Japan for our Honeymoon?

[mfarrar]

Hi all,

 

I am getting married next year and I have been thinking about going to Japan for our Honeymoon. I figure that quite a few of you have probably visited so I thought this would be a good place for some advice.

 

Firstly for those of you that have been there, do you think Japan would be a good place to go for a Honeymoon? We arent really the type of people to just sit on a beach or by a pool for two weeks, we really want to go out places and see things but would like to be able to spend a few days relaxing somewhere.

 

I have looked at tours that are on offer, but they are quite expensive and there is no mention of Nihonto! So have been thinking about organising it myself, I know there is good public transport in Japan, bullet train etc but a little worried about how easy it is to get around when visiting for the first time and not speaking/reading Japanese. Would be interested to hear how other people have found travelling around.

 

Planning it out I have been thinking 3-4 days in Tokyo and the same in Kyoto. Not sure where would be good to stay if we wanted a few days by a beach, I have read that the Okinawa Islands have nice beaches but then its the problems of travelling and having to take another flight etc. I was thinking probably go from Tokyo for a day trip to see Mount Fuji. I would like to go somewhere where I can see swordsmiths at work if this is possible, and go to places where I can see the more traditional side of Japan, so would appreciate some advice as to places to visit.

 

I would have liked to have seen the snow monkeys in the hot springs but we are looking at going probably around October so I am guessing that they wont be in the hot springs till Winter.

 

Would appreciate any help, cheers Mark

[Grey Doffin]

Yes, go! There'll be many times when your lack of language presents problems, but who cares? Japan is a perfect place to wander cluelessly; you can't get in serious trouble and if you get in middlin trouble someone will step forward and fix it.

I'll let others who know more about the country than I do help with your other questions, but I know you'll be very happy you went.

Grey

[sencho]

As Grey says definitely go!!

 

I personally recommend Kanazawa, Nara, Hakone, Nikko, the latter two being fairly easy runs from Tokyo.

 

Nara is closer to Osaka and Kyoto and is magnificent. Definitely try Onsen, there are places where you and your bride can have private onsen Hakone is one place, but lots of them in Japan.

 

Just going to local neighborhoods and eating in very local restaurants is a great experience for people who have never been to Japan... last night we sat in an izakaya for about 4 hours eating marvelous food and drinking lovely cold sake, having a great time, and the bill was about GBP 25- 30 per head.... in the middle of Tokyo! (I wish the golf was as cheap!)

 

October is a lovely time of year in Japan.... not too touristy which is nice for Kyoto, and still some warm days but not as steamy hot. Try and be flexible and check the weather while you are in Tokyo... when you know it is going to be sunny and clear go for Fuji-san... it's a right bummer when you turn up there on a set day and cannot see a thing!

 

Have no advise for you on the sword smiths, sorry... have never done it.... however some on the board have...

 

Don't worry about the language... you have a year or so to learn how to be basically polite in Japanese and the people here will respect you no end for your efforts. :D

 

Cheers

Nigel

[mfarrar]

Thanks for the replies, I will definately have to start learning some Japanese phrases all I know at the moment is domo arigato lol.

 

I will look into the places you have mentioned Nigel cheers, would you recommend staying a few days in each or are any of those doable in a day?

 

I have been looking at some of the Onsen they look really nice but quite expensive especially ones with private baths but we could always just do one night. Would definately like the Ryokan experience!

[cspage]

Having never been to Japan, but recently developing an interest in the prospect, and also interested in places other than the large metropolitan districts, I found recommendations for Hagi in Nagato Province (Choshu). I admit Choshu tsuba instigated my initial search. Would anyone out there be familiar with Hagi and if so, is this a destination worth pursuing, especially in relation to Nihonto and Tosugu? The recommendations mention Hagi as an old "Samurai town."

 

Colin

[Henry Wilson]

I went to Hagi a number of years ago and while it is nice (the old samurai area) it is more geared towards tea-ware and not a hint of tsuba. If you want old Japan I would recommend Takayama or Iwami metal mines for that as these places are more obvious as Hagi's beauty is not initaily apparent. Izumo Taisha is a great place too if you are in that neck of the woods..

[cspage]

Thanks, Henry. I did neglect to say that as a potter in a former life the ceramic draw of Hagi also had some influence re my question. Your reply is welcome and helpful.

 

Colin

[Ted Tenold]

Japan is one of those places that seems very intimidating to the uninitiated. About an hour into my first trip, I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly, helpful, and comfortable it was to get around.

