This is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within Japan. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2005:706 RealTravel members http://realtravel.com/images/logo-for-feeds.jpg (c) 2006 RealTravel.com 2008-06-08T09:34:21Z 339991http://www.feedburner.comThis is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within Japan. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046872 2008-05-27T05:56:59Z 2008-06-08T09:34:21Z Broadview Travellers http://realtravel.com/member-m4787395-broadview_travellers.html <p>a entry by Broadview Travellers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-japan-reviews-hotels-d6443.html">Kyoto, Japan.</a></p> <p>Day one in Kyoto was wet, very wet.</p><p>Nonetheless that did not stop us (and lots of Japanese people) from visiting many of the sights.</p><p>After a traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan we headed to the tourist Information at the JR station. The Japanese tourist information is at ground level, but the foreign tourist information is on the 9th floor of the building that houses the station. Not easy to find but once you do find it, they are very helpful. We spoke with a volunteer guide who was keen to practice his English. He gave us walking maps and hints on using the buses. Using ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j7046872.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fkyoto-journals-j7046872.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j7046872.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046904 2008-05-27T06:08:03Z 2008-06-08T09:33:21Z Broadview Travellers http://realtravel.com/member-m4787395-broadview_travellers.html <p>a entry by Broadview Travellers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/nara-nara-reviews-hotels-d2024997.html">Nara, Nara.</a></p> <p>After spending our first night at the Kansai airport hotel, we went to the Kansai JR (Japan Rail) station to convert our voucher to a 7 day Rail Pass. We also bought a Kansai Day Pass for 2000 yen which allows unlimited travel on Haruka limited express and ordinary trains in the Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Kobe area. It is only available to tourists and you must show your passport (visa) and return ticket to get this pass.</p><p>We caught the Haruka train to Kyoto and left our bags at our Ryokan before catching another train 50 minutes to Nara. In Japan all the railway stations have their name in both ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/nara-journals-j7046904.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fnara-journals-j7046904.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/nara-journals-j7046904.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046930 2008-05-27T06:12:35Z 2008-06-03T00:41:17Z Broadview Travellers http://realtravel.com/member-m4787395-broadview_travellers.html <p>a entry by Broadview Travellers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/hiroshima-japan-reviews-hotels-d6428.html">Hiroshima, Japan.</a></p> <p>We arrived in Hiroshima from Himeji late in the afternoon and walked to our hotel which was across the river from the JR station, about 10 minutes walk. We walked back to the station for dinner at one of the many restaurants above the station. For an easy day we managed to fit in a lot. We did our washing (washing machines in the hotel basement) and fell into bed.</p><p>When we set out in the morning it was overcast so we borrowed an umbrella from the hotel. By the time we walked up the street to Hiroshima Castle it was torrential. So, breakfast became more important than visiting the castle.</p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/hiroshima-journals-j7046930.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fhiroshima-journals-j7046930.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/hiroshima-journals-j7046930.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-28:7055287 2008-05-28T20:23:18Z 2008-05-28T20:23:18Z AnnieStephanskiAllen http://realtravel.com/member-m6010011-anniestephanskiallen.html <p>a entry by AnnieStephanskiAllen from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>Finally! We're here, somewhat rested, and ready to tackle Tokyo Disneyland! Our hotel is technically within walking distance, but since we have young children, we'll save the whining for later(not first thing in the morning) and we hop on the free shuttle bus. It's a great-looking bus; no mistaking that we're at Disney! The monorail station is pretty much across the street, but the bus was so cute that we had to ride it instead of walking.</p><p>Unlike Anaheim (and Florida), there is a fee for this monorail. It was a couple dollars per person, and it had four stops: Hotel side; Disney ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7055287.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j7055287.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7055287.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046585 2008-05-27T03:53:34Z 2008-05-28T15:59:04Z katieviventi http://realtravel.com/member-m7046524-katieviventi.html <p>a entry by katieviventi from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>I arrived in Japan last Sunday May 17th. It was great! The plane ride wasn’t so bad and we even get our own hotel rooms. Tokyo is an AMAZING city. Of course I had sushi and sashimi using chopsticks and even got to go to a few traditional restaurants where you sit on the floor. The first couple of days we visited Meiji Jingu Shrine which was amazing because it was not only beautiful but also such a peaceful place put in the middle of a city. After the shrine we got to see Sumo wrestling. It was all I expected and more! Yes they wear the diapers and kick up their legs and stomp their feet. ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7046585.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j7046585.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7046585.