Japan Holiday for 9 Days – starting in Tokyo

Hello,

I'm looking for advice on where to go in Japan. We arrive in Tokyo end of May. We haven't been to Tokyo before so want to definitely see the city properly. However we've got 9 days and would love to see some ﾂ"old Japanﾂ" at the same time. I've seen an area called Shikoku, which looks amazing, but I think will be too far away to get to.
Here's our wishlist:
1. Tokyo
2. Old Japan
3. Onsen
4. Cooking class
5. Something unique and out of the ordinary

Please give me some suggestions. Especially places to stay that would be inexpensive but still ok.

Thanks
Nicole

Hi,

I am Japanese living in Tokyo.

I have just checked some websites about cooking classes in English. It seems a couple of places are available.

Konishi Japanese cooking class
お稽古さろん 神楽坂
(sorry, it seems I cannot put the address here... please search by google... )

I like Yakata bune (Yakata-bune is a mix of pleasure and restaurant houseboat in Japanese traditional style.) It cruises in Tokyo bay, and the foods being served in the boat is very decent.



You may find further tips in my blog too.

geoffrey2005 said:

Here's our wishlist:
1. Tokyo
2. Old Japan
3. Onsen
4. Cooking class
5. Something unique and out of the ordinary

Thanks
Nicole

Click to expand...

For Tokyo, I'd suggest Asakusa, Odaiba, Shibuya and Ginza. Also, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower and taking a cruise down the Sumida River (you can catch the boat in Asakusa).

For old Japan, if you have the time and the money (a Japan Rail Pass would be a money-saver), I'd suggest Kyoto (Niju Castle, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu and Heian Jingu Shrine).

If you're in Japan for 9 days you'll have to take a look at the JR Pass. If I'm not mistaken, it is valid for a week and you can take the shinkansen to go anywhere in the country. That way you can be in Tokyo for a couple of days and then go to Kyoto, Osaka, etc. You might even have time to go to Hiroshima.

The ticket is paid for just by going from Tokyo to Osaka and back to Tokyo, so for people who don't have a lot of time to spend, this seems a pretty good option.

Mauricio

Some unique things -

- Head north of Tokyo to Kasama or Mashiko. Both towns are known for their pottery and are fairly small cities. (not many westerners here)
- Fukuroda Falls (not many westerners here)
- Baseball game
- Find a local festival