 

Don't be too concerned about the language barrier. Yes, absolutely learn some key introductory phrases and certainly some etiquette, but for the most part, you shouldn't have any major problems. Many Japanese speak at least rudementary english and will take time to help you. I've experienced several occasions standing in a station or an intersection with clear confusion on my face and someone will come up and ask, "Excuse me, but do you need some help?" Some took so much time out of their day to help I was amazed. Trains are quite easy to learn. In Tokyo, start with the JR Yamanote which is the loop line around Tokyo. http://www.Japan-guide.com/e/e2370.html Big recommendation; Wear nice, but comfy walking shoes with rubber soles too. You'll be doing a lot of walking and it may be wet. Also, nothing complicated. Easy to take off and put on. Some shops you take off shoes, others not.

 

If you plan to travel around the country, look into a Japan Rail Pass. http://www.japanrail.com/ Depending on *how* much you plan to travel and where, they can make sense. However, with regard to cost efficiency they sometimes don't if you're just hanging around singular cities. Trains, subways, and buses are very affordable, although it takes a bit more to learn the buses.

 

I'll second Nigel's suggestion of Nikko. It's a fantastic place to visit. Lovely and picturesque anytime but the fall is particularly pretty.

 

Another easy one from Tokyo is Kamakura. The Kotoku-in with the Daibutsu (the great bronze Buddha) is there as as well as a host of other lovely temples and gardens. The ocean views add to the beauty too.

 

If you go in very late October, you could go to the Dai Token Ichi. There might be a few swords and fittings there. :lol: But if that doesn't fit your schedule, there still lots of sword viewing opportunities though. Setting up something with a swordsmith might be possible. I think Takano Yukimitsu still offers a class for making a kogatana or just an observation appointment(?). It's arranged through a shop, but I can't remember the name of it. Paul Martin is a member here and he should be able to send you the info.

[hybridfiat]

I was skiing in Japan 2007 and stayed at a delightful little inn in Narita only 200m from the historical gardens and temple complex.

It's called Kirinoya Ryokan and the proprietor will pick you up/drop off from the railway station and the inn has a very traditional Japanese feel about it.

Outside the door of my room was a large glass fronted cabinet full of armour and sundry items related to the samurai.

Downstairs is a built in tea room that acts as a display of armour and possibly a shrine to the owners family.

I have no idea how genuine the artifacts are but it is very reasonable in price and worth a stay.

If you let Katsumata-san know when you are at Narita town station (there is a direct train from Hakuba) (http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi) he will come and pick you up. The hotel is 200m from the most beautiful gardens and temple complex.

The “beds” are futons on the tatami mats and you eat trad Japanese food prepared at the Inn.

I found the Kirinoya in the Lonely Planet Guide to Japan.

Narita station is only 12mins from the airport and it is about $2 for a ticket although they don’t always charge you .

I hope this is of some assistance.

Im the reviewer 'Fossil'

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... Kanto.html

[Jacques D.]

Hi,

 

I have looked at tours that are on offer, but they are quite expensive and there is no mention of Nihonto

 

I you begin your married life like this, you will go on a wrong way

 

During his Honeymoon, my grandfather pampered my grandmother very well. After, when they were back at home, he told her: You see what i did for you? Hence you will do it for me

 

 

 

Japan could be a good idea if she agrees.

[Brian]

Can only echo what Ted said. Me and the gf are absolutely in love with Japan, and would visit there every year if we could afford it. Even Tokyo doesn't have that crowded, hectic London feel to it, you can feel very calm and isolated in one of the world's most populated cities..odd.

I love Tokyo, but to get some balance, you do need to maybe do other cities/towns.

My recommendations would definitely be Tokyo for half the trip, then the rest split among Kyoto and maybe Takayama/Nara/Kamakura and/or Nikko.

 

If you do Kyoto from Tokyo, then the price of the shinkansen already makes it worthwhile to get a 7 day rail pass. Purchase outside Japan, activate the day you leave Tokyo and travel back the last day. In between use it to travel around daily to a few other towns. Must see Himeiji too...but easy if you do Kyoto.

You can't go wrong, and you will have a feel for everything in a few days.

 

Accommodation should be comparative to anywhere else in the world. You can pay a lot, but don't have to. Food varies but is not overy expensive. Transport is extremely efficient, fast and reliable. Shinkansen is great to travel on, and I actually love the trip to Kyoto on it.

 

Do it, you will never regret it, and the wife will love it too.

