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= Trip to Japan 2017 =
= Trip to Japan 2017 =
== Outstanding Tasks ==
* Book things that we think might book up
* Agree where we're staying each night and book
** Tokyo accommodation generally
*** http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/astro-station.en-gb.html lol?
*** <s>bAKpAK Tokyo Hostel I've stayed here twice before; it's relatively cheap and cheerful. I don't mind if people want to stay in different places in Tokyo. I would prefer that we all stay in the same place whilst we are travelling through other the parts of Japan though. </s>
**** It's either booked up or their booking site ist kaputt. Can't reach them by email either. - YYY
** I've stayed in [http://www.libertyhouse.gr.jp/ Taito Ryoukan]. Cheap, nicely traditional, but that does mean firm futons and poor sound insulation --lmm
*** Booked for 06/04/2017 and 10/04/2017.
*** Rooms: 3 rooms (2 twins + a quad) for 8 people. Room number allocation is at Taito Ryokan's option, please.
*** Rate: JPY3,000 a night a person including tax
*** Payment: Japanese yen in cash (total sum of JPY96,000) at your arrival, please.
* Tokyo accommodation (Fri, 24/03/2017 only) - '''Yingke to make proposal'''
** Capsule hotel, possibly only for a night. Can split party between hostel and capsule hotel.
*** <s>Interest: Alasdair </s>
*** <s>'''Alasdair to make proposal. Others to register interest.'''</s>
*** Alasdair is bailing on this idea - maybe if I ever go back to Japan...
* Yakushima accommodation - booked-ish, 7000/person/night normally, 5000/person/night for Sunday as there is no dinner.
** Yakushima car hire (Sat, 25/03/2017 to Tue, 28/03/2017) - '''Yingke to look a prices and make proposal.'''
*** According to Yakushima guy, "It is about 40000 yen for 3 nights 4 days 1500cc car and 1200cc car."
*** Europcar
**** 4 seat compact - 23,495JPY
**** 8 seat MPV - 49,864JPY
** Times Car
*** 5 seat sedan - 24,732JPY
*** 5 seat station wagon - 26,352JPY
*** 8 seat MPV - 52,488JPY
*** 10 seat minibus! - 64,152JPY
** Orix
*** 5 seat compact - 20,007JPY
*** 5 seat sedan - 24,624JPY
*** 8 seat MPV - 48,222JPY
* Kagoshima accommodation - '''Proposals required'''
** [http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Kagoshima-Little-Asia-Guest-House/Kagoshima/287?dateFrom=2017-03-28&dateTo=2017-03-29&number_of_guests=2&sc_pos=2 Kagoshima Little Asia Guest House] Apparently only have 4 twins rooms left for 4200JPY each. We'd have to split the party (discounting dorms which seem to be gender segregated).
** [http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Green-Guest-House/Kagoshima/46135?dateFrom=2017-03-28&dateTo=2017-03-29&number_of_guests=2&sc_pos=1 Green Guest House] Only a single twin room left for 5228JPY. If splitting party, might be worth using.
** [http://www.apahotel.com.e.ju.hp.transer.com/language/kyusyu/10_kagoshimachuo-ekimae.html APA Hotel Kagoshimachuo-Ekimae] Twins for 14,000JPY. As name suggests, extremely close to Kagoshima Chuo station.
* Nagasaki accommodation - '''Proposals required'''
** Hiroshima accommodation - '''Proposals required'''
** Kyoto accommodation - '''Proposals required, MarkP to make decision'''
*** http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/seibido-inn.en-gb.html Has a number of large rooms but seems expensive, though Kyoto gonna Kyoto. Looking like £800~ for 8 for two nights either split 4/4 or 6/2. Fun! Listed for my reference. -MP
* Hakone accommodation - '''Proposals required'''
** In and around Sengokuhara (where fun2drive is):
*** Actually bookable
**** http://www.wro-hotels.com/merveille-hakone-gora Western-style twin room 29,000/night, 2 in japanese-style room 33,000/night 4 people in japanese-style room 58,000/night (japanese style rooms available for 2-5 people on a sliding scale), twin western-style with private bath 39,000/night, 4 japanese-style with private bath 70,000/night.
**** http://www.mvhakone.jp/ . Twin room 32,400/night half board (3 or 4 in a room possible but the cost is exactly proportional).
** Possibly booked up or bookings not open
*** http://www.fujiyahotel.jp/en/index.html (historic and famous). Can't book our dates (or they're booked up?), but looking at March: Basic twin 8,964/person/night, some options with dinner.
*** http://www.resorthotels109.com/en/hakone-koushien/ Not bookable at our dates yet (or our dates booked), but twin rooms from ￥18,900/night and rooms for up to 5 from ￥39,375/night.
*** http://www.hgp.co.jp/language/english/sp/index.html . Can't book our dates, in March Twin room 68,000 for 2 nights half board, room for 4 120,000 for 2 nights half board.
* i.e. whether we travel in the evening or morning for <s>Nagasaki-Hiroshima,</s> Hiroshima-Kyoto, Kyoto-Hakone and Hakone-Tokyo
** From memory Kyoto is expensive to stay in - decision therefore partially blocked on choosing Kyoto accommodation.
** Otherwise it's a judgement call as to which direction we want to be flexible in (since the accommodation bookings will be what constrains how long we spend where)
* James is with us for Yakushima and Nagasaki - to confirm whether he's staying in Nagasaki on the night of Thur 30th.
* Book tour of Tanegashima Space Center - requires figuring out a) who's going b) which ferries run that day
== Blocked Tasks ==
* Pop concerts
** I can help with booking via ePlus if there's anything major - JN
** If you're fine with going to see a group you've never heard of, there's almost certainly something, but it's too early to book: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=jhqrtl9na3gev1vihqnpt3qvgo@group.calendar.google.com - JN
== Dates ==
== Dates ==
24/03/2017 - 10/04/2017
24/03/2017 - 10/04/2017
Line 71: Line 11:
* Alasdair
* Alasdair
* Zolty
* Zolty
* Maria
* Dave (Yakushima only)
* Dexter
* (Maria)
* James N (ish)
* (Dexter)


