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 Travel To Japan V11, Nippon here we come!

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Jet23sky
post Oct 9 2018, 02:43 PM

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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Oct 9 2018, 02:41 PM)
Alpine Route on May still snowing condition. So you need winter clothes.
But rest of the day are Spring season clothes.

Winter clothes eat alot luggage space. You still can't travel light liao  biggrin.gif
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Still snowing? really ? My wife and I have never seen and experience snowing at all in my whole life. Thanks for telling me. How's the temperature there?
Jet23sky
post Oct 10 2018, 10:39 AM

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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Oct 9 2018, 09:46 PM)
Temperature at Alpine Route during May are 3 Celsius to 10 Celsius
You still able to see Snow Wall and do snow activities at Murodo
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I think I will reserve the snow activities for Hokkaido trip on December next year. The temperature still looks fine to me. Just that need to be well prepared. Last time when I was in He Huan Shan in Tai Chung, the temperature is also around 7 degrees but its the strong wind that made me cannot tolerate the weather.

QUOTE(Chaud @ Oct 10 2018, 01:37 AM)
not snowing. You can see snow but not that kind of snow flake falling.

No need winter clothes. A spring coat alone is enough.
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Oh bummer, I thought I can see snow flakes. But better than nothing. hehe

Yeah. I guess spring coat is fine. But I believe need to wear few layers and I think we need to get beanie as well, cause I experience cold weather with strong wind. That one is really cold. It made my ears pain during that time.


Jet23sky
post Oct 26 2018, 02:25 PM

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Hi Guys, I have draft the itinerary for my upcoming trip to Toyama, Takayama, Alpine route area and a little bit of Nagoya. ( Where its my departure and arrival place ).

Day 1 Nagoya - SCMaglev & Railway Park, Nabana no Sato,
Day 2 Takayama - Takayama Jinya, Shin Hotaka Ropeway, Takayama Old Town, Hachiman Shrine
Day 3 Shirakawago / Kamikochi
Day 4 Kanazawa - Kenroku-en garden, kanazawa castle, Higashi chaya district, Omicho Seafood Market, Nagamichi Samurai
Day 5 & 6 - Kurobe Alpine Route
Day 7 - Aichi
Day 8 & 9 - Nagoya - Nagoya Castle. ( + souvenir & hobby purchase )
Day 10 - Back home ( 10am flight )

Any feedback or suggestion is welcome. Its just a draft yet, anything can be changed.
Jet23sky
post Oct 26 2018, 03:52 PM

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QUOTE(tohff7 @ Oct 26 2018, 03:03 PM)
I tried peak season dates (late March) and can get RM1.5k. Oklar a bit savings from the RM1.7k i paid for this year
1. Allocate 1-day for Shin Hotaka Ropeway to be ideal. The bus journey alone is 1.5hr 1-way. There are a lot of onsen resorts nearby where you can spend a night.

2. Kurobe Alpine Route - stay the night in Toyama, so that you can get up early to start the route. Especially if you are planning to go around the opening date in mid-April (super peak period)
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I will be going mid of May. So I think the crowd is still fine. And yes, I will be hopping different stay throughout the journey. For luggage I will just send it to the courier for delivery as how local people will do. For the Shin Hotaka Ropeway stay, where should I place this? Before Shirakawago?


Jet23sky
post Oct 29 2018, 10:04 AM

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QUOTE(sweet_pez @ Oct 29 2018, 09:25 AM)
There's plenty to do in Odaiba other than just Gundam. You can visit FujiTV station, shop around Venus Fort/ DiverCity (the mall behind Gundam statue). There's also a Food Court in DiverCity - it's one of my fav eatery.

There's another Mall known as DECKS - check out the night view there. You can just Google "Rainbow Bridge Odaiba" and you'll see what I mean. Always find it's worthy to make a trip to Odaiba. You can arrange for something in the morning/ afternoon and make your way to Odaiba around 2 or 3pm onwards. It's about 1hr or so from Ginza.
Plenty. Like the above is some example.
Are you sure you're able to do so much in Takayama? Mind you, a lot of places close early and it gets dark around 4 or 5pm in autumn & winter. I barely managed to check out Takayama Shrine for an hour or so and then it got so dark, we head straight for dinner at 6pm.

