Travel advice for a Japan visit

[Mamma Marsha]

Has anyone taken a trip to see their Sailor in Japan? Cheapest time to go (if any) once there, places to stay. or stay away from:/  flight advice. currency?

I would like to save now for a trip in 2014 to Sasebo, Japan.

[Anti M]

Tako Yaki.  That isn't fish inside, it is cooked octopus.  Delicious.   Try it.

[Mamma Marsha]

Thanks everyone for all the advice! --Coz56 enjoy your upcomming trip! Come back and tell us all about it!! Tako yaki :/put that one in your list!

[Blondie]

we went for Christmas and New Years 2010.  We loved it!  a lot was closed for new years but loved seeing all their ceremonies and traditions.  bullet train was the best!  We were there for 2 wks. and seen all the sites mentioned, would have to get out journal and pictures for everything we did, but we toured the country side, stayed in their Hostel's loved it, it's like dorm or community living but we like to get involved in their culture.  We toured with and without our sailor, I thought the worse was the air port!  lol  first day we were their sailor took us to train station, showed us how to buy tickets, and get around, they are colored coated (?)  which helped, next day she went to work and left us on our own. She lived in a different town then base. LOL  we had some of her friends calling and checking on us, and offering to come get us.....we said no thanks we're our exploring, we did manage to hop on a train and find base, met up with some military and went out to eat then met sailor at ship, she was so Surprised!  We had no troubles.  We did buy a train pass here in the states, but it didn't work for all trains, but saved us loads of money!  we're not ones to set around and wait.

Hope you have a Wonderful trip

 

[sherry73]

I am looking into the passes to see if we would be able to travel enough to get our money out of them.  Not sure how much off time our sailor will get to travel with us but would love to see as much as we can while we are there.  Chances are we will never get back.  Plus we are bringing along our 18 year old son and my boys best friend and like our third son who is 18 as well.  And they are so excited to go! .  We have a couple months to pin it all down.  I guess I should start looking for the Japan for Dummies book!  Thank you for your help ladies! 

[Anti M]

The train pass is only for one train company, which does include the bullet trains. However, if you're staying closer to base, using local trains, it might not save you much.  There are more lines than just the JR.  They also sell regional passes, those might be useful.

[Coz56]

Just returned from Japan. It was amazing. We had very hot weather and the day we left there was a typhoon so I am not sure I would recommend the first of September to travel. Bullet train was expensive but what a smooth ride. We spent time with our son and his girlfriend who is lovely, Now I have two people to miss so far away! My husband and I got around without our personal guide quite well. Many places have English subtitles like transportation, restaurants and street signs. We picked up maps where ever we could. My husband who loves maps was never really comfortable using the Tokyo subway but Kyoto was a breeze, we bought day passes while we were there that were good for bus and subway. We had started using a Marriott rewards credit card a couple years ago with the idea of using points on this trip and that worked out great for us. Even though the flight was long we both were excited to think we might go back if possible. The Japanese people are warm and friendly. We were interviewed by middle schoolers while touring Kyoto which was so fun. It was clear they had an assignment to engage in conversation with English speaking foreigners. We did have a Japan tour book that was very handy, Fodor's Japan. It is not too big and we carried it in our backpack everywhere and found it very handy. We recommend the evening walking tour of Gion area of Kyoto and the discount coupon to go to the theater that the tour guide gives out. The show is about the different types of traditional Japanese entertainment. We also saw a short Kabuki one act play in Tokyo that was charming. I would warn the taller folks to ask for standing room as the seats are not built for anyone over 5'10". Since the show was short standing won't be a hardship. 

[angelasal (ship 09 div 166)]

Hello ladies, my name is Angelica. My daughter has been in Japan for a little over a yr. I don't get on here much, but just wanted to let you all know that I have a Japan Moms page on fb. We have a few who have gone to Japan, & a few planning trips soon. Its so much easier to navigate on Facebook. My email is [e-mail] friend me if you'd like to join!! We have moms with kids all over Japan.. about 10 ships!!