WOOOOW!! Too many suggestions.. :cool: :cool:
@Sal123 I really do LOOOOOVVEEE sushi!!! We'll definitely look for that sushi place!!
Thanks for all the info!! I'm sooooo excited!!! :biggrin:
For a more authentic experience look for traditional ryokans to stay in. We took the kids when they were young and stayed in some lovely old buildings. Not five star all mod cons but perfectly comfortable (even on the tatami flooring with bean pillows!) and so much more interesting than a western style hotel. We travelled all over with the rail pass, really worth doing if only to experience how fantastically efficient and clean the system is. Went to a local baths in Kyoto (think I found it through Lonely Planet) where you dip in and out of different pools and scrub yourself down, great experience and one all of us remembered. Definitely check out the young funky punky Japanese in Tokyo, they assemble near a particular train station (forget the name but on the metro system). It was one of the best holidays we ever had, do hope you enjoy it
Hi
We've recently been and had a fantastic time. I echo the advice of using a specialist travel agent - Travel Counsellors are always excellent in our experience.
Our tips would be:
1. Conrad Hilton in Tokyo - great views and use their Executive rooms service - you get free drinks etc
2. Use a private tour guide - they will speak your language (in our case English) and give you lots of information and make really good use of your time. This is probably my NO 1 piece of advice.
3. Sumo wrestling is a must - go to one of the stables (you need to book and be prepared to sit still on the floor for several hours - but its well worth it)
4. The trains and metro/underground are really good. The Shenkansen service is clean, fast and always on time.
5. Others have suggested things to do in Tokyo - but do try local food and go to the fish market.
6. Go to Koyoto - it's beautiful - amazing Temples and Shrines to see - again use a private guide - they help you use your time so much more effectively and also helped us try different foods etc.
7. Visa - British passport holders get visa on entry so no paperwork required before hand.
8. Ask hotel concierges for advice on where to eat - we had some great advice in Koyoto.
9. Narrita airport is about 90 minutes outside of Tokyo so bear that in mind if you are booking flights yourself
10. Blossom is end of March/April and gets very, very busy. You would need to book and be prepared to queue to see things but I'm sure it would be an amazing sight and opportunity.
Have a great time - its a fabulous country and well worth a visit and very doable from Dubai.
Japan is a dream! I have gone there twice with DH. In Tokyo- I recommend the Mercure hotel and Hotel mume in Kyoto (such a magical place) I really miss Japan and would love to go back soon. The town with the deer is called Nara and you can plan to visit there while you are in Kyoto.
We stayed in 3 different hotels in Tokyo and thought Mercure and citadines were the best. I wouldn't recommend the best western in Shinjuku because it's in kabukiicho, which is the red light district. :)
If you love sushi and don't mind waiting in line, you can try Sushi-Dai. It can be touristy but the sushi is so fresh and just melts in your mouth :) It's located at the main fish market.
Let me know if you have any more questions. :)
Hello,
My DH and I went last summer and had An amazing time.
We stayed in Tokyo fr 6 nights and we activated our Japan rail pass on the 6 th day and then travelled On a day trip to Nagano to see th snow monkeys.
The rail pass we bought was for 7 days.
We stayed in Kyoto for 3 nights and 3 nights in Osaka, we travelled to Hiroshima and Nana(?? I think) Google it its. A town where they have wild deer nad a huge Temple, gorgeous.
You must buy the Japan rail pass online before you go and its couriered to dubai. You can use most bullet trains which are amazing, on time, spotless, great food onboard and beer. There are so many trains you are never waiting long, all th signs in English so it's easy to get the just of it.
We used the trains so much it was definelty worth the money, you can even use it to go round the cities on certain trains.
We didn't use a travel agent or tour company as we much prefer to Go at our own pace.
Tokyo was amazing, very cosmopolitan difficult to find restaurants as all in Japanese ;) lots of trip advisor recommendations, including gonpachi in roppongi- kill bill movie. Amazing tepoanyaki in ginza.
Kyoto was amazing., goes walking tour is a must. Amazing temples hee and the bamboo rainforest is beautiful as is the golden temple.
Osaka is amazing, such a party place and hilarious karaoke bars.
Overal, I loved Japan and will definelty go back, we are looking at tey islands for this years holiday,
The food overall in Japan is amazing, I'm not a huge sushi lover and never once felt restricted, so much choice and not as expensive as I thought it'd be.
Let me know if I canhelp anymore.
Ps Japan lonely planet is great
Have great time, I jealous
Xx
edited by janet the gannet on 01/03/2015
<em>edited by janet the gannet on 01/03/2015</em>
Hi Blondie007.
I am a self employed travel agent. I am not allowed to say the name of the company on here but I really do think you should use a company. I have a customer who has just ended a trip there. She sent me pictures during her stay as she was having such a wonderful time. Including photos of sumo wrestlers which was my favourite.
Agree with sjpbingley depending on your time constraints best
to have it planned for you.Give them a wish list.
Fish market is a must......you do have to get up VERY early ! and
the cherry blossoms...are just beautiful.
sickofsand ( love the name ! ) good suggestions, Kyoto is a cultural
must see and yes do it overnight.
Enjoy your trip
Are you planning to visit Tokyo only?
If so, cherry blossom viewing is best in the first week of April.
Top attractions in Tokyo include Meiji Shrine,Fish Market, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa and areas such as Shibuya and Harajuku.
Nikko is a good day trip.
If you can you should visit Kyoto which is best done as an overnight trip.
There are many hotels, but without knowing your budget, it's a bit difficult to recommend any.
Visa depends on which passport you hold, British passport holders do not need a visa.
Hey ladies!! DH and I are planning to visit Japan for the first time.. soon hopefully.. Can anyone help me decide:
1. Which hotel?
2. Places we should visit?
3. Do we need a visa?
4. Best time (cherry blossoms)
5. Food we should try
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TIA :shy: