Help with 10 days Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka Trip

Hi Guys

Please help take a look at our itinerary and advise if it is feasible. We roughly know which cities to go but the detailed places/activities for each city have yet to be planned as there are simply too many sights to be seen and we know we don't have much time.

Thus, please help to suggest must-see places within let¡¦s say Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and also the sequence we should follow in visiting in order to make full use if time and not waste too much on travelling.

Here it is:

Both of us (female adults) taking NWA from Sin to Tokyo.
Planning to purchase 7-day JR Pass (start on Day 3 - is it worth to buy this Pass based on our schedule?)
8 Jan (Thu)
Day 1: Tokyo
„« Arrive 8 Jan 2009 at Narita Airport at 1:45pm
„« Hotel: Toyoko Inn Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.2 (2 nights)
- is this a good choice in terms of location for shopping and ease of transport considering we are going to Hakone the next morning and then to Kyoto on Day 3? (if not any suggestion where we should stay with about the same price as Toyoko?)
„« What mode of airport transport is most economical yet not taking too long time to reach the hotel and ease of accessing to the hotel as each of us will be carrying a trolley suitcase 25''?
9 Jan (Fri)
Day 2: Tokyo - Hakone (Day trip then back to Tokyo)
„« Please suggest what time we should depart in order to complete the Hakone loop course and should we get the Hakone Free Pass? Or what ticket should we get for such day trip? What is the fastest way to reach Hakone?
„« Any specific suggestion as to the sequence that we should follow to complete the loop and what mode of transport to take each time? We know it's all up to individual preference and according to our own pace to complete the loop, but we are worried we may waste too much time there deciding what to take next and to where, etc. So if there's a course to follow, it will be great. Of course we will want to go Owakudani to eat the Black Egg.

10 Jan (Sat)
Day 3: Tokyo - Kyoto
„« Hotel: Matsubaya Inn (3 nights) - initially thinking of 2N in Kyoto & 2N in Osaka, now 3N Kyoto and 1N Osaka (pls advise which option is better)
- is this Ryokan a good choice or are there better with lower price and near Kyoto Station and ease of accessing most places of interests?

11 Jan (Sun)
Day 4: Kyoto

12 Jan (Mon)
Day 5: Kyoto
Basically, we gave 3 days for Kyoto for visiting the following places, but not sure which ones to go on which day and the sequence in order not to spend unnecessary time on transportation. Can help to suggest base on our choices below how we should split them into the 3 days and also what mode of transport to take to reach places to places?

- Kiyomizudera
- Sanjusangendo
- Ginkakuji
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kinkakuji
- Himeji
- any other places we missed out that still can be added in?

13 Jan (Tue)
Day 6: Kyoto - Osaka (Universal Studio)
„« Hotel: Toyoko Inn Shin-Osaka Chuo-guchi Shinkan (1 night)
„« To depart Kyoto early morning so as to reach Osaka hotel then immediately to Universal Studio
„« What time should we leave Kyoto and please suggest fastest way of transport to finally reach Universal Studio.

14 Jan (Wed)
Day 7: Osaka - Tokyo
„« City tour of Osaka and souvenir shopping before going back to Tokyo
„« Where can we go for a half day tour if lets say we depart Osaka noon?
„« Hotel: Kadoya Hotel Shinjuku (3 nights)
(again, is this a good choice for shopping, eating and ease of accessing to hotel without much walking since we have luggage?)

15 Jan (Thu)
Day 8: Tokyo (Disney Sea)
„« Full day allocated to Disney Sea

16 Jan (Fri)
Day 9: Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market - Yokohama Ramen Museum
„« What time should be depart for Tsukiji (we know this period we are not allowed to view the auction, so what time should we reach then?)
„« From Tsukiji Market, how do we go to Yokohama and how to reach Ramen Museum, can this itinerary be achieved?