=== Checklist ===
=== Checklist ===
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| '''International Driving Permit acquired'''  
| '''International Driving Permit acquired'''  
| '''JPY exchanged'''  
| '''JPY exchanged'''  
| '''Japanese fluency achieved'''  
| '''Phone that works in Japan'''
| '''Travel Insurance '''  
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| YYY  
| YYY  
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== Misc Planning Area ==
== Misc Planning Area ==
* JR passes are best bought from https://www.insidejapantours.com/japan-rail-pass-all/
* JR passes are best bought from https://www.insidejapantours.com/japan-rail-pass-all/
* Do we want to bring suitcases or stick to bags?
** Plan is to get 2-week passes, exchange them at Haneda on the 25th but with validity not starting until the 29th.
** Our internal flight allows 20kg of checked luggage (in any number of bags) - probably plenty.
** Getting a passmo card is a good idea for convenience - it's not any cheaper than buying paper subway tickets but it's easier
* We have agreed to take suitcases but ensure they are wheeled enough to transport between hotels and train stations easily.
* Last time I got a travel SIM from www.ekit.com which worked pretty well
** Don't buy a travel phone from them as their model can't use Japanese frequencies
 
== Pre-Trip Meetup ==
=== Sat, 18/02/2017 ===
* 12:45: Meetup around Leicester Square Station?
* Lunch at http://misato.eu/?
* 15:00 - 17:00: Karaoke at http://www.karaokebox.co.uk/mayfair/bookings/
** There is a minimum of a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) per person to be bought at the bar.
** For Japanese songs, please have the song title/artist in Japanese handy (so we can look it up easily if the machine uses a song book)
** If you want to sing Japanese songs but can't read Japanese well, it may help to have a hard copy of the romanised lyrics. The room will be at basement level so mobile reception may be poor.
* Dinner at Flat Iron?
* Hang out at lmms.


== Flight details ==
== Flight details ==
* Lmm: Arriving 2017-03-24 12:05 HND, departing 2017-04-10 14:00 NRT (via Shanghai)
* Lmm: Arriving 2017-03-24 12:05 HND on NH972, departing 2017-04-10 14:00 NRT (via Shanghai)
* Alasdair: arriving 2017-03-24 10:00  NRT, departing 2017-04-10 11:00 NRT (via Helsinki)
* Alasdair: arriving 2017-03-24 10:00  NRT, departing 2017-04-10 11:00 NRT (via Helsinki)
* Zolty: Arriving 2017-03-24 8:55 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 10:25 NRT
* Zolty: Arriving 2017-03-24 8:55 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 10:25 NRT
* YYY, MarkP, MarkH: Arriving 2017-03-24 10:35 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 12:35 NRT
* YYY, MarkP, MarkH: Arriving 2017-03-24 10:35 NRT Terminal 2, departing 2017-04-10 12:35 NRT
* Maria, Dexter: Arriving 2017-03-24 10:40 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 11:40 NRT (via Copenhagen)
* Maria, Dexter: Arriving 2017-03-24 10:40 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 11:40 NRT (via Copenhagen)


