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= Trip to Japan 2017 =
= Trip to Japan 2017 =
See also [[WalesRoadTrip2017]].
== 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
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* 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'''  
| '''Phone that works in Japan'''  
| '''Travel Insurance '''
|-
|-
| 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
** Spoke with friends from previous trip who advised very strongly to take a wheeled bag/holdall rather than a full-size suitcase.
* 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)


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* 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
** 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.
* Flight from Tokyo to Yakushima: 13:20 to 17:35 on Saturday 25th of March.
* 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
** 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
* ORIX Rent a Car
** Pick-up site: Yakushima Airport Rental Site
** Pick-up site: Yakushima Airport Rental Site
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*** Vehicle class: A CLASS Nonsmoking(Sedan)- Total rental charges: 29,808 yen (tax included)
*** Vehicle class: A CLASS Nonsmoking(Sedan)- Total rental charges: 29,808 yen (tax included)
* Should be getting a pickup from airport.
* Should be getting a pickup from airport.
* 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)
(1 or 2 evenings)
** Low tides are approximately midday and midnight. Nighttime visit to Hirauchi would be incredibly cool, though probably relies on car hire.
* 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


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* 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


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* 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.
* Part with Dave.
* Tanegashima
* 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/.
** 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.
*** 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
* Spending night in Tanegashima  
* 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.
** 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.


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


=== Fri, 31/03/2017 ===
=== Fri, 31/03/2017 ===
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** A friend recommended a tour of the Mitsubishi(?) fully automated factory.
** 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 ===
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** 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/  
** Booked two Private Dormitory Rooms for 8 people at Seibido Inn. 37,000 yen per day. http://www.kyoto-seibidoinn.com/
** Checkin 3PM-9PM
** Checkin 3PM-9PM


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* 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/  
** 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
** Checkout 10AM on Tuesday


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** 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.
** 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
*** Half board
*** shuttle service from Gora Station is available between 15:00-18:00. Please call the property upon arrival at the station.  
*** 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
*** Please note that the property does not cater to vegetarian meal requests. The property serves traditional Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals for dinner


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**** 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:
** ???
** ???
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** 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
** [http://www.libertyhouse.gr.jp/ Taito Ryoukan] booked for 06/04/2017 to 10/04/2017.
** Spending night in Tokyo
*** Rooms: 3 rooms (2 twins + a quad) for 8 people. Room number allocation is at Taito Ryokan's option, please.
*** [http://www.libertyhouse.gr.jp/ Taito Ryoukan] booked for 06/04/2017 to 10/04/2017.
*** Rate: JPY3,000 a night a person including tax
*** Room : 2 rooms (a twin + a quad) for 6 people. Room number allocation is at Taito Ryokan's option, please.
*** Payment: Japanese yen in cash (total sum of JPY96,000) at your arrival, 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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* Tokyo day 3
* Tokyo day 3
** Weekend is presumably the best time to see the cosplayers? (I've heard evening too)
** 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 ===