Tips of the Month are Up.

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Actually what I notice is this. When you open an area on G Maps, it's automatically cached and you can reopen same area offline later. But I'm not sure how long it remains in cache though.

So what you can do is, before leaving hotel in the morning (or the night before), open the maps of areas you would be going, so that they are cached. Then close Maps, no prob. When you are out of the hotel, with no internet, open G Maps and you should be able to view offline the maps you open/cached in the hotel.

If unsure, test it here in KL first. Open say, KLCC area on G Maps, then close everything. Go offline, re-open G Maps and go to KLCC area. The map viewed before should re-appear.

I still don't see the point in caching offline google maps for holidaying in Japan. The main navigation you would use smartphone for is subway directions, train schedules, prices, etc which all need data. If no data and just have a map, you go nearest subway station might not be correct cos that particular line not directly going to another station that you wanna go, etc, no?

No need any GPS if you done enough homework.   
I go Japan 15 Years ago no such shit is call GPS.  From 1st day i step into Tokyo until all placed I visit on my Signature.  No single GPS been used.   Learn from homework + experience + alot of times of failure.  15 years ago no even got Internet.  No Google Maps also.

Only read from Book.  The Book without any Picture

Alright! Will make my book as a guide then.
My trip will be in April and I'll be backpacking.

So far, we already have the accommodations and flight tickets covered.
Won't be needing JR pass, will be buying tickets at the machine instead

We have few places in mind (but exploring osaka in 1 day, i wonder if that's doable) and kyoto the next 2 days.
We have Tokyo to ourselves (as if!) for the next 6-7 days too!! 

It's Feb and I can really feel the tension already... hahaha...

Ok, thanks again!

the price for overnight bus is almost same as renting an apartment for 1 night (per person, that is...)

if don't have JR pass then it's very affordable, but if traveling to more than 1 place (e.g. Osaka - Kyoto - Osaka - Tokyo - Osaka) just can't beat JR pass.

personally, i can't sleep on a moving vehicle, so overnight bus is not for me.

First, you haven't try willer express.  That comfort are excellent.  Price from Kyoto to Tokyo just 4000 yen

How about navigation? Do the car rental ppl provide GPS in English? Or have to use our own maps in tablet/smartphone. Thanks

thanks for the feedback
i think i'll take the Osaka-Hokkaido route on the Twillight Express
then the normal bullet train when heading to Tokyo

Current high level plans is Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara) --> Hokkaido --> Tokyo, spending around 12-13 days there

thanks for the recommendation
i'm aware of that but i would like to try the train and get the opportunity for the sight seeing

after some research on japan.. really pening  can't decide which is better..  plan to go 12 days (or lesser?) to japan but i'm not sure whether enough to cover those attractions or not

Tokyo + Osaka or Tokyo & it nearby surrounding only?

or should i focus on 1 place only and others on next trip?

i knew that the distance between Tokyo & Hokkaido is far apart but do anybody go to Tokyo + Hokkaido? money wise definitely not cheap 

You cannot get Sakura at March
April or May

2014 Sakura open at Ends of April & Early of may

read that autumn seems like not a good choice to visit Hokkaido if i plan to do some skii activities?

if go around end of Mar to beginning of Apr thought of kill 2 birds with 1 stone example like see Sakura in Tokyo and Snow (skii activities) in Sapporo/Otaru.. possible?

so mid to late Nov visit Osaka + Kyoto (eg Tofukuji) can view koyo right?

how many days you spent at okinawa? and how would you rate it compared to other sides of Japan?

Shopping at Okinawa just go International Street.
Most famous must buy stuff at Okinawa are Deep sea Salt

I just bought my tic to Tokyo on 2nd May and return on 10th May at Osaka. Anyone interested to join for back pack?