Planing itinery for Japan Trip - March (1 Viewer)

[mr fancypants]

I couldn't find anything using the search function, so I figured I'd hit up my FBG brethren for a trip I booked with the GF for for 8 days to Japan for March 22nd-31st. I haven't been there before so I'm looking any interesting sites and activities to do. I already found that it's best to get the JR rail pass prior to arriving and I would be interested in seeing Hiroshima. Any other info would be much appreciated.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I posted a similar thread two years ago and got a couple of useless responses. This thread has some helpful suggestions, though.

 

[Kumerica]

Where are you flying in/out of?

Are you arriving in Japan on March 22, or leaving the U.S. on the 22? Depending on your flight(s), you may lose a day.

Yes, the JR Rail Pass is absolutely the way to go.

 

[Ted Stickles]

Hi fancypants. I spent a month backpacking Japan during April a few years ago. The Cherry Blossom is a country-wide event and March is a perfect time to visit.

I did Tokyo-Nikko-Sea of Japan (Kanazawa/Shirakawa-Go)-Hiroshima-Kyoto/Osaka/Nara and in one full month time flew by.

Tokyo is the most electric City I have ever visited. Plenty of distinct neighborhoods that warrant at a minimum half a say each. 4 days is the absolute minimum. I caught two games at the Tokyo Dome and that was a great if you and your lady love sports.

A ride on the Shinkansen bullet train is pretty awesome. Standing at a station platform as one whizzes by and skips that station is even better!

Kyoto is also not be missed. Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan and was sparred the Allied bombing during WW2. Kyoto itself is worthy of 4 days as well. I caught a game at both the Fenway Park of Japan (Koshien/Hanshin Tigers) and the Osaka Dome.

Kyoto > Hiroshima hands down, and this is even factoring a top floor 3-bedroom penthouse that I stayed for a week in Hiroshima... for free. The Peace Memorial is heart-breaking and about as sad for mankind as I have felt (same feeling as Auschwitz and Phnom Penh)

If you haven't yet booked your flights, look into flying into Osaka/Tokyo and flying out the other, and extend your trip. Eight days is not nearly enough.

 

[Kumerica]

I'm planning a trip back to JP for either this fall or next spring. Lived there from '05 - '08 and continue to miss some aspect of it every day since I moved back. I worked in Osaka, lived in Kobe, and spent lots of time in Kyoto and Tokyo.

When I go back, I'm definitely flying into Osaka and out of Tokyo.

By making Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto a hub, you can easily make day trips out to Hiroshima, Himeji or an onsen, and spend the first five days in that region. Then close out with a 3-day battering of Tokyo.

I won't have the time until this weekend to give you a "by-the-city" must see/do list, but if you want to remind, I'll make sure I do on Sunday.

 

[mr fancypants]

Where are you flying in/out of?

Are you arriving in Japan on March 22, or leaving the U.S. on the 22? Depending on your flight(s), you may lose a day.

Yes, the JR Rail Pass is absolutely the way to go.

Yes, We are flying in and out of Haneda airport.. Arriving the morning of the 22nd and leaving the morning of the 31st.

 

[mr fancypants]

I'm planning a trip back to JP for either this fall or next spring. Lived there from '05 - '08 and continue to miss some aspect of it every day since I moved back. I worked in Osaka, lived in Kobe, and spent lots of time in Kyoto and Tokyo.

When I go back, I'm definitely flying into Osaka and out of Tokyo.

By making Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto a hub, you can easily make day trips out to Hiroshima, Himeji or an onsen, and spend the first five days in that region. Then close out with a 3-day battering of Tokyo.

I won't have the time until this weekend to give you a "by-the-city" must see/do list, but if you want to remind, I'll make sure I do on Sunday.

Much appreciated. Already have found the sumo museum in Sumeda that could be fun.

 

[mr fancypants]

Hi fancypants. I spent a month backpacking Japan during April a few years ago. The Cherry Blossom is a country-wide event and March is a perfect time to visit.

I did Tokyo-Nikko-Sea of Japan (Kanazawa/Shirakawa-Go)-Hiroshima-Kyoto/Osaka/Nara and in one full month time flew by.

Tokyo is the most electric City I have ever visited. Plenty of distinct neighborhoods that warrant at a minimum half a say each. 4 days is the absolute minimum. I caught two games at the Tokyo Dome and that was a great if you and your lady love sports.

A ride on the Shinkansen bullet train is pretty awesome. Standing at a station platform as one whizzes by and skips that station is even better!

Kyoto is also not be missed. Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan and was sparred the Allied bombing during WW2. Kyoto itself is worthy of 4 days as well. I caught a game at both the Fenway Park of Japan (Koshien/Hanshin Tigers) and the Osaka Dome.

Kyoto > Hiroshima hands down, and this is even factoring a top floor 3-bedroom penthouse that I stayed for a week in Hiroshima... for free. The Peace Memorial is heart-breaking and about as sad for mankind as I have felt (same feeling as Auschwitz and Phnom Penh)

If you haven't yet booked your flights, look into flying into Osaka/Tokyo and flying out the other, and extend your trip. Eight days is not nearly enough.

Yea, I've been to both places as well and I kind of expect the same thing.

 

[jon_mx]

Must do things:

- Sensoji Temple (near sky tree)

- sky Tree on a clear night in Tokyo

- morning at the Fish Market

- at least one night hitting bars in Ropongi.

- Edo museum (north of Tokyo, close to metro stop)

- Watch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome. Tigers are playing some games that week at home

- Electronis Town.- Akihabara

- giant Buddha in Kamakura.

- Golden Temple in Kyoto (tons of others in Kyoto too).

- find a few parks with cherry blossoms (around Imperial Palace is good )

- A few hours in Hiroshima is plenty (long ways from anywhere though).

- China town in Yokohama. (40 minutes from Tokyo)

- Ushiku Daibutsu (3rd largest statue in world and some cherry blossom viewing). But no close train stop may need a taxi for 15 minute ride

I am missing a lot, but those stand out. Tokyo Tower is good. Not as tall as Sky Tree, but a lot less crowded. Much different view. Sky Tree coukd take a few hours to get in. Really recommend a baseball game even if you are not a fan.