6 nights in Japan: Osaka and Kyoto

[yohy?!]

what dates are you going Isochronous? I am planning on doing 3 days in Osaka and 3 days in Tokyo the week of August 18 prior to moving back to Oz so this thread is timely!

 

[drron]

The very first time we went to Japan some 30 years ago we had a driver meet us at each place we stopped.Our TA was our neice so a great deal.
I remember arriving in Kyoto and wondering how the fellow would find us.There he was standing at the exact spot on the station at the door we exited the Shinkansen.

The only problem we ever had was on our second trip and catching the train to Tokyo Disneyland.The stationmaster somehow knew we weren't locals and came over and asked us where we were going.He said the next train was the one to catch.30 seconds later a train pulls in and we start to board.The station master comes running up yelling no,no next train.So to him the train that was arriving was "this"train.The one after was next.

 

[ketsuzei]

what dates are you going Isochronous? I am planning on doing 3 days in Osaka and 3 days in Tokyo the week of August 18 prior to moving back to Oz so this thread is timely!

Do factor in that it's likely to be uncomfortably hot around then, makes it difficult to do too much outside.

 

[drron]

Just a note for getting the JR passes.Mrsdrron searched on line and found the cheapest was through Japan Experience.
www.japan-experience.com

It was the cheapest.Paid in $A.But sent from France by FedEx-no delivery charges.Ordered Sunday and delivered by fedex a few minutes ago.But also comes with a rail timetable plus a guide book on Japan.

 

[travelislife]

A rail pass might not be worth the hassle as you are planning on staying in the one area of Osaka/Kyoto. They are only really worth it if you are using long distance Shinkansen, i.e up to Tokyo or down to Hiroshima. You can't use the JR pass on most subway/city lines so you have to buy that separately in Osaka anyway even if you do have the pass. You can check costs and train times on HyperDia |. Make sure to add all seat costs.

If you do really want to get one I have always got them from JTB (the official Japanese government travel agency) Japan Rail Passes - Buy Your Japan Rail Passes Now.

 

[SeatBackForward]

A rail pass might not be worth the hassle as you are planning on staying in the one area of Osaka/Kyoto. They are only really worth it if you are using long distance Shinkansen, i.e up to Tokyo or down to Hiroshima. You can't use the JR pass on most subway/city lines so you have to buy that separately in Osaka anyway even if you do have the pass. You can check costs and train times on HyperDia |. Make sure to add all seat costs.

If you do really want to get one I have always got them from JTB (the official Japanese government travel agency) Japan Rail Passes - Buy Your Japan Rail Passes Now.

Unless things have changed, we did use our 14day JR Rail pass in all the suburban lines in Osaka, Tokyo and even Hiroshima. There are a limited number of private rail operators whom it can't be used on, but the vast majority will accept them.

 

[drron]

A rail pass might not be worth the hassle as you are planning on staying in the one area of Osaka/Kyoto. They are only really worth it if you are using long distance Shinkansen, i.e up to Tokyo or down to Hiroshima. You can't use the JR pass on most subway/city lines so you have to buy that separately in Osaka anyway even if you do have the pass. You can check costs and train times on HyperDia |. Make sure to add all seat costs.

If you do really want to get one I have always got them from JTB (the official Japanese government travel agency) Japan Rail Passes - Buy Your Japan Rail Passes Now.

Except ours were $20 cheaper each with no delivery fee.Previously we had always gone with JTB but not any more.

 

[yohy?!]

Do factor in that it's likely to be uncomfortably hot around then, makes it difficult to do too much outside.

Its already uncomfortably hot in Hong Kong so I'm pretty well adjusted to it - I presume they will have the shaved ice makers like in Korea that I rely on for outdoor 'air conditioning' through cold desserts

 

[Isochronous]

what dates are you going Isochronous? I am planning on doing 3 days in Osaka and 3 days in Tokyo the week of August 18 prior to moving back to Oz so this thread is timely!

13-19 August.

 

[LadyC]

Any recommendations for things to see/places to eat in Osaka for those that have been recently? Am heading there next week so keen for any tips.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Any recommendations for things to see/places to eat in Osaka for those that have been recently? Am heading there next week so keen for any tips.

It has been three years since we were in Japan, stayed in Osaka and Tokyo and loved it, you will not be short on finding places to eat in Osaka, I just cannot remember the names but on the river we found a lovely little restaurant that served Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (pancake), we did not find it expensive to eat there either. In fact we left a tip and the owner came running out after us to give that monemy back. Lots of the big department stores in Osaka have food halls in the basements that are amazing.

On a day trip to Kyoto we did the Philosphers Walk Philosopher's Walk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia It was really pretty, though much better when the blossoms are out

If you get a chance do a day trip to Hiroshima, it was easy to get too and left us with lasting memories, also take the trip across to Miyajima

 

[drron]

Any recommendations for things to see/places to eat in Osaka for those that have been recently? Am heading there next week so keen for any tips.

If you enjoy crab then Kani Doraku-the crab restaurant.A little on the expensive side but beautifully prepared crab.We shared a crab suikiyaki and loved it.

 

[moa999]

In Kyoto I recommend doing this walking tour:
Kyoto Tour-Johnnie's Kyoto Walking

Takes in a few of the big spots, as well as some you wouldn't find for a pretty good price.

I didn't get Johnny when I did it a couple of years ago but enjoyed it.

 

[jastel]

Around Nagoya you can tour the Toyota Factory and watch them make Priuses...

I had 7 days in Japan after a ski trip to Niseko, got a JR pass and did 3500kms. Tokyo to Nagoya and down to Hiroshima and back.
Saw the main sights of Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji Castle, Tokyo and Nagoya sights.
They were all good, so go and see something...if the train says it gets there at 9:45, that's when it gets there!! Easy to plan.