2 more weeks in Asia (Japan/Nippon/SqueakyChix/Kancho) - Page 2

I think the question really is if you want to spend the two weeks in only a couple places or if you want to travel around more freely. I expect that once you start adding up all the bus, train and subway costs that you will buy vs the all-in-one JR pass it may not be so different.

With that JR pass you could do something like:
3-4 days in Tokyo
1-2 days Kyoto
1-2 days Osaka, Kobe, Himeji (the castle is cool)
1 day Hiroshima (maybe stop off at Okayama, Kurashiki on your way)
1-2 days Fukuoka
Back to Tokyo for a couple days

The boys around Tokyo must have some good suggestions for places around there as well.

Don't do it man!

Himeji castle is under restoration. The last restoration was 45 years ago. Started in 2009 and is expected to finish in 2014. Check their website before coming. It would be a waste of time if you came all the way and saw a white box instead of the castle.

Good catch...I didn't realize it is under wraps...and I agree that it isn't worth it if it is all covered up.

Well...I saw that Ralph Lauren cockfade threak and...do not want!

Kidding...I am in Osaka/Kobe...it is on the itinerary.

I too am in Osaka/Kobe. That why I knew about Himeji Castle was under restoration. If castles interests you, you could visit Ako Castle (赤穂城）. Its further away from Himeji from Kobe. I dunno how the JR-Pass works but, if you plan to visit cities west of Osaka/Kobe, maybe you could get off to see Ako castle for a few hours and get back on to your next destination.

For an itinerary like that, I would recommend the following: A. To purchase a JAPAN RAIL PASS only for the duration that you plan to be outside of Tokyo. Aside from the Yamanote JR line, the Japan Rail Pass won't work on the subway (Tokyo Metro) which is pretty cheap anyways... so activating your Japan Rail pass upon arrival at Narita Airport will be a complete waste of money. Japan Rail Passes can only be purchased outside of Japan in your home country so this is something you need to decide upon beforehand. http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html B. THE SUICA CARD & NEX DEAL TO SCORE AN EXTRA Y1,500 ($14).. actually it's more than that... when riding the subway, it's nice to just be able to 'tap' your SUICA card through the turnstiles like a local rather than fumble around for a ticket or try to figure out the correct change everytime you buy a subway ticket... Upon arriving at Narita Airport, make your way to the nearest Japan Rail (JR) office once you exit Immigration (down the escalators).... however, remember not to activate your Japan Rail Pass or you'll simply be wasting money. Just take advantage of the SUICA CARD & NEX deal. For Y3,500 ($33) http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html you will get yourself: i] one ticket for the 90 minute ride on the Narita Express (NEX) from Narita Airport to Tokyo ... which would normally cost you Y2,940 anyways ii] a pre-loaded SUICA debit card which can be used on almost ALL train and subway systems in Japan with Y1,500 in debits for you (plus a Y500 deposit which you can get back if you turn in the card) C. The SUICA card can be charged at any subway station or JR Station in Y1,000 increments. You can use it to ride the subways while in Tokyo. When you are ready to leave, go to a JR Office to get a refund on the card (Y500). This Youtube video explains the whole deal step by step: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3K6NLBxiYA To figure out how to get around Tokyo and the rest of Japan, use English-language sites: Hyperdia http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ Jorudan http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/ D. When you are ready to make your trips outside of Tokyo (eg to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima etc.) then simply visit the JR Office and have your JAPAN RAIL PASS activated. You'll be able to ride the bullet train and not have to worry about crappy buses or long rides on local trains. "Golden Week" is from April 29th to May 5th, so travel within Japan at the ends of that period will be nightmarish.

Hi!

hint: in Tokyo, the Nigerians love it when you try to superglue their hands to the wall.

Just saw this:

\tConstruction Notice: Major renovation works will be carried out on the main keep of Himeji Castle from April 2010 until March 2014. The main keep will be covered by scaffolding, starting from April 12, 2010. Access to the interior of the main keep will be impossible from April 12, 2010 until early 2011 and partially restricted thereafter until 2014.