 

Brian

[mfarrar]

Hi,

 

I have looked at tours that are on offer, but they are quite expensive and there is no mention of Nihonto

 

I you begin your married life like this, you will go on a wrong way

 

During his Honeymoon, my grandfather pampered my grandmother very well. After, when they were back at home, he told her: You see what i did for you? Hence you will do it for me

 

 

 

Japan could be a good idea if she agrees.

 

Its ok she is happy to goto Japan just aslong as we have a few days to relax somewhere :-)

 

Thanks, I will do some research on the places you have all mentioned. Glad to hear that Tokyo isnt hectic, that is one thing we were worried about that it would be too crowded. Not sure about a full week there because it wouldnt leave us much time to see the other places and fit in some relaxation time but I think we should go for atleast 4 days, I guess we could stay longer and do day trips from there though. Its good to hear also that the people are so helpful, I think if you were stood in a train station here in the UK looking confused you would be stood there for a very long time lol. Also I didnt know that about some of the shops, having to take your shoes off, I take it thats in the more out of the way places? Do they have the basins to wash your feet in too lol?

 

For staying in Tokyo I have been looking at the four seasons, looks really nice and has good reviews.

 

Has anyone been to Bizen? I think its a big place for pottery, is there any sword production or viewing there now?

 

Talking about pottery my fiancee would really try her hand on a wheel and make a pot, they dont let you do it over here anymore because of "health & safety"!! Perhaps we can find somewhere in Japan where she can have a go.

[Brian]

Mark,

A lot of places will have you remove your shoes. Especially shrines, temples and some shops. Some sword shops too. Obviously not your local department store or supermarket...but smaller places and places with history, yes. It's not a bother though. You get used to it, but no hiking boots with a meter of laces :lol:

 

I love Tokyo, and can easily spend weeks there, but others differ. No shortage of stuff to do though, and you can indeed to day trips from Tokyo. Fuji-san and some onsens are not far, as are some of the other places mentioned here.

 

If you love temples and shrines, then you can do 3 days in Kyoto, maybe one night in Takayama, and have time for other places. I found the weather later Oct to be perfect...but then I don't like heat or humidity. It was cool and fresh. Takayama is really great to do antique shops and see some old style towns. Lots of fittings and stuff tucked away in the shops there. Kyoto very expensive and not a lot of sword stuff, and what is there is priced through the roof. I wouldn't spend more than 3 days there. With a 7 day rail pass, most places are accessible and you could even do Hiroshima etc.

 

Given 14 days, my own itinerary would be 7 days Tokyo including 3 days doing outside day trips maybe. Make sure you are in Tokyo on a Sunday for the Yasukuni market. Then 7 day rail pass going to Kyoto with a stop off half day at Himeiji, and maybe a night in Takayama. 3 Days in Kyoto and that still leaves time to do a few more nights from Kyoto before going back to Toyko via shinkansen. I like to do one more night in Tokyo to have a fresh start to the airport the last day, but you could do that in Narita as suggested or even leave via another airport closer to Kyoto.

 

Dunno about hotels, I'm a cheapskate and was doing twin rooms for 17000 Yen/room everywhere, which were perfect for me and the gf. Most places are far more than that I think.

 

Brian

 

Oh, and about the friendliness....yes, they are exactly like that. We had one old man get off his bicycle to see if we were lost (didn't speak English but could read the name of the NBTHK museum we were looking for) and then he WALKED with us about a km to the front door, before smiling, getting back on his bike and carrying on wherever he was going

 

Another day a lady asked us if we were lost, then explained in detail how to get there, and then carried on walking. A few 100m further, she stopped, ran back to us..just to tell us she had thought of a better route to take. :D

[IanB]

On the theme of being helpful, on one occasion I travelled to Tottori to visit the Watanabe Museum there (I keep banging on about it because it displays one of the biggest collections of arms and armour in Japan - on display were 480 armours, swords, yari, guns, jingasa, uma jirushi, costumes and probably a definitive collection of Edo jidai oyster forks but I seem to have missed them). Anyway, back to the tale - needing to take a gift of the local delicacy back to the elderly gent I was staying with in Tokyo, I enquired of a lady at a stall by the station and was told it was pickled mushrooms (would you believe). On ordering 3 boxes, she pointed out that Mrs Fujiwhatevers across the way were fresher then hers. On asking Mrs Fujiwhatever, she sorted out the three boxes with the most recent dates on. Now being a dumb gaijin who was supposed to be unable to read dates, I was seriously impressed by that little kindness.

Ian Bottomley

[mfarrar]

Takayama sounds good Brian, I have looked round antiques shops here for Japanese swords and fittings but never found anything but im sure I will have more luck there! I will probably come home with my suitcase full of Tsuba lol.

