Will be in Japan in December for 3 weeks -
anyone got any recommendations for places of interest to visit?
we have JR Passes and will travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo (but we can go anywhere)
Keen to hear of places that others found worth a visit
Thanks!
Japan - Places to Visit
LPip Y on 09/10/2022 - 16:44
Comments
I've been to Nara 3 times (curse those Shika) and you don't hear much Japanese there anymore, even the shop assistants speak Mandarin over English.
Curse the Shika because one headbutted me and broke my phone, ever been overseas with a totally cracked phone screen, its challenging.
What are you interested in?
Games? Theme parks? Scenic? Culture? Shopping? etc
a little bit of everything!
FUJI, also a short train from tokyo is Nikko, worth spending the day. Kyoto is the obvious one and nara. North island Hokkaido is awesome my favourite part of japan. overnight ferry is a great way to get there, jetstar also has cheap domestic flights. Takes too long by bullet train.
First time?
Btw - do not forget the new luggage rule on Shinkansen since July 2020. In plain term, 3 dimensions are added up to 160cm, ok. 161-250: reservation is required or 1000Y fine, over 250cm: not allowed.
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/
It could be very overwhelming to plan for a long Japan trip.
Maybe use Google as a guide? Pretty much, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka are usually a must. Then extra day- trips…For example: https://thenavigatio.com/3-week-japan-itinerary/
This is new, thanks for the heads up. Guess they are targeting tourists with JR passes? Gees
160 is the max suitcase size for most airlines so it’s not really an issue
More likely targeted towards the domestic population. Japanese will usually let foreigners get away with small infractions
1,000 Japanese Yen equals 10.77 Australian Dollar
thanks so much - very handy info and we did know that there were restrictions - but you have been very specific which is what we needed
You can use takkyubin to forward luggage but also if your bags and suitcases can fit in the luggage holder above your head it’s not an issue. We might take one large suitcase and use takkyubin and have a couple of backpacks for day to day.
Kabukicho
It’s funny, this list was made centuries ago, but still sticks. Personally, I don’t think they compare well to some other famous views. The lakes with views of Mount Fuji are absolutely (I’d argue objectively) much better than all of them. Especially in peak autumn foliage or peak cherry blossom season.
Himeji Castle. It’s incredibly beautiful. It’s the centrepiece of the town, visible from nearly everywhere. You can go right up inside it to the top.
Short train trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
Shirakawago
Yes definitely.
You have to stay there overnight, coz all the day trippers take off and you're left with the magical town.
universal studios in osaka is a must go
yes! and I heard there is a new super nintendo part as well!
Def include Miyajima if you are going to Hiroshima anyway. HR ferry is included in JR pass. Don’t know which pass you are getting but I would go around Tohoku area with the snow if you bought nation wide one. Kyoto travel is easier with daily bus passes so I would reserve Kyoto for when you run out of JR pass dates if you can help it. FujiQ Highland is fun if you are into thrill rides, then do 1 day tour around Mt Fuji -they also have tourist bus routes. Enjoy Japan :)
Thanks!
Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo
Have a look at going to Kanazawa for 2 full days then a bus trip to shirakawago for at least a night. Either go back to Kanazawa and then to Tokyo, or catch a bus up to Matsumoto then to Tokyo
See Himeji on the way to Hiroshima. At Hiroshima stay overnight at Miyajima
That should be enough to fill in your time. Don’t overcrowd the schedule. Tokyo and kyoto should be 5 days each
What would you recommend for 2 full days in Kanazawa? Didn't look like there was that much to do. At least over Tokyo /kyoto etc for a first timer
the garden is surprisingly interesting even for a non gardener
a couple of museums
the historical district; I guess its not too dissimilar to parts of Kyoto but its still worth walking around (although if you are going to Takayama then maybe there is no need)
Its just a nice city, relaxed, different vibe to the other places. You dont 'have to' go to it, but its an easy side trip on the way back from Kyoto to Tokyo. Kyoto is amazing, its a bit like Rome in that you turn the corner and there is another template or shrine. However after a while you kind of want something a bit different.
Thanks for the reply.
I've done Japan, but are going with those that haven't.
Kanazawa is on the list but it didn't look like much more than a half day there.Depends what else is on the itinerary and the time as well!
