First Trip (Osaka/Tokyo)

So I finally pulled the trigger and decided to go for my spring break

Yes I have been told already by many friends that I should go for a 2 weeks but I don't have the money or time away from work to do so (maybe as a summer abroad next year).

I so far have my ticket and passport (800 on Korean air was a great deal, just have to drive to LAX). Friend is going to let me stay in Fussa with him (air force) and plan to visit Akihabura and Shibuya (likely some car shops too) as I will be landing Saturday afternoon and was thinking of leaving Wednesday morning for Osaka. (still looking into getting a unlimited JR pass that should cover me for both cities)

I know in Osaka the castle is a must for visiting, Plan on getting bullet train there (military rate is like $250, thanks friend!) but I am uncertain still If my other friend will have a place for me to stay or If I should start booking a room (he just moved back to Japan and just barely started a new job)

I heard there is a really good onsen in Kobe or would a trip to Kyoto be better for onsen? I won't have my time as I will have to be back at NRT by noon Saturday for my flight back.

Worst come to worse I end up having to skype my friends wife for translation help if I have to book a room last minute, but any 4 star hotels anyone recommend in Osaka? I heard that 3 star aren't too great on English speaking and I am still learning my Japanese

Thanks for the replies! I think I won't suffer too bad on the jet lag if I fall asleep on the plane at certain hours(still trying to figure that one out)

-Chris

Be advised that the JR rail pass is not unlimited.
JAPAN RAIL PASS validity

if you just want to go to the onsen, I would really recommend you to go to Arima onsen in Kobe... if you want to do more besides that go to Kyoto.

Osaka castle... I would skip it, but that's my personal opinion. I would say go to Himeji instead, but Himeji castle is still being renovated, so you won't be able to see all of it from the outside. There is an elevator that leads you to the observation deck, where you can see the roof of the castle.

There's Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture, but you could also go to Kurama in Kyoto!
I wouldn't say that Osaka Castle is a must-see. I have been to almost 100 Japanese castles and this one is really not very impressive.
If you're going to be in the Kansai area anyways, I recommend Himeji or Hikone Castle instead!

I don't know your budget but the "Toyoko Inn Hotels" are very good and they usually speak decent English there (from what I heard ... I only speak Japanese with them).

Thanks for the castle recommandations!

I am either missing something with the 1 week JR unlimited... I know if I stay on JR rails that I should be fine. Still trying to figure out whether I should just pay per trip... I think things have changed since last I looked at this because I thought there was a package you can buy that would cover Tokyo and Osaka but looks like that is gone...right? I am kind of confused because I read you can ride the Bullet train if you have a JR pass.

Wow not cheap for an Onsen, really have to see how things turn out before I try and book one...and I can imagine Fridays are the most expensive.

Thanks for the replies!

You can get a JR pass that will cover both areas. See here for some more details: JTB USA JR Pass - Regions

It does not cover everything but covers a lot. It will do you no good however if you go somewhere that isn't served by JR, so keep that in mind.

I would recomend you read everything on this page: JR Pass - All region pass It will address the details and any restrictions. Also remember that you must get the Exchange Order BEFORE you go to Japan, you will then turn it in for the the actual Rail Pass. If you are going to travel a lot, or take the shinkansen, then getting the JR Rail Pass is definatly worth it.

Onsen are expensive, but worth it.

I happen to like Osaka Castle but Himeji is a lot bigger/cooler if you can get in. I'm not sure how far along in the restoration they are.

Have fun on your trip!

UPDATE: Got lucky and hotels showed me a room was still avaliable for Amira!!

Looks like my friend covered me on how I can use the slightly slower Hikari line instead of the Nozumi for my travels down to Osaka from tokyo and be covered in the JR pass. Probably still take the Nozumi on the way back since I can't see myself up earlier than 8am.

Now I just have to book some cheap rooms since I think I am going to stay in either Nagoya or Kyoto the night before I should be back in Tokyo (make the trip back shorter)

If I read right the Hikari Line does not have any green cars (looking to buy blue aka ordinary pass)... So do I need to worry about where I sit or do I need to reserve a seat?

Just trying to figure out the train system now...hahaha..