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I've been browsing a few Japan travel websites, but there are just so many amazing things to see that I'm not sure where to start.

I'm planning a trip to Japan for about 2 weeks during the end of March, first of april 2009. Hopefully catch some cherry blossoms?? The only larger cities we plan to visit are Kyoto and Tokyo (since we're flying in and out of there anyways). Probably won't be going to Osaka unless there are some great recommendations. Considering Nara, Hiroshima and a trip out to Miajima. Also considering spending a little time in the "Japanese Alps". We're hoping to stay in more traditional Japanese lodging such as ryokan whenever possible, but are not blessed with unlimited funds.

Does anyone have any recommendations for smaller towns to visit or good accommodations that won't break the bank? Also any "it was the best part of my trip" experiences?

We're planning to save a little money by eating cheap most of the time, but we'll definitely blow a little money on a few nice meals (who could resist!) Any other money saving tips?

Also, where does one go to buy a ticket to a sumo tournament?

Posts: 32 | Location: Portland, OR | Registered: 15 September 2007

halfnine

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In March the Sumo is in Osaka, but I think you’ll be too late to see it.

I’d recommend seeing a baseball game, but you might be a little too early for the season.

Japanese festivals are in general quite enjoyable. Kanamara Matsuri happens in early April. (haven’t been)

As far as accommodation, in addition to a ryokan, I’d spend a night in a capsule hotel, love hotel, and a manga café.

If your heading up to the Alps, might consider giving the snow monkeys a shot just outside of Nagano (haven’t been)

Spending a day cycling around Tono is quite enjoyable as well.

Definitely hit an onsen

I didn’t see Himeji on your schedule. It’s my favorite of the Japanese castles.

Hiroshima is quite a pleasant city as well, if your already down that direction

Posts: 855 | Location: London | Registered: 05 December 2005

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Skyehiker

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I'd recommend a stop in Takayama. It's not that far from Kyoto , not that far from Nagoya. Easily accessible by train.

One end of the town, on the opposite side of town from the train station--yet easily walkable from the train station, is all really cool "historic/classic" Japanese, with all the old buildings, streets, etc. in old Japanese architecture....really, really cool to walk around. At one end of this, is a "neighborhood" of temples, nestled in hills, with all their cool buildings, gardens, etc. The H.I. hostel is actually in one of those old temples and is a great & VERY cheap place to stay. You'd get the same "sleep on a mat with a buckwheat pillow" experience that people pay a LOT more money for ryokans for. It's absolutely spotless and well kept. It also has HUGE hot-soaking tubs for the end of the day. It's kinda cool to either wake up or fall asleep to the distant sounds of the gongs or the monks chanting nearby. Plenty of cheap eats w/in walking distance. There's also a "historical village" park on the other side of town where you really get a good look at what life there used to be like. Within a short taxi or bus ride are plenty of onsen (hot springs) and hiking trails.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. ---St. Augustine

Posts: 770 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: 28 April 2005

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Chingy

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quote:
I'm planning a trip to Japan for about 2 weeks during the end of March, first of april 2009. Hopefully catch some cherry blossoms??>>>Might be too soon, but if you catch it its wonderful. However, be sure to book stuff way in advance in any major city because the Japanese themselves relish this time of year...and it gets crowded to say the least!

The only larger cities we plan to visit are Kyoto and Tokyo (since we're flying in and out of there anyways). Probably won't be going to Osaka unless there are some great recommendations.>>>If I were you, I'd plan to spend more time in Kyoto. There's much more interesting things to do, in my humble opinion! The heart of Osaka is only an hour away, and you could easily do a day trip - or if you're interested in history and temples, Nara is really nice. Also, easy to get to by train.

Hiroshima and a trip out to Miajima. >>>>I love both places, and could spend a lot of time here too. I especially enjoy Miyajima, an easy shot on the ferry from Hiroshima.

Also considering spending a little time in the "Japanese Alps". We're hoping to stay in more traditional Japanese lodging such as ryokan whenever possible, but are not blessed with unlimited funds.>>>in 2 weeks...sounds a little tight time-wise...I can't help you in that area, but I will say if you do Tokyo, you could always do Nikko or Hakone and it would be less troublesome and expensive to get back to Tokyo. More importantly both places are really enjoyable.

We're planning to save a little money by eating cheap most of the time, but we'll definitely blow a little money on a few nice meals (who could resist!) Any other money saving tips?

>>>>That's tough...personally I save by buying bentos for lunch and shopping in small markets/supermarkets and depachika (department store specialty food markets). Also, it can be cumbersome, but bringing along a big thermos full of tea is better than stopping at jidohanbaiki (vending machines) and spending 1,20-1,50 every time you want a drink...it does add up! Maybe you might also want to purchase a day pass in Tokyo: there is a 'Free Kippu' day pass which can be used on all JR train lines within Tokyo for 730 yen , or for 1460 yen to use all JR lines, subway lines, buses and streetcars within Tokyo. Kyoto has a similar arrangement, but I'm not exactly sure what it is!

Posts: 2 | Location: Tokyo, Japan | Registered: 23 May 2005

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GoGirl

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Thanks for the advice! I'm so excited to see Japan!

I checked the dates for the Sumo tournament in Osaka and we'll definitely be there in time. Some people have said there's no need to purchase the sumo tickets in advance because there's always plenty of empty seats. Any experience here?

I'll be in Japan for the last 4 days of the March Tournament. Is the last day of the tournament special? Would I see better/more exciting matches on the last day or are things pretty much already decided and over at that point?

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness.

Posts: 32 | Location: Portland, OR | Registered: 15 September 2007

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