Greetings everyone.
I'm going on a trip to Japan from 27/7 to 2/8 with my brother.
The basic plan involves arriving in Osaka on the 27th, heading over to Kyoto for two nights, spending the next three nights somewhere in northern Honshu, then spending the remaining two nights in Tokyo.
A few questions:
1 - We were planning to spend the Kyoto and Tokyo nights with the "Tokyo Inn" group, any feedback, compliments/complaints?
2 - Ideally we would want the hotel locations to be somewhere quiet, but not too far (around 20 mins public transit travel time) from the city centres, anybody know any good locations?
3 - Anyone tried to use a Banks SA credit card over there? The bank people here weren't too sure about it.
4 - I don't like tea, can I get by without causing too much fuss over this?
5 - Any recommendations for Ryokan in the Northwest of Northern Japan? Somewhere near the sea would be nice.
6 - Any big festivals (with fireworks!) happening around that time, if so where?
Any and all comments welcome.
Thanks.
- In Tokyo, I would recommend staying at a hotel near a Yamanote Line train station. The Yamanote is a line that runs in a circle so if you forget to get off at your stop, eventually you'll make your way around again. It is run by JR so you'll have access to other major stations. You can take this line to places such as Shibuya (shopping) and Akihabara (electric city).
4. You'll get by fine without drinking tea. If you're offered tea just politely turn it down or ask for water. There are tons of vending machines scattered throughout the country with pretty much all drinks you'll find in North America. Each machine varies in selection but you won't go thirsty.
For information and details on actual cities, check out www.japan-guide.com an awesome site with very helpful forum.
Have fun!
- Google. Tripadvisor offers reports on hotels
2. Check out this site
http://ryokan.or.jp/index_en.html<BR>...or Google!
3. If the card is a VISA, you can use it.
4. You can drink anything you wish- no one is going to be forcing tea on you.
5. Google.
6. When you arrive at your destination, inquire at the tourist/visitor info center and you can get info on all the events for the month. The Kyoto visitor center is very helpful, and even train stations in small towns will have info on local events. Fireworks shows are held on a weekly basis in my area, practically teh entire month of July through mid-August.
And DO check out the FAQs section for Japan. You also may wan tto invest in a guidebook for more ideas. Cheers!
1 and 2. You mean 'Toyoko Inn'? A chain of budget business hotels that are clean, well located and cheap. Highly recommended, but it's the same everywhere, down to the fittings, as they source everything themselves to cut cost. Book well in advance as they are popular. Combine with some uniquely Japanese experience staying in ryokans and onsens.
3. It can certainly be used, but credit card acceptance is less than in many other Western countries, and when used it's not commonly for smaller amount (say less than 5000 yen). You can use in hotels, department stores, larger retailers, more expensive restaurants. Pay cash in smaller shops, transport tickets (except long-haul), entrance fees and most cheaper eateries.
4. You are less commonly offered (hot) tea in the summer - (iced) water is more usual. You may be offered (cold) mugi-cha (barley tea) but water (omizu) is always an alternative.
5. Whereabouts in 'North West of Northern Japan'? Yamagata-ken, Akita-ken? They are really off the beaten tracks, and while there are interesting places, the area doen't compare with some other parts of Northern Honshu for sights. Though touristy, I've found Matsushima Bay north of Sendai quite pleasant (though very busy when you are there). Accommodation is expensive, though I had a pleasant stay at Matsushima Century Hotel with sea view (tatami room) and good buffet breakfast (around 8000 yen a head). Good description in Lonely Planet and Rough Guide Japan.
6. As stated, you are likely to bump into a local festival or feast almost anywhere in Japan in July/August. You are going to miss the major summer festivals in Northern Honshu, such as Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri as they take place after you leave in August.
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