yes...fly in tokyo, fly out osaka... So buy one ticket shinkasen from tokyo to kyoto is better than buy JR pass..

but i thought in tokyo area we can use jr pass...it cannot cover?

I see...may i know which day pass for tokyo area , kyoto area and osaka area should be better?

Hello Guys

Im contemplating between going DIY or go with travel operators for my first visit to Japan with my partner.

Lets take for example visiting tokyo for 7D5N will costs about 8k going with tour (Apple Vacation).

How much would DIY roughly costs considering the same level of accomodation and meals? MAS having promo of RM1499 return to Narita.

To find out whether its worth it to DIY considering the amount of reading and research to be done and of coz the language barrier.

Thank you.

Hi guys, I'm planning a 19-day trip this Nov/Dec with my wife. Going to fly into KIX and back from Haneda.

Our confirmed route so far is Osaka->Kyoto->Kawaguchiko->Hakone->Tokyo. I've been to Osaka/Kyoto 3 times. My wife has only been to Osaka once.

We are currently considering places to slot in like Kinosaki, Amanohashidate, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawago, Nikko, and Kamakura. After considering transportation time, cost, attractions, and geography, we thought of doing it like this:

Osaka (3 days)->Kyoto (5 days) ->Kanazawa->Shirakawago->Takayama (3 days total)->Kawaguchiko->Hakone (3 days total) ->Tokyo->Nikko (day trip)->Tokyo

But we realised the journey between Takayama and Kawaguchiko is time-consuming, and costly. So we're still trying to figure out the best route.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bro, need some advise. Will be traveling to Tokyo in December and maybe make a 2 night stop at hakone. What's the best way to get to hakone? I read online but still a bit confuse.
Traveling with a 4.5 year old kid. Thanks.

What Pass? Return tickets about JPY3,600 max, and that's about MYR134 +/- for 4 hours bus rides to and fro, I think it's more worthwhile than trains. Because taking trains can be a little confusing, especially on the transit. If bus, can sleep all the way... 

By the way, I used to use http://japan-wireless.com/ for Wi-Fi rental in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto for several times previously. Any better options out there? I'm seeing http://visondata.com.my/ and http://www.rentafonejapan.com/Mobile-Internet.html as well...

But this is the max I have for this trip haha.

And also I believe I don't wanna buy a lot of nonsense that is not practical here.

Heard some electronics are not usable back here due to power output differences.

Also, salary won't be out by time I am there but no choice to activate salary Debit and Credit cards to spend if I really need to.

Much, much thanks to everyone who offered advice the last time.
I have modified my itinerary to the following:

Day 1-2 - Osaka (Removed USJ)
Day 3 - Arashiyama/North west Kyoto.
Day 4 - Amanohashidate (Ine if have time). Stay near Takeda castle.
Day 5 - Takeda castle. Go to Kyoto.
Day 6 - Eastern Kyoto (Higashiyama, Fushimi, Gion)
Day 7 - Central Kyoto
Day 8 - Kurama/Kibune/Free & Easy in Kyoto
Day 9 - Kanazawa morning. Shirakawago for the night.
Day 10 - Takayama full day. Spend the night in Nagoya.
Day 11 - Kawaguchiko
Day 12 - Hakone
Day 13 - Gotemba. Head to Tokyo.
Day 14-19 - Tokyo

Questions:
1. Doable? Or way too rush? Trying to find balance between seeing as much things as possible and having a relaxed trip (it's a pre-wedding honeymoon)
2. Advisable to drive between Kanazawa->Shirakawago->Takayama->Nagoya? Or should I just take public transport? Cost-wise and time-wise. There'll be 2 of us. (By the way it's going to be start of December)
3. Any better way to do Takeda castle and Amanohashidate? Better to drive? Can't help but feel there's better ways to use the 2 days.

Well. I'm thinking to travel by bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, and stay 3 nights there. Planning to go for Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, Ubuyagasaki, Music Box Museum, and Mt Kachi Kachi. And probably onsen. Been to Japan twice, but never go for onsen before, can you believe that?!

Quickly gone through TravelRecommends, thanks. But they didn't specify which telco in Japan they will be offering, and they didn't mention if it's going to be limitless or with quota and the connectivity speed? Fair enough, I think 3G in Japan is faster than our 4G, literally speaking la, but curious to know on the speed. Hehe. Device pick-up and return only in KLIA. That's a turn off.

