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Travel Travel To Japan V9.5, Konnichiwaaa

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sweet_pez
post Apr 20 2017, 09:21 AM

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QUOTE(deodorant @ Apr 19 2017, 11:21 PM)
Summer is also peach season. Those peach buy in Japan and put in fridge super juicy and sweet. After walking full day in the humidity and heat, reach back hotel eat cold peach hngggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

But yeah, comfort wise it's the worst season to go cos of the heat sad.gif
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Ermaigard it sounded so awesome ohmy.gif I loveeeeeee fruits and the fresh fruits there are delicious. Sweet, juicy and big! Peach aye... Let me think about it unsure.gif I should at least try to experience all 4 season, I guess? #forpeaches

QUOTE(Chaud @ Apr 20 2017, 04:08 AM)
JAL won't let you pay that price for one way. I checked before, the price is about double or triple for one way

and because airport tax increase, JAL tix also increase from 1.4k to 1.6k  cry.gif
I also want to join biggrin.gif
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Just click on the URL below! laugh.gif

QUOTE(Belphegor @ Apr 18 2017, 02:20 PM)
Created the whatsapp group. Self invite and share the lowest price you can find! biggrin.gif rclxm9.gif

https://chat.whatsapp.com/BmxPsFAOY969cjB8gYSh5w
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sweet_pez
post Apr 21 2017, 10:01 AM

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QUOTE(Taka11 @ Apr 21 2017, 05:33 AM)
Hi Guys,

Have anyone experience driving car in Tokyo and Kyoto city?

Well my plan is to rent a car for entire trip, going to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and back to Tokyo.

I know a lot of feed back saying that driving in city center is crazy and expensive, so my plan is to commute around with train for those busy city.
So quite sayang to pay the car rental for the car to sit in hotel  bangwall.gif

I am also thinking about commuting with train only, however with traveling with young members and older one makes it difficult.

So i am still judging whether to go with car or not? As i did some rough calculation after some research, renting a car + toll + petrol + parking would be the same as taking the 2 weeks JR pass for 5 persons.   sweat.gif

Any advice from you all sifus would be greatly appreciated  thumbup.gif
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I suggest it's best you check with JPJ or driving license issuer. You'll need to apply a permit to drive in Japan, just the driving license and passport is insufficient for car rental.

https://www.japan-experience.com/car-rental...driving-licence

Although this is for Hokkaido, it might be useful info.
https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/ShowTopic-g2...o_Hokkaido.html

My recommendation is still to take the train. For driving, note that there's a speed limit that you must comply. It is around 60 or 80kmph even on highway, and that will take time for you to get to your destination. Driving is more tiring as well (for the driver haha!) while if you're in the train, you can relax and nap/ sleep through the journey. You can stand up and stretch, and use the loo in the train. I don't know, for me its definitely more convenient using the train.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Apr 21 2017, 11:25 AM
sweet_pez
post May 4 2017, 09:39 AM

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QUOTE(aberrant80 @ May 3 2017, 07:53 PM)
Anyone tried 1-day tours to Mt. Fuji and Hakone? Example: http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/F880_/

Seems like the price not too bad worh, when compared to bullet train (unless you buy the JR pass la). But it's 2 hours by bus vs about.. what half hour by bullet train?
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Its expensive. Whatever stated in the itinerary, you can DIY the trip and only pay less than 50% of the price to agency. How about it? Half of the amount saved, you can use it elsewhere for shopping etc.

How can it be done? Research. But here's some pointers:
1. Buy your Hakone pass in advance (few days or at least 1-2 days before your Hakone trip). Look for Odakyu counter in Shinjuku station.
- the pass includes your train rides from Shinjuku all the way to Hakone and back.

2. Here's most (if not all) the info you need http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
Pamphlet: http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepas...al-pamphlet.pdf

You can even download the map here: http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepas...jihakone-en.pdf

3. Consider topping up a little for Romancecar pass. Instead of riding the train (which will take you 3 hours to get there), go for Romancecar which is also train, but express and you'll get to Hakone in an hour or slightly more.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/

Totally saved you 8,000yen per pax wink.gif

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: May 4 2017, 12:44 PM
sweet_pez
post May 5 2017, 09:57 AM

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QUOTE(kewong94 @ May 5 2017, 05:08 AM)
Hey guys, I have a few questions regarding money and transactions in Japan. So first of all, I am just curious about where I should exchange my currency at. Before I go straight to the point, let me explain a bit of my upcoming journey. So the thing is that, I will be flying from the U.S. to Japan and many people said that Japan do not have many currency exchange service, and I was advised to change at my local bank. If I were to withdraw in Japan itself, I will incur a 3% charge on what I withdraw. So should I withdraw in the U.S. itself or in Japan, seeing most of the airport currency exchange is terrible..?

