Be sure to hit the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. Tsukiji is the largest fish market in the world, you will see tuna that are over 500 pounds and sell for up to $40,000 each. You need to get there really early (around 6:00am) to see the best action, but it's well worth it and is definitely an experience to be had nowhere else in the world.
Hey, Japan, eh?! Fab.
I stayed out in the rice paddies when I was there. Out in Nabari, 2 hours (by train) from Osaka. I never stayed in any major cities overnight. But, I did visit Kyoto and man was it amazing! From what I understood, it is considered a very holy city because it has ancient burials sites and temples that are centuries old. Some of them are the oldest in all of Japan. I had a great experience there and was fascinated with the gigantic golden Buddha that sits right in the middle of the city. Definitely make a stop through Kyoto, you will be nothing short of enchanted.
Kyoto is a must see since you have a Rail Pass. You can catch a bullet train (aka Shinkansen) to the city and be there in 3 hours. Some of my favorite spots in Japan are in the Kansai District including Kyoto itself as a whole with all its temples and shrines as well as the Gion District for both the rich cultural history (it is the most famous "geisha district" or hanamachi in Japan) and for the beauty of the area (it's right next to the famous Kamo river)
Also, in Osaka there is the Osaka Aquarium which is really remarkable, it is one of the few aquariums in the world to house a whale shark. Next to the Aquarium there is a shopping/visiting center that houses some of the best food from the Kansai area. I recommend the Okonomiyaki.
But really the thing I want to visit the most in Japan again is going to a hot spring. You can stay in a traditional in for a night, experience the natural hot spring bath and also really live a Japanese life for a night. I recommend Hakone, a district right outside of Tokyo that also offers great attractions to see some of the raw nature of Japan, including a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji since the time you are going is not the recommended season to climb the famous volcano.
Either way there are lots of things you can do and don't limit yourself to any once city! In my week and a half in Japan I went to all three of the areas I listed and had a blast.
If you'd like to read about my experience it is on my livejournal at:
http://lizardlife.livejournal.com
And I have pictures here:
http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/lizardlife/Japan%20Trip%20Day%201/
And here are more useful links:
Using the train system (can be hard): http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/
Hakone details: http://www.odakyu.jp/english/
great guide to hot springs: http://www.onsenexpress.com/site/index_flash.php
It depends on what you like. If you want to experience the countryside, Hakone Park outside of Tokyo is nice. The Nikko Shrine is interesting to see, too.
If you visit in Spring, book ahead--far ahead- and go to Kyoto and Nara. The cherry blossoms are awesome. Try to stay at a traditional Japanese inn for a night or two. Kankaso in Nara is a wonderful old inn. I stayed there in April 2008.It is VERY traditional so be prepared!!!!! Do some research on baths and food!!!!
Google the Japanese Inn Association to find Kankaso or another inn. The service is free.
The inn is located in the middle of the Deer Park and very close to the Giant Buddha. Nara is a very short train ride from Kyoto. Kyoto is the ancient capital and haas many beautiful shrines, parks and temples.
The Kyoto area has a great castle. Himeji Castle is near Kyoto/Nara is is beautiful to see in spring!!
mal and lizardlee thanks for the suggestions of staying at a traditional inn, I didn't really consider it before because of budget costs, but I might look into it a little. I know I shouldn't be too excited because it is so far away, but i am stoked.
Mal by very far in advance for a place in spring, do you mean weeks, months, or years?
Thanks again guys
Spring is the busiest time to travel in Japan for the famous cherry blossom season, is probably what she means. So you need to book months ahead to get a good price. It goes up a lot if you don't. Also a lot of hotels in places will actually fill up quite quickly. So yeah, you'd want to do your research if you plan to travel in that season. :)
I'm a lover of Tokyo. I've lived here since 2001 and it's a city with a buzz all of it's own. Around Tokyo I definitely agree with the comment on Tsukiji - also check out an area called Odaiba for all things modern. You should also, if you can fit it in, check out the Hachiko crossing in Shibuya - it's the mad pedestrian crossing you see in all the films where everyone walks at once.
I also agree that Kyoto is a must see - Kinkakuji (the golden temple) is serenity itself and really beautiful. Also try Kyo-mizu-dera - a big temple built on the side of a hill. It stands on wooden stilts - awesome.
You could also consider Hiroshima if you're into more modern history for obvious reasons. The museum there is supposed to be an experience in itself.
Glad to hear you're excited about visiting Japan - it's a fabulous country. You're going to have a ball : )
If you want to know more about Tokyo check out my website http://www.tokyotopia.com
Japan offers a very wide range of attractions, from historical and cultural treasures to modern and futuristic sights and beautiful forests, mountains and seacoasts. Take a day trip to the Tama region in Japan, an hour west of Tokyo, and discover hiking paths, lofty views and fresh air. Kyoto is the former Imperial city of Japan and the one of Japan prettiest and priciest. With it’s full of lantern-lit alleyways, ancient shrines and Buddhist Temples Kyoto gets millions of tourists every year. For your best experience book your trip with the Tour Operator and get their expertise. The one I am suggesting Orient Flexi-Pax: www. Orientflexipax.com . You can also try Asia Transpacific Journeys. You can create your own custom journey with them. Have a great trip!
Joined: 01-31-08
I've just started saving up for my next trip, I'm planning on visiting Japan just before the "Golden Week" of next year. I've been doing research online, but I prefer word of mouth. I'll only have about a week and a half and I wanted to get some suggestions on the best places to visit and what would be a waste of time. I'm all for getting the most out of my experience, so all suggestions far and wide will be very much appreciated.
We'll be flying into Narita Airport and we'll also be purchasing a 1 week Japan Rail Pass. We'll most likely be going west from there because it doesn't look like we will have time to go North. So far that's all I've been able to figure out, there is just so much to learn and see, I'm probably going to be wishing I had more time.
Thanks everyone, I can't wait to get some advice!