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-03-27:6768671 2008-03-27T13:43:07Z 2008-04-01T14:46:02Z GWiZ http://realtravel.com/member-m4854972-gwiz.html <p><em>"To reach enlightenment, one must pass through the Buddha's nostril."</em></p> <p>a entry by GWiZ from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-japan-reviews-hotels-d6443.html">Kyoto, Japan.</a></p> <p>The regions of Japan are wonderfully unique from each other. Each takes pride in its geography, language specifics, and culinary delights. The megapolises of Tokyo and Yokohama, for example, may be considered the technological and business heartbeats of the country. The cultural soul of Japan, however, lies within Kansai. Between Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji, there are 26 World Heritage sites and hundreds more that have not earned the same acclaim but are no less peaceful, beautiful, or blissful.</p><p>I was fortunate enough to visit Kansai twice, each time with friends from my home in ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j6768671.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_LDNHf72Z0RHcvj4xFCrfVRPL464_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/LDNHf72Z0RHcvj4xFCrfVRPL464_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_LDNHf72Z0RHcvj4xFCrfVRPL464_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=LDNHf72Z0RHcvj4xFCrfVRPL464_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fkyoto-journals-j6768671.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j6768671.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-03-14:6698729 2008-03-14T08:45:55Z 2008-03-27T12:58:31Z GWiZ http://realtravel.com/member-m4854972-gwiz.html <p>a entry by GWiZ from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>Been to New York City? Los Angeles? I hope so, because using them is the only way in which I can properly describe my first impression of Tokyo. Picture the height and density of NYC. Remember the subways, crowds, and backalleys? Well, Tokyo can be much like that...but with the breadth of LA. I emphasize 'first impression' because I spent enough time in this fabulous city to realize it practically functions as its own country. There are many different neighborhoods, each with their own flavor of uniqueness for residents and visitors alike.</p><p>I arrived at Narita Airport on a flight ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6698729.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_0ySWHojsEPXrsNEnR-8J9im2ejo_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/0ySWHojsEPXrsNEnR-8J9im2ejo_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_0ySWHojsEPXrsNEnR-8J9im2ejo_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=0ySWHojsEPXrsNEnR-8J9im2ejo_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j6698729.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6698729.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-03-10:6673206 2008-03-10T07:56:33Z 2008-03-20T05:05:56Z 1sweetjourney http://realtravel.com/member-m5139827-1sweetjourney.html <p>a entry by 1sweetjourney from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-japan-reviews-hotels-d6443.html">Kyoto, Japan.</a></p> <p>I hopped on the train from Higashi Fussa one of the stations by the base and rode it to Hachioji then changed trains and got on the Yokohama line to Shin Yokohama station. That train was almost an hour long. When I got to Shin Yokohama I bought my first Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket and tracked down a pay phone. I'm actually kind of amazed they still have payphones since everyone has cells now. But I found one and called my friend Aya and let her know which train I got on and when I would be in Kyoto so she could pick me up at the station.</p><p>Now time for a little background. Aya ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j6673206.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_1qKUJ4bKltuizsQ2JlMKAhpDucA_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/1qKUJ4bKltuizsQ2JlMKAhpDucA_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_1qKUJ4bKltuizsQ2JlMKAhpDucA_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=1qKUJ4bKltuizsQ2JlMKAhpDucA_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fkyoto-journals-j6673206.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j6673206.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-10:6168468 2007-12-10T12:08:25Z 2008-02-27T11:25:36Z WorldExplorer http://realtravel.com/member-m4074644-worldexplorer.html <p>a entry by WorldExplorer from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>Monday, November 26—Tuesday, December 4: Japan</p><p></p><p>Wanting to make the most of our 7-day unlimited Japan Railway pass, we decided to spend our eights nights in Japan as follows: two nights in Tokyo, one night in Nara, two nights in Kyoto, one night in Hiroshima, one night in Dogo (near Matsuyama), and one night on the sleeper train back to Tokyo to catch our early morning flight on December 4 to Sydney, Australia by way of Bangkok. We traveled throughout Japan on their world-famous Shinkasen (or “bullet”) trains that are remarkably punctual, clean, convenient, and comfortable. The ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6168468.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_xYdmBRylwp56RpuEz-2Zc8Cu6vE_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/xYdmBRylwp56RpuEz-2Zc8Cu6vE_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_xYdmBRylwp56RpuEz-2Zc8Cu6vE_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=xYdmBRylwp56RpuEz-2Zc8Cu6vE_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j6168468.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6168468.