Another question is that, is credit card widely acceptable within Japan? The places I have set in mind would be Tokyo and Osaka. My credit card company allows me to use it in Japan without incurring any extra charges, which is great! But I am just curious if it is widely covered across Japan?
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Q1:
Yes, its not easy to look for currency exchange places in Japan and a lot of it has been converted to machinese. It can also be done in ATM in post office, 7-11 etc.

If its Tokyo, I doubt you'll have problem. Why not withdraw your money in US and change it in Japan?

You may want to check this out for Tokyo.
http://www.therealtravelers.com/japan/toky...ngers-in-tokyo/

Q2:
Credit card - depends. If you're dining in Hotels or upscale restaurants then yes, you can swipe your card. You can also use CC in drugstores (pharmacies), shopping malls etc. Since there's no extra charges incurred, use it for your shopping biggrin.gif however cash is also very important because you'll need it for topping up your IC card (SUICA/ PASMO), paying in medium to smaller scale restaurants, buying food/ items in stalls/ convenient stores and many more.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: May 5 2017, 10:28 AM
sweet_pez
post May 8 2017, 11:59 AM

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QUOTE(deodorant @ May 8 2017, 10:57 AM)
how many million yen are you planning to exchange? 2week trip let's say 300,000¥, that's only 30pcs of 10,000¥ notes leh, don't understand what's so troublesome to travel with that.
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laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif agree.
Except if the USD's purpose is as emergency cash.
sweet_pez
post May 8 2017, 06:36 PM

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QUOTE(yahiko @ May 8 2017, 04:47 PM)
question on the pasmo/suica

It can be use both metro train and JR train right? i dont have to buy 2 card if i using both services right. just to confirm.
Within tokyo i think i will be using metro line more often but sometime need to use JR line too.

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I believe this had been highlighted multiple times before - you can opt to get either the PASMO/ SUICA card. PASMO issued by Metropolitan and SUICA by JR. Both passes can be used interchangeable in all stations within Tokyo. In fact, the cards can also be used to make purchase in convenient stores like Family Mart, 7-11 etc.

QUOTE(yahiko @ May 8 2017, 04:47 PM)
second question: can I get hardcopy of tokyo metro line with color maps in japan for free? or i need to color print myself?  laugh.gif

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Yes and no. I took one, but it was from Tokyo Skytree reception. You may also find it in the Customer Service counter in the airport. However, depends on whether they have it or not.

You may not need the map if you use Google Map or Hyperdia to help you get around.

QUOTE(yahiko @ May 8 2017, 04:47 PM)
last question for today:-

shall i get the hakone pass? it written 2day/3days pass.. what does it mean? i only plan for 1 day trip.. worth to get the pass if i follow the chart?
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/freepass/
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Fares for 2 days and 3 days is as per what you saw.

If only 1 day, consider this but it does not include the transport from Shinjuku to Hakone: http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/freepass/kaizoku-ropeway/

sweet_pez
post May 9 2017, 11:38 AM

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QUOTE(nuel92 @ May 9 2017, 10:37 AM)
Hi guys
Is it okay to use Airbnb in TOkyo and osaka?
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No problem, in fact its a common place to stay other than hotel.

QUOTE(nuel92 @ May 9 2017, 10:48 AM)
What did they change?
Thanks god.

I'm planning to use Airbnb since it is cheaper than hotel and the space is larger for a cheaper price but i heard something about the owner suddenly canceled their reservation one day before they arrived in japan  sad.gif
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There's always a risk when it comes to AirBnB but to minimize it, read/ check the reviews before booking. There more reviews and the higher the rating, the better the place is. Go for more trust-able hosts. My host cancelled my booking about 2-3 weeks before I was due to arrive. Its due to government regulations and apparently they could no longer rent out the apartment for stay as AirBnB (my guess is due to complaints from other tenants). She did offer another place in exchange by maintaining the rates, but it was in Shinjuku. Not keen, I cancelled the booking and booked another one.
sweet_pez
post May 11 2017, 01:59 PM

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QUOTE(cinlky @ May 11 2017, 12:03 PM)
Hi. Need to ask some advice about traveling period. I'm still reading the whole tread now only at page 53 + the Japan guide.net
Its my FIRST time planning to Japan or oversea anyway for 4 person for 10 day
Which is the better travelling period/time
Option 1: 2018 April 30 -- 2018 MAY 10
Option 2: 2018 April 18 -- 2018 April 28

Reason: AIr ticket is getting expensive as we tried to keep on monitoring..

