly include Hiroshima. Also visiting places nearby to Tokyo like Hakone, Kawaguchiko, Nikko, Kamakura, and from Kyoto places like Nara, Hikone, Kobe, for example.
If you don't have a guide book either purchase one or do some research online.
A good place to start:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623a.html
We are looking to keep costs down so will use budget hostels.
http://www.hostelworld.com is pretty good for searching.
As a couple, sometimes you can get good rates at cheap business hotels (cheaper than some hostels)
A few search sites:-
http://www.jalan.net
http://www.rakuten.co.jp
http://www.expedia.com
http://www.agoda.com
http://www.japanican.com
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com
You may also consider owner listed accommodation like
http://www.airbnb.com
Or Couchsurfing.
http://www.couchsurfing.org/
Any advice would be amazing!!
Budget Travel in Japan
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2028.html
Be sure to read all sections.
Hope this helps!
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IMO, 2 weeks is barely enough to "embrace the culture" of any country. It all depends on what fulfills your needs.Is it cheaper to backpack than go through a tour? I would have to say yes, plus it adds flexibility.
We have no way to offer you any itinerary because we don't know the least little bit about your interests in Japan other than something about food. Food is bound to be different here than in the UK, but that's all we can go on. Regional delicacies abound here. Are you interested in temples/shrines, castles, museums, war atrocities, kabuki, washi, etc.? (We'll skip gardens because you plan to be here in Jan.)
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Hi, thanks for the replies!! Haha was a bit silly putting embracing the culture. We were looking at going to Tokyo to start then heading down to Hiroshima which my girlfriend really wants to see! Is it going to be ridiculously cold in January? I can handle cold but don't want it completely ruining the experience!!5
Two weeks isn't enough to embrace culture of any country, especially the size of Japan.But, you'll have to put it against costs. Japan is an expensive country to travel, mostly because of high prices of accommodation and transportation.
There are various discounts on travel - acc #1 seems to be knowledgeable about that. The whole system is a little bit tricky tough, so you need to dig into it to find out how it works. Basically, there are different train operators and lines, and passes that you buy don't cover the whole railway system.
Budget accommodation is about ¥6000-8000 for a double room with shared bathroom, or ¥ 2500 in dorms.
Food and restaurants are easier to handle. Several restaurants offer small dishes at ¥280-300, also beer and drinks at the same price. The cheapest way though is to visit supermarket at 7-7.30pm when they discount sushi, sashimi and other dishes on trays by 30-50-70%.
As other posters stated already individual travel will always be better - both cheaper and giving you more freedom and flexibility.
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BTW, when in January are you planning to come to Japan? Perhaps you want to avoid the New Year period !?8
2 weeks is a good first introduction to Japan. I found it was enough and was actually happy to get out as I don't like all the high prices for accomodation. Going Tokyo-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Osaka is a good look at modern Japan. On my second 2 week trip to Japan I went to Hokkaido but found it rather boring.9
Thanks for all the replies!! We have booked our flight to Tokyo on 11th jan and leaving via Osaka on 25th (2 weeks). Will likely do the Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima Osaka route. We will also miss the new year rush hopefully.Do u think this can be done on the overnight buses or a one week rail pass perhaps?. I just don't think a 2 week rail pass would be justified like people have said becos we r staying in cities for periods.
Also r takayama and Kanazawa worth visiting in our time frame?
The advice has been awesome guys!!
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We will also miss the new year rush hopefully.
You will.
Do u think this can be done on the overnight buses or a one week rail pass perhaps?.
Either of those will be fine.
I just don't think a 2 week rail pass would be justified like people have said becos we r staying in cities for periods.
It won't.
Also r takayama and Kanazawa worth visiting in our time frame?
Depends on your interests. I think they are both nice places plus Shirakawago in between is worth a visit too. There will be lots of snow there at that time.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5950.html
So you could go Tokyo (bus) Takayama (bus) Shirakawago (bus) Kanazawa - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka - Australia
Then you can either use buses for the Kanazawa section onwards or use a 7-day JR Pass for that section although you won't actually get much saving on that rail pass compared to individual tickets.
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Also r takayama and Kanazawa worth visiting in our time frame?Certainly, if those places interest you. Adding Shirakawago would be a good idea and you might want to visit Matsumoto as well.
With two weeks I'd spend about a week in Tokyo + Kyoto, add a daytrip to one of Nara/Kamakura/Nikko. And spend the other week in some other places that interest you such as Hiroshima/Miyajima or the Alps. Personally I don't find Osaka all that interesting, but interest differ.
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I assume you can book over night buses when u r in Japan? Or do u have to book it in advance??14
I assume you can book over night buses when u r in Japan?
Yes.
Or do u have to book it in advance??
You can if you wish. In general you do have to book but it can be done on the day.
There are many different operators depending on the routes but Willer Express has a reasonable network and online booking in English. They also have a Bus Pass which may further reduce costs.
http://willerexpress.com/en/
