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Japan Travel |OT| One does simply not visit just once
- Thread starter hwalker84
- Start date
Thanks! That looks very good.
Yeah, i'll do that and then once the 2000 yen runs out on the new Suica i'll switch back to my old one that has a bunch of money on it.
TDLink
Member
I'm visiting a friend in Tokyo for three weeks...leaving in one week (next Sunday) and arriving there on a Monday. I'm pretty confused about the best way to get to him by train though.
He lives in Saitama, specifically near the Asakadai station. Can anyone help me figure out the easiest/quickest/cheapest way to get to him? Or at least 2 of those 3.
Based on what I have looked up so far the fastest way may be the Keisei Sky Liner from Narita to Nippori, transfer to the Yamanote line from Nippori to Ikebukuro, and then take the Tobu Tojo line from Ikebukuro to Asakadai. Google estimates that would take around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Does anyone know if that is accurate? Or if there is a quicker way? Or if there is a way from Narita to Asakadai with less transfers?
Thanks in advance for any help.
He lives in Saitama, specifically near the Asakadai station. Can anyone help me figure out the easiest/quickest/cheapest way to get to him? Or at least 2 of those 3.
Based on what I have looked up so far the fastest way may be the Keisei Sky Liner from Narita to Nippori, transfer to the Yamanote line from Nippori to Ikebukuro, and then take the Tobu Tojo line from Ikebukuro to Asakadai. Google estimates that would take around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Does anyone know if that is accurate? Or if there is a quicker way? Or if there is a way from Narita to Asakadai with less transfers?
Thanks in advance for any help.
RapidCancel
Member
There's also the NEX deal without the Suica for ¥1,500 here, but it'll only cover your trip from Narita airport and it doesn't go on sale till 1/10/2014. You can always just use your existing Suica card to cover the cost of going back with either the Subway or the JR Sobu Line (I think it was) to get back to Narita.
Got back from Japan on Saturday. Already missing it and just like last year, my sleep schedule is all messed up right now. Really memorable trip this time though, as I'm now an engaged man!
MikeHattsu
Member
Hm... That's a nice deal. I think I'll use that when I go in April. Thanks for the info!
super-famicom
Member
This is a useful site to figure out train routes: http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/
Looking up Narita to Asakadai, the simplest (and cheapest at 1600 yen) route I could find is this:
The final destination is Kita Asaka Station, which is right next to Asakadai Station (they serve different train lines). It would only be a few minute's walk between the two stations.
TDLink
Member
Thanks for the info, and the website!
And... subbed. I'm gonna need this thread a lot.
Hello travelers! I'm going to Japan in March. At least three weeks if not the whole month. I just started looking into this trip yesterday because I have vacation days to take, so I figured that it's time I finally go.
As I said I don't have anything specific planned yet, I still have to book plane tickets and stuff. My initial plan is to stay in Tokyo for 10-15 days, then go to the Kansai area and visit Kyoto/Osaka/Nara for a few days to a week. If I go the whole month I don't know what to do in the last week, maybe go to Okinawa if I have the time and means. What do you guys think?
Hello travelers! I'm going to Japan in March. At least three weeks if not the whole month. I just started looking into this trip yesterday because I have vacation days to take, so I figured that it's time I finally go.
As I said I don't have anything specific planned yet, I still have to book plane tickets and stuff. My initial plan is to stay in Tokyo for 10-15 days, then go to the Kansai area and visit Kyoto/Osaka/Nara for a few days to a week. If I go the whole month I don't know what to do in the last week, maybe go to Okinawa if I have the time and means. What do you guys think?
Too much time in Tokyo I think.
Been living there a while now and I have to say this is true.
Yes, just stay 5 days at the most. Use the rest to travel outside Tokyo, too much to see
and eat.
MikeHattsu
Member
Well... I spent 7 days in Tokyo and only got to do 60% of the stuff I wanted to so I guess YMMV.
hitsugi
Member
Everyone takes their trip at their own pace. It's true that you can experience most of the highlights of Tokyo in a few days, but some people wouldn't be comfortable with that much planning or a strict itinerary, etc.
RapidCancel
Member
Thanks!
Just go depending on your own pace like MikeHattsu and hitsugi mentioned. I spent almost 2 weeks there the first time and we still didn't see everything we had planned to. We also end up spending way more time at places we don't expect from either shopping or taking pictures or something. I enjoy going on vacation just to relax without following any sort of itinerary, so we'll spend a whole day in just one area sometimes.
Young Magus
Junior Member
I'm going to be in tokyo for about 3 days. Any places I should visit outside of the more well known famous areas?
Guys;
http://kotaku.com/the-worlds-first-kit-kat-store-is-opening-in-tokyo-1501753395
I cant even.. so happy.
http://kotaku.com/the-worlds-first-kit-kat-store-is-opening-in-tokyo-1501753395
I cant even.. so happy.
