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Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 9:23 am
by Denster
7 nights in Tokyo. So is there like an equivalent of the oyster for transport? I'm thinking maybe use that for Tokyo and then just pony up the dough for a day ticket on the bullet to Kyoto.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 11:16 am
by DrPepperMan
Denster wrote:Thinking about the JR pass. If we're not going to travel outside of Tokyo much is it worth getting? Possibly might do a day trip to Kyoto.


Its worth mentioning that you can use the JR pass on the Yamanote Line around Tokyo which might make buying one worthwhile. Best to break it down per day cost. Yeah if you can go to Kyoto/Nikko/Yokohama along with using the JR pass within your 7 days then might be worth biting the bullet. Basically at every gate on a JR station you'll see a booth, just show your pass there.

Edit: Also if you are flying in and out of Haneda you can use the JR pass on the monorail.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 11:20 am
by DrPepperMan
Denster wrote:Thinking about the JR pass. If we're not going to travel outside of Tokyo much is it worth getting? Possibly might do a day trip to Kyoto.


Also worth mentioning that you can get regional passes for cheaper than a whole JR pass.

The area within Tokyo and Nikko etc cost £126 instead of the £196 for the whole JR pass.

https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_t/

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 6:16 pm
by Outrunner
I have to say I'm surprised with the view on Japanese castles. I'm not keen on the reconstructions (aside from the outside) but I love going to the few remaining original castles. I love walking around them knowing the history of them. Then again I enjoy going to battle sites from the Sengoku period and they're never seem to be bustling with people so admit I'm probably in the minority. I'm hoping to finally get to Sekigahara on my next trip.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 6:48 pm
by Roonmastor
Make sure you have good footwear for the trip. We clocked 120km of walking in 8 days and our feet were killing most nights.

Also start in Tokyo. The other half was not impressed with Tokyo having seen the rest of the country first!

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 10:05 pm
by Lotus
Denster wrote:So is there like an equivalent of the oyster for transport

There are prepaid cards, a few different types: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html

I used a SUICA and it worked across public transport in Tokyo and Kyoto (not just the metro).

Been meaning to post some thoughts on my trip but haven't really had chance since getting back. Will do so soon.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:41 pm
by Denster
On nights for six weeks now so going to have really good look at where I want to go and things/places I want to see.

I honestly think this will change from a once in a lifetime trip to several trips.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2018 5:08 pm
by Skarjo
Just finished my little trip for the past couple of days.

strawberry float, I love this city. I think I'm gonna start getting serious about moving back here.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2018 11:10 pm
by Bunni
Anyone here done Fuji? Me and banjo are doing it in the summer (mid august) We've done Ben Nevis if anyone can compare? Planning to do the evening hike/sleep/sunrise hike thing. Any advice?

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 3:49 am
by Skarjo
Yea, I’ve been done it. It’s a doddle of a climb to be honest. If you’ve done Ben Nevis then you’ll barely feel it. I didn’t have a stop off booked when I did it, they were all booked up months in advance, so I just sat outside one of the cabins and napped until I was refreshed. I think I did treat myself to an O2 tank but I think that was just me being indulgent.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 12:41 pm
by Bunni
Anyone fancy a meet up in August time? We'll be in Osaka/Kyoto around 3rd and in Tokyo from about 10th-20th.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 1:43 pm
by NickSCFC
karl_fletcher wrote:Great pics, Roonmastor.

A few favourites from my recent trip:
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£33 for a box of strawberries...

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Takoyaki pringles!

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We stumbled upon this view of Shibuya crossing by chance, from a tiny private balcony near the exit of an 11th floor bar.

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A grumpy cat inside a large plastic tree.

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Mario Kart DX. Apparently this guy is called Don Chan.


Great photos, urge to visit rising!

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 3:18 pm
by Lotus
Got another mate who wants to go. Might be a second trip on the horizon. :shifty: :datass:

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 10:18 pm
by coldspice
Bunni wrote:Anyone fancy a meet up in August time? We'll be in Osaka/Kyoto around 3rd and in Tokyo from about 10th-20th.

My brother and I are in Tokyo 8th-16th August if you want some fellow foreigners to spend the evening with :D

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 11:33 pm
by Bunni
Minty14 wrote:
Bunni wrote:Anyone fancy a meet up in August time? We'll be in Osaka/Kyoto around 3rd and in Tokyo from about 10th-20th.

My brother and I are in Tokyo 8th-16th August if you want some fellow foreigners to spend the evening with :D


Yeah sounds good! I'll be out for a couple days to climb Fuji with banjo so when he's booked flights and organised ourselves I'll hit you up.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 11:39 pm
by coldspice
Bunni wrote:
Minty14 wrote:
Bunni wrote:Anyone fancy a meet up in August time? We'll be in Osaka/Kyoto around 3rd and in Tokyo from about 10th-20th.

My brother and I are in Tokyo 8th-16th August if you want some fellow foreigners to spend the evening with :D


Yeah sounds good! I'll be out for a couple days to climb Fuji with banjo so when he's booked flights and organised ourselves I'll hit you up.

I'm going to a butt load of wrestling shows while I'm there, but I'll squeeze in a GRcade knees up I'm sure!

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Wed May 23, 2018 6:30 am
by Pedro
So many questions forthcoming but quick one first - we are in Japan 6th-20th August, with 4 days in Tokyo and 14 day rail pass to get us about. Starting to put together further plans and details of Bon festival have just come to my attention.

Q. How difficult does Bon making travel between cities? We were thinking about doing Tokyo --> Kyoto on the 11th but I'm starting to think that might be a fools errand?

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Wed May 23, 2018 7:09 am
by Bunni
No idea but if you're only going Tokyo to Kyoto return it might not be worth the price of a rail pass. Not a two week one anyway. Travel within Tokyo and suburbs is cheap enough. If you're going elsewhere over a few days aye grab a rail pass.

Also come to GR mini meet with me Anung and minty. Banjo will be over by then too.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Wed May 23, 2018 7:28 am
by Pedro
Nah not just doing a single trip - loads of places including Nara, Hiroshima, Kobe and Osaka all planned plus some of the more rural regions. Just worried as reading about Bon makes it sound like travel will be intense that second week.

Re: Trip to Japan

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 2:51 am
by Denster
This will not be my only trip to Tokyo

:wub:

A tip for those of you going in the next few weeks. Some attraction sell out quick. The Ghibli one was sadly sold out for the whole time we are here.
Book ahead to avoid disappointment.