Activities: Not fully confirm ..but 3 things is a MUST : SAKURA + SHIRAKAWAGO village + MT FUJI (Still trying to plan a route..will ask advice later since currently its not a fully made plan yet)
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The travelling dates - Option 2 is within Sakura period. You'll see the flowers.
But Option 1 is at the end of spring and its changing season from spring to summer. Flowers wither and you're not catching them on full bloom.

I hope you know that Shirawaka-go and Mt Fuji are quite some distance away. You'll be spending quite a fair bit of $$$ travelling from one Prefecture to another. However if that's not the problem, then there's no problem at all laugh.gif You can check via Google Map for an estimated cost: depart from Tokyo to Gifu. By shinkansen, it will take approximately 2.5 hours but cost you around RM400-500 one way per pax.

Depends on what you want to see in Shirakawa Go. If its April/ May its likely spring/ summer so its the green fields (if any). If you wanna see snow, that's definitely Jan/ Feb period. For Shirakawa-Go, most people go there from Nagoya because its nearer.


sweet_pez
post May 16 2017, 09:25 AM

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QUOTE(jootat @ May 15 2017, 04:24 PM)
Thank you bro ...

Actually I just would like to know if anyone have used this portal to book the car before (https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/) Coz I want to get some feedback whether they are reliable or not. Their price is cheaper than those car rental like Nippon Rental and Toyota Rental.
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Not for me, and generally if you see no replies or lack of response to the specific question - likelihood is that no one has ever tried it/ used the service from the exact provider. In any case, check for reviews online and see if anyone encountered problems/ issues.
sweet_pez
post May 16 2017, 03:40 PM

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QUOTE(jootat @ May 16 2017, 02:06 PM)
Thanks ... ya, understood. i check in tripadvisor, i think they are genuine and also checked with my local host in JP, she also said said never heard of it but general they are trusted in japan. will do further survey and probably will pay more for those reputable one.
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Maybe wanna check this out:
https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/ShowTopic-g2...tive-Japan.html

sweet_pez
post May 17 2017, 09:56 AM

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QUOTE(faithfull @ May 16 2017, 09:56 PM)
Nikko is amazing! I was there one day and came back to Tokyo to sleep. Here is a good guide on how to get there: https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/nikko-itinerary
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Thanks for the link, much useful! Planning to visit there next year biggrin.gif
sweet_pez
post May 19 2017, 11:57 AM

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QUOTE(kewong94 @ May 18 2017, 11:25 PM)
Hey guys, I need some advice on the validity of my Malaysian passport. Currently, I will be heading to Japan from the U.S., and my Malaysian passport will expire on the 20th of August. Will there be any problems entering Japan? From what I have searched on Google, this is their statement on the validity:

You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passports must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry

But the only thing that I am worried about is that, other countries have a passport validity requirement of at least 6 months before it expires. Does Japan have this rule?
Any opinions/ advice would help a lot, thanks!
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You will encounter problems at the immigration. Pay a visit to the Malaysian embassy and see if you can help to renew your passport without having to fly back. Chances will be slim, but better give it a shot than not. Otherwise you'll have to come home first to renew your passport.
sweet_pez
post May 24 2017, 09:31 AM

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QUOTE(skystrike @ May 23 2017, 03:10 PM)
any idea on tokyo, osaka & kyoto weather & temperature in november??

googled it & it was around 17-8 c...should be autumn right?
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Yep its around there. Towards the end of Nov it gets colder because start to change season to winter.

sweet_pez
post May 25 2017, 11:26 AM

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QUOTE(skystrike @ May 24 2017, 05:38 PM)
i see....should i wear normal sweater+inner thermal wear or wear winter jacket+inner thermal wear?
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This is very subjective, different people have different preference/ tolerance to cold. But i can tell you what I wore back in last Nov when I was in Tokyo.

A thick hoodie + thick outer jacket for outdoor sight seeing/ activities.

But when I know I do more indoor stuffs, I had heat tech + hoodie, sometimes just hoodie.

When you eat in a restaurant or go into narrow/ enclosed shop, it will often feel warm when you have your heat tech + hoodie on.

QUOTE(lucaswjk @ May 24 2017, 06:22 PM)
this --> Autumn Wear
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HAHAHAHAHA!!!
sweet_pez
post May 26 2017, 12:42 PM

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QUOTE(jootat @ May 26 2017, 10:41 AM)

notworthy.gif  notworthy.gif Thanks bro. Totally understand about the parking fees and also challenges in finding car park. Actually I am also in dilemma until now. But the reason for us to go towards renting a car is because we have 6 adults (among 4 are senior citizen) and 2 toddlers (1.5 y/o and 3.5y/o).  And also my mother in law is not very fit walking too much.

