International > Japan
Japan in August 2012 (is it possible to see a Koyoto&Tokyo in 5-6 days?)
bden011:
Hi fellow waygooks,
I'm going alone to Japan this August and I was wondering if it might be possible to see Tokyo AND Kyoto in around 6-7 days. I haven't purchased tickets yet.
Here's what I'm thinking: Leave August 11th, and return August 18th or August 19th at the latest. Is it only possible to see one of the cities in that time or should I try to fly into Tokyo and see a bit and then go to Kyoto for the rest, or vice versa? If I were to try and see both, where should I buy train tickets/flight tickets from? If I could only pick ONE city which would you suggest and why?
I'm rather nervous about going by myself but since I'm not sure I'll have a friend to go with I'll prepare for that possibility.
Thanks for any and all suggestions or advice!
glb0b:
It is quite expensive to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by train.
If it was me I would visit Osaka and Kyoto together. You can fly directly to Osaka and it is a short train ride from there to Kyoto so it is easy to visit both in a short visit. Osaka is a big city and a good alternative to visiting Tokyo.
LaurenFitz:
Also keep in mind that there's a massive holiday (Obon?) right around that time, so you might adjust your travel days if possible. In saying that, I've never been so I don't know how busy it gets. See here for more info:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2286.html
We're also going to Japan (Osaka/Kyoto) in August but skipping Tokyo...kind of disappointing but better to enjoy the trip than try to cram too much in.
Good luck with your planning!
miss_cho:
Ditto what glb0b wrote - you could spend your 6-7 days in Osaka and Kyoto (with trips to Nara and/or Ise) and be really happy. Osaka is a large modern city with plenty to do and is well-known for it's food throughout Japan. Kyoto is a beautiful intimate city with a lot of history and many UNESCO sites. Nara is doable as a day trip while Ise can be done on an overnight trip. I would also recommend this itinerary because you'll be able to see modern and traditional Japan and it won't be as expensive as the Tokyo/Kyoto trip (which is as doable if money is no object)
It is a bit pricey to take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto (and back) - I think the train I took 2 years ago was about $100 one way. There are different levels of trains - the most expensive are the fastest and the cheaper they are the slower they get. I have heard there's a bus but I've never taken it. Kyoto doesn't have an airport so you'd have to fly into Tokyo or Osaka to visit the city. Osaka is significantly closer.
LaurenFitz is correct that it is obon in most parts of Japan in August (some temples follow a different calendar and celebrate it in July). Obon is similar to Chuseok in the fact that most people return to their ancestral homes, help clean the familial graves, etc. It might make the buses or trains a bit more crowded but I wouldn't worry about hotels, touristy spots and the like.
My recommendation would be to find out if there are any festivals in the areas you're interested for the dates you're interested - Japanese festivals are incredibly interesting and a lot of fun. Osaka and Kyoto's biggest festivals are in July but there might be smaller obon festivals in August or something equally fun. I believe in Kyoto temples organize large fires in the surrounding mountains that can be read as different Chinese characters for obon. If you happen to be in the country for obon visit a few temples to see when their festival is - there'll be food, music and dancing.
bden011:
Thanks for the advice you guys ;D
I didn't even think about there possibly being a holiday, thank you so much for catching that! Unfortunately this is the only time I can go with the way my school scheduled their summer camp, so if it's crowded because of holiday stuff, I'll expect it now and not be as surprised. I'm really leaning towards Kyoto now. I hate to skip out on Tokyo but since money is a consideration I'd rather get more for mine and see Kyoto instead. I'll have to do research on Osaka and see how that could work as well.
Is public transport pretty easy to use? I'll be walking for the most part, but if I have to take taxis or buses, will it be hard to get by?
I am SO grateful for this website- such great advice!
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