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Air Can | Tagged Posts

2018
3
March
Exploring Japan in March: Where to Stay and How to Get Around Tokyo and Kyoto Affordably?

Question:

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Kelcey

Travelling to Japan beginning of March (Air Can sale $859 round trip from YEG!), looking for beautiful and affordable hotel or ryokan recommendations for Tokyo and Kyoto. Also looking for suggestions on cheapest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto - currently considering rail pass, or perhaps flight from Tokyo to Osaka and an hour bus/train to Kyoto.

Humans say...

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Kaitlin

Hi!
I found hostels a great cheap option during my time in Japan. I had good experiences with the khaosan chain.
If Kyoto is the only place you will be besides Tokyo then the rail pass isn't a big value. I always just walked on without reserved seats and had no difficulties (I went at a similar time of year).

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Kaitlin

http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ was what I used to plan my train travel. Accurate and easy to use.
Also consider a day trip to nikko from Tokyo if you have time.

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Kelcey

Awesome! Thank you!

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Sherene

Train all the way - easy and fast, and I echo what is said above. Hyperdia will tell you prices.

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Kelcey

Kaitlin when you say you just walked on without reserved seats, did you mean you would just go to the station and purchase a ticket there for right then?

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Kaitlin

We had the rail.pass cause I was there for a month. But essentially yes. You can reserve a seat on trains but I never found it mattered. There was always plenty of room on my travels!

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Chris

Also just want to add that train from Umeda in Osaka to Kyoto station is only 30 mins if you take the Rapid Express. Osaka has a better night life and is cheaper to stay in. If you want the ryokan experience, stay in one for a night in Kyoto and the rest in Osaka to save money. Just my opinion.

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Jordan

Peach Airlines has cheap flights between Narita and Kansai Airport. Then get the cheap tourist special price for the express train to Kyoto. Please note that when we went a couple years ago this was a cash only deal (no credit cards allowed when buying this pass).
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/

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View

Jhoudiey Lynn
Depending on your budget, Ryokan aren't exactly affordable. Most are about ~300/night, though you can usually find hotels that have the baths and such on the roof as well. The Dormy Inn Premium in Kyoto is quite nice with excellent breakfast and it's like... half a block from Kyoto station.
Travelling between Kyoto/Tokyo can be pretty expensive, I think it's like... $290 for a 7 day rail pass? That being said, it's about $135ish each way for the bullet train, so it may make sense on if you planned on using it otherwise. Keep in mind you cannot buy the rail pass once you're in Japan and have to order it and get the exchange order mailed to your house to exchange at the airport when you arrive. I'm not sure the cost of flights as I've never flown between cities, but usually getting to/from the airports is about $40 anyway so it may even out.
I've been to Japan 4 times now, and am planning the 5th trip this June, feel free to PM if you've got other questions too

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Connie

My husband and stayed in Kinoe ryokan last year in Kyoto. One of the staff named Khoji was most helpful man and helped us with restaurant reservations for restaurants and to navigate the city bus system. Definitely recommend train travel between Tokyo and Kyoto.

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Yimn

we took the mid night bus from Tokyo to Kyoto and back, is half of the price of the train, and you can save 2 nights hotel money
is not the most comfortable, it will be better if you can sleep in the bus. but is the cheaper way for sure!


A.I. says...

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<p>Affordable Hotel and Travel Recommendations for Tokyo and Kyoto





Affordable Hotel and Travel Recommendations for Tokyo and Kyoto

With the Air Canada sale offering round-trip flights from Edmonton (YEG) to Tokyo for $859, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Japan! In this blog post, we'll share some beautiful and affordable hotel or ryokan recommendations for Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as suggest the cheapest way to travel between these two popular destinations.

Tokyo Hotel Recommendations

Tokyo is a vibrant and bustling city, offering a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Here are a few affordable and highly-rated hotels to consider:

  • Sakura Hotel Hatagaya - This cozy hotel is located in the quiet neighborhood of Hatagaya, just a short walk from Shinjuku. It offers comfortable rooms with amenities like free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast. Prices start around $70 per night.
  • Richmond Hotel Premier Tokyo Oshiage - Conveniently located near the Tokyo Skytree, this modern hotel offers stylish rooms with excellent amenities. Prices start around $90 per night.
  • Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa - For a traditional Japanese experience, consider staying at this ryokan (Japanese-style inn) in the historic Asakusa district. Prices start around $120 per night, and you'll get to experience tatami mat rooms and Japanese hospitality.

Kyoto Hotel Recommendations

Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition, offering a more serene and cultural experience. Here are some affordable accommodation options to consider:

  • Kyoto Hana Hostel - This highly-rated hostel offers dormitory-style accommodation with a touch of Japanese charm. Prices start around $20 per night for a dorm bed.
  • Ryokan Hiragiya Bekkan - Experience a traditional ryokan stay in the heart of Kyoto. This charming inn offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futon bedding. Prices start around $100 per night.
  • Hotel Granvia Kyoto - For a more modern and luxurious option, this hotel is directly connected to Kyoto Station, making it convenient for travelling. Prices start around $150 per night.

Travelling Between Tokyo and Kyoto

When it comes to travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto, you have a few options:

Japan Rail (JR) Pass

The JR Pass is a cost-effective option if you plan to travel extensively by train within Japan. The pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains, including the shinkansen (bullet train) between Tokyo and Kyoto. A 7-day pass costs around $280, making it a good value if you plan to take multiple long-distance trips.




   










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