 

For the schedule I have been thinking maybe four nights in Tokyo to begin with then another couple of nights at the end.

 

What sort of things do they sell at the Yasukuni market?

 

That Museum sounds impressive Ian, I looked up Tottori and it looks to be about 3 hours train ride from Kyoto so quite far, not sure if we will be able to schedule that in.

 

I feel a lot better about arranging it myself now hearing the people are so helpful, I really want us to see what we want to see rather following a set plan.

[Brian]

Mark,

The Sunday Yasukuni antiques market is heaven for anyone into antiques and assorted stuff. Picture about 40-60 dealers in the huge parking lot with their car boots (trunks for the Americans) open and tons of old stuff lying on the floor. Some prices fair, some cheap, and some high. But everyone will negotiate and you will find everything from antique tea spoons to some Chinese fake stuff. Always a decent amount of fittings and Samurai stuff, and I always bought some stuff there. The guys will have swords in the cars if you ask. Sword prices fair, but mostly average stuff, although you can be surprised. Hardly any English at all there though, so bargaining will be tough. Make sure you always carry a pen, paper and a calculator. A nice mood, and the wife will love browsing the market too. Afterward you can do the Yasukuni Shrine museum which is also very good, so it can be a whole day thing, or at least a long half day. Get there early. One of my favorite things to do in Tokyo, and the gf agrees.

 

Brian

[Justin]

In regards to the 7-day Japan Rail ticket, perhaps contact the Japanese Consulate in London and ask them about discounts. I know in Australia if you purchase the ticket before you go (from a JAL office) then you get about 30% off. Might be worth checking.

[sohei]

Mark,

Kyoto was very nice, the only city that was not fire-bombed during the war. Lots of original temples, shrines, etc. I would recommend Nijo Castle (residence of Tokugawa Shogun), Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Sanjusangendo Hall, Kiyomizu Temple. There are many old shops there, but only a few sword shops (one across from the Nijo Castle if I remember right). I copied the phone book of the antique shops and had the taxi drive me from shop to shop for a few hours. I think 3 days would be enough there, you can also take a day trip via train to Nara from Kyoto. In Nara, check out the Todaiji Temple (big Buddha), Deer park, Kasuja Shrine, there are a few sword shops there also.

I also spent some time in Okinawa, you must realize everything was destroyed during the war, so any historical building is a repo, almost all buildings in Naha were gray concrete. It is very crowded, with very little nihonto. We also visited Ishigaki Island; very nice beaches, etc. it is where the Japanese go for vacation (holiday).

I have not been to Tokyo, but will next time I visit, lots of nihonto from what every one says.

I will also say the public is much more polite and eager to help than any other place in the world I have visited. Very clean also. I would check with the hotel you are staying at to see if they have English speaking employees (all the ones we stayed in did). Use them to help you make travel plans, deal with taxi drivers, etc. Also when out walking, if lost, ask students, they like to try their English, and were very helpful. You will have a great time. Mike Vinehout

[Brian]

In regards to the 7-day Japan Rail ticket, perhaps contact the Japanese Consulate in London and ask them about discounts. I know in Australia if you purchase the ticket before you go (from a JAL office) then you get about 30% off. Might be worth checking.

AFAIK, that rail pass has to be purchased by foreigners outside of Japan, and cannot be purchased within Japan.

It works well if you are doing more than Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo. Can use it to get to the airport too, if you time it well to end on the last day you are there.

It is purchased in your home country (agents are listed on the Japan Rail Pass website----google it) and redeemed when you arrive in Japan.

 

Brian

[mfarrar]

I had a look online for the rail pass and it seems to be around about £180, is that the discounted price?

 

I will definately make sure we are in Tokyo for the Yasukuni market, that sounds great. I just need to work out a schedule to fit in the 7 day rail pass to get the most out of it. Perhaps we should do coach trips during the first few days in Tokyo then activate the pass for travelling to Kyoto and around that area. Can you get to Takayama by train?

[Brian]

Mark,

Since the rail passes are only sold outside Japan, there is no discounted price. Just one standard price. However it is considerably more than the price in Yen quoted on the Rail Pass website, due to "handling fees and currency conversion fees" as told to me here by the local agent

Takayama for a day or 2 can be done from Tokyo to Kyoto. It is out of the way, but you can take local trains and connections to get there.

I suggest keeping your rail pass for the day you leave Tokyo for Kyoto etc. You don't need it much for the day trips, as I think they are affordable.

You can get just about anywhere in the country by train. Sometimes you need to study the schedules to plan connections and make reservations in advance, but we never had a problem. It is all incredibly efficient.

