Tokyo/Kyoto must see recommendations?

7,133 Views | 58 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by Swarely
DallasAg 94
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We'll probably do all of those.

The "Hot Pot" as it was called in China, was certainly something to do and a cool experience. Great idea to include.

But I agree... the idea of boiling thin strips of meat only has so much appeal.
BackwardsInBoots
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AG
It's really not that expensive to eat out in Japan at convenience stores, fast food places, or even casual restaurants/cafes. Unless we go somewhere fancy, it's usually between 20 and 40 bucks for my BF and I to eat out. The only times we spend more than that are at good sushi places (he usually eats like 30 plates though - most people eat maybe 10), if he is having beef, or if we go somewhere really nice and order a multi-course dinner with wine. Transportation can be expensive (if you are taking the Shinkansen), and groceries can be kind of pricey, too, but most things are priced about what you would pay in any big city. Drinks can maybe be a little expensive if you want something other than water - if you're used to giant American sized drinks, and the place you are at offers a "Drink Bar" that is usually cheaper after your 4th glass or so.
DallasAg 94
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Time is getting close. I thought I would update some things.

We will be in country for 9 full days. That does not count the day of arrival (3pm arrival) nor the day of departure (10am). I saved about $400/ticket by departing from Waco and then going to DFW where my flights between DFW and NRT were exactly the same. I should have checked departing from DFW to NRT, then NRT to Waco, and then not hitting the DFW to Waco leg, but didn't think about it at the time.

We are booked for 3 nights at the Hilton Odawara Resort to start our journey. The reasoning is after traveling, I didn't want any chances with a airbnb/other and wanted a single room for all of us.

We have tickets for Sumo on the final day. Yeah! I had to get them from 2ndary market because they were soldout the 1st day. We got a box and then two stadium seats. We'll day-trip to the Sumo from Odawara.

Let me know if any of this is lame:
While in Odawara, we'll do Hakone. We plan to go to Mt. Fuji and they have some cool looking pirate ships on Lake Ashi. We'll also do the Hakone Ropeway. We'll aslo do Odawara Castle.

We have 3 days I still need to plan. Still thinking of Kyoto, but have a feeling that won't happen. I'm thinking a ryokan, as suggested. Maybe we go up to Fuji-Q Highland?!

Then off to Tokyo, where we'll be at the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba. We'll likely do:
- Gundam Base/Front
- Tokyo Tower
- Shibuya Crossing
- Imperial Palace (Tokyo)
- Akibahara
- Fish Market
And whatever else we can stuff in there.

I want to see a Nippon baseball game, possibly take a Sushi preparation course.

Some of the big decisions have been made. Just a couple more. Thanks for your suggestions and guidance.
BackwardsInBoots
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AG
Depending on how you feel about nudity, definitely go to an onsen in Hakone. The area is super beautiful, and there are lots of great (enclosed, single gender) outdoor baths where you can relax in nice, warm spring water and enjoy nature.

Odawara Castle is nice - but be prepared for a ****ty enclosure of sad macaques. No idea why they even have them there on display.

If you're thinking Kyoto might not happen, consider Nikko. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo with waterfalls, cool temples and shrines, an Imperial Villa (summer residence to escape the Tokyo heat) and the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Also for if you're skipping Kyoto/Nara - someone suggested Kamakura earlier. It's got a giant Buddha statue (maybe the largest outdoor one? I think the one in Nara is bigger but it's inside), lots of other temples and shrines, and a summer festival of some sort with fireworks is apparently happening on 8/10 - not sure of your travel dates, but maybe you'll be here then.

If you really want to drop some serious coin, this Ryokan has been around for 1300 years (holds a Guinness record for oldest continuous hotel, or something like that) - but it's insanely expensive - like $600+ per night for 2 adults and 2 kids. https://keiunkan.co.jp/en/
DallasAg 94
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BackwardsInBoots said:

Depending on how you feel about nudity, definitely go to an onsen in Hakone. The area is super beautiful, and there are lots of great (enclosed, single gender) outdoor baths where you can relax in nice, warm spring water and enjoy nature.

