Its a very very long way. My friend was the one who kept track of the transportation but mostly we used Hyperdia

Nagoya to Takayama via HYPERDIA

We stayed a night in Takayama but I wished we had more time. It would be best to stay 2 nights there.
By the time we arrived in Takayama, it was already around 3pm. Checked-in, washed up etc we only made it to visit the Jinja nearby and then it was dinner.

Next morning, due to snow and (I'm venting!) friends' laziness, we didn't take the bike up to Ainokura Village. Since we had to check-out by 11am, only managed to visit the morning market and dropped by the famous Nakabashi for photo. Had to leave by 11am, then make our way to Shirakawa-Go.

Takayama to Shirakawa

We took the bus, and changed bus twice. Arrived approximately 3-4pm. Stayed the night at the minshuku and next day early morning went out to walk around, take photos etc and had to leave by 10am. To be honest, it was all so short you're not allowed to stay more than one night at the same accommodation in Shirakawa-Go so if you want to stay longer, you have to move to another minshuku. I stayed in Ainokura and its pretty near to the top/ peak.

About this... you have to get to the 'viewing point'. It's the Shiroyama Observatory Deck. The plan was to go there in the afternoon after we checked out from our accommodation, but didn't manage to go because it was really rushed for us. We had to catch the bus to the station. If you manage to go, do let me know how it went!

Go online and book lo hahahahaha.
Take some effort to Google and you'll definitely find the link to the minshuku.

With RM4.5k budget... the shinkansen from Tokyo -> Osaka will cost you few hundred ringgit, you know that right? And its approximately 3-4 hours train ride from Tokyo.

From Hyperdia you can see the schedule, options of transportation mode and the costs.

Hyperdia: Tokyo - Osaka

Since you have friends in Tokyo and Osaka, why not ask for their opinion on the places to visit? And how much time needed to visit Tokyo alone.

My first trip i did Tokyo 4D 3N which was totally insufficient. So I returned about 6-7 months later and went 10 days long, which again, still hardly sufficient. I'm going back again in 2018 and this time will do 7-10 days but mostly out-of-Tokyo-town trips. My point is, Tokyo is HUGE. Give me a month and I'll only be able to cover the main attractions. There's so much to offer that a one-week trip is merely touching base at few iconic places.

Personally, my suggestion is to go Osaka another day and fly directly from KL. It will definitely be cheaper than KL-Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo-KL.

I went late Nov last year. Yes, some days it rain. But, AUTUMN is so beautiful that its worth braving the rain. In all honestly, I personally prefer autumn over sakura

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Mar 20 2017, 03:55 PM

Nice. Some suggestions for Tokyo:
Ginza
Asakusa -> Sensoji -> Nakamise
Harajuku -> Takeshita Dori
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Tower
Imperial Palace
Tsukiji


Outside of Tokyo (about an hour, or 1hr+ away)
Odaiba
Kamakura
Takao san (hiking)
Hakone
Studio Ghibli -> if you're a fan
Kawagoe (depends... very touristy btw)

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Mar 21 2017, 09:32 AM

1. Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower
Yes, optional. Actually my suggestion wasn't for you to go up the observation deck. You can still drop by and take photos because the Tokyo Tower is one of Japan's icon besides, it is near to Sengakuji Temple (Ronin 47).

As for Tokyo Skytree, its the modern sign of Japan. You can imagine Tokyo Tower as KL Tower and Tokyo Skytree as the Petronas Twin Tower.
There's a mall - Solamachi Mall attached to Tokyo Skytree. There's souvenirs, dining (even fine dining), Pokemon Centre, Ghibli shop etc in the mall. Its pretty big and nice to walk around.

2. Tsukiji
Up to you, just that it's a pleasant experience checking out the market, stalls, restaurants etc.

3. Odaiba
There's a LOT more to Odaiba than just the Gundam statue (P/S: sorry, a little upset that people only relate Odaiba to Gundam hahahaha. I love Odaiba). In fact, the most you can spend at the statue is about 15-30min to take photos, admire/ watch performance (if you manage to catch it).

Check it here: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/tourists/areas/areamap/odaiba.html

There's a mall with a nice food court there in a mall known as DiverCity. Attached to it is the "Decks" where you can walk around and look at the beautiful (best at night) view of the seaside, twinkling lights of cities and rainbow bridge. I had one of the best time in Odaiba, and I look forward to go there each time. There's also Fuji TV station. It's free entry so go up to (i can't recall which floor) one of the top floor. The whole floor is filled with FujiTV exhibits, things they use to run programs, promo/ games for some of the popular programs, celebrities' videos/ posters etc AND, if you're lucky, there's a LIVE recording at the studio - you can view it from the top.

4. Hakone
Its a really nice place, and I encourage people to go despite it being a little touristy. Even the locals pay the place a visit. Just buy the ticket from Shinjuku station. The ticket inclusive of transport, cable car rides, cruise etc in Hakone. It includes the ride from Shinjuku to Hakone itself, and back.

