You need to plan your route to maximize your savings on the 3 days pass. Arrange your itinerary/ visits that uses mostly Metro line in that 3 days. And that, young man, is your homework for the trip you can use Google Map or Hyperdia to help plan your trip.

You can get the 3-days pass in these locations:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/

Preferably get it at the airport (since you're already there), but also depending on your landing time. The counter is not open at night.
You'll need to show your passport when you purchase the passes, as its only for tourists/ foreigners.

Just to let you know, there is no Yamanote pass. Tokyo's train/ subway transportation system is managed by many different operators but the 2 main operators are the Tokyo Metro (thus the line managed by them are known as Metro line) and Japan Railway (manages the JR line). These 2 main operators' network would have covered most of the popular tourist attractions within the city.

So for you to travel around these stations, it is more convenient (than buying tickets) to get the PASMO or SUICA card. They are like our local Touch N Go where you purchase the card (with 500yen deposit in the card) and top up/ reload as you go. PASMO is issued by Metro and SUICA is by JR. However, you can get either card for it to be used across *all* stations in Tokyo. For example, you got the PASMO. You can use it when you ride the Yamanote Line or Metro line. There are no restrictions

If you're still unclear or needed to understand more, check these sites out:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html
https://www.thejapanguy.com/what-is-a-pasmo...s-a-suica-card/

Note: at the end of your trip, if you didn't want to take the card home (remember there's a deposit of 500yen in there) - you can return the card and get your refund at the airport.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Apr 14 2017, 10:23 AM

Hahaha it is very subjective to individuals. From personal experience (and it wasn't very extensive planning, by the way), i saved at least 1,500yen by using my 3 days pass. If hadn't used the pass, my 3 days' trip may have cost me around 3,000yen or more (as i go around a lot in a day, and sometimes quite far) but thanks to the pass, i saved at least half. Friends and I were happy with that. Going back to Tokyo next year, I'll definitely get the pass again.

For PASMO/ SUICA, its more for convenience sake. Since it costs the same (getting the individual ticket or using IC card), definitely will go for the card. You'll be faster in entering as well, without the need to stop at the kiosk each time to purchase tickets. The only downside is the need to keep the card closely and not lose it.

Sounds good. And yes, some of the major attractions are along the Yamanote Line.However, it may also be possible to get there via Metro Line.

I'll just cite 1 example:

There are 2 stations in Akihabara.

Option 1: You can ride the JR's Yamanote Line and get off at Akihabara station.
Option 2: Ride the Metro line and get off at Suehirocho station to get to Akihabara.

Suehirocho station is also located within Akihabara, at the main street.

So what i'm saying is, there are different ways to get to your destination.

If you have your itinerary lined up, why not share with us here so that everyone can give some recommendation?

Actually most of us tourists - we're not very good with the IC Cards. Not just subway/ train and buses, you can actually shop with the the card, which we hardly ever do so in Tokyo

https://www.japanstation.com/japans-prepaid...cards-ic-cards/

Not everyone's a Japan mania like us all here most of my friends are $ conscious and they all went to get their refund st the airport by returning the card.

10 years expiry. If you didn't use the card after 10 years, it will expire.

Looks good. On Day 2 perhaps you'll want to swap Ginza and Odaiba, with Ginza in the afternoon and Odaiba at night. Odaiba's night view is breathtaking!

For Day 3, it seems really packed. May want to reconsider forgoing 2 of them so that its less hectic. Ah but too bad couldn't squeeze in others like Shibuya, Nakano, Tokyo Station etc. Now I'm starting to wonder how did I managed to do so much back in last year's 4 days trip

Basically I went:

Asakusa, Sensoji, Nakamise Street, Ginza, Hamarikyu, Tsukiji, Tokyo Station, Harajuku (Takeshita Dori), Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi, Tokyo Tower, One Piece Tower, Akihabara, Odaiba, Ueno Park, Nakano, Ameyokocho, Kabukicho, Shibuya - Hachiko and Shibuya Scramble.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Apr 14 2017, 02:37 PM

No problem, just a suggestion on the Ginza and Odaiba. And since you're going, if possible, place Ginza on a weekend. The Chuo Dori (in front of Uniqlo) is closed off for pedestrians on weekend from 11am onward, and its one of the main photo-taking spot.

Eh omg you're bringing your folks. Make sure not to over pack your itinerary, it'll be very tiring for them. If you're to cut down, yes I agree that the Piss Alley can be skipped. In fact, I think Omoide Yokocho also can be skipped if no time. Kabukicho's "night life" only start from 9 or 10pm. A friend went there around 7pm and there was nothing much. Drop by Nichome in Kabukicho eye opener for your parents.

I think its a good decision to bring your folks to Mt Fuji. Its one of the highlight when it comes to Japan. Besides, Hakone/ Kawaguchiko is a pretty relaxing stroll and visit, although there'll be a crowd.

If you're on for Hakone, top up a little for the Romancecar. Totally worth the time (saved) and comfort. Hakone closes fairly early, at around 4-430pm or so (remember to check timetable for the last cruise ride, as well as last bus or train back), that's why its better to get there earlier. A Romance car departing around 8am from Shinjuku is decent, you'll arrive in Hakone around 9 or 9.30am. Then the rest of your time there will not be so rushed.

Note that the Ropeway is down (renovation) so if you plan to go to the Owakudani, you'll have to take a bus there. Apparently the queue is pretty horrendous friend sent the photo to me when he was there 2 weeks ago. Good news is that, again, its a fast moving queue.

