Business class ...worthy in terms of value for people who can afford to fly business #judgingyou hahahaha

Click bait!!! Likely other destinations have a better discount rate aih, hence the term *up to 40%

Definitely choose either Tokyo or Osaka. 7 days is a short trip and you should check up abit on Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo transport before deciding. By taking Shinkansen (bullet train) it will easily cost you around RM600-800 for a return trip, similarly to taking domestic flight (unless there's promotion).

Nikko-Kinugawa is awesome, highly recommended. Would be happy to recommend you Hippari Dako restaurant for dinner in Nikko. The yakitori (chicken skewers) is so so so good that I ordered another 2-3 sticks on top of my set dinner (that comes with the skewers), the best I've ever had! In Kinugawa, you have to check out the suspension bridge you can check out my itinerary and review on Page 1 Post #1 on Nikko-Kinugawa and some other places in Tokyo that I went in May. Can't really recall, but if I'm not mistaken, bought the Nikko All Area pass: http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pass/all.html Bought the pass in advance (2 days ahead) at Asakusa station (Tobu).

Rather than spending 3D 2N in both Hakone and Fuji 5 Lakes, I'll actually recommend to do 3D 2N in either 1. Both places have so much to offer and it was barely enough to spend 3D 2N in Fuji 5 Lakes (my trip - previously). We spent 1 night in Lake Yamanaka and another night in Lake Kawaguchi. So much to see and so much to do (because the days ends at 5pm) but so little time.

Hakone - you can consider staying in Gora.

That's great to hear about Hippari Dako, have fun!

Depends on what you're aiming to do in Hakone. I regretted doing only a day trip (2 years ago) and having arrived there almost noon. The schedule was for us to leave earlier but everyone was exhausted from the late night walking the day before, thus needed to rest abit more.

The usual "route" for Hakone if one does a day trip will be Owakudani-Cruise (enjoy lake ashi)-Hakone Shrine then back to Tokyo (at least that's what I did haha). I managed to do all 3 but at a very tight schedule (not to forget lunch). The last cruise was at 3.30pm? It was early. And because we liked taking photos, we did stopped pretty long at one spot.

It was a waste to miss the other interesting places in Hakone such as visiting the Hakone town (nearby the Shrine), taking the Hakone Tozan Railway, visiting the Open Air Museum, Little Prince Museum (I'm a fan of the story), onsen, Sengokuhara etc. All these are possible if we had done 2D1N. Given another choice in my Map trip, I looked through both and decided best to visit Fuji 5 Lakes which none of us had been before (that also, we only managed to cover 2 instead of all 5 haha).

Autumn leaves are beautiful for both Fuji 5 Lakes and Hakone, but mostly (and very mainstream) people choose Hakone which is more touristy. I think the most famous "scenery" is the autumn leaves backdrop with the Hakone Shrine's tori in front of it, surrounded by the sea. I enjoyed both places and will definitely return to Hakone again to visit all the places I missed

How long will you be staying around Fuji 5 Lakes area?

You can get Fuji Kyuko (bus) pass at Odawara station if I'm not mistaken. Look up on it.

Seems like you've got a very packed schedule. If you're in Nagoya, why not consider visiting Nagoya-Takayama-ShirakawaGo and visit around Gifu prefecture? Fly to Tokyo another day to visit the other places.

Tokyo has to much to offer. But it's also very crowded, busy, noisy, distracting. It depends on what you prefer. I love Tokyo for it's busy-ness and the kind people that I meet amongst all these mess and noise. It was very conflicting. I was compelled to leave Tokyo and spend time in the quieter area but when I'm in those places, I couldn't wait to get back to all the crowd and busy city life. Tokyo has some sort of magnet that draws people in.

So at the end of it, depends on whether you enjoy city or the quiet nature

I see. Takayama is indeed nice and wished I've got more time to visit. Takayama 2 days will be good. Shirakawa-Go you can only book/ stay 1 night at the gassho-zukuri (if you're planning to do so). If you're not staying inside the village (shirakawago) then you can only enter the village from 10am to 4pm. After 4pm up to 10am it's reserved for visitors staying inside only. Cars are charged a small fee for entering the village.