Odawara Castle is nice - but be prepared for a ****ty enclosure of sad macaques. No idea why they even have them there on display.

If you're thinking Kyoto might not happen, consider Nikko. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo with waterfalls, cool temples and shrines, an Imperial Villa (summer residence to escape the Tokyo heat) and the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Also for if you're skipping Kyoto/Nara - someone suggested Kamakura earlier. It's got a giant Buddha statue (maybe the largest outdoor one? I think the one in Nara is bigger but it's inside), lots of other temples and shrines, and a summer festival of some sort with fireworks is apparently happening on 8/10 - not sure of your travel dates, but maybe you'll be here then.

If you really want to drop some serious coin, this Ryokan has been around for 1300 years (holds a Guinness record for oldest continuous hotel, or something like that) - but it's insanely expensive - like $600+ per night for 2 adults and 2 kids. https://keiunkan.co.jp/en/
Thanks. My wife does want to stay at a Ryokan, and that is why I still have 3 days in the middle to figure out.

We are getting the JRPass, which will help us navigate travel, since we don't plan on getting a car. So, if we did Keiunkan, would it be a standalone stop and then move on, or would you include other things? Their site references siteseeing, but everything is 3hrs by car. They have a shuttle from JR Minobu Station, so that may be doable. Recommend a 1 night stay?

And for our family size, it will likely be $1100/night. In most places in Japan, the accommodations have twin beds and anyone over 6 is expected to have a bed. Typically 1 adult and 2 kids per room.
Spore Ag
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Save money by living by the rail. Cheapest hotels are close by as well as some great food. We stayed in Itsonomia and commuted to Tokyo via the pass. Hotel about 79$ a night.
In Oslo right now and Tokyo is far cheaper for food and alcohol and better.By the way vending machines in Japan 100 yen for a can of beer.
DallasAg 94
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Spore Ag said:

Save money by living by the rail. Cheapest hotels are close by as well as some great food. We stayed in Itsonomia and commuted to Tokyo via the pass. Hotel about 79$ a night.
In Oslo right now and Tokyo is far cheaper for food and alcohol and better.By the way vending machines in Japan 100 yen for a can of beer.
Traveling with kids, one is 10. Cheap is important, but not the #1 priority. Cheap got ruled out when it was decided we'd go to Japan, as opposed to Costa Rica, the Caribbean or Europe. Further diminished when extended from 5 to 9 days.

Once you go above 4 people, you either have to have a Suite or two rooms.

If I had been to Japan before, I'd like feel comfortable taking more risks, but we are in for too much $$$$ to skimp unnecessarily.
Spore Ag
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Have you booked Giros yet. Michelin rated 3 while his son I believe is Michilin 2. There is a Net Flex show on him that is worth looking at. Yes it is worth it.
BackwardsInBoots
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AG
You have to call in on the first of the month a month before you want to go to make a reservation. It's understandably very hard to get into.
BackwardsInBoots
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DallasAg 94 said:

BackwardsInBoots said:

Depending on how you feel about nudity, definitely go to an onsen in Hakone. The area is super beautiful, and there are lots of great (enclosed, single gender) outdoor baths where you can relax in nice, warm spring water and enjoy nature.

Odawara Castle is nice - but be prepared for a ****ty enclosure of sad macaques. No idea why they even have them there on display.

If you're thinking Kyoto might not happen, consider Nikko. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo with waterfalls, cool temples and shrines, an Imperial Villa (summer residence to escape the Tokyo heat) and the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Also for if you're skipping Kyoto/Nara - someone suggested Kamakura earlier. It's got a giant Buddha statue (maybe the largest outdoor one? I think the one in Nara is bigger but it's inside), lots of other temples and shrines, and a summer festival of some sort with fireworks is apparently happening on 8/10 - not sure of your travel dates, but maybe you'll be here then.

