13 Nights in Japan

Hi Dean,

Looks like really nice itinerary, I love the visit to Naoshima, as well as that you spend time in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka.

For Fuji, you can already have a good view of Fuji from Atami, so that's cool. Making a day trip from there to a place closer to Fuji should no problem.

Its maybe a bit wild but you do get to see a lot in return. The only thing I would not like is having to check in and out every day.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Daniel!!!!

Thank you for the quick response!

You mentioned: "Its maybe a bit wild but you do get to see a lot in return. The only thing I would not like is having to check in and out every day."

So after visiting Okayama/Naoshima, we are planning to stay 2 nights in Kyoto (day trip to Nara), and 2 nights in Osaka so we don't have to pack/unpack everyday.

Another Japanese friend who lives in New York mentioned staying in Osaka for 4 nights, and then taking day trips to Kyoto and Nara. However, my friend who lives in Atami tells me this will be too much time on the train. What would you recommend?

Dean

Daniel,

What about the JRPass? Would recommend we buy the 14 day pass???

Also, can we use the JRPass from Narita airport to Tokyo?? We arrive October 13, and head to the Conrad Hotel in Tokyo.

Dean

Hi Dean,

So after visiting Okayama/Naoshima, we are planning to stay 2 nights in Kyoto (day trip to Nara), and 2 nights in Osaka so we don't have to pack/unpack everyday. Sounds good to me, Kyoto is only 30 minutes away from Osaka, you could even make your base in Kyoto and just make day trips to Osaka. I guess this is what your friend from the US means but than in Osaka. I used to do this a lot and don't mind the commute but your friend may think differently.

For the JR Pass, I can't see 100% for sure. I recommend using the JR Fare Calculator, add in your itinerary and see if you can make savings. The JR Pass does cover teh Narita Express to Tokyo.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Thank you Daniel!!!!

I think we will stick with 2 days in Osaka, and 2 days in Kyoto, because even though the distance between two cities is only 30min, we do not speak Japanese, and don't know our way around each city the way a local would.

Thank you again for your insight!!!!

Dean