Emm.. maybe tonight will make flight reservation. below is my research for apartment rental (hotel out of question, too expensive from what i search). They rent the whole apartment. no need share with others. Of coz other guest house is cheaper but we need peace of mind.

Flight is about RM1700 per person - Depart= 26nov; Return=2-Dec

Kyoto - 3 night (4 adult, 2 children)
MYR 255 × 3 nights MYR 765
Additional Guest Fee MYR 763
Cleaning Fee MYR 212
Service Fee MYR 209
Total (includes all fees) MYR 1,949

Osaka - 2 night (4 adult, 2 children)
MYR 280 × 2 nights MYR 560
Additional Guest Fee MYR 848
Cleaning Fee MYR 234
Service Fee MYR 198
Total (includes all fees) MYR 1,840

Others fare

Train Kansai Airport to Kyoto (return)= RM132.15 x 2 = RM264

Kyoto Bus and Subway Passes

All-day Pass Adult ¥1,200 / Child ¥600
Two-day Pass Adult ¥2,000 (RM76)/ Child ¥1,000 (RM38)

Osaka Bus and Subway Train Passes

1-day Pass: 2,300yen (adults only) (86.84)
2-day Pass: 3,000yen (adults only) (RM113.27)

Mobile Wifi = RM25 perday x 6= RM150

there might be additional fare here and there (example move from kyoto to Osaka is about RM50-60 per person if i'm not wrong?) but i'm not add it in.

Is my plan here good? or can get better or anything that i miss for self tour

There are some ppl told me that it is better to stay at one place e.g kyoto for all 5 nights as the travel to Osaka is only 1hr. But if I calculated the travel cost back n forth for 2 days, I guess there is nothing to much different if the cost for stay is divided by 4 ppl. So each save about rm200-300 but have to minus back the cost for travel from kyoto to Osaka for 2 days.

Is this correct?

Hi, previously i saw someone in the forum posted about the Kansai One Pass which will start using from 8th April. Have anyone tried it? I checked the website about the pass and i'm confused on some things.

When i see the word "pass" I assumed that we can use this card throughout Kansai or something like it, but i can't find it in the terms and conditions from the site that says it can be used as so. Furthermore, it says to charge the card with credit and it didn't say if the Initial payment of 3k yen for the card includes any credit within. It feels like a normal ICOCA card to me.... but with discount benefits at certain outlets. Can anyone clarify?

Wow,that's very detailed,thanks a lot!
Hope I don't get lost in the Kyoto/Shin-Osaka station,they looked huge from the station map from JR-West website

Our plan. I have question for a trip to Kawaguchiko. Should I leave my backpack at any station and just bring my day-pack? Since it's only for 1 night stay.

Day 8_Tokyo
-Mount Fuji
-Edo-Tokyo Museum
-Tokyo Tower
-Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Will this itinerary abit too rush? And any other recommendation for this?? I've planned to fly direct into KIX then fly back to KUL from HND. Will try to travel domestically using the train.

Hi all,

The place I plan to stay in Kyoto is kinda far from the train stations, but affordable. It seems that I can take a bus to the train stations.

Is there any way I can get information on which bus to take, their times, etc..? Also, how reliable are buses in Kyoto? Is there anything like 5-day bus pass or something?

Thanks!

Great..now ALL ghibli museum ticket are sold out via lawson e-ticket. 
Planning to visit on 4th or 5th August.

Anyone have other alternative to buy Ghibli Museum tickets?
Or help me to buy plissss 

found out that the USJ advance tickets can only be purchased through agencies
https://www.usj.co.jp/e/ticket/
I have asked Apple Holiday regarding this in FB, but all they did were giving some non-related promos instead

if wanted to buy walk-in, will the queue be very long?

Helo sifus.... im going to Tokyo on oct. Is there a simpler method to buy studio ghibli tickets for 2 adults? JTB singapore requires 1 nite stay to buy...

hi all sifu, would like some help from all to suggest which sim card to get in japan.
I just need data there only will be travelling from osaka to tokyo for 15 days.
Appreciate your help

1. what time does hotel breakfast serve in japan usually? as early as 6?
2. for hotel onsen, what are the do and don't, things to expect. usually gender oriented right? how to enjoy onsen, some guidance, advice for 1st timer onsen user in japan pls.