Got my tickets to Japan!! ... what next?
Hello guys~
I booked my tickets to Japan today (im going with Alitalia) ^_^ and now im wondering what the next steps should be~
i will be going 13th july (arrive 14th) and go back 28th, was planning to go later and visit WonFes in the first week but after the 15th there is a huuuge jump in prices.
Therefore when we arrive in Narita, im planning to stay one night in some nearby hotel (i expecte to be rly jet lagged and tired) to recover and take of to Kyoto on the next day. I decided to get the Seishun 18 Kippu pass (thanks papermoon for the suggestion!) and travel by the rapid trains (kaisoku), yep its 9h but it will save us a lot of money.
The initial plan was to stay 6 days in Kyoto (with one day trip to Osaka) and 7 in Tokyo, but someone told us that there isnt so much things to do in Kyoto, and its better to spend more time in Tokyo, what do u think?
what places u recommend visiting in Kyoto?
In Kyoto we're planning to stay in Capsule ryokan kyoto
also whats the best way of travelling around Kyoto? would getting the ICOCA card be the best option?
once we come back to Tokyo, we want to stay Aizuya Inn, but if anyone knows a hotel with better price/offer/placement let me know! im getting the SUICA card and off we go~
plans: Ghilbi museum, WonFes (on my bday!!), and of course various parts of Tokyo - Akiba, Harajuku, Shibuya (109 *_*), etc~
anything else i absolutely must see?
Also important! If i understand correctly i dont need a visa to enter? is that right? - im a polish citizen so im under the reciprocal visa exemption for 90 days or less stay
i was wondering... how much money would u normally bring? i heard its better to exchange money at home, but if i want to keep some pounds in case and bring them back is it worth it?
I hope i remembered everything @_@ every time i write something i add it and realise i had more to say xD
thanks for all the help!!!
every reply helped me sooo much on my previous post ^^
OH! remembered what else i wanted to ask xD
i obviously want to buy figures, but i can only have 23 kg in my luggage T_T and the boxes take so much space!! any tips?
One thing: Bring ALOT of money xD
When I was there i was really happy I found a branch of my bank (horray international banks!) in Tokyo and an ATM with an english button.
Some people complain that in the US you have to hit English as language every time you use an ATM, I'm not one of those people ^_^
tho you should call your debit card/ credit card companies and tell them you are going on the trip. Otherwise it might get flagged as "unusual behavior" and shut the card down.
i dont rly expect them to have my bank >< and probably if u take out from a different bank ATM its gonna charge u like crazy (?)
oh yes, true! thanks for the reminder xD
as much as i manage to save till then XD
...thought its not going well so far xD
forgot about the train why not take the night bus instead saving u time and a night hotel:
website http://willerexpress.com/bus/pc/3/top/?aid=184
i would 100% say Kyoto/Osaka is much more fun than Tokyo, the prob is that Tokyo is new and lack culture or history when u compare it to Kansai region (Kyoto). u can find hotel room for 2 people for £50-60 in Kyoto for July.
you get a better exchange rate in the UK than in Japan, i find travelex give the best price:
http://www.travelex.co.uk/uk/
rather than staying in Kyoto why not stay in Osaka, u can get hotel room for 2 people for £35 in osaka and its only 30mins by local train (550 yen) to Kyoto. if u plan on visting Osaka then get the Osaka pass which cost 2000yen for 1 day or 2800 yen for 2 days. the pass lets u vist alot of attraction within osaka for free and u get to travel on the metro and bus during that day (Normal metro pass cost 850yen on its own).
http://www.pia-kansai.ne.jp/osp/en/
Tokyo, Kyoto, it depends on whether you want to see more of historical sites or modern Japan, I'd say. I'm planning to travel to Japan in August so I'm also outlining some kind of a schedule. In Kyoto, I definitely want to see Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kitano Tenman-guu, Ginkaku-ji, Tenryuu-ji, Gion, etc. And also the real-life locations of scenes from K-ON stretching along Shirakawa-doori and the place where they went to on their field trip - Monkey Park Iwatayama.
By the way, I'm also considering to stay at Aizuya Inn. It's cheap, said to have a great service, and it's near Akiba XD
I'm planing to be there around that time ( two weeks centered around July 19th) maybe we can meet up? ^_^
You don't need a visa for a trip like that, no.
Since you're going in July, you should get an umbrella there or bring one with you - you'll need it!
If you like the historical side of things there's loads and loads of stuff to do in Kyoto. Unless you're only looking to go shopping for anime goods there should be more than enough to fill up that much time in the city. My favourites in Kyoto were Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, and I also enjoyed the nightingale floors at Nijo Castle.
