Travel: Japan - General
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Yup, Dnls_mum, can you imagine that when my family stayed overnight in my Japanese friend’s home, we used a laptop for the translation.
I spoke to his wife in very simple Japanese and somehow, we managed to get messages across w/o much hiccups. -
Dnls_mum:
Thank you! I'm sure we will hv lots of fun
Ok one lah. I was in central japan, lots of obasan and ojisan in the family run ryokans that we stayed in and we all laugh together when we try to communicate, one in English, one in Japanese and we all get by.
Even if order wrong food also never mind lah. Just laugh about it lah!
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starlight1968sg:
Yup, Dnls_mum, can you imagine that when my family stayed overnight in my Japanese friend's home, we used a laptop for the translation.
I spoke to his wife in very simple Japanese and somehow, we managed to get messages across w/o much hiccups.
:rotflmao:
My husband say that just remember to observe the expressions of the Japanese. When they say \"sze\" like they have \"tooth ache\" or when they go say \"ah no....\" and look like in contemplation, that means no, cannot to whatever you are asking. They dunno how to say no. Hahaha -
Dnls_mum:
True. Saying Yes doesnt mean they agree or ok. It is better to observe their expression.starlight1968sg:
Yup, Dnls_mum, can you imagine that when my family stayed overnight in my Japanese friend's home, we used a laptop for the translation.
I spoke to his wife in very simple Japanese and somehow, we managed to get messages across w/o much hiccups.
:rotflmao:
My husband say that just remember to observe the expressions of the Japanese. When they say \"sze\" like they have \"tooth ache\" or when they go say \"ah no....\" and look like in contemplation, that means no, cannot to whatever you are asking. They dunno how to say no. Hahaha -
Hi,
I am looking for a 1 night stay at Ryokan in either Tokyo or Osaka with my family. I am also considering if to stay near Mt Fuji bcos of the nice scenery. Does anyone has any recommendation?
My plan is Tokyo->Ryokan Stay (maybe at Mt Fuji)? -> Osaka.
Is it troublesome to travel from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Mt Fuji and we leave there for Osaka? Or should we just do a day trip thing to Mt Fuji?
Is it dangerous due to earthquake? We are planning for Dec trip.
Thank you! -
Field Report - Tokyo-Fuji-Hakone (traveling with multiple kids)
We have 4 kids, ages 11, 9, 7 and 2. Last December, we spent 10 nights in Tokyo and the region to the west of Tokyo. It was our first trip to Tokyo City, despite having gone to Japan 5 times before (4 times Hokkaido, once to Kyushu).
Our plan 5 nights in Tokyo, 2 Nights at Kawaguchiko, 2 nights in Hakone, 1 night at Haneda Airport. This was the first time (in our trips abroad) we traveled during the day (we usually fly the red-eye to gain a night).
We chose Shinjuku as the base as the Hotel rate seemed reasonable (S$350 per night for a Junior Suite at the Hilton). We did pay an additional S$150 for 2 beds; and the room was large enough - bigger than the rooms you would find in most Japanese hotels. Also, the trains running through Shinjuku district seemed to lead to most parts of the city without transfers. (On hindsight, staying nearer the major Shinjuku train station would have been better)
Day 1 - Flight into Haneda, Hotel Transfer by TokyoAirPorter (11000jpy for a private minibus) Dinner at Denny's! Yes they have a Denny's just next to the Hilton.
Day 2 - We managed to find an English-service at a Church in Yotsuya, so we went :). Taking in the autumn/wintry scenery around the quiet district, we ate lunch at a nearby Soup Stock Tokyo. Then we headed back to Shinjuku where we found a BIC Camera and I bought more than S$500 worth of Toys. Dinner was at a nearby Tonkatsu chain that was absolute fabulous, followed by dessert at St Marc's. (As you can see, we love finding stuff we usually find in Singapore, and enjoy the Japanese-difference).
Day 3 - Shopping in Shibuya. As it was a Monday, we braved the district with the world's busiest pedestrian intersection (3 times) and shopped as and where we could. Lunch was less memorable than an amazing Tempura place my wife found in a guide. The queue for dinner started at 5+, and it took a good 20 mins for us to get in (just before 6).
