Haha! That's what me and my friends said/ thought too, but after several days it was hard to get up early

Yep the 鬼怒楯岩大吊橋. Wokay enjoy your view!!!

Nikko and Kamakura is about shrines, so if there's anyone in the group who are not keen - it will appear boring. Each of the shrine has its own beauty and story.

Unfortunately I only manage to do 2 missed out Futarasan because we had to leave the inn by 10am. The last shuttle bus from the inn to the station is 10. Aih wished we had more time. If we don't take it, we'll have to walk 30 minutes or more back to the station.

Speed is up to you. There's a lot to see in Toshogu Shrine and I think we spent >1.5 hours there alone. It was nice to enjoy the carvings. But don't expect much on the 眠り猫　nemurineko (sleeping cat) hahahaha. Shall not spoil it for anyone who has yet to see it. There's also many steps uphill towards Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum. I think I did a lot of leg work in my last trip

Anyway for Rinnouji - it's like a museum/ exhibit thus if you go fast, you'll actually be out in 15-20min. We slowly check out the stuffs there and read most of the descriptions - got out around 30-40 minutes. The place is not big - just go one round and then it's the exit.

Window shopping? very familiar term uttered by a number of my friends before they flew to Japan... and return back with an extra luggage (bought in Japan).

It's hard to suggest time as everyone would have different pace. Granted there's time, I would have easily spent 2.5 hours or more at Toshogu alone. The steps are fine, it's not too steep

I don't know why i end up seeing a lot of stock images but this is it: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-nikko-jap...-171872257.html

In the case of such shopping, I'll suggest Uniqlo in Ginza. There are 12 floors, but on the 11th floor is where a number of t-shirts that are Japan-only edition is available. Definitely worth checking out.

Also this:
https://jw-webmagazine.com/5-must-buy-items...za-a42df8e283c3

Yes, 12 floors the top 2 floors is where they display the top selling collections and on the 11th floor is where all the cute, wonderful t-shirts are!

What do you have in line for both Shibuya and Shinjuku? Even if it's window shopping... best to share your point of interest as well so that we can advice better? Guess for Shibuya it's Hachiko, Shibuya 101, Harajuku, Omotesando, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi etc? If yes then that'll easily take you 1 day. Subsequently see if you can save time in Shinjuku to make time for Ueno.

Will suggest you go for Disney Sea only if you wish to accommodate more time to visit other areas/ places.

Also, just wondering - you're staying 2D 1N in Kamakura? Then you might as well do Enoshima-Kamakura.

Depends on what you want. I can slowly window shop, snack etc at Harajuku for 3-4 hours alone. They have the biggest Daiso store around so one can spend 1 hour or more in Daiso alone. Owl/ Mameshiba cafe, Harajuku crepes, zaku zaku, cafe gram etc easily take another 1-2 hours away.

Check it out yourself: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/shops

Earlier before my May trip, received RC's recommendation to visit Enoshima. It was a beautiful place. You can check out Page #1 Post #1 for photos and my itinerary/ experience at Enoshima and Kamakura. You'll have more time since you're doing 2D1N as opposed to my day trip.

Arhh all the figurines and stuffs also a lot cheaper than KL. I removed them out of the box, wrap with my clothes and then flatten the box. Otherwise it's impossible to fit into my luggage. But Gundam is fragile hard to bring them back in 1 piece. Unless it's the type that you'll assemble yourself

I beg to differ. I spent 3D 2N at Fuji 5 Lakes and yet still did not manage to finish to cover all 5 lakes. Hakone itself if you truly want to enjoy as well - also 2-3 days.

Oh dear... so geng! I love how you're both doing this for your child. That's also a good idea, but by throwing old clothes i don't think it'll make much space for the bag though, or does it? These days it's popular with the vacuum bag so you can remove all the air and use less space in the baggage. It helps a lot. My friend was amazed with how I stuff everything of 5-6 shopping bags into my baggage.

No, not really. I stayed 1 night in Lake Yamanaka and 1 night in Lake Kawaguchi. There's not much to do in Yamanakako but it was really relaxing. What we did:

Yamanakako
- Take pictures at the lake
- (didn't manage to) Swan Ferry/ boat
- Cycle around the lake
- (friend) went onsen at Beni Fuji no Yu
- Dinner

Kawaguchiko
- Ride the ropeway to Mt. Kachi Kachi
- Enjoy photo-taking (or even hiking if you want), karawake, snacking at Mt Kachi Kachi
- Chureito Pagoda
- Oshino Hakkai
- Walk around lake kawaguchiko
- Souvenir shopping, snacking at cafe etc
- Ride the cruise/ ferry that goes around the lake
- Enjoy onsen at our Hotel

You can read the details at Page #1 Post #1 which I've put up my experience at Fuji 5 Lakes. There are more places to go/ things to do such as checking out the panaroma dai, Sengen Fuji Shrine, Music Box Museum etc which we didn't have time to go.

There are many things to do if you know how to do research and look for them. It's not just about Mt. Fuji - both Fuji 5 Lakes and Hakone has plenty to offer.

As for the bus - yes it takes time to wait for the buses so you'll have to time your travel wisely. in Kawaguchiko, only Chureito Pagoda and Oshino Hakkai needs to take train/ local bus to get there. Mt Kachi Kachi, souvenir shops, cruise etc are just within walking distance.

Hakone has its own fair share of attractions to offer. Personally had a wonderful time in Fuji 5 Lakes and I'll be back for more in future.

Yes, get vacuum bags - it's so convenient! One of man's best invention when it comes to travelling haha.