RapidCancel
Member
Yesssss. I didn't like having to find different kit kats at different stores at times.
Are you going to be using it for Shinkansen?
Also a tip for anyone staying in Tokyo for a month or more, the Khaosan Hostel chain will let you stay for free if you work for them for 2 hours a day cleaning up rooms. The absolute cheapest way to stay in Tokyo.
MikeHattsu
Member
Best to do it asap I think. You can only trade for the pass at specific stations:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en009.html
Yeah, Kyoto-Tokyo-Kyoto
Just read this
So It's not a problem then if I trade it on 1st day.
Thank you!
MikeHattsu
Member
No. It's not a problem as long as the starting date you want is within a month from when you want to get the pass:
In your case everything is fine.
When I used it, I used it at the station that I reserved my shinkansen ride at. Then they put the dates on it. Not sure if you can have them put future dates on it at the station. I'd hate for you to accidentally activate it early. It was great for me when I went to Kyoto and hiroshima. I was really happy when I realized it worked on the JR rails as well.
For those that are travelling to Japan in Spring... Make sure... MAKE SURE that you put Fujikyu Highland on the list and get yourself on the Eijanaika! It's going to be super busy this Spring at Fujikyu Highland but it's going to be awesome!!
http://www.fujiq.jp/en/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgbWjTGOqBk
Gotta love it! I want to try the new rollercoaster, the Takabisha, all while taking a peek at Mount Fuji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL4u89wTnzM
http://www.fujiq.jp/en/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgbWjTGOqBk
Gotta love it! I want to try the new rollercoaster, the Takabisha, all while taking a peek at Mount Fuji: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL4u89wTnzM
Hey guys,
I'm planning a trip to Japan and could use some help, suggestions, and input. Our plan is to go there in April, for about 10 days (April 4 until 14).
This is our itinerary so far:
Arrive at Tokyo - Kyoto - Nara - Depart from Osaka
04 Travel from Haneda Airport to Tokyo
05 Tokyo
06 Tokyo
07 Tokyo
08 Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
09 Kyoto
10 Kyoto
11 Kyoto
12 Travel from Kyoto to Nara
13 Nara
14 Travel from Nara to Kansai Airport
- I'm looking for hotel/guesthouse suggestions in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. My budget is around 60/70 dollars a night. Is this enough for a decent place to stay?
- Do you think we should get the JR Railpass? I think not, because we won't make that much use of the trains? We will have to use the trains to get around Tokyo and I do want to ride the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto though. What do you think?
- How much (approximately) does one spend on meals in Tokyo / Kyoto? We're not planning on shopping much for clothes, etc. Maybe a couple of souvenirs.
I'm planning a trip to Japan and could use some help, suggestions, and input. Our plan is to go there in April, for about 10 days (April 4 until 14).
This is our itinerary so far:
Arrive at Tokyo - Kyoto - Nara - Depart from Osaka
04 Travel from Haneda Airport to Tokyo
05 Tokyo
06 Tokyo
07 Tokyo
08 Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
09 Kyoto
10 Kyoto
11 Kyoto
12 Travel from Kyoto to Nara
13 Nara
14 Travel from Nara to Kansai Airport
- I'm looking for hotel/guesthouse suggestions in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. My budget is around 60/70 dollars a night. Is this enough for a decent place to stay?
- Do you think we should get the JR Railpass? I think not, because we won't make that much use of the trains? We will have to use the trains to get around Tokyo and I do want to ride the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto though. What do you think?
- How much (approximately) does one spend on meals in Tokyo / Kyoto? We're not planning on shopping much for clothes, etc. Maybe a couple of souvenirs.
shanshan310
Member
So I'm moving to Kobe in a few months. Any recommendations for things to do around Kansai?
JR railpass covers all the JR lines, so yeah if you are going to be using it a lot in Tokyo it might be work getting. Best compare prices with that vs. a shinkansen ticket from Tokyo - Kyoto (I think they are arouunnd $80-$120?).
You'll only need $5-10 per meal for food, unless you wanna go some place fancy. A lot of combini food is surprisingly good - and hot - so you can save money by eating from there.
JR railpass covers all the JR lines, so yeah if you are going to be using it a lot in Tokyo it might be work getting. Best compare prices with that vs. a shinkansen ticket from Tokyo - Kyoto (I think they are arouunnd $80-$120?).
You'll only need $5-10 per meal for food, unless you wanna go some place fancy. A lot of combini food is surprisingly good - and hot - so you can save money by eating from there.
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Go to the Mitsui or Sanda outlets. Go to Tokushima for Awa Odori. Go to Awaji/Sumoto for the beach sports tournaments. Go to Himeji for shitty Mexican by the castle. Go to the Tottori beach party. Go to Wakayama Adventure World. Go to Osaka for a Hanshin game. Go to Osaka for everything.
