Travel: Japan - General

[starlight1968sg]

mckenzy:

just a little heads-up... it snowed at Hakone today at about 4pm Japan time...


During such weather, certain types of transport cease to operate. A friend updated me with the info that the queues get longer and lots of them are outdoors... she had to queue for a Ropeway for about an hour in the snow...

Snowed so early ?

[mckenzy]

yup… very unusual… nothing in Tokyo or Osaka though… hoping to see some myself…!

[chixchix]

i think i have finally thought of going to Tokyo with the kids… but i am worried since its going to be our first time there.


Which airport to go …haneida or tokyo or osaka ? I would want to bring my kids to tokyo disney land.

Do we need to bring thick jackets ? My departure should be Dec 13-20.

We dont like Japanese food , is that going to be an issue ?

Any nice shopping to do in Japan ?

What are the must sees since I am going for only 4-5 days.

[Zenga]

chixchix:

i think i have finally thought of going to Tokyo with the kids... but i am worried since its going to be our first time there.


Which airport to go ..haneida or tokyo or osaka ? I would want to bring my kids to tokyo disney land.

Do we need to bring thick jackets ? My departure should be Dec 13-20.

We dont like Japanese food , is that going to be an issue ?

Any nice shopping to do in Japan ?

What are the must sees since I am going for only 4-5 days.

I can try to answer some of your question.

I just brought my family to Japan in Oct this year. 2 adults, 2 children ( 2yr old and 4 yr old)

\" think i have finally thought of going to Tokyo with the kids... but i am worried since its going to be our first time there.\"

You should be worried , of course everyone will be worried. The most important thing is to take care of your children and have some proper planning. Like get yourself familiarise with the http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/index.html.



\"Which airport to go ..haneida or tokyo or osaka ? I would want to bring my kids to tokyo disney land.\"

Ok I been to Tokyo twice and both times I choose Narita Airport.
Reason

1) It is nearer to Disneyland.
2) I chose a Hotel within the resort. Hilton as we wanted to go to both Disney sea and land.
3) Another point to note is , we can stayed in Disneyland till it was very late and staying near the Disneyland helps

Problem with staying near Disneyland,
1) It is far away from Sanrio Purio land
2) 40 mins to Shinjuku


\"We dont like Japanese food , is that going to be an issue ?\"
I think the Japanese rice and noodles are fine. Mostly with eggs and meat. If not, there are fast food and western food


\"Any nice shopping to do in Japan ?\"
Ididnt do much shopping except went to Shinjuku to shop for 1 day

\"What are the must sees since I am going for only 4-5 days\"
For me
Disneyland and Sea 2 days
Hellokitty land 1 day
Shinjuku 1 day

Previously, I went to Asakusa, Odaiba before so I skipped them this time round[/url]

[mckenzy]

1. Narita

2. Bring thick jackets
3. No issue
4. Yes
5. Everything if you have not been to Japan before.

[Dinah]

Hi Chix Chix

Consider staying at a hotel in convenient Tokyo central area (eg: Shinjuku) which provides shuttle bus to Tokyo Disney. That was what I did in my Oct 2010 trip with my 2 pre-schoolers. Hassle-free and works well since you want to have access to other areas of Tokyo. I stayed at Keio Plaza Shinjuku, which is conveniently located with reasonably priced eatery within walking distance.

Tokyo skyline is pretty disappointing. So, don’t bother to spend money to go up to building to view the so-called spectacular skyline. Just pop by Tokyo Metropolitan Govt Building at Shinjuku and head up to the viewing gallery which is free.

Food wise – Try their udon even if you don’t like Jap food. It’s good, springy and delicious! All of us got hooked on it.

[chixchix]

HI Dinah thanks you so much !!!


your information was appreciated and the rest of you out there,,, my hubbynow thinking of going during New Year.. i will go for the hotel Shangrila tokyo i guess.

but at the moment ,still deciding to go to tokyo or dubai .

[Herbie]

Hi,

We stayed at b. ikebukuro hotel which is under the Ishin Hotel Group. Rate abt $190/per nite c/w breakfast.

Room is good for 2 adult and 2 children (children are allowed in this hotel and child below 12 stays for free), hotel is very clean however the partition in between the hotel rooms aren’t solid wall so you can hear noises coming from neighbouring room.
The hotel room is c/w 3 beds all tucked next to each other. Room does not have wardrobe but c/w free internet access.

Location of the hotel is very convenient. Easy accessible via train and Airport Bus… We ate Udon which cost 350Yen ($4.80) at East Exit of Ikebukuro Station which are patronised mostly by local people… Food is really good.

Day 1 - Walked to Sunshine City Area and Ikekuburo Shopping Area like Seibu, Parson etc.
The Aquarium at Sunshine City is closed for renovation till mid of next year.

Day 2 - Ginza and Tsujiki Market Area & Tokyo International Forum, Ginza Teddy Bear Museum (New), BIC Camera (Electronic shop like Best Denki)

Lots of shopping area and the food at the Tsujiki Area is fabulous. Tokyo International Forum, the design of this building and the ambience both inside and outside of the building is really fantastic especialy at nite. We returned to the hotel at around 7.30pm via Jr train. Is very crowded inside the train during the rush hour.

Travelling around town is also very easy, cos there are information map along the road like those found in Australia, Melbourne.



Tx

[ksme]

Herbie:

Hi, Today is our first day in Tokyo. We stayed at b, ikebukuro hotel which is under the Ishin Hotel Group.


Room is good for 2 adult and 2 children, hotel is very clean however the partition in between the hotel rooms aren't solid wall so you can hear noises coming from neighbouring room.

Hotel location is good. Easy accessible via train and Airport Bus..

Tx

Thanks for the update. Pls post some pics if you can. Do you get beds or tatami?

[nani]

Hi


Anyone has issue with the reception while checking in for 2 adults 2 children? Are they fussy about kids sharing existing bed?

Thanks.