'Must sees' in Japan?
 

Hello!

After years of wanting to visiting Japan, I am finally able to do so and have 2 weeks in September.

I am flying in to Tokyo and out of Osaka.

Just wondering where/what people highly recommend to visit so I can plan my trip?

I am thinking of buying the JR Pass or possibly a few 5 day coach passes I've seen somewhere!

I will be reading a lot of other peoples posts also to see what I can find myself :)

Olly

Hard question to answer, ask 10 people and you will get 10 different responses.

I would narrow it down to what interests you about Japan and attack it that way i.e. history, anime etc...

Ah very true.

I'm mainly interested in History and the general culture. Not at all interested in Anime or amusements (unless there is something really different to what I'm used to in England)

Olly

Kyoto, Nara, Himeji. These are all close to Osaka and are full of culture and history. Too many attractions to list them all.

I suggest checking out Japan-Guide.com

:ywave:

I agree with Belyvis, all of those places a very close to you. Although, Himeji castle is under construction right now. I went and still enjoyed it very much, but the main tower is completely covered. It still has great exhibits though, and a nice garden around the corner for only 600 yen.

Definitely agree these areas should be on your list.

Here's a link to a little report and pics from my trip down that way earlier this year.

http://www.japanforum.com/forum/japa...yoto-nara.html

Thank you very much for the brilliant response :)

Those pictures look great!

Now I can pencil in a rough guide :)

From Tokyo, a day trip to Nikko is a must!

And forget the radiation levels in Tochigi-ken; you'll get more radiation flying to Tokyo!

+1 on that thought.

Recently got back from there.

best,

..............john

Japanese Guest Houses
 

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.

Great trip
 

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

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

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!

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?

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

Thank you all so much :D

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

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!

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.

Houryoji ( Nara ) - Hōryū-ji - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ikoma ( Nara )

Shimogamo and Kamogamo (Kyoto)

Brilliant, your all helping so much, I'd be lost without all the input :)

Seems like it will be worth booking a week in Tokyo and doing day trips, then the remaining week in and around Kyoto.

Now to check out accommodation!

:D

Why not book in Osaka? Kyoto has the reputation, so hotels may be more expensive. Osaka is only 14 minutes away by Shinkansen and it opens the trail to Hiroshima/Miyajima, Kobe, Okayama, etc....

I will definitely check Osaka out as a base then! Thank you :)

same here, I would recommend booking the hotel in Osaka. Make it as your base for the trip. It is convenient if you plan to visit its neighboring areas like Kyoto ( 40Minutes ) , Kobe ( 30 minutes ) , Nara ( 40 minutes ), Wakayama ( 1 hour ) , Hiroshima ( shinkansen-2hours) , Okayama ( shinkansen -1 hour ) , Shiga ( 1-2 hours ) , Mie ( 2 hours )

Booked all my hostels apart from 1 night!

I have allowed myself 5 nights in Tokyo with the following night not yet booked, followed by 4 nights in Kyoto leaving 3 nights in Osaka (which I am flying out from)

I haven't yet booked travel - Still looking into it with not much success! Think I may sort it whilst I am there, seem to be some good regional train passes.

Tokyo to Kyoto..... I've looked into the bullet train which seems quite expensive, plus accommodation that night, or 'Willer Express' overnight bus which is cheaper , saves day time and saves on accommodation. I'm 6'5 though and don't know how big these seats are? Seen are chair called the 'Cocoon' which seems interesting?

Willer Express Buses Introduce “Cocoon” Seats

Or maybe go down to Hakone and spending a night there as I was planning on missing that?

Your opinions mean a lot to me!

Olly

I have a few Ideas
 

I recommend:

• Kamakura - Stay away from the beach BUT visit the Big Buddha! There are also plenty of Zen Gardens.
• DisneySEA - I know you said no amusement but it's just that amazing.(I've already been twice and will once more).
• Akihabara - Robots, electronics and Sega World.
• Fuji-Q - It has the World Record for steepest drop.
  

I currently live in the Tokyo area. I usually check this page for ideas:
Visit Japan 2011 (Japan travel UPDATEs) - Wall | Facebook