Btw...there is an amazing Japan tour (a gourmet eating tour) by GAP Adventure Tours that is about 14 days long, and a good deal for anyone considering seeing Japan. You see a ton of places, eat great food, and have a lot of time to yourself too, and they don't babysit you too much.

You get to stay in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama and Koyasan. Well guided and well worth it as an introduction to the country.

 

Brian

[Rich T]

Hahahahahahah, I am sorry Mark but this is funny. Firstly let me congratulate you on your upcoming wedding. But seriously, you may return to the UK divorced if you spend all your time looking for sword stores

 

Rich

[mfarrar]

Lol Its ok we wont be spending much time looking at swords, the main reason for going there is for the sights and the culture. I may not go to any of the sword stores but I will definately have a look around the markets and antique shops which im sure we will both enjoy.

 

Those tours do sound good Brian and they are very reasonable price too. But I think we would prefer to tailor make our own and with it being our honeymoon we are going to go 5 Star all the way and pick all the best hotels.

 

Activating the rail pass when travelling to Kyoto definately sounds like the best thing to do. My current plan is Tokyo (trips to Hakone and Nikko) then travel and stay in Nagoya (trip to Takayama maybe overnight) then onto Kyoto for few days then back to Tokyo for a couple of nights in the Four Season in the Japanese Garden to chill out before we go home. Going to try and fit a traditional Ryokan with Onsen in somewhere.

[Guido]

... we are going to go 5 Star all the way and pick all the best hotels.

Wow, you *really* are in love, aren't you? The "cheapest" 5 star hotels in Japan start at about £ 300.- per night ...

Going to try and fit a traditional Ryokan with Onsen in somewhere.

Since you're planning to go to Hakone you shouldn't have any problems finding one there.

[mfarrar]

Tokyo is about that much, everywhere else looks to be cheaper. The Four Seasons are doing an offer stay 2-3 nights and get one free in Tokyo so works out quite a bit cheaper, though of course they may not offer that next year. I can also get goverment/military rates so can save a bit that way.

 

Im more concerned about the price of the Ryokan Onsens, the ones that I can find that have private spa's on your room look to cost about £500+ a night.

[moss]

Hi Mark,

Good advice from all ,I spent 2years in and out of Japan on a rotational basis with the company I worked for .As a speaker of poor to minimal Japanese and often in rural parts of Japan I found that politeness and patience pay dividends,Yes learn the protocol ,act accordingly and you will be amazed at how people respond compared to us southern barbarians.

On where to go? I found it all an excellent place to travel anywhere and trains the best mode.

 

Good travels Moss

[Dave0258]

Mark,

sorry to post so late on this. I spent three months last year in Tokyo, 2 of them my wife came and joined me for. I would recommend and agree with most of what has been said here already:

1. Definitely, you need to purchase your railpass before you go to Japan. We tried to get one while there and were told it was impossible. The Japanese will make many exceptions for you as a foreigner, but don't expect any mercy from the bureacracy.

2. The most expensive hotels are not always the best. We stayed for three nights in Kyoto at a local Ryokan (called the Three Sisters I believe). It was close to local attractions and transportation and quite reasonable, and they spoke English and were very friendly. One tip for Kyoto - shops and restaurants close early (9pm?), so don't wait too long to find a place to eat.

3. Mt Fuji is interesting, but on the day we went there, it was almost impossible to see it, which is common in the summer and early autumn due to the clouds.

Good luck. If you have more questions, let me know.

[Aloof Pegasus]

If your wife likes pottery and you want to look at swords then the Tomioka Hachimanga shrine in Monzen Nakacho is a great place, full of stalls selling teaware, assorted pots and with several large stands selling Nihonto. It's open the first two Sundays of the month. It's a very good place for vintage chawan and (expensive) excavated pottery.

 

Monzen Nakacho is easy to get to, it's on the Tozai line, on the east side of the city very near Tokyo and Nihonbashi stations. The shrine itself is close to the Tozai line exit. All sorts of small shops selling tasty food line the approaches.

 

Getting there is a piece of cake because all tube lines make announcements in English- just like the ATM's in the indispensible 7/11

 

You might like to try Shibu onsen in Yudanaka/Nagano. There are 9 different onsen all in easy walking distance. The 9 are for different parts of the body, eyes, joints etc and old, some of them the colour of miso soup. Each one provides a stamp for your towel which you can then carry up a steep stone stairway to a small shrine, tie the towel to the balustrade and make a wish.

 

Philip