Line 194: Line 147:
* Morning and early afternoon
* Morning and early afternoon
** Arrive in Japan and meet up.
** Arrive in Japan and meet up.
*** Narita Arrivals: Zolty, Alasdair, YYY, MP, MarkH, Maria, Dexter
*** Narita Arrivals: Zolty, Alasdair, YYY, MP, MarkH
*** Haneda Arrivals: Lmm
**** Meetup at Terminal 2, Floor B1, "Doutor Coffee Shop". https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/map/?terminal=2&map=8
* Any suggestions for a meeting point? Probably a case of having a late lunch?
**** Wait at most 'til noon, then make own way to hostel.
** Haneda Arrivals: Lmm
** Any suggestions for a meeting point? Probably a case of having a late lunch?
* Late afternoon we can get a quick taste of Tokyo and enjoy some culture shock
* Late afternoon we can get a quick taste of Tokyo and enjoy some culture shock
* Spending night in Tokyo
* Spending night in Tokyo - Emblem Hostel Nishiarai, Tokyo  Umejima 3-33-6, Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan


=== Sat, 25/03/2017 ===
=== Sat, 25/03/2017 ===
* Morning: Possibly a little tourism in Tokyo. Get brunch, as we're flying at lunchtime.
* Morning: Possibly a little tourism in Tokyo. Get brunch, as we're flying at lunchtime.
* Lunchtime: Fly to Yakushima
* Lunchtime: Fly to Yakushima
* Book flight from Tokyo to Yakushima: 13:20 to 17:35 on Saturday 25th of March. http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ (¥18,790)
** Exchange JR passes at the airport: JR EAST Travel Service Center (Tokyo Monorail 2F Ticket Gate/Arrival lobby). http://www.japanrailpass.net/img/purchase/file/exchange_station.pdf . But ask for validity to not start until Wed 29th.
** Michael/Alasdair/Mark/Mark/Dexter/Maria booked
* Flight from Tokyo to Yakushima: 13:20 to 17:35 on Saturday 25th of March.
** Yingke/Josh booked
** We should make a point of booking our tickets for the ferries when we arrive, as the tourist office is near the airport
** We should make a point of booking our tickets for the ferries when we arrive, as the tourist office is near the airport
* Getting to the place we're staying is a bit of a fiddle by bus.
* Meet up with Dave.
** http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~yasuakim/bustimefuyu.pdf is the timetable
** TODO: Confirm his travel arrangements.
* I am interested in renting a car for a few days/duration of stay on Yakushima. I will look into prices. - YYY
* ORIX Rent a Car
* Evening: Baths. Local baths and/or the JR hotel (1000 yen). List at http://www.yesyakushima.com/yakushima-activities/yakushima-onsen-hot-springs/ (1 or 2 evenings)
** Pick-up site: Yakushima Airport Rental Site
** Low tides are approximately midday and midnight. Nighttime visit to Hirauchi would be incredibly cool, though probably relies on car hire.
** Drop-off site: Yakushima Miyanoura Counter
** Rental date: Saturday, March 25, 2017 17:30 - Tuesday, March 28, 2017 9:30
** Vehicles:
*** Vehicle class: WA CLASS Nonsmoking（Wagon）- Total rental charges: 55,350 yen (tax included)
*** Vehicle class: A CLASS Nonsmoking（Sedan）- Total rental charges: 29,808 yen (tax included)
* Should be getting a pickup from airport.
(1 or 2 evenings)
* Stay in Yakushima for 3 nights, at http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~yasuakim/english.html . 7000yen/night each (I think hope), 5000 on Sunday as dinner will not be served.
* Stay in Yakushima for 3 nights, at http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~yasuakim/english.html . 7000yen/night each (I think hope), 5000 on Sunday as dinner will not be served.
* Midnight-ish trip to seaside onsen at low tide: http://www.yesyakushima.com/about-yakushima-yakushima-english-services-home/yakushima-seaside-onsens-hot-springs/
** Bring towels, and carrier bags for clothes.
** Low tides are approximately midday and midnight
** Saturday probably best for this as the jetlag will work in our favour and low tide is earlier (23:50 on Saturday, 00:30 on Monday, 1:05 on Tuesday)
* Spending night in Yakushima
* Spending night in Yakushima


Line 218: Line 182:
* Yakushima day 1
* Yakushima day 1
** Day: walk up to the top of the mountain
** Day: walk up to the top of the mountain
** Evening: baths
*** Evening: Baths. Local baths and/or the JR hotel (1000 yen). List at http://www.yesyakushima.com/yakushima-activities/yakushima-onsen-hot-springs/
** No dinner at our accommodation this night, we will have to eat out (IIRC there is a restaurant just down the road from them)
* No dinner at our accommodation this night, we will have to eat out (IIRC there is a restaurant just down the road from them)
** Midnight-ish trip to seaside onsen at low tide: http://www.yesyakushima.com/about-yakushima-yakushima-english-services-home/yakushima-seaside-onsens-hot-springs/
*** Bring towels, and carrier bags for clothes.
* Spending night in Yakushima
* Spending night in Yakushima