Deer Park
We go to to Japan to eat… sight seeing is just the a bonus if we are in the right place.
any recommendations on places to eat?
awesome traditional breakfast near Tsukiji markets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bDxxCnC5qcfavourite soy ice cream and donut shop in nishiki markets Kyoto
Konna MonjaRokurinsha, tokyo ramen street
for the best dipping (tsukumen) ramensome places we were recommended, and others discovered by accident and probably wouldn't know how to get back.
if you feeling flash,
try a tempura omakaze
Thanks so much - old location Tsukiji outer markets for food is on the list
Down an alley. Sit at the bar drinking beer. Have a bowl of hot food from the big pot behind the bar.
Get an int drivers license and check the Mt Fuji tourist bus passes.
Pretty much can do them all in 3 days with a rented car, but using the tourist bus would take you a week. As some only take like 30mins (ice caves) but will be waiting up to an hour for a bus and still do a lot of walking.So many toll roads. I think the Mt Fuji one is around 2500 yen. I did end up overtaking (illegally) a number of buses because they were so slow.
thanks!
we are keen to visit Disney Sea - thanks!
do not visit on the weekend or public holiday - source : i used to live 10kms from Tokyo Disney Sea
Do part of the Nakasendo trail - Magome to Tsumago is very popular. Also Mt Koya, staying overnight at a temple, is a fantastic side trip as well. I recommend those highly.
My partner and I have been twice, here's our top tips:
- Shibuya and Harajuku are great for the bustle and wild culture of Tokyo.
- Both Disney parks in Tokyo are great - but try aim for a mid-week visit for shorter queues and go early because school kids go after about 2pm.
- Pokemon Cafes are really fun experiences, but when we went there was no English bookings - so you may need to Google Translate your way into booking a seat.
- If you're into Studio Ghibli stuff (or animation in general), the museum (about 20 minutes train out of Tokyo) is incredible - however tickets are often sold out months in advance. You would need to look into that ASAP if interested.
- Osaka is great for food culture, plus Universal is a hell of a lot of fun. Even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, definitely check it out anyway. The theming is incredible, and the ride is easily the best ride I've ever been on.
- Kyoto is a great base for some more chill trips - just be aware that all the big cultural spots are pretty spread out with not the easiest transport options. The Fushimi Inari (fox shrine) is a decent hike up a mountain, but it's utterly beautiful. The bottom is VERY touristy, but the higher you get, the more natural it is. There's also a great view over Kyoto about 3/4 the way up.
- As others have mentioned, the day trip to Nara is worth it. You can get there either from Kyoto or Osaka pretty easily.
- Hiroshima is a really jarring, but worthwhile experience. And Miyajima Island off the coast of Hiroshima is utterly beautiful. They are a LONG trip from the main hotspots in Japan. 3 weeks should be long enough for you to get out there though.
We stayed overnight on Miyajima and walked around the town and shrine at night, it was so peaceful and quiet.
thanks for the great recommendations :)
I went to one in Ikeda near Osaka, that was interesting, no other gaijin there.
Awesome place
I answer this question to my friends a few times a year.
There's heaps of good answers here.
Did you get a 7 or 14 day JR pass?Try to exchange ¥ now, the rate is pretty good, Anything close to ¥100 is fantastic.
I'd also line up enough Pasmo or Suica cards.Also learn some set phrases, it goes a long way.
thanks we have a 14 day and already have suica cards
I don't really see the difference in usage (for travel) with the Suica and Pasmo cards. Is there a benefit of one over the other?
Seems like Suica caters for everything and is valid for 10 years, where Pasmo only valid for 28 days.
EDIT: Nevermind, I found this useful page describing it all: https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/pasmo-suica-cards-tokyo-trave…
Icoca is the one to have, groovy Osaka card stands out from the rest in Kantô.
Icoca? Lolol groovy indead of they card stops operating take it to a station to get fixed. In osaka lol pain in the arse if your not within kansai
Chichibu,nagtoro,seibu theme park if you have tattoos they will kick you out if seen, Disney land or sea, me? Ill buy duty free Bundy rum off you if have any I'm stuck in Japan until I can afford to get home, many things to see off the beaten track in this county
Many places we miss as tourists but can see as locals I do suggest though and this highly takayamA send shirakawago for December the area is powdered in our blasted on snow and it's beautiful in December
There was a doco on Chichibu not long ago and it was interesting.
