Japan has so much to see, so much to eat and so much to offer, 8N7D is simply not enough!!
As we said "Sayonara" to Japan at Narita airport, we have also promised ourselves that we will be back soon.
My hubby segregated our duties - he would take care of our son, I would be responsible for the itinerary ...mm.. fair and square. I was very nervous before departure as none of us can speak Japanese and many people have been telling us how complicated Tokyo metro systems are, how little English the Japanese can understand etc. Well, these are true to certain extend but not completely. Overall, Japan is fun to explore on your own.
Before departure
Air tickets: 3 person by JAL - RM1,580 per person
Accommodation: Mid of November is considered high season especially for Kyoto, you should book your hotels at least 6 weeks before departure. Hotels that I stayed are Sheraton Miyako Tokyo- Aura Tachibana Ryokan - Matsubaya Inn - Westin Miyako Kyoto - Sheraton Miyako Tokyo - Excel Tokyu Narita. Out of these, the only one that I would recommend is Matsubaya Inn.
Visa application: Japan visa application is fee but quite a hassle. You need to prepare employment letters, certified bank statements, etc. I was told that our bank accounts should show a balance of at least RM6,000 for each traveler.JR Pass : RM1,118 per person if paid by cash. The Japan Rail Pass enables you to travel throughout Japan in an economical way. Purchased at JTB Inc., (Malaysia) SDN. BHD. (Kuala Lumpur). Call them to get the exact amount before you go as the price fluctuates with exchange rates.
IMPORTANT: You must purchase the Exchange Order outside of Japan, and you need an valid visa for the purchase. Official website : http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html
Route and stations: Japanguide.com is very informative. I checked and jotted down the stations and metro lines of my planned destinations before I left home. You can get the routes from www.hyperdia.com
7-Day Itinerary
Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Tokyo
Day 1: Narita airport - Shinagawa (store luggage at Sheraton Miyako hotel) - Harajuku-Meiji Shrine - Kyushu Jangara Ramen - Check-in hotel - Shinjiku Isetan dinner - Rest early
Day 2 : Tsukiji fish market - Hakone (Aura Tachibana Ryokan - onsen bath)
Day 3: Hakone - Kyoto (Matsubaya Ryokan)
Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine - Kiyomizudera temple- Nishiki market (lunch) -Kinkakuki (Golden Pavilion) - Gion All-you-can-eat dinner (Shabu_Zen)- Westin Miyako Kyoto
Day 5: Tokyo - Asakusa - Ginza (Chiyotei Unagi dinner)
Day 6: Yoyogi Park - Harajuku (Kiddy Land) - Akihabara - Excel Tokyu Narita Hotel
Day 7: Fly back home
KYOTO TRANSPORT - get yourself a one-day city pass at Kyoto Station for unlimited bus rides, it cost only JPY500. Start your bus route plan at Kyoto Station then you may be able to cover quite a number of attractions in a day or two.
HAKONE TRANSPORT: Buy a Hakone pass at Odawara Station. See Hakone.
We could have visited more places if my son didn't fell sick on Day 5. There are so many attractions in Tokyo itself that we have yet to visit, eg. Odaiba, Disneyland, Ueno Park, Ghibli museum, etc, Same goes to Kyoto, you may think Kyoto is just about temples and shrines but each of the temples and shrines has its own beauty and the feeling and mood of strolling around is really amazing.
I simply have to go back, and this time, I will arrange to stay near Tsukiji Fish Market so that I can have nicest breakfast everyday, gosh... can you imagine that!
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