Line 234: Line 196:
* Ferries: http://www.yesyakushima.com/getting-to-yakushima/by-sea/
* Ferries: http://www.yesyakushima.com/getting-to-yakushima/by-sea/
** These are a pain to book from outside, I suggest we book them when we arrive (on the Saturday). They don't tend to fill up AIUI, but best not to be relying on it.
** These are a pain to book from outside, I suggest we book them when we arrive (on the Saturday). They don't tend to fill up AIUI, but best not to be relying on it.
* Team space: Tanegashima
* Part with Dave.
** Morning: ferry to Tanegashima (possibly involving an early start to get to the port on the time). Ideally going to Shimama (even if that means leaving from Miyanoura), but I can't find a timetable for that. Assuming this year's summer timetable is the same as last year's, there should be a jetfoil at 07:00 from Anbo to Nishinoomote (arriving 07:50), which would easily get us there in time for the first space station tour at 11:00. Or one at 10:00 (arriving 10:50), in which case we should probably go for the 13:30 tour. The space center is a 50-minute taxi ride from Nishinoomote, whereas it's a lot closer to Shimama. Jetfoil timetable is https://www.tykousoku.jp/fare_time/.
* Tanegashima
*** Note one cannot get a bus to the 07:00. So we would have to be dropped there by a driver who was not coming to Tanegashima.
** Morning: Ferry to Tanegashima at 10:00 from Miyanoura to Nishinoomote (arriving 10:50). Return cars at port. Jetfoil timetable is https://www.tykousoku.jp/fare_time/.
*** The 9:00 ferry to Shimama would be ideal http://www.town.yakushima.kagoshima.jp/en/e-access/ (arriving 10:05), but it only runs on "odd days" - does that mean day of the month? <s>If so we could go previous day and then get the 16:40 jetfoil back to Anbo?</s> Space center is closed on Mondays, so there is no way to correct our parity if it's wrong :(
*** Our only realistic option is car hire. Try Nippon-rent-a-car (who have an office in Nishinoomote) or Orix. 75 minutes' drive between port and space center.
* Day: space centre tour http://global.jaxa.jp/about/centers/tnsc/index.html .  Guided tours are 11:00 to 12:15, 13:30 to 14:45 or 15:30 to 16:45
* Day: space centre tour http://global.jaxa.jp/about/centers/tnsc/index.html .  Guided tours are 11:00 to 12:15, 13:30 to 14:45 or 15:30 to 16:45
** Evening: ferry to Kagoshima. Last jetfoil back is 16:45 arriving at 18:20 (via Ibusuki) - in turn that probably means leaving the space center around 15:30-15:45.
* Spending night in Tanegashima
* Team Kagoshima:
** Booked Tanegashima Araki Hotel. 3 japanese-style rooms of up to 4 people each for one night. Check in March 28 (after 2pm), check out March 29 (before 10am). Total JPY 58,356 with my coupon.
** Morning: ferry/jetfoil direct to Kagoshima
** I was tempted by Sakurajima, the active volcano. - YYY
* Spending night in Kagoshima


=== Wed, 29/03/2017 ===
=== Wed, 29/03/2017 ===
* Nagasaki day 1
* Nagasaki day 1
** Morning: travel there (Note that this takes around 3:30 from Kagoshimachuo, a little longer from Kagoshima central. Sakura shinkansen should be ok with the JR pass).
** Morning: travel there (Note that this takes around 3:30 from Kagoshimachuo, a little longer from Kagoshima central. Sakura shinkansen should be ok with the JR pass).
*** Jetfoil to Kagoshima - 07:00 arriving 08:35 or 08:00 arriving 09:35 (makes sense if we're going to the station ticket office for 10AM).
*** Thought about JR pass logistics: assuming we use the subway etc. to/from the airport in tokyo, we can probably defer activating them until the Tuesday, meaning they'll be live for the whole rest of our trip if we do get bored in Tokyo on the last Sunday and want to head out into the country or some such. --lmm
*** Thought about JR pass logistics: assuming we use the subway etc. to/from the airport in tokyo, we can probably defer activating them until the Tuesday, meaning they'll be live for the whole rest of our trip if we do get bored in Tokyo on the last Sunday and want to head out into the country or some such. --lmm
*** We can activate at Kagoshima-Chūō, though the office is only open from 10AM. May be better off activating at the airport, but we'd better all agree dates beforehand in that case. --lmm
*** We can activate at Kagoshima-Chūō, though the office is only open from 10AM. May be better off activating at the airport, but we'd better all agree dates beforehand in that case. --lmm
* Afternoon: Stuff.
* Afternoon: Stuff.
* Dejima
* Dejima: http://nagasakidejima.jp/en/
* Spending night in Nagasaki
* Spending night in Nagasaki
** Nagasaki International Hostel Akari - 1 Triple Room for 4, 1 Double Room for 3, 1 Double Room for 2. Total price 62,000JPY.