Suggest you research how long it takes for you to get to Shin Hotaka Ropeway and back, as well as how long you'll spend there. Imo, the ropeway will easily take you 1 day without time for the rest. Better check the buses' operational hours as well - you wouldn't want to get stranded missing the last bus.
I always find "no time" is an excuse for an easy way out. Suggest you do some basic research by reading Page 1 Post #1. This is certainly not the place to look for a guide; as most if not all, would have made their own planning. Like Chaud mentioned, go with local ground tour or just walk around your area, or decide on the morning itself where you want to go.
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This is just my draft itinerary, the location is still subjective to change. I knew it is not possible to visit so many places in such a short time. But at least I need to confirm the area so that I can book my hotel and stay first. Of course, I will look at the bus schedule as well.
Jet23sky
post Oct 29 2018, 10:24 AM

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QUOTE(sweet_pez @ Oct 29 2018, 10:12 AM)
Then will suggest you bold up the places where it's a must go, and the rest as back up if you have time. Most people plan for ideal situations, but that don't happen often biggrin.gif I usually plan comfortably, with 1 or 2 place a backup if there's time.
It's up to you. So far there hasn't been exactly a bad review for WIFI router - they are quite stable. Some of the members have used Travel Recommend, HIS, Samurai WIFI etc. Check them out, and see if the price is competitive, as well as convenient for your collection and drop off.
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My last trip to Osaka, Nara, Kyoto and Tokyo also did not follow my itinerary very well. We end up missing a lot of good food ( cause those famous need to queue at least an hour ), and use these times to visit more places. From there I only knew that, it's impossible to accomplish everything in one visit.

Hence this time, I consider the time travel, and even the distance travel. This trip will be even more challenging as I will need to change hotel very frequently, and ensure that there will be no issue finding the baggage courier in that area.

For attractions, I will need to check with my wife about her interest first then I will only be able to bold those places that I will visit. I also will get the 5 days Toyama Tourist Pass which will travel from Nagoya on the way to Gifu, Takayama, Toyama, Alpine Route, Matsumoto, and all the way back to Nagoya.

Not sure whether I want to go Aichi and Matsumoto or not. Not sure whether there is any place to visit.

The date of travel is May 2019, so I believe it will not be darker earlier.

Of course, if you have any useful links, such as baggage courier services ( seriously need it ), bus schedule link, please do let me know.

Day 1 Nagoya - SCMaglev & Railway Park, Nabana no Sato,
Day 2 Takayama - Takayama Jinya, Shin Hotaka Ropeway, Takayama Old Town, Hachiman Shrine
Day 3 Shirakawago / Kamikochi
Day 4 Kanazawa - Kenroku-en garden, kanazawa castle, Higashi chaya district, Omicho Seafood Market, Nagamichi Samurai
Day 5 & 6 - Kurobe Alpine Route
Day 7 - Matsumoto
Day 8 - Aichi
Day 9 - Nagoya - Nagoya Castle. ( + souvenir & hobby purchase )
Day 10 - Back home ( 10am flight )

This post has been edited by Jet23sky: Oct 29 2018, 10:25 AM
Jet23sky
post Oct 29 2018, 01:23 PM

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QUOTE(tohff7 @ Oct 29 2018, 12:12 PM)
It's quite impossible to visit all the Takayama attractions in a day based on your schedule. Imagine this

Earliest Hida Wide View express train from Nagoya is 7.45am. Reach Takayama around 10.15am. Next bus available is 10.40am and reach the base of Shin-Hotaka Ropeway at 12.25pm. Next available return bus schedule is 1.46pm (unlikely unless u rush) or 2.55pm. Arrived back in Takayama only by 3.41pm or 4.41pm.

It's best to allocate 1 day for Shin-Hotaka ropeway, and if you like, spend a night at various onsen along the route. Prices are very reasonable because there are not a lot of tourists visiting this area.

Bus schedule website for whole Takayama/Shirakawago/Shin-Hotaka/Kanazawa. Also check out the economical tickets/passes - https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/

Baggage courier services - http://www.global-yamato.com/en/hands-free...vel/facilities/

There's a Ta-Q-Bin shop just opposite of JR Takayama station. For Kanazawa, I can't remember if there's any baggage courier service at the station.
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That is really very very useful to me!! So many many thanks. The problem now is that I need to check each and every trip time cost and distance. So far I all based on google map. laugh.gif laugh.gif

I need to use the apps to plan the route very well. This will be a different type of experience compared with my previous Japan trip.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will reserve one day for Shin-Hotaka ropeway, at the same time I will need to check Kiso Valley like sweet_pez recommends. There are too many nice places to go with so little time of allocate.

