*Morgan* or anyone else who's gone to Japan...

Mrs.G_09

Jason and I are starting to do some research because we want to come up with a good estimate of how much this trip will cost so we can make sure we are putting enough aside each month in savings.

We are planning to spend 5 days in Tokyo, 2 days in Kyoto, and 1 day in Hiroshima. If it was up to Jason we would spend all of our time in Tokyo, haha. I wanted to see a little more than skyscrapers though ;-)

Anyway, I was wondering since I remember you saying you spent some time  in Japan if you could give us any travel tips. Any recommendations on where to find discounted airfare? I was looking into staying in ryokans to save money too. I also read that we should get Japan rail passes. Of the places we're going are there any "must sees" or things that are overrated?

I'd really appreciate any advice you (or anyone else here!) could give us since neither of us have been there and we don't know anyone who has. Thanks!

funny bunny

I went on a 3 day business trip to Tokyo, So I can just give you a little info.

1) Make sure you go have the 7am sushi at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo

It is a great experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. 

Take shoes you don't care about for this trip - as you will be strolling amongst fish guts, and other icky things.

2) Do not sit on the steps at Harajuku Shrine, it is disrespectful, and will piss off the gods..

3) Use the subway, but make sure you buy the Suica card.

It's the only one that allows you to transfer credits between the different subway lines (there are MANY of those)

4) Get a map. Don't be afraid to ask for directions, and don't be surprised that many people do not speak English (including cab drivers, police, and bus drivers)

5) Most food places (more casual ones) have Wax molds of the foods they serve inside - it's a good guide to be following to figure out where to eat 

You can read about my trip and see some pics on my blog: https://funnylilideas.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-trip-to-tokyo.html 

I was pretty detailed - so I hope it helps.

Ahhh... I can't wait to go back there! i'ts so pretty! 

Mrs.G_09

Thank you for sharing Fanny. I am really excited to go, but I am a little nervous about the language barrier. Jason has Rosetta Stone Japanese which he said he's going to put on my computer so I can start learning. I'm not very optimistic though because I took 5 years of Spanish when I was younger and can only speak simple questions or phrases I'm also really excited to use my camera there.