=== Thu, 30/03/2017 ===
=== Thu, 30/03/2017 ===
* Nagasaki day 2
* Nagasaki day 2
* Spending night in Nagasaki
* Spending night in Nagasaki
** Nagasaki International Hostel Akari


=== Fri, 31/03/2017 ===
=== Fri, 31/03/2017 ===
Line 262: Line 224:
** Morning: travel there - again around 3:30
** Morning: travel there - again around 3:30
** Afternoon: museum and peace park
** Afternoon: museum and peace park
** A friend recommended a tour of the Mitsubishi(?) fully automated factory.
* Spending night in Hiroshima
* Spending night in Hiroshima
* Reservations: 1 Room, 2 Nights
Check in: March 31, 2017 (after 03:00 PM)
Check out: April 2, 2017 (before 11:00 AM)
Booking ID: 116007071
Lead Guest: Dexter Lowe
Occupancy: 2 Adults
Total price: JPY 18,171
(to be charged on March 28, 2017)
* Reservations: 1 Room, 2 Nights
Check in: March 31, 2017 (after 03:00 PM)
Check out: April 2, 2017 (before 11:00 AM)
Booking ID: 116007048
Lead Guest: Michael Donaghy
Occupancy: 6 Adults
Breakfast: Not Included
Total price: JPY 46,600
You'll pay Omotenashi Hostel Miyajima in the property's local currency (JPY).


=== Sat, 01/04/2017 ===
=== Sat, 01/04/2017 ===
* Hiroshima day 2
* Hiroshima day 2
** Miyajima
** Miyajima
*** http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3454.html - Go to Miyajimaguchi Station. Take JR Ferry to Miyajima. JR Passes valid for ferry.
* Spending night in Hiroshima(?)
* Spending night in Hiroshima(?)


Line 278: Line 259:
** Kyoto station - 10 or 12 story escalator paradise, with a little wedding chapel sticking out the top with a great view over the city.
** Kyoto station - 10 or 12 story escalator paradise, with a little wedding chapel sticking out the top with a great view over the city.
** Animu tourism: http://likeafishinwater.com/2016/04/29/pilgrimage-to-uji-for-hibike-euphonium/ --lmm (with due regret)
** Animu tourism: http://likeafishinwater.com/2016/04/29/pilgrimage-to-uji-for-hibike-euphonium/ --lmm (with due regret)
** Kyoani shop? http://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp/en/shop/
** A friend recommends Arashiyama and/or Nara if we want to go beyond the city proper.
** A friend recommends Arashiyama and/or Nara if we want to go beyond the city proper.
* This is the day of the Kawasaki penis festival, but attending is probably impractical
* This is the day of the Kawasaki penis festival, but attending is probably impractical
* Spending night in Kyoto
* Spending night in Kyoto
** Booked two Private Dormitory Rooms for 8 people at Seibido Inn. 37,000 yen per day. http://www.kyoto-seibidoinn.com/
** Checkin 3PM-9PM


=== Mon, 03/04/2017 ===
=== Mon, 03/04/2017 ===
* Kyoto day 2
* Kyoto day 2
* Spending night in Kyoto(?)
* Spending night in Kyoto
** Booked two Private Dormitory Rooms for 8 people at Seibido Inn. 37,000 yen per day. http://www.kyoto-seibidoinn.com/
** Checkout 10AM on Tuesday


=== Tue, 04/04/2017 ===
=== Tue, 04/04/2017 ===
Line 296: Line 282:
** Maybe look at booking a bath if we are quorate - otherwise they tend to be segregated
** Maybe look at booking a bath if we are quorate - otherwise they tend to be segregated
* Spending night in Hakone
* Spending night in Hakone
** Booked http://www.wro-hotels.com/merveille-hakone-gora -JAPANESE-STYLE FAMILY ROOM for 4 people at 116,000 yen for 2 nights and ROOM WITH TAMAMI AREA WITH OPEN-AIR BATH for 4 people at 140,000 yen for 2 nights.
*** Half board
*** shuttle service from Gora Station is available between 15:00-18:00. Please call the property upon arrival at the station.
*** Please note that the property does not cater to vegetarian meal requests. The property serves traditional Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals for dinner


=== Wed, 05/04/2017 ===
=== Wed, 05/04/2017 ===
Line 303: Line 293:
**** Michael (RX-7)/Alasdair (S2000)/Yingke (GT-R R35) booked
**** Michael (RX-7)/Alasdair (S2000)/Yingke (GT-R R35) booked
**** CAN I COME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY? Yes, your friends and family are welcome to ride together free of charge as long as your car's capacity allows. Children are welcome and we have a rental child seat available. However, for safety reasons we do not recommend children under the age of 24 months attend this tour. Pets are not allowed.
**** CAN I COME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY? Yes, your friends and family are welcome to ride together free of charge as long as your car's capacity allows. Children are welcome and we have a rental child seat available. However, for safety reasons we do not recommend children under the age of 24 months attend this tour. Pets are not allowed.
**** Cars have capacity for 5 additional people (enough for all of us) but it will be cramped in the back of the GT-R.
**** Cars have capacity for 3 additional people (NOT enough for all of us). You won't fit in the back of the GT-R unless you amputate your legs.
* Team others:
* Team others:
** ???
** ???
* Spending night in Hakone(?)
* Spending night in Hakone