To be honest, i am still in dilemma until today whether to take public transport or renting a car sad.gif
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If you have someone elderly with you, who also has difficulty in walking, then yes I do agree on getting a car for her convenience. Just budget in advance for parking fees, toll, petrol, car rental etc. It would be too tiring for the elderly to take public transport.
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post May 29 2017, 05:46 PM

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QUOTE(giggs_509 @ May 29 2017, 03:07 PM)
Hi. Is the transit time sufficient? Or is it rushing? Need to plan since taking my 2-year old son for his first trip. Appreciate your kind insights.
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How long is your transit? If its only 1 hour, I'll suggest not to go anywhere. Just get off, pass through immigration, walk nearby/ stretch a little and perhaps a short toilet break then queue up again for immigration to get back in. The troublesome thing is to get off, pass through immigration then pass through immigration and get on again.

If your transit is 2 hours long, consider resting at nearby lounge. Friends and I did that for our transit to Nagoya. Paid a small fee to access a lounge that has WIFI, plug point to charge phone, drinks, pillow and comfortable coach to nap.

And oh, bring some Vietnamese Duong or USD just in case you decided to spend at the airport, or if there's an urgent need to buy something for your child.

Good to hear its a stopover at HCM. I have no problem with the airport, everything was fine. The only unpleasant experience was at Hanoi airport on our transit back.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: May 29 2017, 05:46 PM
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post May 31 2017, 12:35 PM

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QUOTE(uk9089 @ May 29 2017, 10:42 PM)
What type of unpleasant experience? Can share a bit?
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It wasn't anything major but I've not visited Vietnam, so I have no idea. We had to take off all accessories (as usual) including watch etc and shoes. Yes, off with your shoes. After everything passed through scanner, you can put them on again.

While I understand why they had to do this, it still came as a surprise to have to take off shoes.

And the officers shouting for people to move along lines (like herding cows) and teasing/ flirting with some of the Japanese girls who were also transiting - all these were not pretty sights in my opinion. But its just my experience and opinion.
sweet_pez
post May 31 2017, 06:08 PM

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QUOTE(il0ve51 @ May 31 2017, 02:46 PM)
anyone they travel to tokyo during Christmas and new year? any recommendation?

any recommend budget ski place for noob?
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Not Tokyo, but I was in Japan.

New Year's Eve - department store and the street is very crowded due to last minute shopping. A lot of things get snapped quickly with hardly any leftovers around 6+pm. It is not common for their celebration to have fireworks. Check out a nearby shrine/ temple that you can visit for your countdown.

New Year - a lot of shops are closed, including eateries.

2nd Day of New Year - get your money ready to splurge biggrin.gif time to grab some 福袋 (fukubukuro) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukubukuro
http://blog.fromjapan.co.jp/en/fashion/7-t...ing-season.html
Love it. Its a must-not miss deal. Popular/ good deals are easily snapped away. You will see long queue before store opening in front of some shops.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: May 31 2017, 06:11 PM
sweet_pez
post May 31 2017, 06:15 PM

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QUOTE(jootat @ May 31 2017, 03:10 PM)
I see... Situation is slightly different from us then. I have discussed with my wife. If we are not able to fit all the luggage, then she will take the train to free up some space.

Will share our experience after our journey.
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Don't worry about your luggage. Bring 2 bags, the big one you can chuck it in the coin locker (usually max 3 days) or any baggage service centre and pay a small fee for it. Then you don't have to lug it around with you to Kawaguchiko.

Otherwise, say you're in Tokyo -> Kawaguchiko -> some other region : from Tokyo before you depart to Kawaguchiko, drop your luggage at baggage delivery. Get them to deliver your big luggage to the place you'll be going after Kawaguchiko. Pay a small fee, but free from all hassle. Totally worth it.
sweet_pez
post Jun 6 2017, 10:24 AM

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QUOTE(ScivanShimitar @ Jun 5 2017, 11:13 PM)
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

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I think you've answered your question laugh.gif knowing its the peak, yes, you should book your flight (when its cheap) and subsequently your accommodation. Or course from now till April '18 there are appx 7 months+ so you have plenty of time to plan. Most importantly map out a rough itinerary, so that you know which date you're aiming to go Tokyo and which date for Kyoto back to KL.


QUOTE(nekkidgramma @ Jun 6 2017, 08:14 AM)
Planning a trip to Japan in late August. Bought the ticket on impulse, should've bought the ones in October oh well, no harm done. If I'm lucky I could see fireworks.

How hot will it'll be compared to the local weather?
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Have not been there for Summer and I'm not keen sweat.gif book your accommodation earlier because it tends to be full, and some places may encounter problem with water due to the heat.

Try the cherries, ume and peaches! They are in season during Summer!

http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/japanese-fruit

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