Nothing is impossible if you've planned it all accordingly. The good thing about Japan is their time's accurate (well, almost all being accurate/ timely) so you can do advanced planning. Oh the black eggs from Owakudani ah nothing different - it tasted like normal hard boiled eggs. There's a "legend" that they spread - eating each egg will prolong your life by 7 years lolll

You can hit Kawaguchiko straight from Hakone. It'll take 4 hours of bus ride if I'm not mistaken. Have not tried the transfer but really, it sounded very hectic. If you and your family is okay with it and understands the packed schedule - then it's all fine. I always believe different people have different travel style and will have their own bucket list to uncheck. You need to get to Hakone as early as you can, so that you can at least leave by noon to Kawaguchiko. Don't forget time is needed to get to the station. Since none of your is familiar with the area, allocate 20-30min in advance to look for station/ bus/ train etc.

NY's eve? Most attractions are closed on NY eve. Usually they're not open from 31st - 1st or till 2nd Jan. 2nd Jan is good day for shopping so some attractions are not open but you'll at least get to shop a lot of fukubukuro (lucky bag). Went to the Tokuname Pottery place on 30th Dec and majority of the shops are not open =___= so yes, plan your 1st Jan. Temples - yes they will be open other places I'm not so sure.

On NY eve though - you will notice a lot of places are closed including eateries. We went to the Supermarket (Takashimaya) and bought some bentos at their food section, including a pack of soba noodles to cook. It was hard to buy anything due to long queues, a lot of food finishing (or finished, even though it was only 430 or 5pm). A lot of people are doing last minute shopping for dinner as most restaurants have already closed. Go early if you plan to do this too, and in Nagoya I highly recommend Sweet of Oregon cheesecake (you can find their kiosk inside Takashimaya supermarket) it was really really good. Loved the cheesecake so much! It's not in Tokyo (or at least I couldn't find it!).

Fuji-Q? Ah then that's a full day there! You have the option to buy a full day pass for unlimited rides or, an entry pass and pay per ride. Their haunted house is really popular so if you're a horror enthusiast, consider it

No problem, hope it's somewhat helpful to you. Hmmm I actually did not buy the Fuji Pass. From Shinjuku we took the Fujikyu highway bus (costs RM60 or so 1 way I think) to Kawaguchiko station. From there, we walk or pay for the local bus and train which didn't cost a lot (just tap your SUICA/ PASMO). In fact, I walked around Lake Kawaguchiko and due to the weather, it was actually fun walking. A lot of Hotels offer shuttle bus service from the station, so it's complimentary. The inn I stayed at - offered free bikes for use and I cycled around. It was both convenient and enjoyable.

When we went for the Mt Kachi Kachi ropeway, we just pay for the ticket. It's the same for all places that require a ticket. There's another pass you can consider - the Fujikyuko Pass which will includes Mt Kachi Kachi ropeway ride (for free), buses, swan boat ride etc. We were supposed to get the pass and unfortunately we forgot due to a lot of rushing here and there. It was a waste but I think buying separately vs pass, it's not that big difference in terms of cost savings (also depending on where you go).

Pass: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/mtpass/
Imo it's better than the Fuji-Hakone pass as it includes a number of complimentary rides with the pass. If you check the prices of these rides individually, they easily cost 500-1,000+ yen each. So when combined, it's worthwhile. But only if you manage to go/ use it for 3-4 rides - which you'll easily be able to do.

If you're planning to get the Fuji-Hakone Pass - make sure you maximize its usage!!! Not cheap in my opinion (although same price as Fujikyu 3 days pass) and more worthwhile if you travel extensively in 3 days (eg from Hakone to Kawaguchiko and also visit many other places) as it mainly covers transport. When you enter museums with the pass, you'll get a small discount but still need to pay for the ticket.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Jul 20 2018, 12:08 PM

Fukubukuro is this: https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/blog/fukubuku...ucky-bag-122716
All shops will have their version of lucky bags to lure shoppers. It's usually busy in the morning. I've seen long queues waiting for electronic stores to open.

If you're planning to go Hakone instead - you'll have to research what other passes there are. I'm only aware of the Fuji Kyuko pass as I went to Fuji 5 Lakes.

Since you're also going Hakone - consider the Fuji 5 Days pass by Odawara.