=== Thu, 06/04/2017 ===
=== Thu, 06/04/2017 ===
Line 320: Line 310:
** Ueno Park- over one thousand cherry trees so likely great at this season. Features museums and a zoo. - MP
** Ueno Park- over one thousand cherry trees so likely great at this season. Features museums and a zoo. - MP
*** I always find Shinjuku Park more spectacular than Ueno. You have to pay 200 yen or so to get in, but it's more grassy and much bigger so you don't have to wade through drunk Japanese people & big American tourists - JN
*** I always find Shinjuku Park more spectacular than Ueno. You have to pay 200 yen or so to get in, but it's more grassy and much bigger so you don't have to wade through drunk Japanese people & big American tourists - JN
* Spending night in Tokyo
* Pop concert calendar https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=jhqrtl9na3gev1vihqnpt3qvgo@group.calendar.google.com
** Spending night in Tokyo
*** [http://www.libertyhouse.gr.jp/ Taito Ryoukan] booked for 06/04/2017 to 10/04/2017.
*** Room : 2 rooms (a twin + a quad) for 6 people. Room number allocation is at Taito Ryokan's option, please.
*** Rate : JPY3,000 a night a person including tax
*** Payment : Japanese yen in cash (total sum of JPY72,000) at your arrival, please.


=== Fri, 07/04/2017 ===
=== Fri, 07/04/2017 ===
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=== Sat, 08/04/2017 ===
=== Sat, 08/04/2017 ===
* Tokyo day 3
* Tokyo day 3
** Weekend is presumably the best time to see the cosplayers? (I've heard evening too)
** Flower Notes at Future Seven - 1pm or 5pm.


=== Sun, 09/04/2017 ===
=== Sun, 09/04/2017 ===
* Tokyo day 4
* Tokyo day 4
** Suggest we make this a shopping day in Akihabara, to minimize the amount of carrying stuff around. Unless shops shut on Sundays? Also bearing in mind our JR passes will presumably be 14-day.
** Suggest we make this a shopping day in Akihabara, to minimize the amount of carrying stuff around. Unless shops shut on Sundays?


=== Mon, 10/04/2017 ===
=== Mon, 10/04/2017 ===
* Part ways
* Part ways


Latest revision as of 23:35, 9 May 2021

Trip to Japan 2017

Dates

24/03/2017 - 10/04/2017

Who's Going

  • YYY - Yingke
  • Mark P
  • lmm
  • Mark H
  • Alasdair
  • Zolty
  • Dave (Yakushima only)
  • (Maria)
  • (Dexter)

Checklist

Handle Annual Leave Taken International Plane tickets purchased Domestic Plane tickets purchased JR Pass purchased  Passmo card purchased International Driving Permit acquired JPY exchanged Phone that works in Japan Travel Insurance
YYY (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./)
Mark P (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./)
lmm (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./)
Mark H (./) (./) (./) (./)
Alasdair (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./) (./)
Zolty (./) (./) (./)
Maria (./) (./) (./)
Dexter (./) (./) (./)

Misc Planning Area

  • JR passes are best bought from https://www.insidejapantours.com/japan-rail-pass-all/
    • Plan is to get 2-week passes, exchange them at Haneda on the 25th but with validity not starting until the 29th.
    • Getting a passmo card is a good idea for convenience - it's not any cheaper than buying paper subway tickets but it's easier
  • We have agreed to take suitcases but ensure they are wheeled enough to transport between hotels and train stations easily.
  • Last time I got a travel SIM from www.ekit.com which worked pretty well
    • Don't buy a travel phone from them as their model can't use Japanese frequencies

Pre-Trip Meetup

Sat, 18/02/2017

  • 12:45: Meetup around Leicester Square Station?
  • Lunch at http://misato.eu/?
  • 15:00 - 17:00: Karaoke at http://www.karaokebox.co.uk/mayfair/bookings/
    • There is a minimum of a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) per person to be bought at the bar.
    • For Japanese songs, please have the song title/artist in Japanese handy (so we can look it up easily if the machine uses a song book)
    • If you want to sing Japanese songs but can't read Japanese well, it may help to have a hard copy of the romanised lyrics. The room will be at basement level so mobile reception may be poor.
  • Dinner at Flat Iron?
  • Hang out at lmms.