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-02-14:6541459 2008-02-14T06:52:46Z 2008-02-14T06:55:03Z The Three Ozketeers http://realtravel.com/member-m2032950-the_three_ozketeers.html <p><em>"yes, we snuck a 2-year-old on the kiddie coaster"</em></p> <p>a entry by The Three Ozketeers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>Our Disney day had come! We got going relatively early in the morning, all pretty excited to get out and see what Disney Sea was like. Tokyo Disneyland was built first, and is basically a clone of the other Disneyland parks, but Disney Sea is a Tokyo-only park, and we were quite impressed with it. We got there via the JR, and were slightly worried that we were not on the correct train (no English in sight), but there were enough kids and little Minnie-Mouse keychains hanging off of purses that we figured we were going to be OK.</p><p>Max's first wow-wee was the big globe at ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6541459.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_gGPzlC4wgaND-Gyz9Y7HlBPgct8_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/gGPzlC4wgaND-Gyz9Y7HlBPgct8_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_gGPzlC4wgaND-Gyz9Y7HlBPgct8_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=gGPzlC4wgaND-Gyz9Y7HlBPgct8_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j6541459.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6541459.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-02-14:6541337 2008-02-14T06:45:03Z 2008-02-14T06:51:09Z The Three Ozketeers http://realtravel.com/member-m2032950-the_three_ozketeers.html <p><em>"one whole floor devoted to Hello Kitty"</em></p> <p>a entry by The Three Ozketeers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>We checked the weather forecast, and decided that the first of our two full days in Tokyo would be our around-town day, and then the second day, which looked much nicer weather-wise would be our Disney Sea day. There's a big new building under construction just next to our hotel, and Max just loved to watch the two cranes at work, lifting stuff way up top. We would just turn one of the chairs facing the window, and he would sit there transfixed while we got ready in the morning. Almost as good as Treehouse!</p><p>The plan for our day started at the Transportation Museum, on ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6541337.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_M4Fj2Hjt9MSiLgj6xalKY97YQv4_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/M4Fj2Hjt9MSiLgj6xalKY97YQv4_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_M4Fj2Hjt9MSiLgj6xalKY97YQv4_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=M4Fj2Hjt9MSiLgj6xalKY97YQv4_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j6541337.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6541337.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-02-14:6541215 2008-02-14T06:35:11Z 2008-02-14T06:42:40Z The Three Ozketeers http://realtravel.com/member-m2032950-the_three_ozketeers.html <p><em>"We stuck out not because we were white, but because we were dressed badly..."</em></p> <p>a entry by The Three Ozketeers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>On our first afternoon in Tokyo, we wandered around Shinjuku, slightly dazed from the overnight flight, but not doing too badly overall. Shinjuku is a very business-y neighborhood, also with lots of shopping to be had. The Tokyo city hall as well as several head offices (NTT DoCoMo is one) are all in this neighborhood, so there's always plenty of black suits about. We didn't know too much about the area before coming to Tokyo, but we are happy to find that it is a very convenient spot to be based out of, since Shinjuku station is a major hub for both the JR lines (like an ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6541215.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_jsrNqSHZexQAnO-6cq3r8V9CKag_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/jsrNqSHZexQAnO-6cq3r8V9CKag_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_jsrNqSHZexQAnO-6cq3r8V9CKag_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=jsrNqSHZexQAnO-6cq3r8V9CKag_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j6541215.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6541215.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-12:6178442 2007-12-12T09:23:18Z 2007-12-12T09:36:24Z Ashleigh and Alexis http://realtravel.com/member-m6177865-ashleigh_and_alexis.html <p>a entry by Ashleigh and Alexis from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>While we were in Tokyo we kept an eye our for the fashions out there. It was so different than home. The northwest is comfy clothes like jeans and hoodies. Over there was like everyone was trendy and fashionable. We went shopping asap to get some better clothes to fit it.</p><p>Anywho. Fashion. So for the girls the style according to the magazines was making your summer clothes 'winterable'. So there were a lot of skirts and shorts with boots and funky socks. All in different kinds and colors. The puffy vests with the furry hoods. Scarves scarves scarves and knit hats. And phone ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6178442.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_AgCEIbWeWDRExF3UM8VH5xC0szE_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/AgCEIbWeWDRExF3UM8VH5xC0szE_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_AgCEIbWeWDRExF3UM8VH5xC0szE_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=AgCEIbWeWDRExF3UM8VH5xC0szE_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j6178442.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6178442.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-12:6177946 2007-12-12T08:30:49Z 2007-12-12T08:41:59Z Ashleigh and Alexis http://realtravel.com/member-m6177865-ashleigh_and_alexis.html <p>a journal by Ashleigh and Alexis from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com//d-1113-japan">Japan.</a></p> <p>Our grandma, our mom, and us went to Japan from October 18 through October 30, 2007 to visit family on our grandma's side. Our great grandma is 90 so we wanted to get all four generations together.