Need some help with deciding what to do in Japan.

[Stech]

Hey,

A friend and I are going to Japan for 3 weeks in march. We are staying with a friend of ours for the duration there. He lives in Kobe.

My friend and I want to see as much as we can around Japan.

Currently in the first week we are staying with my friends grandmother in Kyoto so we will see lots of stuff there. Second and third week we are staying in Kobe. My friend said he would show us around kobe and osaka during that time.

I am wanting to goto tokyo and see other places if possible. So I was thinking of purchasing a Rail pass (money for the pass isn't a problem). My idea was to goto tokyo for a few days, is it possible to travel there in the morning then return in the afternoon/night? then do that 2-3 times. Since it wouldn't cost (anymore) with the Rail Pass.

Since my friend and are don't have much experience with Japanese. We know a little just the basics mainly. Can anyone recommend some self guided tours or where I can get some info on places to see in Tokyo and how to get there, costs for attractions etc.

If anyone has any other suggestions for what to do while we are over there or anything to make our stay more enjoyable that would be great.

Thanks, Matt

 

[kameron]

Yokohama's only 30 mins from Tokyo by train
Lots of stuff for tourists to do there and it also has the world's largest China Town.

 

[Davey]

Kobe is a very nice city, you can check for some information about the city on this website : www.kobecityinfo.com (sorry I haven't updated it for a while, but that's for events, and new sightseeing spots)

Yokohama's only 30 mins from Tokyo by train
Lots of stuff for tourists to do there and it also has the world's largest China Town.

For a China town you can stay in Kobe, so for that you don't have to go to Yokohama imo.

 

[ArmandV]

For free maps and booklets, these folks are very helpful:

Travel Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

 

[ifjames]

Hi Aussie!!
Check out Hyperdia: remember the pass does not include Nozomi trains.
Kobe to Tokyo looks like a 3 3/4 hour trip each way, with at least 2 changes of train: that's an AWFUL lot of time sitting doing nothing: why not spend a few days in Tokyo instead: the Rail pass will cover the cost of that return trip alone. Lonely PLanet guides of Tokyo and Kyoto are great: the Kyoto one includes stuff on Osaka and Kobe as well. Angus and Roberstson have them both, as do Borders, or at least they did last time I looked. They are smaller and easier to carry than the big LP guide of Japan.
Good luck: have fun: we are in Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka in March too, but all in one week: I envy your 3 weeks SO much!!
Cheers
F

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

I am wanting to goto tokyo and see other places if possible. So I was thinking of purchasing a Rail pass (money for the pass isn't a problem). My idea was to goto tokyo for a few days, is it possible to travel there in the morning then return in the afternoon/night? then do that 2-3 times. Since it wouldn't cost (anymore) with the Rail Pass.

If you mean leave and go back to Kyoto/Kobe/Osaka in the afternoon/night of the same day, the answer is no, it's not possible unless you use the shinkansen (the bullet train). I don't think the shinkansen is included in the Rail Pass.

 

[nice gaijin]

If you mean leave and go back to Kyoto/Kobe/Osaka in the afternoon/night of the same day, the answer is no, it's not possible unless you use the shinkansen (the bullet train). I don't think the shinkansen is included in the Rail Pass.

Really? I'm pretty sure the rail pass covers all shinkansen except for the nozomi.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Really? I'm pretty sure the rail pass covers all shinkansen except for the nozomi.

Really? Wow, I must be getting all those different tickets mixed up. Sorry if I was wrong, although it does seem too good to be true...

 

[ifjames]

Really? I'm pretty sure the rail pass covers all shinkansen except for the nozomi.

You are correct: that's the whole wonderful point of a JR Pass: makes the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka travel affordable.
Tokyo-Kyoto return is more expensive than a 7 day Pass, and you can also reserve seats for no cost: amazing value.
As I said before, though, its a lot of traveling to go Kobe-Tokyo return in a day.

 

[nice gaijin]

As long as you plan ahead and get the pass before you go to Japan, it is indeed an amazing deal.

Despite this, I wouldn't recommend using the rail pass as an excuse to squeeze as much rail travel into the trip as possible, or you'll be whittling your vacation away on a train. Going to Kobe and back in one day sounds ridiculous for a vacation.

 

[Kyoto Returnee]

Definitely...

vist Kyoto, and definitely visit the temples, Arashiyama is also a great place and a walk up the mountain to see the pink faced monkeys is a lot of fun. Just keep your food in your bag until it's safe!

Uji next to Kyoto bordering Nara is famous for green tea, and is also a beautoful spot.

A town named Fushimi Momoyam in Kyoto also has a famous house of a Samurai , is famous for Sake, and a few more famous temples..

Contact the tourist people in front of main Kyoto station for some detailed info.

 

[undone]

I go to Japan only in my dreams ...good ones