Flight details

  • Lmm: Arriving 2017-03-24 12:05 HND on NH972, departing 2017-04-10 14:00 NRT (via Shanghai)
  • Alasdair: arriving 2017-03-24 10:00 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 11:00 NRT (via Helsinki)
  • Zolty: Arriving 2017-03-24 8:55 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 10:25 NRT
  • YYY, MarkP, MarkH: Arriving 2017-03-24 10:35 NRT Terminal 2, departing 2017-04-10 12:35 NRT
  • Maria, Dexter: Arriving 2017-03-24 10:40 NRT, departing 2017-04-10 11:40 NRT (via Copenhagen)

Itinerary

Fri, 24/03/2017

  • Morning and early afternoon
    • Arrive in Japan and meet up.
    • Haneda Arrivals: Lmm
    • Any suggestions for a meeting point? Probably a case of having a late lunch?
  • Late afternoon we can get a quick taste of Tokyo and enjoy some culture shock
  • Spending night in Tokyo - Emblem Hostel Nishiarai, Tokyo Umejima 3-33-6, Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Sat, 25/03/2017

  • Morning: Possibly a little tourism in Tokyo. Get brunch, as we're flying at lunchtime.
  • Lunchtime: Fly to Yakushima
  • Flight from Tokyo to Yakushima: 13:20 to 17:35 on Saturday 25th of March.
    • We should make a point of booking our tickets for the ferries when we arrive, as the tourist office is near the airport
  • Meet up with Dave.
    • TODO: Confirm his travel arrangements.
  • ORIX Rent a Car
    • Pick-up site: Yakushima Airport Rental Site
    • Drop-off site: Yakushima Miyanoura Counter
    • Rental date: Saturday, March 25, 2017 17:30 - Tuesday, March 28, 2017 9:30
    • Vehicles:
      • Vehicle class: WA CLASS Nonsmoking（Wagon）- Total rental charges: 55,350 yen (tax included)
      • Vehicle class: A CLASS Nonsmoking（Sedan）- Total rental charges: 29,808 yen (tax included)
  • Should be getting a pickup from airport.
(1 or 2 evenings)

Sun, 26/03/2017

Mon, 27/03/2017

Tue, 28/03/2017

  • Ferries: http://www.yesyakushima.com/getting-to-yakushima/by-sea/
    • These are a pain to book from outside, I suggest we book them when we arrive (on the Saturday). They don't tend to fill up AIUI, but best not to be relying on it.
  • Part with Dave.
  • Tanegashima
    • Morning: Ferry to Tanegashima at 10:00 from Miyanoura to Nishinoomote (arriving 10:50). Return cars at port. Jetfoil timetable is https://www.tykousoku.jp/fare_time/.
      • Our only realistic option is car hire. Try Nippon-rent-a-car (who have an office in Nishinoomote) or Orix. 75 minutes' drive between port and space center.
  • Day: space centre tour http://global.jaxa.jp/about/centers/tnsc/index.html . Guided tours are 11:00 to 12:15, 13:30 to 14:45 or 15:30 to 16:45
  • Spending night in Tanegashima
    • Booked Tanegashima Araki Hotel. 3 japanese-style rooms of up to 4 people each for one night. Check in March 28 (after 2pm), check out March 29 (before 10am). Total JPY 58,356 with my coupon.

Wed, 29/03/2017

  • Nagasaki day 1
    • Morning: travel there (Note that this takes around 3:30 from Kagoshimachuo, a little longer from Kagoshima central. Sakura shinkansen should be ok with the JR pass).
      • Jetfoil to Kagoshima - 07:00 arriving 08:35 or 08:00 arriving 09:35 (makes sense if we're going to the station ticket office for 10AM).
      • Thought about JR pass logistics: assuming we use the subway etc. to/from the airport in tokyo, we can probably defer activating them until the Tuesday, meaning they'll be live for the whole rest of our trip if we do get bored in Tokyo on the last Sunday and want to head out into the country or some such. --lmm
      • We can activate at Kagoshima-Chūō, though the office is only open from 10AM. May be better off activating at the airport, but we'd better all agree dates beforehand in that case. --lmm
  • Afternoon: Stuff.
  • Dejima: http://nagasakidejima.jp/en/
  • Spending night in Nagasaki
    • Nagasaki International Hostel Akari - 1 Triple Room for 4, 1 Double Room for 3, 1 Double Room for 2. Total price 62,000JPY.

Thu, 30/03/2017

  • Nagasaki day 2
  • Spending night in Nagasaki
    • Nagasaki International Hostel Akari

Fri, 31/03/2017

  • Hiroshima day 1
    • Morning: travel there - again around 3:30
    • Afternoon: museum and peace park
    • A friend recommended a tour of the Mitsubishi(?) fully automated factory.
  • Spending night in Hiroshima
  • Reservations: 1 Room, 2 Nights

Check in: March 31, 2017 (after 03:00 PM) Check out: April 2, 2017 (before 11:00 AM) Booking ID: 116007071 Lead Guest: Dexter Lowe Occupancy: 2 Adults Total price: JPY 18,171 (to be charged on March 28, 2017)

  • Reservations: 1 Room, 2 Nights

Check in: March 31, 2017 (after 03:00 PM) Check out: April 2, 2017 (before 11:00 AM) Booking ID: 116007048 Lead Guest: Michael Donaghy Occupancy: 6 Adults Breakfast: Not Included Total price: JPY 46,600 You'll pay Omotenashi Hostel Miyajima in the property's local currency (JPY).