If you really want to drop some serious coin, this Ryokan has been around for 1300 years (holds a Guinness record for oldest continuous hotel, or something like that) - but it's insanely expensive - like $600+ per night for 2 adults and 2 kids. https://keiunkan.co.jp/en/
Thanks. My wife does want to stay at a Ryokan, and that is why I still have 3 days in the middle to figure out.

We are getting the JRPass, which will help us navigate travel, since we don't plan on getting a car. So, if we did Keiunkan, would it be a standalone stop and then move on, or would you include other things? Their site references siteseeing, but everything is 3hrs by car. They have a shuttle from JR Minobu Station, so that may be doable. Recommend a 1 night stay?

And for our family size, it will likely be $1100/night. In most places in Japan, the accommodations have twin beds and anyone over 6 is expected to have a bed. Typically 1 adult and 2 kids per room.


Keiunkan is (relatively) close to the Fuji five lakes region, so it would probably be a one night kind of thing when you are in that area. I've not personally stayed there, but it's on my list of places I would love to go someday when I'm not LOLPoor.

There are plenty of other really nice Ryokan, though. Let me know if you need help searching for/booking anything. I live here/speak Japanese.
DallasAg 94
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BackwardsInBoots said:

DallasAg 94 said:

BackwardsInBoots said:

Depending on how you feel about nudity, definitely go to an onsen in Hakone. The area is super beautiful, and there are lots of great (enclosed, single gender) outdoor baths where you can relax in nice, warm spring water and enjoy nature.

Odawara Castle is nice - but be prepared for a ****ty enclosure of sad macaques. No idea why they even have them there on display.

If you're thinking Kyoto might not happen, consider Nikko. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo with waterfalls, cool temples and shrines, an Imperial Villa (summer residence to escape the Tokyo heat) and the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Also for if you're skipping Kyoto/Nara - someone suggested Kamakura earlier. It's got a giant Buddha statue (maybe the largest outdoor one? I think the one in Nara is bigger but it's inside), lots of other temples and shrines, and a summer festival of some sort with fireworks is apparently happening on 8/10 - not sure of your travel dates, but maybe you'll be here then.

If you really want to drop some serious coin, this Ryokan has been around for 1300 years (holds a Guinness record for oldest continuous hotel, or something like that) - but it's insanely expensive - like $600+ per night for 2 adults and 2 kids. https://keiunkan.co.jp/en/
Thanks. My wife does want to stay at a Ryokan, and that is why I still have 3 days in the middle to figure out.

We are getting the JRPass, which will help us navigate travel, since we don't plan on getting a car. So, if we did Keiunkan, would it be a standalone stop and then move on, or would you include other things? Their site references siteseeing, but everything is 3hrs by car. They have a shuttle from JR Minobu Station, so that may be doable. Recommend a 1 night stay?

And for our family size, it will likely be $1100/night. In most places in Japan, the accommodations have twin beds and anyone over 6 is expected to have a bed. Typically 1 adult and 2 kids per room.
Keiunkan is (relatively) close to the Fuji five lakes region, so it would probably be a one night kind of thing when you are in that area. I've not personally stayed there, but it's on my list of places I would love to go someday when I'm not LOLPoor.

There are plenty of other really nice Ryokan, though. Let me know if you need help searching for/booking anything. I live here/speak Japanese.
Thanks. I may still hit you up...

Without getting into the details, this is a much needed and deserved trip for our family.
BackwardsInBoots
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AG
username@gmail.com -- if there is anything you need, feel free to ask.
DallasAg 94
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Thanks for all your help... and others on this thread.

Day 3, and having a fantastic time.

I'll provide a good write-up afterwards, but a couple items. Some close calls. I almost left my camera bag on the plane at Narita. Fortunately, son asked about it in the jet-bridge. Another son left his cell phone. While notified the AA desk at baggage claim. They found it and brought it to us. Those examples, while small... are symbolic to the near missed, and teaching moments for kids.

They were happy it was me that forgot the bag, because I really can't complain if they forget something. LOL.

