Getting out from Haneda airport before 12am usually no problem. The problem often is with the connecting train. Make sure which railways or subways you'll be taking, if there's no need to change lines, then should be fine. If have to change, ask quickly what's the last train time.
Last time I thought after 0000, there won't be any train at all; so when we reached Shinjuku JR station after 12am, we didn't rush to the next line ... but later we found out the last train for that particular subway line was 12.40am; could've made it. In the end, cab ... but for a short distance (2 stations away), ok lah.

Alternatives, Uber lor; at least cheaper a bit.

What pass to use for bus in Kyoto?

Check post #1, page 1. There is a guide on late arrival.

Day passes. 600¥ p day
Or 2 dat Pass

aiks. photographer advise to go around mid october (17-20th),
around that time at the worst we will stil see yellow color leaves right?

we still thinking whether to go bamboo forest. we an avoid the crowd at most places as we aldy planned to be there super early morning <7am

pay-to-enter temples gardens maybe skipped as the opening time will be late(10am?) and will be crowded.

im going shirakawago and gokayama on april
as below bus timetable, they remark gokayama 1 as boarding only and 2 for unboarding only...i dont understand if i want go back to takayama from gokayama i should refer 1 or 2 timetable?

table 2

ok, thanks!

From the timetable, feels like you can't board the bus at Gokayama since they are just dropping passengers before en-route to Shirakawago

Alternative, you can take the bus to go back Kanazawa. Then take train to Takayama.

oh i see...thanks for the remind

Hi , all sifu

I will travel to kansai soon in end or march, will spend 10 full days there (28/3 - 6/4)

I will stay in kyoto for 5days then osaka for another 5days.
From the sakura forecast, seem I may be too early for full bloom sakura in kyoto..
Any recommended early bloom sakura in kyoto?

Planned trip
-4days in kyoto
-nara (frm kyoto)
-himeji /kiv okayama+kurashiki (from osaka)
-USJ
-kobe - recommended for day trip?
-2 days osaka
-any other recommendation?

Still in dilemma if worthy to purchase kansai west wide pass.. mainly to experience shinkansen from osaka - himeji / okayama(kurashiki) - is okayama/kurashiki offer different experience compare other place in kyoto?

there's an online website (japanbusonline?) where you can book Nohi bus 1 month in advance.

see if you can book Gokayama --> Shirakawago or not

the website only got shirakawago, dont have gokayama lol

Reporting in from Myoko Kogen after 3 days of ski'ing. Was fun! Tomorrow one last 1/2 day then head back to Tokyo. Saturday overnight flight to KL, on AirAsia some more, jin sad ...

You just in the perfect timing for full bloom in Kyoto. Philosopher path is the perfect spot for sakura instagram check in area! Is worth to travel to NARA and KOBE if you have extra time to spend!

any plan to go Shin Hotaka Ropeway from Takayama. This snow mountain not bad... i not sure izit not that well known or what because i went there last december not very crowded can roll here and there on the snow. lol... but april maybe no snow d but the view of japan alps is quite stunning view also.

Thx Bro

I am checking a few small group tours to Japan. Usually Malaysian companies bring in dozens of tourist at one go. I found one with the right timing and itinerary and size.
Has anyone tried Jomventures exploration?

Apple?

My main reason for going on package tours is that someone takes care of my luggage. Even if I need to load or unload it myself.

When you go on a DIY trip to Japan or other countries where you need to take a train or other public transport from one town to another, what do you do with your luggage while sightseeing? I did not see any luggage when I went on the Osaka-Kyoto fast train.

Choose a city and stay there for 3-5-7 days. E.g. Osaka. Then travel around day trip within Osaka. Or go nearby cities like Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Nara, etc.
Of course it means you still need to drag the luggage from Tokyo / KIX / etc. But that is one time over several days.
There are people who take luggage from KIX-Osaka-Kyoto. Or along the Osaka-Tokyo.

e.g. When move luggage from Kyoto back to Osaka, plan your trip to check out, take train, check in and visit places that doesn't need full day after check in.