5. What do you mean "Tokyo wide pass"? Is the the Metro line 3-days pass that cost 1,500yen? If its that one, definitely worth it BUT, you need to plan your schedule ahead to maximize the worthiness, because you cannot ride the JR line with the pass.

Agree with Belphegor - Harajuku and Shibuya can cover in 1 day. Unless you really want walk through all of Shibuya hahahaha. I didn't go in the Malls, so it was sufficient time to cover most of the places I wanted to go. If you go in Shibuya 109 (where all the latest fashion starts) or Marui malls etc to shop, 1 day would not be enough. Half a day in Harajuku is reasonable, although I always wanted more time there.

If you're in/ around Ueno area, I recommend dropping by Nakano (which is nearby). If you're into animation, Nakano Broadway is a must-visit. Btw, where's Akihabara? Don't plan to go? There's also Tokyo Station - I would recommend people to drop by. Get to the basement, lots to shop. Most of us grab some of the kitkats from one of their shop and bring home as souvenir. You'll find flavours that are not available in Malaysia. It's in the Basement/ Underground floor, can't recall.

Kawaguchiko is a place where you can see Mt Fuji better than Hakone (if its a clear day). So if you're planning to stay there, I suggest splurging a little on a nice ryokan, with onsen/ bath. Especially one where you can see Mt Fuji while you're in the open air onsen!

Didn't go to the Oedo Monogatari Onsen but it looked like a pleasant experience. Hope you'll share your experience here post trip!

There's one place where you might consider going: Ginza. Go to Chuo Dori (landmark: Uniqlo) on a weekend, around 11am. The road is closed for pedestrians to stroll. Its one of my favourite spot, and a must-go each time I'm in Tokyo. Perhaps some don't see why its special, guess its subject to personal liking.

Yes, the Metro subway tickets are only worthy when you have actually panned out all the places to visit, and lump all the Metro line places together in 3 days to max the usage. But it saved me almost 3x the transport money when I used it in Tokyo. There were also times when we exited or entered the wrong side of the station. Some stations charge you when you re-enter another platform - this happened once. Luckily we were using the 3-days ticket and saved on that too. highly recommended if one makes an effort to plan the details of the trip. Otherwise, like a friend who did last minute homework and is flying tomorrow, I told him to just get the PASMO/ SUICA card

good to know I'm not the only one!

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Mar 23 2017, 12:21 PM

You're right my eyes played tricks on me, I didn't see "Akiba"　ごめん、ごめん。

I second lyc1982. There's so much in Tokyo that 6 days are barely enough.

Too much to share. Its best you form your itinerary and get everyone else here to give you additional recommendations.

Aiyaaaa so nice. My last trip din manage to go Kawaguchiko, but next year I'm definitely going! A friend who went said you can rent a bike and cycle around the place in the morninggggg. I'm planning to stay a night in a ryokan and look at Mt Fuji in the onsen

Believe it or not, 3x in Japan and none in the onsen!!! Somehow, I don't know whether my friends are shy, or simply no time. So Oedo Monogatari was nice? I saw a lot of photos and did a double take but somehow, decided to skip it when friends said they're not keen.

HAHAHAHAHAHA seriously, on the Uniqlo Ginza - you didn't miss anything big. Each floor is pretty small. I went twice, and I've only walked out with 3 pairs of socks

You're not the only weirdo

But I feed off the feels from friends who visit Tokyo. I'll ask them to share photos etc another friend flying this afternoon to Tokyo, for the first time! I think I feel more excited than he is!

And not to forget Nakano. Nakano Broadway!

Ahhh shoot, hope there's enough time to drop by Oedo. I've mapped out a rough idea where I wanna visit in 2018.

Kamakura - day trip
Nikko - 2 days 1 night
Kawaguchiko - 2 days 1 night
Hakone - day trip or maybe overnight trip. This has yet to be decided.
(gotta go again because i'm going with a different group of friends, they haven't been to Hakone)
Odaiba - day trip. Other day(s) - Tokyo city.

Previously in Hakone, i only managed to go Owakudani, ride the ropeway and went on the "cruise" to get to Hakone Shrine. Did anyone visit places other than the ones I've been in Hakone? I'm quite keen on Sengokuhara and perhaps the Little Prince's museum. Any feedback on these? I know there's also the Open Air museum, but I couldn't make it in my last trip.

Talking bout Tokyo, the saddest thing is... I would love to visit One Piece Tower again. The last time I went was so rushed, only managed about 2 hours there. I could totally spend a whole day there where are the One Piece fan(s)...!!!

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Mar 24 2017, 04:26 PM

Uhurhurhur we wanna do both. I loved the cruise ride, and I totally wanna go to the Hakone shrine. I was so very captured by the Hakone shrine. Did you go there??? Omg it was so beautiful and the "feel" was totally Hayao Miyazaki-type of mysteriousness. Almost squealed in excitement when I saw the tori, walking in to the shrine. Almost didn't wanna leave. I think my gal pal joining me in 2018 will understand why I'm so excited hahahaha we're the same kind!