Seems so relaxed.
Watching with interest.. going next Sept.
By then I'll have a 6.5 yo and a 2yoAnything Mario related will be high on the list.
Going for a week. Thinking mostly Tokyo
Tech and food for me personally
take the kids to asoobono
the photos on the website doesn't do this place justice, google it and find photos and videos of this place
Muchly appreciated. Added to the list :)
if you are staying in tokyo only,
pay attention to room sizes with 4 people the hotel room sizes can get a bit cramped,
there is a business hotel in ginza we stay all the time and is one of the most spacious.
it's called daiwa roynet hotel ginza, they have 2x double bed rooms which will be adequate for your family,
it's in a super convenient location. walking distance to tsukiji market as well as tokyo station.
@Archi: thanks will take a look.
I haven't booked the return flights yet (will book in the next few days as I'm booking with points).
so could book a return from osaka perhaps
another place if you are in the area is a multi level toy shop, with a huge race track on the top floor for RC cars
my kids love this place alot of the toys are out for you test and play before you buy.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, but it is in Osaka.
The area only opened last year during covid so still very new for oversea tourists.
Muchly appreciated. Added to the list :)
Mario Kart is a must and choose the 3 hour tour. Best experience driving around the streets of Tokyo in a Go kart!
Pretty sure this stopped a long time ago due to a lawsuit from Nintendo
The site is up but you can't book. It's been inactive for sometime, look at their facebook.
yeah… seen them in osaka as well, unless wearing a helmet and/or onesie worn by others one after another is your thing… it isn't high on the priority list
The TeamLab exhibitions in Tokyo Borderless and Planets are good. If you want to see snow there's a bullet train from Tokyo station straight to the base of the gondola at Gala Yuzawa (also has a rare tourist friendly Onsen) it's so easy to get to and worth a look. Venturing further into the mountains the Nagano area is good with lots to do, but slightly harder to day trip.
Is there a way to buy jpy now whilst exchange rate is good and store on a card of some sort?
Just get cash, cash is king in Japan.
Even post pandemic… I would like to think not?
Seeing they've been closed for so long and being so careful
I've heard of wise being a good option. I'm currently using the citi global wallet which is great because you can use the funds through the debit Mastercard online as well.
Global wallet is good but Citi skim some % on the rate
I think they all do? But I've found them to be quite competitive. They all have a spread
This sounds like exactly what I'm after. Only thing is no interest until I leave. Thank you
I'm not sure if you can apply for one now. But if you're keen, do it asap. I've just received an email from citi saying that they will not be offering the product, since being bought over by nab. Perhaps by 24 Nov.
We recently wrote to let you know about the completion of the sale of Citi’s consumer banking business in Australia to the National Australia Bank ‘NAB’ and advised that a review of our products and services would be conducted.
As a result of this review, we are now writing to let you know about some changes to the Citi branded products that you hold, which will be effective from 24 November 2022.
The changes are summarised as follows:
Changes to product availability:
Multi Currency Accounts – Fixed Term Deposit Account (or Foreign Currency Term Deposits) will no longer be for sale, meaning that foreign currency term deposits that mature after 24 November 2022 will no longer be available for reinvestment and will be closed at maturity.
New applications for the Citi Global Currency Account in Australian Dollars will only be available to eligible customers with a Relationship Manager.
I'm doing transferwise. Now known as wise
If you have an iPhone get a suica and load money on to it.
Has anyone mentioned Nagasaki?
I've been there twice, second time was with young kids, we walked to a lot of places, took a heap of cute trams.
At night went up to the Observatory and took some great videos and photos.
Chinatown is great at night too.
Taco rice.
All the A bomb sites.
Megane bridge. Has koi in the river.
Is Castella from there too?
koyasan
Along with Nikko, while in Tokyo checkout the Nokogiriyama cable car up to the mountain of Buddha statues. We took the train down through Yokohama and caught the ferry over.
If you like art and something a bit different, Naoshima is pretty awesome.
It's worth the day trip from Kyoto to go to Nara.