Hey! my husband and I will be travelling to Japan late March for about 10 days. We know we want to see Mt Fuji, spend some time in tokyo and kyoto and maybe a day trip to osaka. Are we trying to do too many places in the little time? Also any recommendations on accomodations. also how is the transportation is the jr pass worth it for the places we want to go to? is there anything we should b aware of? looking for any tips of dos and donts and the best way to get the most out of the 10 days.

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Jr pass is a must.

I went back in Apr 2017. You can check out my itinerary and advice on my travel blog http://boketto.rosannau.com/ Also, check to see if there are any festivals happening. Also, check out Teamlab Borderless at Mori Art Museum if you can in Tokyo. We did 5 cities in 2 weeks but wanted to visit 8.

Rosanna You’re so active here. Awesome job!

Following, going back soon. Definitely too little time. Last time we did Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka in 11 days and barely had anytime to enjoy anything as we were always rushing from one place to another (each of the cities could easily take 5-7 days). So I’m going back a second time (longer trip this time) to really enjoy the country without always running around from one destination to another.

Following! I’m going early April. And have Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka -Nara on my itienary.

Tokyo alone is like 20 cities in 1, been to Japan 3x and barely scratched the surface. It’s best enjoyed slowly, forget about the checklist. Just take the subway, get off at some random stop, and discover other local spots on your own.

We went Japan for 12 days in November. Started in Osaka, stayed 3 nights then moved to hiroshima for a night. Then stayed at Kyoto for 4 nights. Did a day trip to Nara. Moved to japan for 5 days. All cities are totally different from eachoter. My wife posted many pictures and story behind them on her instagram. @_kinar is her instagram. She can fill you up with tons of great suggestions.
Kinar Arp

> Are we trying to do too many places in the little time?
Yes and no. You can see mt. fuji in a day (either at the five lakes or fifth station or fuji q highland). Depending on how much you want to explore osaka / tokyo / kyoto you can do each in 1-2 days (speed run) and put your extra days where you want to do more things. If you like busy cities, put that into tokyo. If you want shrines and history, put it into kyoto. You can do a two-day amazepass and get a lot out of osaka.
BUT you will only scratch the surface of what each place has to offer. Imo you could easily spend 10 days in Tokyo if you wanted.
Also any recommendations on accomodations.
I love Kabukicho! There is a LOT of action at night, lots of people walking around, food and drinks, hosts trying to get you into their bars, drunk partiers. It's very lively and close to a lot of things. Daytime is much more quiet. If this sounds like your scene then I recommend Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, bit more costly but the shower/tub areas are huge and the rooms as sizable and you're right in the middle of it all. Similarly, Comfort Inn Shinsaibashi if you want excitement in Osaka -- rooms include a great breakfast.
>also how is the transportation is the jr pass worth it for the places we want to go to?
use hyperdia to plan your trip and see prices. http://www.hyperdia.com With a trip to and from Osaka, and a couple other places, it might be worth the pass.
>Is there anything we should b aware of?
Be polite, be aware and if you aren't sure look at what other people are doing. Carry your garbage with you until you can find a can. Don't be loud on transit. Otherwise, nothing off the top of my head, anything you are worried about?
Plan your days, don't make them too busy, make sure to reserve your train seat the day before (or earlier) and make sure you get on the right train.

Sahila Subendran

I'm going end of March too! Last time I went I did Tokyo-Kyoto-hiroshima-mt. Koya-Osaka in about 10 days.. It was a little rushed and that's why I'm going back! But, I saw and did a lot in 10 days. It depends on your travel style.

And yes the JR pass is worth it. One bullet train ride (Tokyo-Kyoto) is basically the cost of the pass.

Just to clarify: One bullet train ride from tokyo to kyoto is about ¥14000。You need to go there *and back* for it to be worth it!
From kyoto to osaka it is either ¥560 or ¥3000. So it wouldn't be worth it if they land in tokyo and leave from osaka. But that entirely depends on their travel bookings.

Hey we are landing in narita then going to Kyoto staying there 4 nights and doing day trips or Osaka Hiroshima and Nara then going to hakone from there we will go to Tokyo for 4 nights

Sarah my numbers are probably off, I last went to Japan in 2016!

Smita Definitely use Hyperdia to plan out your travel and see the costs. It will also give you a good idea about travel time so you can see how early you need to leave
If you are going as far as Hiroshima and from Kyoto to Tokyo then it *should* be worth it.
If you are there 10 days and get a 7 day JR pass, you will have to have either 3 days at the beginning or end of your trip where you pay transit costs. You'll probably want the 3 days at the end while you are in Tokyo. Pick up a Suica subway pass! It is like Presto but can also be used as a credit card, and gives a discount at certain arcades.

Sarah agreed! I broke down my potential costs and realized the JR pass would not benefit us as we are flying out of Osaka!

Me as well for late August

You are going during Sakura - cherry blossom season. If you haven't already booked your accomodations in Kyoto you will most likely have problems to do it at this point. It's very popular time and very, very busy.

Monika I'm going NEXT March myself and already looking into booking things.

Anybody recommend a website for Jr passes to be purchased

Smita japan guide!

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Thanks for all the information does anyone know what temperature to expect when going last week of March. We just finished booking our hotels and now just need to book the attractions

I will be in Kyoto Mar 17-20, 2020. I booked entire apartment 3 more beds to spare if anyone is there in that time frame you are welcome to share. Dm me if interested.