Day 4 - SEGA Joyopolis! As it was still a working/school day, we decided to go to a \"kids\" place hoping that it was empty. I even bumped into a colleague at a Shoe shop at Odaiba (great minds think alike). It also happened to be a rainy day. Lunch and Dinner was at the same place, and it was all pretty good Japanese food. Just nothing fancy. Joyopolis was a hit with all our kids (including yours truly). The very Japanese games meant that we had to figure out what to do... and the detective game was definitely out of the question. The shops in the building included some cute gift shops and even a retro Sega Arcade - there was this Suzuka MotoGP game that brought me back to my childhood.
Day 5 - Tokyo Skytree - We started lazily, later than we usually did (as would most parents traveling with 4 kids). So by the time we reached Skytree (which was way across town) it was already 1030 and the queues were almost to the door. To make it worse, the winds were acting up, so they shut the lifts down... so we exited - as my wife needed to nurse my son...yes even now at 33months, he is still nursing whenever he can... So we went into the Shopping centre next door for Lunch. We had some amazing OSaka Eel and then proceeded to enjoy a nice iMAX movie (completely in Japanese). Then at 2:30 we then went back to queue, and it was much, much shorter. About 30 mins later, we were 350m above sea level, enjoying the epic horizon, some ice cream, soda, and snacks at the little cafe. Deciding against going higher to the 450m level (the crowd was starting to arrive, and we didn't want to repeat a super long descend from Nam Sam Tower a couple years ago) we headed back down, and did more shopping, and had an early dinner (5pm+ ) at a DIY okonomiyaki/yakisoba place. More shopping, then the long way back to the hotel.
(So that was the last \"DAY\" in Tokyo. As you can see, we didn't run around the place so much. Just one main location per day and enjoy as much as possible)
Day 6 - Pick up the Rental Car - 2nd time with the Toyota Alphard - 3rd time from Toyota Rentacar (now we have rented a Toyota in Hokkaido, Kyushu and Honshu)
Heading north to Kawagoe, we found the most quaint wooden buildings and old-fashioned eateries/snack shops. Similar to Otaru (Hokkaido), there was a magical feel to the place. Then after lunch and shopping, we headed to Sawai where I had found online a genuine Sake brewery. But as it was late (got caught in the highway jam out of Tokyo), we popped in for a quick view, grabbed some sake and snacks at the shop and continued the circuitous route to Kawaguchiko.
The room was actually a Cottage (for 12); Kawaguchiko Country Cottage Ban. Price JPY30,000 per night. As they were not fully booked, they gave us a larger place even though I only asked for one with 6-8 futons. A quick soak in the onsen, we headed to Kawaguchi for dinner. Going in circles for a while (this is a weird city and best to input the telephone no. in the GPS before heading out), we ended up in one of those quaint US style Japanese diners with free-flow drinks. It was nicely satisfying, and after heading to the supermarket and provision store for supplies, we headed back for a night in the cottage.
Day 7 - Fuji Q Highland. The highlight of the trip for the kids and yours truly. Sadly after sitting in several kiddy rides, my oldest chickened out of the Fujiwara Roller Coaster. 3,000m, 124kmh, 180 seconds of terror and amusement... and my wife gamely went with me. The kids even ice-skated with the hoardes of Highschoolers, and then we headed back to Lake Kawaguchi, managing to catch the last boat ride and the most amazing late afternoon scenery. A little tea at the lakeside with fresh pastries and ice cream, we had our usual onsen before dinner - this time at Gyu-Kaku - and yes, it's better in Japan. Even better in winter.
Day 8 - Gotemba Premium Outlets. Initially planning to enjoy a drive around Hakone, we somehow joined the weekend queue to Gotemba, and it was amazing. First time at a proper premium outlet for us, and we bought so much stuff... there was just bags and bags of shopping in the car. Lunch was at the Steak restaurant there (the least crowded one we could find); and although we only stopped shopping in the middle of the afternoon. Still, we managed to get to our next destination in time for the typical Japanese Ryokan Dinner. Fujimi-en is a quaint hotel at the side of the road, next to a cliff. It's a Onsen Hotel with the usual Japanese style, and the cheapest one we could find in the area that had suitable room for our large family. At JPY42,000 a night with Dinner and breakfast, it was actually quite reasonable. The onsen was also quite ok, despite the full house (not as crowded as many other places we had been).