This post has been edited by Jet23sky: Oct 29 2018, 01:24 PM
Jet23sky
post Oct 29 2018, 02:29 PM

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QUOTE(tohff7 @ Oct 29 2018, 01:55 PM)
Just add more days then  devil.gif

You are earning SGD after-all, while most of US have to suffer weaker Ringgit lel

EDIT
A few more links for you

Online reservation for bus route Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa - https://www.japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSea...40002?afcd=MDI=

Value pack for Shin-Hotaka ropeway visit - https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/hida/bustrip/shi...a_spa_lunch-en/

If you intend to spend a night at Shirakawago - booking thru https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/
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SGD spent in Singapore will be like Spending Ringgit in Malaysia ok. laugh.gif laugh.gif . Just good for travel, but not for daily expenses.

I still want to save some AL for Hokkaido Trip end of next year.
Jet23sky
post Nov 8 2018, 09:45 AM

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Guys, can you guys advise the following? I will purchase the season 5 days tourist pass and will start use once I travel from Takayama to Toyama on Day 5, till Day 9, but will sacrifice one day for Kamikochi as it is not within the pass.

Day1 - Reach Nagoya Airport 7am+.
Nabana no Sato, Nagoya Castle
Stay in Nagoya.
Day2 - Take early train to Takayama. 1 day trip in Takayama.
Takyama Old Town, Hachiman Shrine
Stay in Takayama for 3 days
Day3 - Take early bus to Shin-Hotaka Ropeway. 1 day trip in Ropeway.
Day4 - Take early bus to Shirakawago Area, 1 day trip in Shirakawago
Day5 - Take early train to Toyama. 1 day trip in Toyama,
Kurobe Gorge, (another place, still researching)
Stay in Toyama
Day6 - Take early bus to Kurobe Alpine Route. 1 day trip for 1st half in Alpine Route
- Stay in Murodo ( Hotel Tateyama )
Day7 - Continue 2nd half in Alpine Route.
- Stay in Matsumoto.
Day8 - Take early bus to Kamikochi.
Stay in Kamikochi ( Unable to find hotel )
Day9 - Travel back to Nagoya. Stay in Nagoya for 2 days.
Day10 - SCMaglev & Railway Park + free and easy
Day11 - Travel back in the morning

I'm having hard time getting hotel at Kamikochi. And I also unable to book the bus ticket from Matsumoto to Kamikochi. Hotel Tateyama seems like the only hotel I can book. The rest are full. And yes, it is expensive... Around SGD570... cry.gif
Jet23sky
post Nov 8 2018, 10:46 AM

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QUOTE(sweet_pez @ Nov 8 2018, 10:16 AM)
What about the gassho-zukuri (triangle roof houses) in Shirakawa Go? It needs to be booked early as well because if it's last minute it's usually full. Your itinerary seems fine to me wink.gif
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Was it near Kamikochi? It is really weird that after I go around from Takayma -> Toyama -> Alpine Route -> Matsumoto -> Kamikochi, I end up come back to Shinrakawago. laugh.gif laugh.gif

I do not think I am able to come back Matsumoto on time right? I check the bus traveling time is around 2 hour.

Jet23sky
post Nov 8 2018, 11:29 AM

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QUOTE(sweet_pez @ Nov 8 2018, 11:05 AM)
Kamikochi? Not sure but ShirakawaGo is nearby Takayama. So your order of Takayama > ShirakawaGo is fine. Noticed you're planning to stay a night in ShirakawaGo, which prompted me to ask if you've booked the accommodation there haha because it's always fully booked especially winter.

I've not taken the route you planned so it's hard to comment. But one thing for sure, allow more time buffer for travelling because you may need to find the bus stop/ station, walk etc. In fact, there may be a change in timetable sometimes and we're not aware of it. So be sure to double check the bus schedule over there.
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I plan to stay in Takeyama for 3 days and not going to stay in Shinrakawaga and Shin-hotaka area due to traveling time in between. I believe its easier for the next day trip so I can be like Takeyama -> Shin-hotaka -> Back to Takeyama stay another night -> Shinrakawago -> Back to Takeyama stay another night -> Take train to Toyama.

I gave up Kanazawa because of the traveling time to there as well. And yes, bus schedule is something I need to take note on it, and currently the only bus ticket I cannot book online is from Matsumoto to Kamikochi.