Sat, 01/04/2017

Sun, 02/04/2017

  • Kyoto day 1
    • Shrines
      • Fushimi Inari Shrine- I've done it twice before but I'm up for it again if people are interested. The mountain trails are spectacular and you get great views of Kyoto. - MP
      • Kiyomizudera- big temple famous for its huge stage jutting out over the hill. Adjacent to a number of other temples and the traditional touristy Higashiyama District. -MP
  • Traditional theatre
  • This is the day of the Kawasaki penis festival, but attending is probably impractical
  • Spending night in Kyoto

Mon, 03/04/2017

  • Kyoto day 2
  • Spending night in Kyoto

Tue, 04/04/2017

  • Hakone day 1
    • Daytime: ???
      • Is there two days worth of stuff here, especially for non-drivers? Hakone Shrine looks fun but what else? -MP
        • The Hakone Tozan Railway looks interesting, and I would interested in seeing the Botanical Gardens or one of the art museums. - YYY
    • http://www.polamuseum.or.jp/english/
      • Hakone Ropeway
  • Evening: Baths? (to relax and prepare for driving)
    • Maybe look at booking a bath if we are quorate - otherwise they tend to be segregated
  • Spending night in Hakone
    • Booked http://www.wro-hotels.com/merveille-hakone-gora -JAPANESE-STYLE FAMILY ROOM for 4 people at 116,000 yen for 2 nights and ROOM WITH TAMAMI AREA WITH OPEN-AIR BATH for 4 people at 140,000 yen for 2 nights.
      • Half board
      • shuttle service from Gora Station is available between 15:00-18:00. Please call the property upon arrival at the station.
      • Please note that the property does not cater to vegetarian meal requests. The property serves traditional Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals for dinner

Wed, 05/04/2017

  • Hakone day 2
    • Team drivers:
      • Ultimate Hakone Drive
        • Michael (RX-7)/Alasdair (S2000)/Yingke (GT-R R35) booked
        • CAN I COME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY? Yes, your friends and family are welcome to ride together free of charge as long as your car's capacity allows. Children are welcome and we have a rental child seat available. However, for safety reasons we do not recommend children under the age of 24 months attend this tour. Pets are not allowed.
        • Cars have capacity for 3 additional people (NOT enough for all of us). You won't fit in the back of the GT-R unless you amputate your legs.
  • Team others:
    • ???
  • Spending night in Hakone

Thu, 06/04/2017

  • Tokyo day 1
    • Rabbit and hedgehog cafe
      • You need to book this > 1 week ahead of time. I can handle this if you let me know how many people. They might not be able to fit everyone at once. - JN
  • ngt=TT0c773e930001ac1e4a112ceMZnqYSN_EjdcS3aCnP12g Kujiraya - Whale meat restaurant
    • Perhaps the LittleBSD cafe, having seen the advertising and been amused.
    • Nasu Animal Kingdom In Tochigi Prefecture. You get to feed Capybara!
    • Mahjong in some suitably fancy way (Gemma has offered to arrange) --Lmm
    • Akiharbara etc. (possibly best as a non-group activity)
    • Skytree- again, I've done it before, but fantastic view. - MP
    • Ueno Park- over one thousand cherry trees so likely great at this season. Features museums and a zoo. - MP
      • I always find Shinjuku Park more spectacular than Ueno. You have to pay 200 yen or so to get in, but it's more grassy and much bigger so you don't have to wade through drunk Japanese people & big American tourists - JN
  • Pop concert calendar https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=jhqrtl9na3gev1vihqnpt3qvgo@group.calendar.google.com
    • Spending night in Tokyo
      • Taito Ryoukan booked for 06/04/2017 to 10/04/2017.
      • Room : 2 rooms (a twin + a quad) for 6 people. Room number allocation is at Taito Ryokan's option, please.
      • Rate : JPY3,000 a night a person including tax
      • Payment : Japanese yen in cash (total sum of JPY72,000) at your arrival, please.

Fri, 07/04/2017

  • Tokyo day 2

Sat, 08/04/2017

  • Tokyo day 3
    • Weekend is presumably the best time to see the cosplayers? (I've heard evening too)
    • Flower Notes at Future Seven - 1pm or 5pm.

Sun, 09/04/2017

  • Tokyo day 4
    • Suggest we make this a shopping day in Akihabara, to minimize the amount of carrying stuff around. Unless shops shut on Sundays?

Mon, 10/04/2017

  • Part ways
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