'Must sees' in Japan?

[samokan]

Houryoji ( Nara ) - Hōryū-ji - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ikoma ( Nara )

Shimogamo and Kamogamo (Kyoto)

[OllySims]

Brilliant, your all helping so much, I'd be lost without all the input

Seems like it will be worth booking a week in Tokyo and doing day trips, then the remaining week in and around Kyoto.

Now to check out accommodation!

[JohnBraden]

Originally Posted by OllySims

Brilliant, your all helping so much, I'd be lost without all the input

Seems like it will be worth booking a week in Tokyo and doing day trips, then the remaining week in and around Kyoto.

Now to check out accommodation!

Why not book in Osaka? Kyoto has the reputation, so hotels may be more expensive. Osaka is only 14 minutes away by Shinkansen and it opens the trail to Hiroshima/Miyajima, Kobe, Okayama, etc....

[OllySims]

Originally Posted by JohnBraden

Why not book in Osaka? Kyoto has the reputation, so hotels may be more expensive. Osaka is only 14 minutes away by Shinkansen and it opens the trail to Hiroshima/Miyajima, Kobe, Okayama, etc....

I will definitely check Osaka out as a base then! Thank you

[samokan]

Originally Posted by JohnBraden

Why not book in Osaka? Kyoto has the reputation, so hotels may be more expensive. Osaka is only 14 minutes away by Shinkansen and it opens the trail to Hiroshima/Miyajima, Kobe, Okayama, etc....

same here, I would recommend booking the hotel in Osaka. Make it as your base for the trip. It is convenient if you plan to visit its neighboring areas like Kyoto ( 40Minutes ) , Kobe ( 30 minutes ) , Nara ( 40 minutes ), Wakayama ( 1 hour ) , Hiroshima ( shinkansen-2hours) , Okayama ( shinkansen -1 hour ) , Shiga ( 1-2 hours ) , Mie ( 2 hours )

[OllySims]

Booked all my hostels apart from 1 night!

I have allowed myself 5 nights in Tokyo with the following night not yet booked, followed by 4 nights in Kyoto leaving 3 nights in Osaka (which I am flying out from)

I haven't yet booked travel - Still looking into it with not much success! Think I may sort it whilst I am there, seem to be some good regional train passes.

Tokyo to Kyoto..... I've looked into the bullet train which seems quite expensive, plus accommodation that night, or 'Willer Express' overnight bus which is cheaper , saves day time and saves on accommodation. I'm 6'5 though and don't know how big these seats are? Seen are chair called the 'Cocoon' which seems interesting?

Willer Express Buses Introduce “Cocoon” Seats

Or maybe go down to Hakone and spending a night there as I was planning on missing that?

Your opinions mean a lot to me!

Olly

[chillybunny]

I recommend:

• Kamakura - Stay away from the beach BUT visit the Big Buddha! There are also plenty of Zen Gardens.
• DisneySEA - I know you said no amusement but it's just that amazing.(I've already been twice and will once more).
• Akihabara - Robots, electronics and Sega World.
• Fuji-Q - It has the World Record for steepest drop.
  

I currently live in the Tokyo area. I usually check this page for ideas:
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