You can consider running along the Imperial Palace's Garden - it's one of the most scenic route. One of my plan was to jog around the area but failed because everyone was too tired (me included) ...otherwise it's a good 5km loop where you can see Tokyo Tower as well. Here, more info: https://guidable.co/health/5-best-jogging-routes-in-tokyo/

Yes from Daiso. They're pretty good and lasting. However don't stuff too many clothing or else later the plastic bag cannot hold and will burst (open up on the on the side). Then can't use ady. Easy to use - just need to put in your clothes, seal the bag leaving some space (don't fully zip it). Fold the bag into half and then use your body weight (usually use my knees to press on the vacuum bag) and remove all the air. Guarantee compressed don't need any hand pump or tools. At first I couldn't use it well but after my colleague taught me the above technique - never had any issue since then.

Not that many, just buy 2pcs of the big sized ones where you stuff your jackets and pants; 2 medium sized for clothes. Sufficient for me. And I'll bring an extra piece to pack dirty clothes. End of the day, dirty clothes are the heaviest and takes the most space

Finally... I'm glad to hear that people do read/ check info on Page 1.

Anyway yes, the Hello1010 SIM is really not bad. I buy from them every time each time I go Japan. The connection is good, there had been no issue so far. Whether it's SIM or Router, it depends on how many people are going. If you have 3-4 people, renting a pocket wifi will be cheaper. However you won't be able to separate from the group with pocket wifi.


You don't have to worry much about Japan. It's safe to go around at night, just avoid middle of the dead night. If you go around 8-9pm it's fine imo.

On 13/9 you're going Ghibli right? You can go earlier eg arrive at noon and stroll around Inokashira Park (which is right next to Ghibli). Picnic at the park or just enjoy the scenery. I like your itinerary - it's not rushed and you'll have ample time to relax.

Kawaguchiko itinerary you can also take a look at experience on Page 1 Post 1. Probably can serve as a reference to what you can see/ do there.

Nice

P/S: The Japan thread is one of the popular thread in T&L. Will change to new version (aka. V12) when we hit 200 pages

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 31 2018, 11:13 AM

Yes I agree thus members can highlight/ PM me when they want certain information to be up on Page 1 Post 1. If it's informative I'll put it up the info/ link.

End of the day, the market has an infinite of options when it comes to SIM, WIFI and whichever new device or technology to connect to internet. It's all based on one's own needs, budget and accessibility. These factors vary from one individual to another, thus you'll know better which suits you. However before booking, just make sure to check reviews of these companies' product/ services to ensure there's no issue.

enjoy!

Japan react very fast so if the typhoon stopped, some areas may be restored by then. Check the news regularly, make sure you have travel insurance and bring more food just in case.

I used the same one if i recall correctly. Think you selected another station. If you're going to Kawaguchiko Station, it says destination "Kawaguchiko Station".
https://www.highwaybus.com/gp/inbound/inbPl...7562.1536123872

It's fine to buy from the station. My memory is really failing me but if I'm right, you can only buy ticket (from Kawaguchiko back to Tokyo) one day ahead. Meaning, if you're going back to Tokyo on Wednesday, the earliest you can queue and buy is on Tuesday.

then again i can't recall about the route but you could be right.

Eh it's fine, just get your ticket one way first. Return buy at Kawaguchiko station. I believe if it's not peak season you won't have problem getting tickets back. In worst case scenario, buy ticket back to Shibuya or nearby area then take train to Shinjuku that's the worst case scenario.

Tuesday you're going back in the evening right? Yes no problem you can buy the ticket on Tuesday morning @ station if you want. Otherwise when you're there, you can still use the online system to buy ticket back to Shinjuku.

It will be awesome. Winter has its own charm. In fact, it'll be a lot of fun to celebrate New Year in Japan. While there's no fireworks, you get to see something different in comparison to the norm (in Malaysia). And 2nd January is Lucky Bag (fukubukuro) day where you get to shop to your heart's content. If shopping is not your thing, only on 2nd January, you can join the crowd in Imperial Palace (where certain parts of the palace is forbidden to go in during other days) and take a peek at the Royal Family as they greet the crowd.

Depends on whether it's going to snow. Higher chance in February but it's not heavy snowfall; just a bit here and there making the floors wet (slippery) rather than cumulative snow. If you're there and it happens to snow, just grab a pair of boots in Tokyo.

Maaan unless you've got a lot of luggage space! Otherwise just 1 winter jacket will do they're so bulky (even after vacuumed them in the bag) and takes up a lot of space. Stylist or not... everyone (most of them!) is wrapped up like ketupat (or bakchang) due to the cold

If you wish to see snow, do check for the area with higher likelihood to experience cumulative snow, and estimated week when there's high chance of snowfall. The season can be irregular in Japan as last year there was a sudden heavy snowfall that came unprecedented by the Tokyo-ians.

I won't say it's easy. Be ready to get lost (GPS signal is weak in Tokyo so Google Map is often unstable), go the wrong way, bump into people occasionally, confused with the train platforms, exits, entrance etc. It's normal occurrences travelling to other country via public transport. So give yourself time to get familiarize with the system and all. If anything, asking someone direction is always faster than checking the map (when it's not accurate). Learn a few Japanese phrase or use Google translate to help you.

Page #1 post #1 has plenty of info including useful phrases.

But but but you're out all day... I always choose comfort > fashion as long as i turn out good in the photos, that's all that matters! It's hard to lug my luggage around since i tend to buy things as well. Prefer to have more space in my luggage to carry stuffs hahahahaha. And no, no skirts especially not mini. Imagine you fell down or there's an incoming typhoon. Habis you'll never go back to the same place anymore.

Not a good idea to wear jeans during winter. The air is damp so your jeans will get less comfy. It feels stiff. Leggings with warmers will be a better choice imo.