'Must sees' in Japan?

[JapaneseGuestHouses]

Hi,

Here are three other destinations in the Kanto area that you might be interested in visiting. For a printable version please click here:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/s..._for_kanto.pdf

Hakone
A popular hot spring area, the nearest one from Tokyo.
Japanese Guest Houses - Hakone Ryokan

Nikko
A historical complex of temples and shrines built in the 17th century.
Japanese Guest Houses - Nikko Ryokan

Tsumago
A beautiful small town in the Kiso valley famous for its old architecture.
Japanese Guest Houses - Tsumago Ryokan

Please take a few minutes to explore these pages and let us know if you would like to stay at a ryokan in one of these destinations.

[thamer]

It's Really wonderful to travel to an astonishing historical country, and i heard it's an expensive country, so i have to prepare myself for that, but i need a helpful consultation about it, you know.. if there are festivals or celebrations and so, and where they exist.
Regards.
Thamer AL-DhaFiRi

[JohnBraden]

There are many festivals happening everywhere throughout the year. Check Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site for more information.

[Daisaku]

Hakone is gorgeous- definitely a must-see!

If you're interested in collectibles (Japanese and foreign), you must visit Sun Plaza in Nakano (in Tokyo, 15 or so minutes from Shinjuku). Although Akiba is the most famous place, Sun Plaza blows the mind- the amount of stock, the items they have, and just the weird contrast between stores is amazing.

I would recommend spending an hour or two there- start at the top floor and work your way down!

Also, make sure you eat at a Yakiniku joint- i can let you know of a decent one in Shibuya, just PM me!

[masaegu]

Originally Posted by Daisaku

If you're interested in collectibles (Japanese and foreign), you must visit Sun Plaza in Nakano (in Tokyo, 15 or so minutes from Shinjuku). Although Akiba is the most famous place, Sun Plaza blows the mind- the amount of stock, the items they have, and just the weird contrast between stores is amazing.

Not sure what you are talking about here. Sun Plaza is a concert hall and it does not sell anything.

[JohnBraden]

Originally Posted by masaegu

Not sure what you are talking about here. Sun Plaza is a concert hall and it does not sell anything.

Maybe it's Nakano Broadway that he's thinking about?

[Daisaku]

Oh you're right- sorry, Broadway! Mandarake is throughout it, and Mandarake is awesome!

[OllySims]

Thank you all so much

Your input is much appreciated!

I have a few days off work so can start booking things.

Found a nice hostel in Tokyo which I may use as a base for a week

I will be back tomorrow asking for more advice no doubt!

Olly

[edelweiss]

A day trip from Tokyo to the coast at Kamakura is very nice and relaxing! See the giant Buddah, visit lovely temples.

Do you like to shop? Are there crafts you are interested in? For example if you are into sewing and crafting you have to go to the Nippori neighborhood, dozens and dozens of fabric stores all in one area!

There is also a neightborhood for beading/jewelry supplies, a neighborhood for books, etc. Depends on what you are into!

[Lonthego]

I would actually have to recommend against Himeji, there is currently major construction going on right now and the entire castle is encased in a giant scaffold until like 2014 or something.

If you like history and culture though, consider
Asakusa (Tokyo)
Kamakura (Kanagawa prefecture, near Yokohama)
Kyoto (Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizudera, Philosopher's Path, Arashiyama, etc.)
Nara
Uji (like 20 minutes from Kyoto in the same direction as Nara)

Probably not time to do all of it, you could spend 5 days in Kyoto alone seeing all that stuff, but it will make for a fun trip. Definitely get the JR Rail Pass by the way it's awesome.