17 Jan (Sat)
Day 10: Tokyo (our flight back to Sin is 5:45pm today)
„« Where can we go today?
„« Asakusa?
„« Where else?
„« For airport transport from Kadoya hotel, what is the best mode to take and any value saving ticket we can purchase?

Sorry for such long post but we want to make sure we are not too ambitious with our plan at the same time to ensure our 10days are fully utilised.

Hope to receive advise from experts here. Thanks.

is it worth to buy this Pass based on our schedule?

Yes. The 7-day pass costs about the same as a regular shikansen round trip between Tokyo and Osaka.
„« Hotel: Toyoko Inn Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.2 (2 nights)
- is this a good choice in terms of location for shopping and ease of transport considering we are going to Hakone the next morning and then to Kyoto on Day 3?

Yes, it is very convenient.

„« What mode of airport transport is most economical yet not taking too long time to reach the hotel and ease of accessing to the hotel as each of us will be carrying a trolley suitcase 25''?

The most economical transportation is the Keisei Limited Express from the airport to Nippori and then by Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro. The two trains are regular commuter trains that get crowded during peak hours. Only slightly more expensive, but considerably more comfortable is the Suica & NEX package, which combines a ride by the Narita Express from Narita directly to Ikebukuro and a Suica prepaid card, which you can use on your train trips in Tokyo (and on JR trains in the Osaka/Tokyo region). Note that not all Narita Express trains go all the way to Ikebukuro, though:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2027.html

Day 2: Tokyo - Hakone (Day trip then back to Tokyo)

You could consider an overnight stay in Hakone and then travel to Kyoto directly from Hakone instead of backtracking to Tokyo. If luggage becomes a problem, you could send it directly from your Tokyo to Kyoto hotel by delivery service:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html

„« Please suggest what time we should depart in order to complete the Hakone loop course and should we get the Hakone Free Pass?

I recommend to arrive in Hakone by 10am, and to use Hakone Free Pass (for use from Tokyo if you return to Tokyo; or for use from Odawara if you overnight in Hakone).

Or what ticket should we get for such day trip?

If you decide to overnight in Hakone, you could also consider using the Japan Rail Pass from day 2, and use JR (either the Shonan Shinjuku Line or the Tokaido Shinkansen to get to Odawara at the entrance to Hakone).

What is the fastest way to reach Hakone?

It is explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5206.html

Any specific suggestion as to the sequence that we should follow to complete the loop

The loop is enjoyable in either direction. If you overnight in Hakone, I recommend to make a decision based on the location of your hotel:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5210.html

Can help to suggest base on our choices below how we should split them into the 3 days and also what mode of transport to take to reach places to places?

Kiyomizudera, Sanjusangendo and Fushimi Inari Shrine are close to each other. Depending on your preferred pace of travel, the three sites alone together with surroundings can take up a whole day. If you prefer a fast pace of travel, you could visit all three sites within half a day. It very much depends on your pace of travel.

Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji can also be combined into one trip. They should not take more than half a day (including access), unless you also explore the surrounding areas, such as the Philosoper Walk near Ginkakuji. Note also that Ginkakuji is currently being renovated:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3907.html

Transportation to each site is explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html

Himeji is a side trip from Kyoto. Depending on how much of Himeji you want to see, you can do it in half a day (including transport) or in a full day. More about Himeji:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3500.html

„« What time should we leave Kyoto and please suggest fastest way of transport to finally reach Universal Studio.

It takes less than an hour to reach USJ from Kyoto. The most convenient access method for Japan Rail Pass holders is to take the Haruka airport train from Kyoto to Nishi-Kujo Station (30 minutes) and transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line there, which brings you to Universal City Station (5 minutes). However, the first such connection of the day only reaches Universal City Station shortly before 10am, which should be okay on days when the park opens at 10am.

Otherwise, you can look up alternative routes here (enter "Universal City", the closest station to USJ):
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/

„« What time should be depart for Tsukiji (we know this period we are not allowed to view the auction, so what time should we reach then?)