When you go to Osaka, be sure to visit the Umeda Sky Building (unless you're afraid of heights) - it has a viewing area at the top which lets you see across the whole city, and you can visit in the evening (entry until 10pm) for a view of the city at night.
Money-wise, entry to tourist attractions and transport day passes typically cost around 500-700 yen, and you can get meals for less than 1000 yen if you look around. Unless you want to stock up on tacky souvenirs you won't need too much for those sort of places. For shopping trips on the other hand, make sure you have lots of money! I found it quite easy to spend 10,000 - 20,000 yen on a day trip to Akihabara, and I'm sure there are people who could spend a lot more.
As for baggage allowance - put smaller, heavier things into your hand luggage as they're less likely to kick up a fuss if you go over the limit (my hand luggage was probably at least twice what it was supposed to weigh but nobody said a thing about it. My suitcase on the other hand was 5kg over and netted me a £350 fine! I was travelling back after a year there so I had a lot to bring back, but it's easy to get carried away buying things in Japan).
If you ever get stuck with train routes, you can search in English here: http://www.hyperdia.com/
I'm flying there for a holiday at the end March and am going to the Tokyo Anime fair, doing a day at studio Ghibli and a tour of Akiba as part of a special anime package.
In addition I then tacked on a tour of the Tokyo fish markets (hmm sushi for lunch), Mount Fuji with a one night stay at a hot springs resort nearby and finally a one day tour of the Toyota car plant.
I'm thinking of doing Tokyo Disney for one of the off day's I have and will spend any remaining free day's simply exploring all the Akiba stores and some of its cafe's including the Gundam one. Hmm Gundam.
If you intend to do some shopping then I'd bring a large hard shell lugage bag that can take a beating and protect the goods you want to take back home. Don't be affraid of taking less clothing as you can make use of a laundry service half way through the trip and save bag space for your merchandise that way.
As for weight allowance for lugage I'd simply think long and hard about what I'm taking with me and also think twice about what I'm bying. Figures generally don't weigh much and if you do not intend to keep some of their packaging then toss it and wrap the item in some clothing in your bags to save space and still protect the item. I'd stay away from too many weight intensive items like books and magazines.
Mostly buy things you would noramlly find imposible to locate any other way at a reasonable price in your home country.
Put everything you can on a credit card. Take around 20,000 yen cash for food, drink and anything that cash seems more appropriate for at the time ie when visiting a market and want to buy a poster or shirt. Do not carry all your cash with you, just enough for what you think you will need on that day.
I'd read up on similar past posts people have made and the suggestions of good places / stores to see in Akiba or around Japan in general as there is a wealth of entertaining information all over our fair site.
Ejoy your trip ^.^
I did a trip very similar to yours, a week in both Kyoto and Tokyo.
Whilst based in Kyoto I went on day trips to Osaka, Hiroshima and Kobe. The JR Pass was useful!
Whilst I was planning my trip I was looking around for places to visit and made a map on google maps containing the places I would visit = http://bit.ly/hLbHZ6
It definitely doesn't have everything you can do on there but if it helps then why not share it.
I advise you to exchange the currency before you leave and take more than you think you'll need, if you plan to visit the historical sights or even the top of the Umeda Sky Building you'll be paying an entrance fee. I forgot to factor this in. If you do run out you should be able to use an ATM to get more out. I see you're from the UK so you'll know what I mean when I say I'm with Halifax, in a Post Office somewhere in Shibuya I was able to use an ATM and withdraw some money.
If you are stuck for money, go to a 7-11. We whored there ATM's for money when we ran out, and it's in English too xD
Well, if you see a group of four confused English guys at WonFes, say hi :D
i realised ur landing in narita and then making ur way to kyoto the next day. u know u should have bought ur ticket to fly into osaka (KIX) and leave from tokyo (NRT) for the same price (£570 Alitalia). if u can change ur ticket without having to pay extra then change it so it saves u the time traveling from tokyo to kyoto.
u can get cheap hotel at narita for £38 for two people, go to expedia
u might ask why do i know all this info - cuz i am thinking of going to japan next month
thanks for all the suggestions! they're always so helpful! i actually relised i cant use the seishun kippu since it works from 20th july, i planned it when i thought im going after that date >< might get the nigh bus ^^ they look rly neat!
i was thinking about that but had no idea how to do it >< when u buy a return ticket its from the same airports (its the first time im going so far xD im a bit confused with all this), i actually payed £604! ;O did i majorly overpay o_o ? but i dont think i can change my tickets now... btw do u think Alitala is a good company? r u going with them now?
i used www.opodo.com and went to muti-stop flights and entered july 13 from london heathrow to osaka (nearest airport to Kyoto) and then fly from Tokyo to London for £570 on the 28th july and got £570 with alitalia.
not sure who i am going with cuz i keep changing my plans, i might be going to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan and maybe Dubai. i would be flying with lots of different airlines.