Day 1 was arrival, kids slept plenty on plane. Got settled in Odawara Hilton. It is a VERY nice property. Got our JRPass. Took some time to get familiar, but is very, very easy.

Day 2... Odawara Castle, one son said, "if we spend 3 days here, and then go home, I'll be so happy." One son wanted Ramen, so we found this place locals eat. 10 seats in the whole place, and we had most of them.

Day 3 is my day. Nagoya for Sumo. On the way there. We got tickets through Intl Stub Hub.

Tomorrow Hakone. Friday is fish market. We have a 4hr "tour" set. Visit the market, select our fish... learn to make our Sushi, and then eat what we make.

Lots more on the agenda, but wanted to thank everyone while sitting on rail to Nagoya.
Its Not Rocket Surgery
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AG
Dallas, don't know if you are still here but I'd opt for the Sky Tree instead of Tokyo tower. Very bottom of the lowest observation deck is about 1,200 ft up and views get better the higher you go (although it was really smoggy on Sunday when we went). They also built an aquarium there since my last trip that my colleagues here tell me is amazing. Glad you got to see sumo at the castle. Awesome setting!
DallasAg 94
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Its Not Rocket Surgery said:

Dallas, don't know if you are still here but I'd opt for the Sky Tree instead of Tokyo tower. Very bottom of the lowest observation deck is about 1,200 ft up and views get better the higher you go (although it was really smoggy on Sunday when we went). They also built an aquarium there since my last trip that my colleagues here tell me is amazing. Glad you got to see sumo at the castle. Awesome setting!


We are here until Monday. We leave Odawara on 26th for our Tokyo adventure. Tokyo Tower was on the bubble. I'll look at Sky Tree. Yesterday was Hakone, as will be today. I think well try Fuji-Q Admusement park tomorrow.

I'll check out the Aquarium.
Its Not Rocket Surgery
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AG
DallasAg 94 said:

Its Not Rocket Surgery said:

Dallas, don't know if you are still here but I'd opt for the Sky Tree instead of Tokyo tower. Very bottom of the lowest observation deck is about 1,200 ft up and views get better the higher you go (although it was really smoggy on Sunday when we went). They also built an aquarium there since my last trip that my colleagues here tell me is amazing. Glad you got to see sumo at the castle. Awesome setting!


We are here until Monday. We leave Odawara on 26th for our Tokyo adventure. Tokyo Tower was on the bubble. I'll look at Sky Tree. Yesterday was Hakone, as will be today. I think well try Fuji-Q Admusement park tomorrow.

I'll check out the Aquarium.


If you have the kids with you check out Tokyo Disney Sea too. Different concept than any of their other parks. Have fun and have a safe trip home!
DallasAg 94
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I did want to follow-up on this thread.

First, thanks to everyone who contributed to helping guide our trip. It was incredible and we did things we otherwise, would not have.

Enzo: The japan-guide site was incredibly reliable and helpful. Kyoto was on the list, but was cut. I think we could have spend a month in Japan and still not covered enough. We ended up anchoring in Odawara, instead of Tokyo. Our biggest problem was hotel space. Most Tokyo hotels only allow for 3 people. Odawara Hilton Resort & Spa allowed capacity for all of us in one room. Expensive... but worth it. We had concern about traveling distance (say Tokyo to Nagoya). Once in Japan, I could totally see what you were saying about anchoring in Tokyo. It would have been fine.

Since we had more than 4 people, a single box was not enough. We got a box and then stadium seating. As we entered the arean, the boys taken and were escorted to their seats. I handed them a 50K Yen and told them to be good, not knowing where our seats were. We all had a great time and they loved not having mom and dad lord over them. I would have NEVER done that for a sporting event in the US. Give my kids tickets and then not have access to them. It was great.

We didn't make Fuji-Q/Mt Fuji, either.

Regarding budget... We were in over $20K before we even started packing. Between flights, hotels and rail. It added up. We did stay below my most high limit... by about $150. But we did a ton of stuff and it was WELL worth it.

