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Damn that picture on Ninenzaka does my headache! Did you go into that Starbucks? 😉

Yeah I was averaging about 30K steps per day in Kyoto. But then my ankle said NO 🤢 It will be interesting next trip, Feb is not exactly bike friendly weather...

I rented a bike ha ha Kyoto's metro is way too limited sadly...

As beautiful as it is, Kyoto in peak season is nightmareish.....and getting worse by the day! Sigh....

In terms of Japanese business hotels, always the newer the better. Regarding Nagano, I think that would be Dormy Inn and Sotetsu Fresa... But I highly recommend a Shukubo stay! 😂

Oh yes I had lots of Shinshu apple juice around Nagano...delicious!

I LOVE Dormy Inns!

I did NRT-SIN once on Scoot Plus last year, similar distance...I found it perfectly adequate for a day time flight. One meal was included, also Priority check in and boarding at NRT (check your departure airport to confirm but one would think SIN should have them out of all places). No IFE but...

I prefer the ones who don't show themselves...🤣 Or as little as possible! Trip around JP is another one I like. Edit, I do get lots of Youtube recommendations and sometimes find good ones for the places I am researching, don't subscribe much though.

Very niche but I watch Japanese Youtubers...to the surprise of no one! 🤣 Solo Travel Japan has English subtitles if anyone's interested. Kuga's Travel is another, he has one English channel and another one in Japanese. Many others but if you don't speak Japanese probably no good... There's a...

I generally do not have this problem. However in Japanese I'm forever confused by left and right 😭

I think you mean the Nishi Chayagai?

From what I understand, here in Melb when they say there's a "trespasser" on the tracks as a reason for delays etc, more often than not said trespasser is not alive...

Going a bit technical here, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is run by JR East and JR West together, the actual cut off point I believe is Joetsu Myoko. Shinkasen right now runs to Tsuruga, then you change to a limited express to Kyoto/Osaka (Not in Kanazawa) Eventually they want to go all the way ofc...

If you want to pick it up in Tokyo, then yes I think Tokyo Station is the only place with JR West machines. Note that if you are in the Kansai area you can pick up the tickets almost anywhere. Tokyo is simply the domain of JR East. As explained by @elanshin above, that's two completely...

JR East is not part of SmartEx. This website is a collaboration of JR West, JR Kyushu and JR Tokai. I didn't mention this to not confuse OP ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But yes @Drakecula Tokyo - Nagano would not be part of it. Everything else should be available.

Use SmartEx to buy Shinkansen tickets, there are often discounts. Plus you can link the ticket to your mobile. Also, be prepared for the crowds in Kyoto!

I mainly want to go to a ryokan and soak in onsen surrounded by snow! But yes you need ice cleats to walk, at least I do! Pair the cleats with something like this...

I've been to Tohoku twice, loved Sendai but honestly I need to go again (I'm thinking Akita in snow)...but I'll never do the kind of travel you prefer, clearly. And that's a good thing! We are all different.

Clearly you are not going to Yufuin then! That place did my head in 🤢 Even Kurokawa onsen was not as quiet as I had hoped! Re Shimanami Kaido, I guess it depends on what you are used to? I cycle in Melbourne all year around.