MikeHattsu
Member
So... You're only going 1 way on the Shinkansen. That means that the cost of a 7 day JR Pass outside of the Shinkansen trip is ~ 15000 JPY for each. That's ~2100 JPY each day for train trips. You must then take the train 9-12 times (that's for Tokyo, not sure about Kyoto) each day for it to be worth it. Remember that it doesn't cover the subway in Tokyo either, just the trains. Probably not worth it.
If you're going in April, you better book from now. I'm trying to change my reservation and have no luck. Everything is fully booked
And speaking of JR, it's not worth it for 1 trip. Just pay for a shinkansen and get a pasmo.
I'm thinking going to Tokyo first then Kyoto, but have no luck finding another hostel in April in Kyoto (I really wanna stay in hostel for new experiences)
Should I go to Kawaguchiko for a day trip?
shanshan310
Member
Thanks
Sounds like there's lots of good stuff to do, especially in summer. Is there much in the way of festivals? I wanna go to Kyoto for Daimonji but I'm not really sure what else there is.I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Thanks
I suggest you research what Awa Odori is. =)
But it's Japan..there's a festival everyday. Like Naked Man.
Tokyo - http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/kabuki/ Tell Tsubasa Harold says hello. Point to the terrible towel in the background if she doesn't immediately remember
Kyoto - http://sansansantiago.com/
Nara - http://yuzanguesthouse.com/ENGLISH/about-yuzanguesthouse-english.html
Thanks! I had to look up what combini food is.
But yeah, we'll definitely do that. Thanks, I think we'll just get a single ticket then for Tokyo to Kyoto. Seems to be cheaper. And for the subway we can get the Suica card I believe.
Thanks for the heads up! Will definitely keep that in mind. I'll probably book the flights tomorrow, and the hotels/hostels too if possible.
Awesome! They all look good! I hope they have some available rooms. Thanks!
My itinerary
24 KIX to Kyoto
25 Kyoto
26 Kyoto
27 Day trip to Nara
28 Day trip to Osaka
29 Kyoto to Tokyo via Shinkansen
30 Tokyo
31 Tokyo
01 Tokyo/Day trip to Kawaguchiko
02 Tokyo
03 Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka
04 Kyoto/Osaka to KIX
I'm considering to trade the dates, and going to Tokyo first. But, I don't know.
This is going to be my furthest solo trip
24 KIX to Kyoto
25 Kyoto
26 Kyoto
27 Day trip to Nara
28 Day trip to Osaka
29 Kyoto to Tokyo via Shinkansen
30 Tokyo
31 Tokyo
01 Tokyo/Day trip to Kawaguchiko
02 Tokyo
03 Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka
04 Kyoto/Osaka to KIX
I'm considering to trade the dates, and going to Tokyo first. But, I don't know.
This is going to be my furthest solo trip
I did a trip of similar length in the reverse direction.
NEX from Narita is about $30.
You can get a day-pass in Tokyo for about $10/day.
Tokyo-Kyoto Shinkansen is around $130.
Kyoto-Nara roundtrip is about $15.
Haruka to KIX is about $30.
Add in travel in Kyoto, and you are probably at $250-300 total, cheaper than the 2-week JR pass.
Thanks I'll probably use single tickets for the Shinkansen and maybe some kind of day-pass for subway travel in Tokyo.
Looking at hostels and guesthouses in Kyoto and a lot of them are indeed fully booked or not available for 2 guests (private room) in April.
MikeHattsu
Member
I see you arrive at Haneda. You could get the Suica & Monorail discount ticket:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/E/suica-monorail/index.html
You can buy the package from 11:00 - 18:30, so if you arrive outside of those hours, you're out of luck.
Remember that the Suica/Pasmo will work on both the trains and the subway in Tokyo so you only need to get one or the other.
Yes, correct. We'll arrive at Haneda at 23:00, so our plan for now is just to stay overnight at the airport (maybe crash at the arrival hall) until the next morning. Then we'll buy the Suica & Monorail pass and also make a reservation for the Shinkansen to Kyoto later that week.
How much would you say we'd need for subway/train fares for about 4/5 days travel in Tokyo? If we store 10.000 yen on the cards we can get the remaining amount back at the end of our trip, right? By handing in the cards?
MikeHattsu
Member
Depends on how much you're going to be zipping around and how carefully you've planned your sightseeing. Think we used less than 9K each for 7 days here.
If you get a Suica/Pasmo card it should work for most transportation within Kyoto and Nara too, except buses.
And, yes, you can get the remaining amount back minus a 210 yen handling fee. The card is valid for 10 years after the last time you used it though, so if you ever plan to go back within 10 years you could just keep it.
Both Suica and Pasmo work in Tokyo and Kyoto?
Check out all the Khaosans. They are all amazing and have many different prices. The bar near them is also amazing. It's called Bar 634 or Musashi (play on words) now. Every time I go I stay at a khaosan now.
MikeHattsu
Member
Yes. Except for the buses in Kyoto.