And now I am not sure whether I can find any place to stay in Kamikochi or not. I browse through booking.com and apparently the nearest hotel is infact near Shin-hotaka area. laugh.gif
Jet23sky
post Nov 8 2018, 01:49 PM

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QUOTE(xiaomoon @ Nov 8 2018, 11:55 AM)
flight by ana?
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Singapore airline, direct flight from Singapore to Nagoya
Jet23sky
post Nov 10 2018, 07:04 AM

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QUOTE(TOMEI-R @ Nov 9 2018, 05:58 PM)
Thanks. Going to add Shin-hotaka ropeway to my itinerary when I'm at Takayama. But the trip to Shin-hotaka ropeway will likely take at least a day? Considering the travel time there from Takayama would be around 1 1/2 hours and sundown would be around 5pm.
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Yes. Most likely will take a day travel back and forth to Shin-hotaka. I tried not to pack so many stuff in a day. Definitely this trip is going to be tired as a lot of walking is needed throughout the travel.

Not sure about sun-down. Maybe it is abit later if its on May? Can someone confirm on this?
Jet23sky
post Nov 12 2018, 11:24 AM

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Hi Guys, any recommendation Onsen in Takayama? My wife found the stay in Takayama, but unfortunately is hostel. But the rating is very high at around 9.3.

I believe Takayama is the only place that I can experience Onsen as we will be staying there for 3 days during trip to Shinrakawago and Shin-hotaka.
Jet23sky
post Nov 12 2018, 01:10 PM

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QUOTE(TOMEI-R @ Nov 12 2018, 11:29 AM)
Not only to Japan, but to other destinations as well. Free seats? I couldn't find any for popular destinations like Japan, Aussie.
There are many onsens in Takayama depending on budget. But most are rather older type and many of them are located on the outskirts of Takayama, so most probably you will need a car to get there. The good ones are not cheap either. Try looking for those with halfboard as their dinner are usually very good.
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Yeah, my wife also mentioned this to me yesterday night. She said those good ones are usually outskirt and required car to reach, thus she asked me to check again whether it is really necessary to get onsen stay or not. I believe she has been scared by the cost of the Hotel Tateyama in Alpine Route and she is very determined to cut cost by getting cheaper stay in other area. laugh.gif

QUOTE(RegentCid @ Nov 12 2018, 12:12 PM)
Let me go back Home and dig out my 555 booklet record. It might have something.
Those Ryokan Onsen which open for public during daylight.  500 - 1200 Yen entrance fees

*Note: those onsen are traditional one, must naked  smile.gif
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I think.... I am fine..... with naked. Just that my mindset must be set it right. laugh.gif Not sure whether there is such onsen privately outside with my and my wife together or not. But I believe it will not be cheap, because it's "private"

QUOTE(ozak @ Nov 12 2018, 01:00 PM)
It can be as cheap as free. Those public onsen. Only japanese know where it located.
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Free? really? I thought local still have to pay a little bit of money to take bath.

Jet23sky
post Nov 12 2018, 01:47 PM

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QUOTE(ozak @ Nov 12 2018, 01:19 PM)
Outskirt small onsen have a family room type onsen.

And even male/female same pool outdoor onsen with divider only. My experience.  brows.gif
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Then can hear each other just like in Animation. biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

QUOTE(TOMEI-R @ Nov 12 2018, 01:22 PM)
There are not cheap accomodation around Takayama areas, because it is already a very 'touristy' area. Its even crazier in Shirakawa Go.  sweat.gif

Private onsens? Sure there are. But the thing is price is not cheap.
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Yeah, it really cost a bomb. But my wife really can find accommodation in Takayama which cost only below RM300 per night with such high rating. Just that its just a hostel.

QUOTE(tohff7 @ Nov 12 2018, 01:38 PM)
Some onsens have private reservable bath that you can booked for a 1-hr slot for 1000yen++

My gf is not comfortable being naked in front of other ppl (except me of course  brows.gif )
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My wife also not comfortable with someone naked together as well. Haha.

Another possible is to skip Onsen, which I think this will be the second time since we skip it during Kawaguchiko trip.

Anyway, maybe I should find other activities then. laugh.gif
Jet23sky
post Nov 26 2018, 10:00 AM

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Hi guys. I can't seem to find any lodge around Kamikochi area.

Does anyone have any recommendation around Kamikochi area? If not, I guess I have no choice but to stay in Matsumoto instead.

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