Travel To Japan V13, Everything you need for a Japan trip!
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 Oct 7 2022, 02:07 PM
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#21
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur  
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QUOTE(marfccy @ Oct 6 2022, 12:37 PM) i my flight transit at Changi before heading to Narita, quite a long transit You will need to clear immigration first to visit Jewel and vice versa when checking back in. So I think you need at least 3 hours transit time to do that. On the other hand, if you just want to catch a glimpse, you can hope on to the skytrain for a quick view.ill get to explore Jewel Changi right hehe  |
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Oct 10 2022, 10:12 PM
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#22
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(adele123 @ Oct 9 2022, 09:16 AM) sharing a video i found semi useful. hope this helps. some tips on travelling on shinkansen with big luggage. some of the comments here very helpful for my jp planning, which i only have less than 2 months to plan for my 2 weeks itinerary. just bought my tix to go end of next month. hope i dont regret this cold timing to go. QUOTE(chrischiang @ Oct 10 2022, 05:53 PM) first timer to japan, impulsive bought air ticket without doing my study after they announced open for traveller.. I think you should just stick to plan A. There are a lot of areas to cover on the areas you mentioned.23/3 - 6/4 (14 days) to Pg-Osaka.. wish to seek for advice for direction for my itinerary plan. a) osaka/kyoto/uji/kobe/usj are the places i plan to visit. Will these places enough to fill up 14 days or it will be too leisure? b) osaka/kyoto/uji/kobe/usj + Tokyo.. how many days should i allocate for tokyo if I go with plan B. I will change my returning flight from tokyo if go with plan B. thanks sifu This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Oct 10 2022, 10:12 PM |
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Nov 10 2022, 12:12 PM
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#23
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Nov 9 2022, 10:53 PM) Feb Condition I beg to differ. Early February is when the whole of Hokkaido comes alive with it's snow festivals. A lot of shows, ice exhibitions and events are held during this period. It is also the best period for skiing as the slopes is at its peak and best conditions. Hotel prices are also at its peak because this the period which draws most vistiors to Hokkaido. Went there during February once and had a great time there .No issue on public transportation because I drove. Drove from Chitose to Hakodate to Niseko and back to Sapporo. FYI there is no need for chains as current new generation of winters tires are good enough for these kind of conditions. 100% chances cancel part will be: Asahikawa to Wakannai Asahikawa to Abashiri Sapporo to Obihiro + Kushiro Kushiro to Abashiri via Senmo Main Line 60% chances getting cancel or reschedule. Sapporo to Asahikawa Otaru to Oshamambe via Hakodate Main Line 40% chances getting cancel or reschedule. From Sapporo to Noboribetsu / Hakodate Expecting Journey had to add 10-30 minute more on schedule time due to reduce traveling speed Sapporo to Otaru part will be good but expecting late & delay on schedule time. Hokkaido Feb Condition something like this: Only Orang Gila choose go Hokkaido on Feb Driving will be something like this The only issue would the below freezing temperatures. Once it was -15 Degrees at a night out in Lake Shikotsu. So proper heat tech inner wear is key. This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Nov 10 2022, 12:16 PM |
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Nov 12 2022, 05:36 PM
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#24
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(tientien @ Nov 12 2022, 04:20 PM) This! I think February is the best month for us, tourist from tropical country to experience the winter! I was there in Feb 2020 too... just before the pandemic became full blown. Was glad I made the trip even though the pandemic was looming. No regrets as there were less Chinese and Japanese tourists around that time. Btw those who never did the snow festivals would never understand. I was there in 2020 and had the chance to visit sapporo snow festival, otaru snow path, shikotsu ice festival, lake akan ice festival and abashiri drift ice festival. I only use public transport for all the attractions, no need to self drive.  Hotel prices were crazily high though. This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Nov 12 2022, 05:37 PM |
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Nov 15 2022, 01:32 PM
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#25
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(MR_alien @ Nov 15 2022, 07:54 AM) crowd is back i supposed Yup. Suprisingly many are still flocking to Japan even with the expensive airfare right now. My SG friends are the most kiasu because they were the earliest to go to Japan after it reopens. |
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Sep 11 2023, 03:00 PM
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#26
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(tZZ @ Sep 11 2023, 10:02 AM) The prices have indeed risen astronomically Yes. Especially for Hokkaido Resorts and Hotels. I also cannot understand why. Seems like they are making a killing for all the losses during pandemic. Even international flights into New Chitose airport are very limited. So have to transit in Tokyo or Osaka. Btw, some? club meds have min age for kids. So check with them before deciding. But then again, I really feel hotel prices in Japan has gone up a lot compared to before the pandemic. This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Sep 11 2023, 03:02 PM |