Many shops and restaurants remain open until around 2pm.

From Tsukiji Market, how do we go to Yokohama and how to reach Ramen Museum, can this itinerary be achieved?

If you still have your Japan Rail Pass, take trains to Shinagawa and catch a shinkansen from there to Shin-Yokohama, where the ramen museum is located. Otherwise, take local trains to Shin-Yokohama.

Specific routes can be looked up by entering "Tsukijishijo" and "Shin Yokohama":
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/

„« Where can we go today?

Some suggestions (please select based on your own interests):
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

„« For airport transport from Kadoya hotel, what is the best mode to take and any value saving ticket we can purchase?

Your options for travel from Shinjuku are explained on the following page:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2027.html?aFROM=2027_3011

Lin, the 7 day pass will be a good deal if you stick to that plan. Providing you use it to go to Kyoto and back within the 7 days it's ideal. I would suggest that in Tokyo, both coming and going that you try to stay at Toyoko Inn Shinagawa. Two reasons being that it is only one train from the airport and will be much easier with luggage. It is also directly across the road from where you will travel to and from Kyoto. A 5'walk at most. Toyoko at Ikebukuro on then other hand is two trains from the airport and a slightly longer walk. The Shinagawa hotel is convenient to the Yamanote loop line and therefore easy to get to anywhere in Tokyo. At Kyoto I suggest that you stay the whole time at the Shin Osaka Toyoko Inn which will save you moving luggage again. It is just a few minutes from the Shin Osaka shinkansen station and not hard to find if you know where to look. I'll give you a detailed map at the end. The two Toyokos at Shin Osaka are also extremely convenient for catching a train to Kyoto. 15' on the shinkansen and you will have your JR pass so no problem. I have always found Shin Osaka to be the most convenient place to base myself for the Kansai area.
The map Google http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=toyoko+i...

The Map: Mapion I have put the red + symbol on the hotel
http://www.mapion.co.jp/c/f?uc=1&grp=MapionBB&nl=34/43/32.68...

Exit the station where the taxis and buses are. Keep the station to your back and the train line to your left, pass under the small subway tunnel and walk straight up that street.

Oh and you will use the JR NEX from the airport on day 1, it will take you straight to Shinagawa using the JR pass. Getting back to the airport without a JR pass Keisei is cheapest. Take a Yamanote line to Nippori and Keisei Ltd Express from there ( 1190 )or pay extra to ride the Skliner (2110) or for quite a bit more take the NEX straight from Shinagawa (3110).

Hello. When I travelled Tokyo by myself, I had a volunteer guide. The guide helped me a lot. She showed me the fish market, Imperial Palace, Ginza, Hamarikyu garden, Odaiba and Harajuku.

It was very difficult to travel around Tokyo without her help.

Tokyo Free Guide
http://www.tokyofreeguide.com/index.php?ml_lang=en

I don't speak Japanese and am over 50 but never had a problem travelling by myself in any Japanese town. Of course I am used to subways and trains as I was born and raised in western Europe where city transit and long distance trains are pretty similar to those in Japan. I would assume that coming from Singapore you will have no problem going around Tokyo,Kyoto,Osaka etc.

Thanks everyone for the advise.

Based on the replies here, I have some more questions...