I did this trip last year and stayed 1 1/2 days in Osaka and 3 days in Kyoto with the remaining 16 days in Tokyo. Three days in Kyoto is fine because most of the sites are clustered together on the same bus route so you can see multiple sights in one route. I bought the daily bus passes at the Kyoto train station and they are really handy as Kyoto is more bus oriented than train and the JR Rail Pass is more limited. Best thing to get help your trip organized is the Lonely Planet Kyoto Guide book. Very good info on sites and maps are very good. Same thing for the Tokyo version of the book. Get them.
I've stayed at Aizuya before and will be there this year for 6 days and its a good place. From what I've researched, its best to exchange money in Japan but I suppose that it can vary depending on the country you come from. The Suica card is a life saver so its good you know about it.
If you do shorten your time in Kyoto, I can recommend day trips to Hakone and Yokohama. Hakone has a two pass which lets you ride all the various forms of transport in Hakone and is a lot of fun. Yokohama is a great harbor town with lots to see including an awesome Chinatown.
Grats on your upcoming trip. It'll be lots of fun! Besides the jet lag, I just got back so I know this first hand >_<
Kyoto or Tokyo, as others have said it depends what you want to see more. Kyoto is more old school, and has awesome shrines. I recommend Kiyomizu, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Sagano. Maybe you might like a day trip into Nara and Kobe. I love Kobe as the people seem extra nice to foreigners and the steak is awesome. Also, life size Tetsujin 28. :D Nara has the deer, nice temple and park and giant Buddah.
Osaka has great food and DenDen town for your otaku needs.
That said, Tokyo is probably the mecca for otakus since it has Akihabara and Nakano Broadway. Ikkebukuro is a less talked about gem for anime and manga fans. Catering mainly to women and Yaoi/BL stuff but still some amazing loot there. Another place I loved in Ikkebukuro was Tokyuu Hands store and its Cat House. Which I visited when I was missing my own cat.
On exchanging money, I'm not familiar with your banks but I know for me, I only had the option of 7-11 if I wanted to use an ATM. There are plenty of 7-11s around but still, try to exchange a good amount of money early on so you dont have to worry about it. Again, Im not sure of the exchange rates where you are but Narita and the 7-11 ATMS were way better than for me in USA. This site lists what Narita will give you in exchange rates on that particular day. http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html
WonFes. WonFes is epic. It is HUGE and you will see lots of cool stuff. If you are planning on getting exclusives you WILL need to line up super early. I was there for winter WonFes and people were on line at 4AM. I got there at 9:30, doors open at 10, I got inside at 10:45 and all the exclusives were sold out. Well, the GSC/MF ones and some of the smaller company ones. A lot of the other exclusives will be sold out by 11 or 11:30AM. There are still 100s of other vendors with awesome stuff so I wouldn't worry too much about the exclusives. There was a section that required age ID to enter. Just a heads up if you're interested in checking that section out.
Ghibli is awesome! Make sure you get your ticket well in advance! You may want to visit the cafe first as that can get busy with a long line early. Then get to the theater for your movie, then check out the rest of the museum. I did the movie first and then I tried to visit the cafe but by then the line was really long.
I also visited Washinomiya shrine (Lucky Star), K-On's school (near-ish to Kyoto), Life Sized Gundam (Not sure it's still up in July) so if you need directions to any of those let me know.
Since you're going in summer, make sure to check out some calendars for Matsuri. There should be some festivals going on and that would be a blast to check out.
I dont know how much loot you plan to actually get but one of my tips is to get cheapie disposable clothes for socks and underwear so I could throw those out and have more room for loot in my luggage. If you have a phone that can run google maps, google translate and maybe a compass, those would help. Tip: Most maps in japan on the streets and in stations do not have North as up. That was really confusing when I was first there, off the plane and super tired.
Suica card. LOVE the Suica card. It doesnt make things cheaper but it makes things so much easier. Plus being able to buy stuff from vending machines with it rock.
OK this is starting to become a ramble. Hope there was some useful info for you :)
In, kyoto:
1) visit kyoto animation official store
2) go on a day trip to k-on school >> http://www.figure.fm/post/en/23682/K-ON+TOYOSATO+ELEMENTARY+SCHOOL+GUIDE.html
3) in kyoto, if you have spare time, you can go k-on 'street hunting' if you have time. most of them are based in kyoto. e.g 'max burger'.