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Sep 19 2023, 03:52 PM
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#27
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(drewn123 @ Sep 13 2023, 04:51 PM) Thanks for the concerns. Driven before on snow for both left & right hand drive. But how heavy is the snow in Mid Dec? Cuz i'm not expecting it to be as heavy as forecasted in jan-feb period. Driven a few times in Hokkaido during early February and December. Snow is definitely less heavy during December compared to peak of late Jan to Feb. All rentals in Hokkaido are 4WDs and come equipped with winter tires during your travel period which are adequate for snowy roads in Hokkaido. They dont allow chains on the road in Hokkaido, only on off road which is very rare if you ask me. The highway authorities regularly clear up their roads/ expressway to ensure safety of travellers.I planned to take up all the excess exclusion & NOC insurance in case shit do happen. The reason we decided to drive as we are chugging luggages as well as I do love driving. Any tips or personal experiences so i wont mess up more than i should? Other than some probability of delay (due to clearing of snow which causes lane/road closures) just drive carefully and slowly and you would be good. Oh and you would want to take the expressway if possible during winter because it is easier, faster and safer. Oh and remember your IDP, if not you dont get to rent a car in Japan. This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Sep 19 2023, 03:57 PM |
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Sep 22 2023, 08:49 PM
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#28
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(drewn123 @ Sep 22 2023, 06:42 PM) I tried to book 4WD in Toyota Rent A Car website but it shows unavailable for all cars. Are you saying automatically they give u 4wd cars. May I know which rental company u used before? I have rented from Tabirai, Times, Toyota Car Rental, Nissan Rent a car. Toyota online site is sometimes cranky. Will show you all cars are not available. My favourite is Times. They usually have the best rates and have the cars I want. All car rentals have the option to select 4WD. if you rent SUVs, usually they are 4WDs. I usually rent MPV 7 seaters like the Sienta because I use the last row for carrying my luggage (remember more luggage space needed during winter) and the Sienta is also 4wd. Yeah, I will try to keep most of my driving on expressway cuz the road will be better serviced compared to trunk road Try times car rental. This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Sep 22 2023, 08:49 PM |
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Oct 18 2023, 01:00 PM
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#29
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Oct 17 2023, 01:56 PM) Isolate but very beautiful. Beautiful comes with high price tag too. Bro... You mean stay at Sendai? I thought usually tourist will stay at Yamagata city as is very near to Ginzan onsen (iinm about 30km). To overnight at Ginzan Onsen, any recommended onsen or hotels because the ones available are crazily expensive.  Normally I go Yamagata side, I won't stay at Yamagata city. Leaving Sendai 5am morning with Senzan Line to Yamadera Station. Hike Yamadera Temple then having lunch at Yamagata city and back to Sendai with Senzan Line. OR Leaving Sendai 5am morning with Senzan Line to Yamadera Station. Hike Yamadera Temple then having lunch at Yamagata city and head to Oshida Station. From Ohisda Station take Bus to Ginzan Onsen (overnight) and back to Tokyo from Oshida Station by Shinkansen |
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Nov 21 2023, 06:02 PM
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#30
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(kucingfight @ Nov 18 2023, 12:46 AM) anyone has experience taking philippines airlines to jpn? especially the transit experience in manila? tq QUOTE(sadukarzz @ Nov 21 2023, 12:46 PM) Personally, I've flown a few times with PAL. Their ticket prices are cheap if not the cheapest available if you dont mind the transit time in Manila. However, I never dared to try because of the bad reviews all over the internet over cancelled flights, delayed flights etc. But since our friend up here has no such experience then I think it would be a hit and miss I guess.Their in-plane experience from KUL > MNL is older fleet but still alright for me, more or less same like MAS. But for longer trips such as (MNL > KIX; MNL > SYD; MNL > HND), I would say PAL is way better than MAS (took MAS business class, didn't even felt as wow compared to PAL economy for the price points). The only thing is transit experience, if you can, go for either transit 1 full day (arrive morning, fly next morning); or as short as possible (< 3 hours). Anything in between 3 - 16 hours would not be recommended as the airport is rather small and nothing much for you to do. Youtube reviews generally do not paint a full picture of the price point you pay (for full service airlines). Of course, AirAsia might be slightly cheaper if buy early (about 1.3k return trip, but you still need to add luggage); but PAL includes luggage 30kg + meals + in flight entertainment (I bought mine for 1.5k return). |
