Hi,
I'm going to be spending a week in Japan from the 10th to the 17th of August.
I'm flying in to Tokyo, where I can stay with a mate, and I'm exiting through Osaka on a ferry to Shanghai.
The plan so far is, Tokyo for the 10th, 11th 12th and 13th, heading to Hiroshima in the morning of the 14th, spend the night of the 14th in Hiroshima and the majority of the 15th, before jumping on a train to Osaka, spending the night of the 15th and 16th and then hopping on the ferry on the morning of the 17th...
Should I spend less time in Tokyo and try and either spend a little more time in one of the other places, or maybe even take in another city? A week isn't very much time for any country, particularly one as rich as Japan. I'm thinking I may already be trying to see too much.
Also, I have heard that it can be difficult trying to get around on the trains in Japan during August as it's traditionally a time when Japanese people visit their families making it necessary to book well in advance. Can you book tickets using a Japan Rail Pass, or do you just rock up to the ticket counter and wave your pass at them on the day?
Hey,
I went to Japan about a year and a half ago during winter and am going again in June.
At that time just rocking up with the JR pass was fine... we actually went to the effort of booking seats for the first couple of trips before we realised it was a waste of time. However, as you say it could be different in August (I was there in December).
With regards to Hiroshima, it is an amazing place. Real contrast of the beauty of the place with the terrible event that occurred there... the exhibits will make you want to cry. To me it was also very interesting that there was no real acknowledgment of Japan being the aggressor in the war (controversial I know, but very interesting.). The train directly to Hiroshima would take a fair while (exactly one end of the island to the other). It's possible, but going to Osaka and having a day trip out there would be another valid option. I did Hiroshima in a day trip and didn't feel rushed.
Definitely don't spend less time in Tokyo and defiantly get down to Harajuku early on Sunday and have a walk around the park. If you like shopping, one place I liked that wasn't on the main line was Shimokitazawa (Hope spelt that right). For the time you are in Japan you definitely shouldn't try and add another stop.
Personally I found Osaka ok but not nearly as exiting as Tokyo. Therefore, maybe even give it one more day in Tokyo allowing only one full day in Osaka.
Hope this was of assistance.
Tristan
Ausboc, a couple of thoughts.
Kyoto, a few minutes before Osaka by bullet train if coming from Tokyo, is a damn site better than Osaka, IMHO. Still, you need a fair bit of time to do Kyoto and environs justice.
About halfway, I guess, between Osaka and Hiroshima is Himeji. Definitely worthwhile to get off the bullet train, put your luggage in a locker, and head off to Himeji castle. Only half a day would do it justice, again IMHO.
Copy on what the picture gallery said re Hiroshima. I also liked Miyajima Island, just outside Hiroshima and very easy to get to. You can get caught in the tourist kitch shops around the ferry terminal, or you can hike off into the woods and lose yourself for a few hours.
hey,
If I were you I'd definately be putting Kyoto on my list of places to see. Maybe take a day off Osaka - could maybe go from Tokyo - Kyoto - Hiroshima then onto Osaka, or from Hiroshima - Kyoto - Osaka though I reckon the other way as that way you break up your travel time from Tokyo. Kyoto is an amazing and beautiful place and it would be a shame to miss it I think. I'm living in Japan now and haven't been back there since I first visited a few years ago but it and Tokyo are the places I can't wait to go back to - Hiroshima is awesome, a definate as well.
Hope you have a great time!
If you have the JR pass, you can just walk onto the platform and take a seat in a non-reserved carriage, but seeing seat reservations are free for pass holders, I always book a seat, even if the train is leaving in 10 minutes time. Just check the timetable and write down the name of the train you want with its number, and the destination, and go to the green window (midori no mado guchi) or reservation counter in the station and reserve your seat, the sooner, the better.
I'd cut a day from Tokyo, and I second the vote for a look at Himeji castle.
It'll be hot and humid as hell and crowded, but you'll probably manage to have a good time. Be sure to hit some of the fireworks shows (held most weekends in most cities) and check out a rooftop beer garden. Definitely opt for something outside of Tokyo to get a bit of variety, as well as good use of the JR pass.
Thanks so much, everyone. I've had a look at it and come up with a revised itinerary that should hopefully work nicely:
Friday, August 10th
-Tokyo
Saturday, August 11th
-Tokyo
Sunday, August 12th
-Tokyo
Monday, August 13th
-Tokyo
Tuesday, August 14th
-Leave Tokyo
-Himeji (Himeji Castle)
-Hiroshima
Wednesday, August 15th
-Hiroshima (morning)
-Kyoto (evening)
Thursday, August 16th
-Kyoto (Gozan no Okuribi/ Daimonji-yaki)
Friday August 17th
-Leave Kyoto (9amish)
-Osaka
-Board ferry (12 noon)
I think it should all work out, my only concern is that I may not have left enough time to get to the ferry, but it looks like the trains run very regularly from Kyoto to Osaka and it should only be about twenty minutes from the train station to the ferry terminal, right? Would I be best off taking a taxi for that trip?
trusted partner
