Overview
Japan has a world-class transit system, deep culture, and amazing food! It did not disappoint. Some FAQs to make a great trip even better. Ikuzo!
Highlights
- Mt. Fuji
- Shibuya Crossing
- National Museum
- Electric Town in Akihabara District
- Japanese Alps
- Ryokan (traditional inn)
- Onsen (traditional spa)
- Shirakawa-go (old Japanese mountain town)
- Hida Beef
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Golden Pavilion
- Antique Woodblock Print
- A-bomb Dome in Hiroshima
- Todaiji Buddhist Temple
- Nara Park with Deer
- Himeji Castle
- Dotonbori District in Osaka
- Kaiyukan Aquarium
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Subway
- Small Places
$5000 per adult (approximately)
Includes
- Flight from departure port (Honolulu)
- Japan Rail Pass
- Accommodations in Japan
Excludes
- Some transportation
- Meals
- Misc. expenses
Getting Around
Japan is string of islands along the coast of Asia across from Korea. Most Americans arrive either at Narita which is North of Tokyo but even closer is Haneda. Japan is still about 14 hours direct from LA. Japan is nice overnight flight from Honolulu.
Japan has excellent rail system. Folks do walk alot between stations. Taxi’s are expensive but the taxi’s are very nice. Remember: taxi driver’s do not necessarily speak English. The buses are also good if a bit slower and as usual a lot more inexpensive.
Itinerary
Arrive about 8PM at Haneda Airport, get your Rail Pass, take the monorail into the city.
Stay close to train station. For example, a hotel near Ikebukuro station (Metropolitan Gate) is only a short walk (2min). Maybe get dinner at hotel or nearby.
Tokyo Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
1-chōme-6-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-8505, Japan
See Mt. Fuji – Symbol of Japan
Mt Fuji is a volcano (on to of a volcano…). Unfortunately, Mt. Fuji is notoriously hard to observe. Visiting Mt. Fuji is a great day trip from Tokyo even though attempts to see Mt Fuji can be made different directions. From the Ikebukuro Station take the Romance Car to Hakone and then on to Mt Fuji.
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo is most populous city in the world and to dramatize crowding often the intersection featured is Shibuya Crossing.
Visit Tokyo National Museum
| Tokyo National Musum opens at 9:30AM) & see the Asakusa District (old)try Nakamise St sweets, matcha gelato, and snacks
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Don’t lose your Japan Rail Pass! You will have to buy a new one.
Do not damage your rail pass. Passes are used by machines. When the pass is too damaged, the machine will eat the pass. Replace damaged passes at JR office.
Tokyo
False. As expected, English is more common in tourist-related places but travelers have come to rely on English-speaking taxi drivers which are not as common.
True. It just not done.
True. The Japanese train stations are always busy but especially during morning rush (about 7AM-10AM) and afternoon rush (about 3PM-6PM).
True. Japan is very clean and recycling is common but trash cans are not. Find them at train stations.
True. Some places require shoes off. Clean socks are expected.
True. Using both hands shows respect.
True. Tattoos are forbidden in some places like baths.
False: No tipping in Japan!