Silky - The Tsukiji Fish Market was excellent. It will be moved, as it is the site where the Olympic Village will be. We did an insider tour and sushi making/sake tasting event. It was incredible!

Random - We didn't do the tuna auction, but I wanted to. It was just too early for us.

AggieMainland - We did a similar tour. I had looked at the one you linked, and for whatever reason, when I finally booked, we selected a different host. It was awesome, though.

BackwardsInBoots - Thanks for all your help. We had Kabuki-za as a general think to look for. In Nagoya, we stopped at the Nagoya Noh Theater by the Castle. It was a good easy win. The JRPass was absolutely necessary for us. It was great. You have to get the certificates before entering Japan. We almost missed that. We got the 14 day pass, for like $425/person. We went from Odawara to Nagoya twice. One way was $93 (or so), so that was $372, just spent there. We did parse down expectations. No Kyoto. No Nara. Being in Odawara, we went to Hakone. They have an all-travel pass for 2-3 days. We loved the area. I did have the boys give me their "non-negotiable" things. We got everything except my wife's onsen experience. More something we'll have to do without kids.

Airbnb was just too risky for the overall budget. Having a restaurant in the hotel was expensive, but safe, when necessary.

I agree, the macaques are out of place and they look miserable.

FriendlyAg - My son had Akihabara on his list. We got passed the main area, and I was like, "Ok, so now what?!" It wasn't until we came back, that it was like, "Oh... I get it." We spent a bunch of time there and one found some "Monster Hunter" stuff which was great.

Seven - Didn't make it to Harajuku. We did try a variety of places at all price levels. Started with 7-11 at Narita Airport. We are pretty adventurous. My boys wanted ramen, so my wife found a local place in Odawara. We walked about 2 miles to this hole-in-wall place. It was like 800Y per bowl. We shared and it was awesome. We also found a sushi place. Neither spoke any English, but we did fine. The sushi place had English menus, but the Japanese menu had pictures. We ate on the go and local as much as possible.

BlueAg - I've traveled many places, including NYC, Denmark, et al. For us... the expensive part was hotels. You have to book rooms by the person. Most hotels have twin beds, so you also have to pay per bed. Our stay in Odaiba was a Hilton property. We got a Triple Room, which had 2 twin beds. We had to get a roll-away bed for $70/night. It brought the total to about $500/night... and we had to have 2 rooms. Essentially $1K/night. In Odawara... another Hilton property... we got a Suite and paid for 3 futons in addition to the room. The idea of roll-aways are common... but in the US, you can usually get two Queen beds and share the bed. In both places we were, they were only twin beds. Rail would have been expensive if we bought individual tickets. But, at $425 for 14 days, we're looking at $30/person/day. Or... $2K+ for the trip. All-in-all for food and entertainment... I didn't find it unreasonable. But we drop $60 at home eating fast food. We can't eat dining for less than $125 and Sushi puts us at over $200 almost every time.

Random - Yes, tempura was popular. In Odaiba, they had restaurant in the Diver Mall, that looked like a fry pit at the table, where they'd bring your tempura raw and you'd cook it at the table. We almost did that, but just didn't fit.

Spore - Our hotel in Odawara ran a shuttle every 15mins or so to the Nebukawa station and our Odaiba hotel was on the station. Both were very convenient. I didn't find the 100Y beer vending machines, but my boys found the 160Y soda/drink machines. They really like the "gel" drinks and they knew they had me gamed. We'd go to leave the hotel and I'd tell everyone to get a water. "We're fine. We are not thirsty." 15 min shuttle to the rail station and suddenly everyone is about to pass out from dehydration. So, I kept a bag full of 100Y and 500Y coins... a roll of 1000Y bills. The down side to that was gasha-pons (sp). Man o man... THAT was a beat down. 100Y coins spend like quarters. "Dad, can I get a gasha-pon, these are the ones I've searched everywhere for. It is the only one I've found." They are usually 300Y-500Y, so now I'm dropping $3 on a McDonald's-type toy for each kid... and they are EVERYWHERE! I probably spent more on gasha-pons than I did hotels. jk.