For Hakone, most of the info can be found here:
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/basics/trip/
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/destination/hakone/

Can't comment on Kawaguchiko, as I haven't been there yet hahaha.

Btw, when are you flying? Lets hope when you get there, the sakura will bloom again. Due to recent rain, a lot was washed down and the trees are pretty bare ...hahaha you'll definitely get to see some, but perhaps not everywhere full bloom.

For your Day 3, consider letting go of Yasukuni Shrine if cannot make it. Since you're going Meiji Jingu, Zojoji and Sensoji - it should be fine? Although they are not the same haha. but due to time essence, consider covering 2-3 shrine or temple. If you're going Hakone, there's also the Hakone Shrine to visit.

Just additional sharing: Meiji Jingu (and other that usually has a Tori) - its a Japanese shrine. Zojoji and Sensoji are Buddhist temples (tera) and its mainly common in Japan because there are Japanese and Buddhist devotees.

Bahahaha its okay, make do with what you can in that 4 days. Not everyone has the luxury of taking a week or two off work plus, this is always a good excuse for a 2nd trip in future to cover the other areas.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Apr 14 2017, 04:16 PM

I see, no wonder 😂 i think the more often you go, the objective of visit changes as well, including expenses.

Hahaha good to hear that your parents are tough. Onsen you can find it in both Hakone and Kawaguchiko. So meaning the bus package is inclusive of visit to both Kawaguchiko and the other lakes + Hakone?

Yep you'll need to show your passport. It would be a good idea to go out with your passport though, don't leave it at home/ the hotel.

Yeah its a little late for Sakura, its starting to change season in May.
Look on the positive side, there'll be less crowd, less cold, less chances of rain and less queue for food!

Its likely that MYR will continue to depreciate in the coming weeks/ months. I suggest you change half of what you want to bring over. Change the other half towards the end of April.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Apr 18 2017, 10:20 AM

Around RM1k or slightly above RM1k inclusive of baggage, I think its a decent price hahaha. Not cheap, but still below standard price - can consider it!

RM600 return is dirt cheap, but I think you're referring to one way? I've not seen <RM1k offered by JAL for return.

Exactly, count me in too

Ah but I tend to want to avoid summer, its way too hot. But most of the matsuri is in Summer.

AAX for RM1.5k?? Nooooooooooooooo. I bought MAS-JAL for RM1.7k full board. Although abit pricey, it was a pleasant fly with JAL.

Which flight are you checking? Please tell when you found cheap flight!
So last time you flew via Vietnam Air to Tokyo? Its a transit flight right?

I flew with them for my Nagoya trip. It was really nice (although no personal screen for in-flight ent) although had to transit.


For 2 pax!!!! Its cheap!

Ah yes, same thing. It's similar flight if we're talking about Vietnam Air. Nagoya's one is the same as well, and I must say, their leg room is a lot more spacious than even MAS.

Yes please! Do create a group chat and PM HP number to be added to the group - to whoever is keen

I'm okay with last minute - as long as its 2-3 months ahead. I'm more worried about getting my leave approved than the planning part. Especially Tokyo, I'm comfortable with it, so even if its 1 month before, I don't mind hahahahaha.


Hmmm Osaka is usually cheaper than Tokyo. Perhaps the distance is shorter?


Must bring USD or Vietnamese Dong. During our transit in Ho Chi Minh (KUL-HCM-NGY), there's about 2-3 hours and we saw a lounge to rest (chargeable). Can charge phone, get 2 free drinks, nap on the comfortable couch etc but we realized we didn't thought about bringing Dong or USD! Luckily one of our friend brought some USD as emergency cash HAHAHAHA and we forced him to use it.

3 months before is actually okay in my opinion. My airBnB host cancelled on me 2-3 weeks before I was due to arrive

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Apr 18 2017, 12:23 PM

HAHAHAHAHAHA yes, but worth the ikat perut! And can create link to click in and join?? Please create and share

😂😂😂😂😂

Yeah, I panicked. It was autumn too, one of the peak season. Quickly looked for another place to stay and luckily since its Tokyo, there are more AirBnB options. Managed to book another one the very next day (had to get my friends to agree on the new place too).

Even so, it wasn't all bad experience. I received refund from the cancellation within a day or two.

Still didn't manage to join the group?

Complain to airBnB and get them blacklisted, that's the only thing that can be done. There's always a risk

Yes, I kind of agree. Depending on the group, don't have to stick with each other all the time. I traveled with 2 very different group of friends before. In my 2nd Tokyo trip, they are very dependent on me. Even when I said its alright for us to split up, with them taking the WIFI (and I'll screenshot/ save my route beforehand) for 1/2 or 3/4 of the day, they preferred to go with me. Its the Ghibli Museum. They're not into Hayao Miyazaki or Ghibli animation, so I didn't want them to be bored or wait up. But since they insisted, I bought their tickets as well.

Although overall it was pleasant, I didn't get the satisfaction of slowly going through the place and do things at my own pace because I was concerned they will be bored. End up, I cut short my visit there.

Nagoya group - everybody had been to Japan before - and this is a more independent group, so we split up 3 ways in one of the day. Its "shopping day" (*cough* fukubukuro *cough*) and since everybody have different preference, we didn't stick together. In the evening we met up and went home together. Don't even recall having dinner together but it felt really good to be able to break away from the group once in awhile and see whatever I wanted to see, and take my time to explore the area. After that we shared stories and our loots for the day.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Apr 19 2017, 12:34 PM