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Jan 31 2024, 06:13 PM
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#31
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Jan 31 2024, 11:04 AM) » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « Yes. This is the one. Bottom Station. Zao Sanroku Station to Juhyo Kogen Station 樹氷高原駅 [Middle Station] - 2000 Yen per Pax If you willing to spend another 3800 Yen per Pax then can continue from Middle Station to Top Station which is Jizo Sancho Station 地蔵山頂駅 2023-12-23 〜 2024-02-25 got light festival on middle of moutain which is Juhyo Kogen Station. Entrance time was 17:00・18:00・19:00・20:00 Ticket will be included Ropeway,....one pax 6000 Yen Do you think it will be worth it to go all the way to Jizo Sancho Station? Since it already costs so much to go up, there is another option which is to take the Snowcat from Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park which costs 5500 yen.  This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Jan 31 2024, 06:18 PM |
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Jan 31 2024, 09:36 PM
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#32
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Jan 31 2024, 08:15 PM) Snow monster start appear at Middle Station. Illumination Light Festival also on middle station. If we take the full priced tickets to the top, can we stop at the middle station? Dont think wil go for illumination because will prefer to see the snow monsters during daytime. Top Station for the complete view, means more snow monster. Anyway since we are there might as well take the tickets to the top right? |
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Jan 31 2024, 11:06 PM
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#33
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Jan 31 2024, 10:27 PM) Ticket had to buy separate. Bottom station ticket only reach Middle Station. From Middle station had to walk to another part of section and buy ticket again to the top. So you can walk around sightseeing Middle part of Zao mountain. I think I read that return tickets is 3800 to the top station. The 2000 yen return is the bus tickets to Zao Onsen. 2000+3800 = 5800 if wanted to see illumination, ticket will be 6000 per pax, from bottom to middle + illumination entrance ticket. Anyway, thanks for the tips. |
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Feb 1 2024, 11:39 AM
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#34
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Feb 1 2024, 09:16 AM) You are right. I look back old achived picture. 2014, That time route trip ticket just 2600 !! Judging by your pictures I think the weather was ok though no sunshine. Some I read experienced total whiteouts. At least you managed to see the Zao Monsters. I think I will head there first thing in the morning if the weather is good. 2600 Yen (2 way ticket) from Bottom Station to Middle station + Top Station. Now 3800 Yen from Bottom to Middle + Top / 2000 Yen from Bottom to Middle. Bus fare excluded. Bus fare from Yamagata Station to Zao Ropeway cost 1000 Yen per way. My Experience on Mt Zao was terrible weather.   Middle Part of Mt. Zao Juhyo Kogen 樹氷高原  Zao mountain peak condition  From Top to Middle Station cable car view So we can alight from the ropeway in the middle station and then later board again to continue to the top station or do we have to go all the way to the top only? This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Feb 1 2024, 11:40 AM |
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Feb 26 2024, 04:00 PM
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#35
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(Blofeld @ Feb 20 2024, 09:04 AM) just came back from visiting the snow monsters Ropeway to the top station at Zao Ropeway increased from 2800 Yen Return to 3800 Yen return. i queue up for 2 hours just to get into the cable car at the Zao ropeway  but when i was at Mount Hakkoda, there was barely any queue at all. why is there so much crowd at Zao Ropeway but hardly any crowd at Mt Hakkoda. Both also offer view of the snow monsters  |
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Feb 26 2024, 10:35 PM
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#36
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(RegentCid @ Feb 26 2024, 08:28 PM) How was your trip to Mt Zao? It was super cold at Jizo Sancho Station, not so bad on Juhyo Kogen Station. After spending my earlier 12 days at northern Hokkaido of Furano, Tomamu, Asahikawa, Wakkanai, and Abashiri, I was not too worried about the weather and low temperature around Tohoku areas like Mount Zao and boy was I wrong. I was very well prepared with all the necessary winter gear but the coldest part of this trip I would say to be on Jizo Sancho Station on top of Mount Zao. I had to go indoors to the restaurant for a hot meal before coming out again for another round of Jizo Sancho Station.There was a long queue at the base station with many tourists and even local Japanese on holiday. It was a great experience to view the snow monsters at Mount Zao which I think Japan lovers must try doing at least once. The snow there was good too for skiing. Snowfall and snow quality is comparable to the likes of Niseko but with longer, steeper and more challenging courses. This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Feb 26 2024, 10:42 PM Attached thumbnail(s) 
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Mar 3 2024, 09:58 AM