Its Not Rocket - WE opted for Sky Tree. It was fantastic. Skipped Disney. Disney Sea seemed interesting, but didn't move the needle enough to displace something else.


Thanks everyone for your input. I think I covered everything. What would have been a really good trip, became a fantastic trip with less anxiety. Thank you!
FincAg
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AG
BiB, do you mind if I email you some questions? The wife and I will be in Okinawa for a few days with some friends who are stationed there but will be in Tokyo and/or Kyoto May 13-18.
Snow Monkey Ambassador
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AG
Heading to Japan in July with some friends. We went a couple of years ago and stayed at the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku (yeah, huge LiT fans), but this time we will be doing more traveling (Kyoto, Nagoya, Fuji-san, etc.). We absolutely loved our last trip. I'm just posting here to mark it as a thread to come back to.
G Martin 87
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AG
Wow, same here. Bookmarking for planning purposes. We're HGV members, so our plan is to stay at the Odawara Hilton property. It sounds like that would make a great base for the trip. I love learning languages; started the Japanese courses on Duolingo and Pimsleur already. How much fluency is enough to get by?
(removed:110205)
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We're headed to Tokyo and Kyoto next week. My wife has the Tokyo half pretty planned out (fish market, baseball game, private tour guide, 47 Ronin shrine for me).

Kyoto is pretty open. We're staying at the Hoshinoya up the river. Any recommendations on must-see/dos in Kyoto?
DD88
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AG
Bump for an upcoming trip.

We will likely find a hotel to recover the first night in Tokyo.
Will probably stay two nights in Kyoto and currently deciding on a hotel.
Then spend the rest of the time in Tokyo leading into the business part of the trip.
FriendlyAg
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DallasAg 94 said:

I did want to follow-up on this thread.

First, thanks to everyone who contributed to helping guide our trip. It was incredible and we did things we otherwise, would not have.

Enzo: The japan-guide site was incredibly reliable and helpful. Kyoto was on the list, but was cut. I think we could have spend a month in Japan and still not covered enough. We ended up anchoring in Odawara, instead of Tokyo. Our biggest problem was hotel space. Most Tokyo hotels only allow for 3 people. Odawara Hilton Resort & Spa allowed capacity for all of us in one room. Expensive... but worth it. We had concern about traveling distance (say Tokyo to Nagoya). Once in Japan, I could totally see what you were saying about anchoring in Tokyo. It would have been fine.

Since we had more than 4 people, a single box was not enough. We got a box and then stadium seating. As we entered the arean, the boys taken and were escorted to their seats. I handed them a 50K Yen and told them to be good, not knowing where our seats were. We all had a great time and they loved not having mom and dad lord over them. I would have NEVER done that for a sporting event in the US. Give my kids tickets and then not have access to them. It was great.

We didn't make Fuji-Q/Mt Fuji, either.

Regarding budget... We were in over $20K before we even started packing. Between flights, hotels and rail. It added up. We did stay below my most high limit... by about $150. But we did a ton of stuff and it was WELL worth it.

Silky - The Tsukiji Fish Market was excellent. It will be moved, as it is the site where the Olympic Village will be. We did an insider tour and sushi making/sake tasting event. It was incredible!

Random - We didn't do the tuna auction, but I wanted to. It was just too early for us.

AggieMainland - We did a similar tour. I had looked at the one you linked, and for whatever reason, when I finally booked, we selected a different host. It was awesome, though.

BackwardsInBoots - Thanks for all your help. We had Kabuki-za as a general think to look for. In Nagoya, we stopped at the Nagoya Noh Theater by the Castle. It was a good easy win. The JRPass was absolutely necessary for us. It was great. You have to get the certificates before entering Japan. We almost missed that. We got the 14 day pass, for like $425/person. We went from Odawara to Nagoya twice. One way was $93 (or so), so that was $372, just spent there. We did parse down expectations. No Kyoto. No Nara. Being in Odawara, we went to Hakone. They have an all-travel pass for 2-3 days. We loved the area. I did have the boys give me their "non-negotiable" things. We got everything except my wife's onsen experience. More something we'll have to do without kids.