1) Ok we decided to purchase the 7-day JR Pass then.
2) Actually I've booked the 1st night with Toyoko Inn Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.2 and when tried to book the 2nd nights, already fully booked. *sigh, tried most of the convenient located Toyoko Inn but apparently all sold out on 8-9 jan except for Toyoko Inn Otsuka-eki Kita-guchi No.2. Is this location good for travel from Narita and to Hakone? Any other lower end priced hotels with good location other than Toyoko Inn to recommend? Our main concern is just convenience to access the hotel as we have a suitcase each and also to travel to Hakone the next day.
3) Still decided not to spend a night at Hakone as accomodation there is so expensive. Since it will be a day trip to Hakone for us, what pass should we purchase if we want to complete the Hakone Loop as I understand the min. pass is the 2-day pass, 3900 yen or 5000yen and also that we have the JR Pass (should we utilise this only on day 3 when we proceed to Kyoto or Day 2?) Rather confused on this part as we want to save much money as possible? If Hakone Free Pass is the only value added pass we should purchase, then its the 3900 or 5000yen that we should get?
4) While in Kyoto, will we be utilising mostly the local bus to access to those places of interest or JR? If we are not able to use JR pass there, any cost saving transport ticket/pass we can purchase and from where can we purchase them?
5) We have decided to drop Universal Studio so we have more time to see Osaka. In this case, should we still stay a night in Osaka or just stay all 4 nights in Kyoto (Matsubaya Inn) to save the hassle of check in and out?
6) For airport transfer, from what I read so far, there seemed to be no 2-way/return ticket via any mode that we can purchase, is this true?
7) Before I forget to ask, when using the JR Pass esp. for longer journey fr Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka/Tokyo, how do we go about getting reserved seats? Honestly speaking, as this is our 1st time in Japan, not really sure how to use the JR Pass really. What I know is we purchase the pass in Singapore first, then when reach Tokyo, we have to exchange it for the actual pass. Should we do it first in Narita Airport or can be done after we check in hotel and not so rush? Then for subsequent train bookings, how do we go about doing it to ensure we have a seat? Pls pls advise.
8) Also, how do I interprete the train schedule from http://www.hyperdia.com/ correctly as a bit confused by when we should get down the train for transfer or its a direct journey?

That should be it for now. Thanks in advanced.

Japan Rail Pass
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html

Narita Airport
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/train/index.html

First, a couple of budget accommodation choices in Tokyo:
http://www.superhotel.co.jp
http://www.housejp.com.tw
Super Hotel in Ikebukuro is close to Toyoko Inn.

For Hakone, consider buying the 5000 yen Free Pass which includes transportation to/from Tokyo. For your 10 day itinerary, I suggest you to stay in Tokyo for the first 2 days and do a day-trip to Hakone on the third. Start using your 7-day rail pass on day 4 to go to Kyoto so that on your last day, you can still use your rail pass to take the Narita Express to the airport in Tokyo. For your 2 days in Tokyo, you can buy a 2-day Tokyo Metro Open Pass, 980 yen only if you buy it in Narita Airport. But do note that it is good for the subway lines run by Tokyo Metro only, not the other subway lines.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/ticket/narita.html#narita...

It is a good idea to stay in Kyoto while you are touring the Kansai area, so as to cut down checking in and out of hotels. Within the inner city of Kyoto, you can buy a 500 yen bus day-pass either from the bus station or directly from the driver. You can use your rail pass to take JR to Fushimi Inari Taisha, and of course to Osaka and Himeji as well.

For the JR rail pass, where you present your voucher in exchange of the rail pass, you have to fill out a simple form. You can validate it in Narita or after you arrive in Tokyo, no rush, so long as you are not using it right-away. When you make a reservation, go to the window with a green sign, show your rail pass and ideally write down the train you want to take, destination and time/date is the most important. You can also indicate ‹Ö‰Œ for non-smoking and Žw’è�È for reserved seats. After you get your ticket, use the manned counter and show your rail pass to go to the train platform.

Where using http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi to plan your train journey, be sure to tick �gexcepts NOZOMI�h because Nozomi shinkansen is the only train you are not allowed to ride with the rail pass. If a train requires a transfer, an orange buddle will appear next to the station for transfer. It will also show the arrival and departure time together with amount of time needed for transfer in the �gtransfer�h box. If a purple buddle with an arrow is shown, it means no transfer is required, the train just makes an intermediate stop and continues to the final destination.