Day 9 - Around Hakone, road, cable car, train. The hills of Hakone is full of tourists mostly local. We parked at the ropeway station and headed all the way up, past the smoking hills (which had the recent volcanic activity) and continued onto the train which ran steeply down to the other part of Hakone - quaint stores, railway station and all. We walked around and stumbled upon a simple ramen/udon place. As with most family run restaurants, the food was exemplary, and after a little walk about the rest of the simple town, we headed back the way we came. On to the Hakone Open Air Museum. As it had been the rest of the trip, it was a chilly <10 degree day. So we braved the cold to find the most unsual park that the kids simply enjoyed. From a 3D maze to underground 2D maze, loads of sculptures, and a wierd rope playground inside a giant wooden ball, this was another high point for the kids. We stopped by a nice biscotti like confectioner (Grande Riviere) where I spotted a stock NSX. Then back for dinner at Fujimi-en. The cool part about staying 2 nights (most visitors only stay 1). The Menu for the 2nd night is completely unique and you feel really special.
Day 10 - Without planning, I drove straight back to Gotemba, bought 2 Oakley travel duffel bags (along with several sunglasses) more toys for the kids, Puma, Adidas Apparel, Timberland boots and Jeans, and even Ferragamo shoes (which the wife claims were half the price of the same pair back home). Lunch this time as at the foodcourt as it was far less crowded than previously. We even made it across the bridge. That's where we found 4 Swatch watches going for JPY10000. Around the afternoon, after a little tea and crossing back to the original side (this place is twice as large as our previous favourite outlet - RERA @ Hokkaido), we picked up my jeans (altered on the spot in 60 mins) and headed for the last drive... back to Haneda Airport. Dropping the car at the rental location, we got onto the shuttle mini bus and promptly took up 90% of the luggage space (we had 8 suitcases, 3 backpacks, 1 pram).
Now, we are among those who have never stayed at the airport overnight, but the Royal Park Haneda was nice. Better still were the food and entertainment options at the International Airport. Despite all that, we still ate at our favourite Japanese Pasta (Pronto) and proceeded to have fun at the electric slot car racing track (JPY200 for 10mins). Matcha Ice Cream was amazing, and we bought even more stuff than we had space for.
Day 11 - Eventually realizing that ANA had reverted to allowing 2 checked bags a Passenger, we managed to put everything into our suitcases, and boarded the plane the next morning after a hearty breakfast inside the transit area; where we bought another 3-4 bags full of Japanese goodies, including cartons of unique Kit-Kats.
All in, this was definitively a trip for our family to remember, and distinctly a first of many trips to Tokyo.
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Wow! Thanks for the detailed itinerary! I am still reading through this forum, now only halfway! But I am so grateful for all the sharing! Hope by end June, I will have my first draft of itinerary!
My DH said we need special shoe for winter, is that necessary? I am a little stress about the planning cause as usual my DH leaves all planning to me. Going with 3 boys, 10, 7, and 18 mo and my mil. -
If going to snow covered places, best to get winter boots with insulation. But in the end we bought all our current shoes either via Amazon or in Japan. More options and much cheaper!
Our present Winter shoes are from Adidas (Climawarm series) for between S$70-120 when on sale at ABC Mart. -
happy to be mum:
Do post your itinerary here so we can see how to help you refine it.Wow! Thanks for the detailed itinerary! I am still reading through this forum, now only halfway! But I am so grateful for all the sharing! Hope by end June, I will have my first draft of itinerary!
My DH said we need special shoe for winter, is that necessary? I am a little stress about the planning cause as usual my DH leaves all planning to me. Going with 3 boys, 10, 7, and 18 mo and my mil.
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Nebbermind:
I love Hakodate...at least two full days for mebebebub:
Anyone been to the Ainu Village in Noboribetsu? Is it worth going? How much time to allocate for the visit? Not quite keen with the onsens. What else to do/see in Noboribetsu?
Is 1.5 days sufficient to visit Hakodate?
Any experience to share regarding Tomamu Village?
TIA.
http://www.hakodate.travel/en/basic-information/guide-book/img/hakodate-city-walking-map.pdf
That's a nice link! I will be spending 6 days 5 nights in Niseko for skiing and move to Hakodate (book Loisir hotel) for 3 days, the link helps alot
question I need help.....when is the earliest time I can book/buy the train tickets from Kutchan to Hakodate (in order to reserve the front or back rows so I can have the space to put my 4 luggages??)..From Hyperia, I would need a train at JR Hokkaido line from Kutchan to Oshamambe then transfer Ltd exp Super Hokudo to Hakodate. Likewise, I would need limited exp Hokudo to move from Hakodate to Sapporo.
2nd question - is it cheaper to get ski gears at Niseko rental or Hirafu (Dlye recommented a web which offer lower rate but I am afraid if we get wrong sizes then we cant change).
Thanks
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