Airbnb was just too risky for the overall budget. Having a restaurant in the hotel was expensive, but safe, when necessary.

I agree, the macaques are out of place and they look miserable.

FriendlyAg - My son had Akihabara on his list. We got passed the main area, and I was like, "Ok, so now what?!" It wasn't until we came back, that it was like, "Oh... I get it." We spent a bunch of time there and one found some "Monster Hunter" stuff which was great.

Seven - Didn't make it to Harajuku. We did try a variety of places at all price levels. Started with 7-11 at Narita Airport. We are pretty adventurous. My boys wanted ramen, so my wife found a local place in Odawara. We walked about 2 miles to this hole-in-wall place. It was like 800Y per bowl. We shared and it was awesome. We also found a sushi place. Neither spoke any English, but we did fine. The sushi place had English menus, but the Japanese menu had pictures. We ate on the go and local as much as possible.

BlueAg - I've traveled many places, including NYC, Denmark, et al. For us... the expensive part was hotels. You have to book rooms by the person. Most hotels have twin beds, so you also have to pay per bed. Our stay in Odaiba was a Hilton property. We got a Triple Room, which had 2 twin beds. We had to get a roll-away bed for $70/night. It brought the total to about $500/night... and we had to have 2 rooms. Essentially $1K/night. In Odawara... another Hilton property... we got a Suite and paid for 3 futons in addition to the room. The idea of roll-aways are common... but in the US, you can usually get two Queen beds and share the bed. In both places we were, they were only twin beds. Rail would have been expensive if we bought individual tickets. But, at $425 for 14 days, we're looking at $30/person/day. Or... $2K+ for the trip. All-in-all for food and entertainment... I didn't find it unreasonable. But we drop $60 at home eating fast food. We can't eat dining for less than $125 and Sushi puts us at over $200 almost every time.

Random - Yes, tempura was popular. In Odaiba, they had restaurant in the Diver Mall, that looked like a fry pit at the table, where they'd bring your tempura raw and you'd cook it at the table. We almost did that, but just didn't fit.

Spore - Our hotel in Odawara ran a shuttle every 15mins or so to the Nebukawa station and our Odaiba hotel was on the station. Both were very convenient. I didn't find the 100Y beer vending machines, but my boys found the 160Y soda/drink machines. They really like the "gel" drinks and they knew they had me gamed. We'd go to leave the hotel and I'd tell everyone to get a water. "We're fine. We are not thirsty." 15 min shuttle to the rail station and suddenly everyone is about to pass out from dehydration. So, I kept a bag full of 100Y and 500Y coins... a roll of 1000Y bills. The down side to that was gasha-pons (sp). Man o man... THAT was a beat down. 100Y coins spend like quarters. "Dad, can I get a gasha-pon, these are the ones I've searched everywhere for. It is the only one I've found." They are usually 300Y-500Y, so now I'm dropping $3 on a McDonald's-type toy for each kid... and they are EVERYWHERE! I probably spent more on gasha-pons than I did hotels. jk.

Its Not Rocket - WE opted for Sky Tree. It was fantastic. Skipped Disney. Disney Sea seemed interesting, but didn't move the needle enough to displace something else.


Thanks everyone for your input. I think I covered everything. What would have been a really good trip, became a fantastic trip with less anxiety. Thank you!


Awesome Man. Happy you had a good time.

BIB, remember when we awkwardly made eye contact at Harry's 7-8 years ago and didn't dance..... good times
Swarely
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Bump! I'm headed there in March for the Tokyo marathon. As a kinda backwards question, is there anything you did that really wasn't worth doing?

Few other question for y'all that have been:

Has anyone done skiing over there?
Is going out for Waygu worth it?
Anybody done a scotch tasting? I've heard a lot of buzz for years about Japanese scotch.
What Texas item should I bring boots when I visit her?
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