Nice right?!

I'm alright with commercialized places, coz for me - there's a reason or attraction to it. Meaning, its 'commercialized' for a reason I'll judge and then decide what I think about it. At least I've been there, and I can say for sure "Hey it's no good, too commercialized." if i haven't been there, I couldn't say it.

Another example is Ichiran ramen. A friend of mine flying there (like, literally, in the plane right now haha!) and I suggested to him to try out Ichiran. He said, "Oh but my friend said the standard had dropped a lot these days." My reply was simply, "But you've not tried right? I should think you're unable to tell whether the standard dropped or not because there was no 'previous Ichiran' to compare to hahaha." --> since its his first trip afterall.

Personally, i love feedbacks and tips. I'll consider them greatly and then make a decision. Once I do, I usually won't change my mind unless there's something major to place in consideration.

One other place that I really really really want to go: Ise Jingu in Iseshima. Its not a popular area, but the Ise Jingu is considered one of the purest ancient shinto shrine around. I think I'll faint from excitement when I get to visit it!!

Aiksss! Didn't know that it was ever closed. Its alright, now you have an excuse to go back again

Harloooo OP fan

Nooooooooooooo its totally different in Tokyo Tower. The ticket is not cheap, but it was really good. You get to see a lot of exhibits and play numerous games like Brook's Haunted House, Nami's Casino etc. There's also a Live show <33333333333 it was so awesome.

But if its really not possible, consider visiting Mugiwara Store in Shibuya: http://www.mugiwara-store.com/store



And I got to sit next to Law!!!!!! <3333333333333

USJ is in Osaka, go for it but I second deodorant

Yes, it think overall it looked fine. Have fun in Takayama, its a really nice place and good choice on the Shinhotaka rope, didn't manage to go but I was really looking forward to it. Hope you can share your experience here post-trip!

And I recommend this place for meal : Trip Advisor - Tenaga Ashinaga Hommachi
I had a good dinner there!

One more - since you're in Nagoya, I also recommend the Nabano no Sato (winter illuminations) which is in Kuwana. It takes about an hour by train and bus, but totally worth it. Glad that I insisted to go, because end up, friends and I had a lot of fun there - to the point we neglected dinner till the very last 30min to closing HAHAHA. As you pay for the entrance fee, you'll get 1,000yen back in voucher for dining or purchase of souvenirs. It can be used for any shops within the area.



If you have kids joining the trip, they'll definitely love it!
http://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp:8010/page.jsp?id=13894

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Mar 27 2017, 10:14 AM

This is what the site (that I gave earlier) stated:
The Winter illuminations are held from 2016.October15 to end of 2017.May 7.

Perhaps check again when its nearer to your trip hmmm.

Illuminations are more common during winter period hahahaha. But sometimes they do illuminations for garden/ park as well such as: http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/bunkyo/eve...darezakura.html
https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/naka-megur...umination/20292

But other than this, I'm not very familiar. I think we were lucky for the Kuwana one because our time in Nagoya was pretty tight, and it coincides with the period the illumination was there.

And oh, if you're in Nagoya, do a day trip to Kiso Valley. We enjoyed the walk (through the woods) from Magome to Tsumago (or the other way round? LOLL forgot ady) the far right image on my siggy is from one of the town.

Its in Tokyo Tower

Info on One Piece Tower: https://onepiecetower.tokyo/?lang=en
Ticket price: https://onepiecetower.tokyo/ticket/en?lang=en

Definitely worth it and my friend bought our tickets in advanced, just in case its sold out. Perhaps do the same, unless you're not sure of your itinerary yet or if there may be changes.

Not sure leh, i think advanced maybe slightly cheaper??

Can't compare! Disneyland Japan is in Tokyo and USJ is in Osaka, and you're not heading to Tokyo

Woah sorry to hear about the bad experience. I think I've come across their ad before.
A friend recommended the app KLOOK and there's lots of Wifi rental options there (by different providers so cost varies). Probably you can try this next time.

Its really useful especially for train. Optionally, stay/ rent an AirBnB that also provides you with the portable WiFi. Did that in Tokyo and saved on this

Eh how much is it? I never take notice of these simcards. Generally from what I know, their SIM card for internet/ 3G is quite pricey, that's why most of the time a lot of ppl end up renting the portable WIFI.

I think too used to using pocket wifi - and usually shared with friends (so its not that pricey). That's why hardly consider the SIM card hahahaha

Twice a year! But June is beginning of summer, it'll be starting to get hot. I think May would be one of the ideal time - off peak and still cooling. I can't stand the crowd, so I'll skip sakura.

No wonder. Then you're pro ady!!! Will hit you up if I have any questions.
1 year there, what are some of the places you've visited? I mean out of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

And then New Year there?? Gosh its so nice. I missed the fukubukuro!