Air fare below RM1,500 is cheap/ reasonable.
Air fare at RM1,500-RM1,800 is average price.
>RM1,800 is expensive

It's summer! And do more indoor activities instead as the summer this year is especially bad. Many people got heatstroke and ended up in the Hospital.

There's Hakone and Fuji 5 Lakes. Which are you visiting?

Have never stayed in Fujiten.
And on your question - I suggest you read from Page 100 onwards as I've talked about it.

Secondly, both places are good and it depends on your preference. Research is the thing you need to do before deciding.

Definitely own trip > agency. It costs less plus you have more freedom to plan and enjoy whatever food you want.

Instead of just looking at Agoda, also check other booking site to compare price before confirming. And lastly, please read Page #1, Post #1. It is almost the complete beginner's guide to Japan. There's nothing much for anyone here to comment because you're asking own trip or agency and 99% members here do their own planning and itinerary, preparations etc for the trip. You have your answer.

And make sure to read the first paragraph/ intro of Page #1 Post #1. Happy planning.

It depends on your itinerary. You'll need to map out the places you want to visit first, then from there you'll be able to know which place you'll stay longer.

Check Page 1 post #1. There are recommendations in the post.

You don't have to go far if you prefer to stay around Kyoto & Osaka. Everyone have different preference in travelling. At least your itinerary is not rushed.

Optionally, you can consider doing day trips to these places: Kobe, Himeji, Mt. Koya. If you enjoy nature and want to experience something different - Mt. Koya will be able to offer you that such as this : https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4905.html

You're flying off 10.50pm Malaysia time.
You'll arrive in Narita at 7.05am Japan time.

What did the flight itinerary say? KLIA or KLIA2?
Everything is there. Take a good look at it.

You can find a whole lot of information regarding Passes, SIM/ router etc on Page #1 Post #1. It's so comprehensive that if you read them all, you're basically a pro afterwards.

Air Steward will pass them around. If you don't get it, can request. Otherwise when you arrive in Narita, you can also get a copy at the desk before queuing for immigration.

Yes Metro pass is only for tourist. They will request for your passport when you purchase at the counter. It's really cheap when you plan well, maybe that's why it's only to attract tourist and they would not allow locals to use it.

Usually people miss it when it's overnight flight. Happened to me once I was very tired because it's transit flight + overnight. Probably was asleep when they distribute the card and i forgot about it. Upon arrival in Narita i was like, "Shoot!" but luckily the queue wasn't very long in Immigration. Had to quickly fill it in.



Update on Page 1 Post #1: Arrival/ Embarkation Card

Kyaaaaaa they have JUMP 24 hour ticket/ pass with manga characters! Japan is awesome as usual <3 too bad I'm not there!
https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/images_h/met...20180705_70.pdf

Ah back to topic (haha) this is the Subway pass for Metro Line that tourists utilize:
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html

The link you shared is for local Japanese. The price is different; tourists' 1 day Metro pass is 800yen ^__^

One of the term says: "We shall confirm with passports that the visitors are foreign tourists."

Then local pass is really cheap! Because the Metro Subway pass is only for Metro line. It's more worth it for 3-Days pass because each day is only 500yen. I was a lot more carefree using this pass. Didn't have to worry whether I enter the wrong side/ way

390yen
http://www.shsf.jp/nakajima/price/

http://dohokkaido.com/gyms-sapporo/

Japan still selling phones? It's rare because as I know, all phones are tied to contracts/ packages. The phone is basically free. Japanese don't buy the phone as it is.

This is awesome!!! So much convenience and seems like they're finally following China's footsteps.

Nikko has a lot to offer. Doing a 1-day trip is a bit rushed... will suggest you do 2D1N with Kinugawa if possible. You can refer to my experience and info (with photos) @ Kinugawa-Nikko on Page 1 Post 1. Imo Kinugawa is very lovely and I had a really good time there; more so compared to Nikko actually. However Nikko is an important part of the visit with Toshogu Shrine.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 16 2018, 09:36 AM

Awesome! So seems like there's a change of plan share your experience when you're back!

Jelly that you're driving around so you're able to cover more places and don't have to worry about missing the bus! During autumn it gets dark at 5 or 5+ so you'll have to make sure you're at the last attraction by 4 or 4.30pm; otherwise won't be able to enjoy it.

I'll recommend the Suspension Bridge in Kinugawa if you're around the area