4) 3 day kansai surutto pass
in tokyo:
1) go washinomiya shrine in saitama (by tobu isezaki line or jr utsunomiya line)
2) should you like to go the biggest and main branch of animate, it's located in OTOME-ROAD in ikebukuro.
3) 2nd hand anime figures shop >> mandarake in nakano broadway, LIBERTY in akihabara.
thanks for the suggestions! <writes down in the travel notebook>
I stayed at Aizuya Inn for a good month last trip to Tokyo. HIGHLY recommended if you want to stay there for a while, but the cost of staying for 7 days you might be better off staying at a Toyoko Inn. For my next trip I'd probably stay at either http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00078/index.html or http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00226/index.html. More things to do around Shinjuku at night but the Ueno one is closer to Akihabara. The business hotels would cost a little more but you don't have to pay to shower and the room is bigger with a private bathroom.
As for Kyoto, my suggestion is to stay in Osaka and make day trips to Kyoto (two days if you really want to go everywhere). You can walk around Kyoto at night but there's not much open as opposed to Osaka. While you're in the area I'd stop by Kobe and get some beef, just so you can go home and brag to your friends about having Kobe beef in Kobe.
My suggestion to stay in Osaka is at The Dotonbori Hotel. http://www.dotonbori-h.co.jp/english/index.html. Stayed there on each trip I've been and was never disappointed. Even BETTER is they just renovated so the rooms are even cleaner and more posh than before. If anything it's the only hotel that I know I'll definitely be staying at on my next trip. It's smack dab in the middle of where all the action is.
but tokyo inn is more expensive than Aizuya Inn! or am i looking at it the wrong way? (i need a twin room)
that sounds like a good idea, other people suggested this in fact. thought yet again Dtonobori is much more expensive than the hotel i wanted to stay in Kyoto, but i might look around cheap offers for Osaka, since it sounds like a good place to stay in ^^
hostel wise, i recommend these. best facilited i have ever come across personally in japan.
osaka >> http://www.osaka-yha.com/shin-osaka/shin-osaka-e/framepage1.html
tokyo >> http://www.tokyo-ih.jp/en/index.html
Well, staying for about a week in Tokyo it'll be 3300 yen/night at Aizuya. Assuming you take a shower every night, tack on another 200 yen or so for showering. Toyoko also comes with a complimentary breakfast buffet daily, so let's say that's worth about 500 yen. So hypothetically if you shower and eat breakfast, Aizuya costs you 4000 yen/night. Compare that to a twin room at Toyoko which is 8400 split between two people, which is 4200 yen/night.
What does that extra 200 yen give you though? A private room with a private bathroom. Three tatami mats at Aizuya is less than 6 feet x 9 feet total, I'd estimate the rooms at Toyoko are at least 3-5x that size. You can also get daily linen changes and cleaning during that time. Save room in your luggage for souvenirs because you won't need to pack a bulky towel, toothpaste/toothbrush, razors, soap/shampoo because it's all available to you at Toyoko.
Last but not least, I don't go to Japan to stay at a hostel with a bunch of other foreign tourists. I prefer to stay at a place that is designed to cater to Japanese people to get the full experience. If that's going to cost me an extra 200 yen/night, then so be it.
Keep in mind that Japanese people are pretty efficient and there's high competition in all services. If one place is cheaper than another, there's a reason.
yes i was actually considering that... the lack of private shower/toilet in Aizuya puts me of a bit ><
i actually only checked the prices at the first link, i see that it is in fact quite a good offer ^^ thanks for the info ^^ i will consider~
Since you are doing the capsule ryokan in Kyoto, how about a real ryokan in Tokyo?
http://www.tctv.ne.jp/sawanoya/
I've stayed here twice before and will spend half my trip here this year. Nice family owned place that is definitely quieter than Aizuya plus the two hot onsen baths are awesome after a long day walking around. I actually got interviewed for TV last year at this ryokan because they were doing a show on it as its very popular for introducing ryokan culture to foreigners. They remodeled their lobby just after I left and I can't wait to see the changes. Check it out.
Dotonbori is more expensive, won't argue against that, but Osaka is still recommended as your Kansai hub. Have you considered travelling to other places around Japan? I think 4 days in the Kansai area is enough, with the last 2 days you can probably go to Hiroshima or Hakone, which are very nice cities as well.
Added Washinomiya Shrine guide>>
http://www.figure.fm/post/en/24136/LUCKY+STAR+S+WASHINOMIYA+SHRINE+GUIDE.html