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#37
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(Blofeld @ Feb 27 2024, 08:44 AM) which day did u visit the Zao snow monsters? Looks like they have melted. I was there at 23 February and yes the monsters are starting to melt already. (Though it was darn cold) I think global warming is hitting us hard. The snow is already melting when I was leaving Hokkaido after touring the whole Northern part of it on the 22 February and mind you its just slightly after peak of Winter. The sculptures during the Snow Festivals around Sapporo, Asahikawa were already melting when I was there during CNY. Anybody wants to experience peak of winter and snow better arrange to go as soon as possible. We may not even to witness much snow if global warming persists to be an issue. when i visited two weeks ago, it was like this  QUOTE(deodorant @ Feb 29 2024, 12:06 AM) Eh no way man. Look at the piste map, Zao is almost all green and red runs, hardly any blacks. Niseko is mostly red and black and even most of the greens are a bit too steep for real beginners. Haha... different people have different preference no? Somehow I feel the slopes at Mount Zao have more options for different level of skiers (I saw someone came down the route next to the Ropeway Towers and that is risky. The snow at Mt Zao there is powdery enough like Niseko and the runs are longer. Only thing is the crowd there is a bit too much to my liking causing waiting times at the lifts. Prices of the lifts and ropeway at Mt Zao is also slighty pricier than that of the likes of Tomamu and Niseko.The traditional village feel is nice though. As are the reasonable prices. And plus point to stop by Kaminoyama onsen on the train back to day-use one of the onsen hotels there, shiok. Niseko is full of angmoh and abc, doesn’t feel like Japan at all. And it’s so expensive. We talk about how how expensive Niseko is getting but one the most expensive resort there is owned by a Malaysian company YTL Corp  .This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Mar 3 2024, 10:00 AM |
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Mar 3 2024, 10:02 AM
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#38
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(NXaqua @ Feb 27 2024, 08:02 PM) Looks good, Like mentioned, there is already less snow already as of now at early March. Not sure it will last to April.I be at Hokkaido 1st week April, hope it doesn’t melt yet QUOTE(johnseamus @ Feb 29 2024, 10:10 AM) Is Japan still majority cash based or are they moving towards cashless payments like china? Yes it is. Better to prepare more cash as standby especially if you are at rural areas.Would like to know as I'm going for two weeks in April with my wife. Last time I went was before COVID, back in 2019 QUOTE(guanteck @ Feb 29 2024, 06:55 AM) » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « 5. How's driving in Japan? I don't think I dare to drive in the main cities but can consider driving between Kawaguchiko, Hakone +/- Takayama? Any suggestions will be welcomed, thank you very much! Only thing you need to know that driving in Japan is costly (expensive fuel at almost Rm6/litre, expensive and limited parking, crazily expensive tolls ) but in your case convienience would be a major concern as you would have a lot of luggage and the baby tagging along. This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Mar 3 2024, 10:07 AM |
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Mar 4 2024, 04:51 PM
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#39
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(quadcube @ Mar 4 2024, 04:35 PM) That’s one sad looking snow monster Nice one bro.... I mean the pic of you but can’t be helped, this year’s winter is terrible..the only time I had great powder this year was in Shiga kogen after it started puking snow again last week. Went to Yokoteyama 2 days ago, highest ski resort in JP at 2307m Powder at the top was incredible, but so damn cold n crazy wind.. even though I prepared for -15c condition, whole time shivering on the lifts.   Great dry powder surfed with my volume shifted board with -20c wax, such a bliss it had me grinning for the next few days . With all the skiing wear on still feel cold ?  Ya man.... global warming is hitting us real hard this round. Even when I was in Japan the news were reporting of warmer temperatures this year until the extent that many of the winter festivals had to be cut short. My advice to those wanting to experience real Japanesse Winter better make your way there soon before its gone for good. |
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Sep 9 2025, 01:51 PM
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#40
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All Stars
24,219 posts Joined: Mar 2007 From: Kuala Lumpur
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QUOTE(19 Degree South @ Sep 7 2025, 11:55 AM) Thanks. So these areas suggested by you has direct access to narita airport? My flight is 10.20 am back to kl. sorry i am a noob on Tokyo. I have only been to Osaka thrice but not Tokyo. lol You should also consider staying around Narita airport since your MAS flight is at 10:20am. Most of the hotels at Narita offers Shuttle bus service to Narita airpor terminalst for free. If you stay in Tokyo you would need to get the earliest bus out of Tokyo at 5am.This post has been edited by TOMEI-R: Sep 9 2025, 01:51 PM 19 Degree South liked this post
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