If you're on somewhat of a budget but still don't want to take the bullet train, a bus to Kyoto is like $30 instead of $300. I see the 'bullet train to Kyoto/Osaka" used to justify the rail pass all the time, but there are other things to consider (that's $300 more you can spend on food for instance!)

Bus would be wise for the traveller with time on their hands though, looks like it's a 8-9 hr journey vs. 2-3 by bullet

Yup you lose most of a day, unless you're the type who can sleep while travelling - in that case you can make it an overnight trip (bonus - this saves you one night of accommodation as well)

I tried it once and NEVER FUCKING AGAIN. Most miserable 8 hours of my life. Others are fine though. If you're small and comfortable with heat you might be fine with it.

Should..flip a coin on taiwan/japan..too many choices here

Depends what cities you plan on going to. Just use the rail calculator to figure out the cost savings.

F-it, it's booked.

Handful of days to plan.

i booked again for nov .. 2nd trip to japan this year. prob gonna head to Okinawa if my friend can take off work. if not. Osaka and Kobe

^ congrats both of you guys. how much was the flight if i may? i just came back recently but want to go back...lol

The feels is strong. I'm officially 1 month back from my last trip to Japan. I'm already looking up flights again.

^ i never stopped lol

my next trip i want to go south.
hiroshima, kure and okinawa are some places down south i want to go.

Been to Fukuoka? Not that far down south, its as far down as I got last time. That, and Beppu. Fukuoka is hands down my favourite of all the big cities i've been to. Their ramen, out of this world.

750? Non stop with AC less 13 bucks rebates via ebates.ca

I like spur of moment trips but this is even a bit rushed for me.. got 40,000 Starwood points and nothing but inflated value/night free.

Edit - Looks like some dates are now 650 only!,

Did you guys bring yen over or did you exchange in Japan? from atms

i exchanged ￥175,000 here before i left.

guys i got $14xx in premium eco. with 3 night stopover in Taiwan (never been).


i had to cancel n rebook 2-3 times. as some AC phone agent wont give me stopover for more than 2 night (policy 2 nights max for stopover). finally, (entered my *g at time of purchase , then called in..to change return leg.


:spamarama:

I have a 24 hr layover in Tokyo and want to do a Mt Fuji Climb, but the buses stop running when I land. I'm thinking of renting a car and driving up there. Anyone have tips or suggestions?

Will a International Drivers License and BCDL be enough to rent a car?
I've read that people run reds sometimes in Japan, how worried should I be about this?

lol. doing mt. fuji in 24hr layover. dont do it taking a big risk n no point rushing ... explore the city instead.

Not gonna happen lol

Stay in Tokyo and go visit some restaurants and sites

Fuji is like a 8 hr climb/hike, I get in at 10 pm, get through immigration 1 hr, drive there-- it's like 3 hours (conservative slow driving), climb 8 hours, drive back-- 3 hours, immigration 1 hour. 16 hours?

I'll have 8 hours to spare. I've done lots of hikes that werein similar distance and elevation. Plus, I have no issues with turning around if I run out of time. As well, it will be during the climbing season where there will be other hikers and mountain operators.

My stats are 32 km distance, 1500 m elevation gain hike and back down within a day.

So, I guess no one here has rented a car, or driven in Japan?

I dunno you asked for tips and suggestions... Being realistic about it, it can't be done. It depends on the weather too, access may even be blocked.

Go for it though if you think you can do it SeemsGood

True, it might be a bad idea. True, that I probably won't be able to do it. What's the worst that can happen? I miss my flight? I'm willing to take that risk to at least try it out. Not making the summit is the most likely outcome, but hey, I'll know what to do for attempt two. :)

I have rented car in japan and needed international lic. That's about it. Driving habits depends on region u r in. Never seen anyone a red. Sometimes have had impatient people behind me..but that's about it..tell them to set ur gps to English.

lol, i await your results.

Why not just make a 2 day trip then? WutFace

Limited time due to 24 hour layover in Tokyo.
Next time I will be in Japan this year, will be out of climbing season. Which is extremely dangerous. The severity of consequence is death, there have been fatalities from people climbing out of season.
Trying to make the most of this layover. If it turns out well, I might plan all my trips with long layovers.

Yep, I'm on the feels train too. Went with a buddy and came back at the end of May. I want to go back for a 3rd time. #JapanForever:alone: