hmmm, which also mean that i'll need to add another rental day to it so that i can pick up my device a day earlier.. 

thanks for the reply.

hi guys want to ask if any of you recently travel to osaka? I want to purchase the icoca card through klook but it is only able for collection for Osaka International Airport...it is not KIX airport right? I mean Osaka airport and KIX are 2 different airport?

if it is 2 different airport, may I know if the counter to purchase for ICOCA card still available in KIX as previously read said counter had closed? need some clarification...thanks advance

are the tourist tax included in the airbnb accommodations when we book? or we have to pay it separately when we arrive at the accommodation?

I thought tourist tax or departure tax is included in the flight ticket already.

I haven't travel before to Japan but my friend offered me his pasmo card so if you say can use widely then i think it will not be a problem for me to travel in osaka...thanks so much

Yen rates very high recently. 38.56 today. It was low at 37.2 a month ago. 

I'd say it's the weakening of Malaysian currency recently. Not just Japanese yen, it's also high for the other rates. If your trip isn't due yet, wait it out optionally buy a bit and keep to average out (any) potential losses.

Sad to say few other countries' rate is higher than usual a including Baht, Dong (as complained by a colleague) etc. Our currency isn't strong at the moment as well.

True on the yen, so better change within the next 1-2 months when rate is decent. Same like Fyonne, I've experienced 39+ and 40 before too

as I checked and some other readers here stated that all IC card can be use across the whole Japan? I know Osaka use ICOCA, so if anyone can clarify again to me. of course I don't mind to purchase a card at airport upon arrival. I'm planning to take the normal nankai rapid train to depart from airport.

Really? So PASMO can be utilized in Kansai region as well? Previously you'll need to use the local region's assigned card this is good, then it's convenient and all you need is just 1 card.

Seaking some opinion. My coming tokyo trip on dec 31 - jan 7. Planning to do a 2d 1n side trip to mt fuji since my sis said want to see fujisan. Maybe going there by bus. 1st i plan go lake kawaguchiko since this area can give good view of fujisan. Then now my sis tiba tiba said hakone also nice. Told me Can go there as well or not... Haiz...

Now i pening d. It is possible to travel 2 area on a 2d 1n side trip? If it very rush & waste time then if to choose 1 of these 2 area for 1st timer mt fuji viewer, which 1 is better?

Hi, I have decided to go to Osaka, and will cover Kyoto, Nara, and probably Kobe as well

1) For train pass, where is the best place to purchase them after I arrive there? Plan go get the 4-days pass... Currently I have PASMO card (given by my bro who went there in January) and it works like touch n go card right?

2) Any telco provider recommended for a week usage there? Just need to have internet data to browse Google maps, FB etc.. and where can i purchase them

Thanks

Hi thanks,
My flight arriving at 08.45am in KIX, so should be able to purchase right?

I am torn between:

1) JR West Kansai Area Pass (4 days ¥6500)
- from what I understand, I can use this pass from airport to board 'Haruka' train to Namba, which i think is very convenient. I read that JR also has quite a wide network station so it will be much easier for first timer like me, and it covers some Rapid line too (not sure what tis is)

2) Kansai Thru Pass (3 days ¥5200)
- this pass looks like it covers most of the rail line in Osaka, except for JR line. However it only cover for 3 days and I do not want to fork extra for another day pass. Will this pass can be use to & from KIX too? Or i will need to board other train to Namba?

seeking some opinion as first time travel to Japan.
I`m reached Haneda Airport at 10.30 PM and if i want to take train to Hotel APA Hotel Shinjuku-Gyoemmae , which train pass i should buy ?

Thanks

oh u mean i can buy when i reach airport ?
i`m arrived att haneda airport around 10.30 PM.

Thanks

Going to go to Hokkaido in January. First time going to such a cold place. What are your experiences going there during winter? Anything to be careful?

unless u plan for whole day in arashiyama, just go upward. finish visiting Arashiyama area 1st in the morning then hitch the train from arashiyama.
either way require u to walk to train station (the scenic train station <> normal station). it quite a long walk btw.

we din pre-purchase due to sold out (scalper i think) n other site selling overprice, we bought it on Kyoto station early. still managed to get good open-air car seat tho.

u dont need to pre-purchase, u can buy it few day early or when u arrived at kyoto station. if there is no good time slot, just give it up.

be it upward or downward, whichever is fine. i choose upward since my plan to visit arashiyama early.

i did same trip like urs. Arashiyama > sagano scenic train then return n head to Kinkakuji by bus.

i believe other than the train and boat ride.. the Arashiyama town itself is beautiful enough for you to explore..