By HawaiiLS
I recently returned from a 9-day trip to Japan and wanted to share a few of my experiences and some handy tips I ran across.
The first would be to pack light! You will feel rather foolish lugging a huge suitcase on a crowded train. Vaccuum bags are a great way to save space and Downy Wrinkle Release spray is an amazing product! (I was skeptical but this alleviates the need to iron, which most hotels do not provide).
If at all possible, try to venture out of Tokyo. There's so much to see and with the JR railpass it's also very convenient.
Here's a few bullet points from the places I've gone:
Kyoto - buy an all-day bus pass. It's only 500 yen and can be purchased in Kyoto station (visitor information booth). Many of the temples/shrines are spread out and you can make good use of this.
If you go to Kiyomizudera temple (highly recommended), do the underground walk down the staircase to a dark room (100 yen). I don't want to ruin anything but it's a neat experience.
Osaka - If you like shopping, Namba and Umeda are great areas. I highly recommend the Umeda Sky building (700 yen admission). A truly amazing building with excellent views unless you are afraid of heights.
Himeji - Walk to the castle from the JR station, don't take the bus unless the weather is bad. It isn't far (10 minutes) and you will pass a lot of shops along the way. You can also buy for a few extra yen admission to an adjacent garden which I highly recommend. Very peaceful and beautiful. They even have musical performances there at times.
Nara - If you're going to feed the deer, wear dark clothes or something you do not mind getting dirty. While they're tame, they will nibble on your shirt/jeans and possibly try to jump on you. This is not in an aggressive manner, more they see you with food and are trying to get your attention.
They will not bother you at all if you do not have food for those more afraid of animals. Animal lovers such as myself will love them. The temple in Nara is also absolutely beautiful.
Finally, wear comfortable clothes and shoes! You will walk probably double what you anticipate.