</p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/japan-trips-i6177946.html">[Read full journal]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_j7EKVj5mL7YfaID9brozjH5Eo04_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/j7EKVj5mL7YfaID9brozjH5Eo04_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_j7EKVj5mL7YfaID9brozjH5Eo04_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=j7EKVj5mL7YfaID9brozjH5Eo04_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fjapan-trips-i6177946.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/japan-trips-i6177946.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-29:6093101 2007-11-29T10:11:12Z 2007-12-03T13:54:57Z Phil & Kristin http://realtravel.com/member-m5875728-phil__kristin.html <p>a entry by Phil &amp; Kristin from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/hakone-japan-reviews-hotels-d6418.html">Hakone, Japan.</a></p> <p>What a trip! We took the train to Hakone (1.75 hours), a town famous for its natural hot springs and beautiful scenery. On the train, we had our first Japanese infatuation experience with how tall Phil is and how 'strange' my hair is. We're pretty sure that by the end of our conversation with this Japanese couple, they were convinced that Phil is a professional soccer AND basketball player and that I am a movie star. :)</p><p>We checked into our ryoken (hotel where you sleep on tatami mats), Ichinoya. We took the "switchback train" (Hakone Tozan) to a mountain town named Gora. Now, ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/hakone-journals-j6093101.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_6UdfgTcl3y8ATtQV6WqXG52-3bM_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/6UdfgTcl3y8ATtQV6WqXG52-3bM_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_6UdfgTcl3y8ATtQV6WqXG52-3bM_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=6UdfgTcl3y8ATtQV6WqXG52-3bM_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fhakone-journals-j6093101.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/hakone-journals-j6093101.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-25:6057427 2007-11-25T06:31:26Z 2007-11-25T06:31:26Z beachlover http://realtravel.com/member-m1415049-beachlover.html <p><em>"“interesting” assortment of anime figurines and life size sailor moon looking dolls? Apparently they are quite real to life if you know what I mean!"</em></p> <p>a entry by beachlover from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/nagoya-japan-reviews-hotels-d6453.html">Nagoya, Japan.</a></p> <p>We decided to position ourselves at the Westin Nagoya Castle once again as they are in a great location (across from Nagoya castle) and offer free shuttle services to and from the JR Nagoya station. We've taken a huge liking to this hotel. To our delight, we've been given a castle view room on the Executive Floor once again. Yipee!! It's nice to get back into the "heavenly bed" after sleeping on tatami for a few nights. We had intentionally planned our two nights in Nagoya at this time as we wanted to take a breather from shuffling around from one city to another. Plus we wanted to ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/nagoya-journals-j6057427.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_ngFdJEY.MQATo8-bL67GCrM-nrE_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/ngFdJEY.MQATo8-bL67GCrM-nrE_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_ngFdJEY.MQATo8-bL67GCrM-nrE_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=ngFdJEY.MQATo8-bL67GCrM-nrE_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fnagoya-journals-j6057427.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/nagoya-journals-j6057427.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-16:6009769 2007-11-16T04:07:13Z 2007-11-16T05:08:48Z Mic & Cal http://realtravel.com/member-m5381888-mic__cal.html <p>a entry by Mic &amp; Cal from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>Having finished hiking up and down the mountainside in Hakone we had plans to head straight through to NIKKO via Tokyo, however we opted to make our base in Tokyo as 2 places we wanted to visit, both KAMAKURA and Nikko, are considered as possible 'day-trips' from the capital. We had an existing reservation at 'Taito Ryokan' for the 12th but as it was the 10th we had to find accommodation for 2 nights.... considering we had had private lodgings we faced the reality of sleeping in dormitory-style bunk beds!! Found a newly built and clean hostel called the Sakura Hostel which was fortunately very ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6009769.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_qUyTnnXteWtoMSiKv0hHJLW4Qzk_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/qUyTnnXteWtoMSiKv0hHJLW4Qzk_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_qUyTnnXteWtoMSiKv0hHJLW4Qzk_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=qUyTnnXteWtoMSiKv0hHJLW4Qzk_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j6009769.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j6009769.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-12:5988036 2007-11-12T22:47:12Z 2007-11-12T22:47:20Z Phil & Kristin http://realtravel.com/member-m5875728-phil__kristin.html <p>a entry by Phil &amp; Kristin from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/yokohama-kanagawa-reviews-hotels-d1236042.html">Yokohama, Kanagawa.</a></p> <p>We are finally beginning to get the hang of Japan! The train systems are truly amazing! People line up off to the side of the train doors and actually let passengers get off the train before attempting to get on. And Japan's garbage process is unbelievable! You can't find trash cans ANYWHERE, yet the streets and trains are immaculate. People take their trash with them and dispose of it at home. If we're lucky, we may find trash cans at a 7-11, but they have different slots for combustible &amp; non-combustible trash...which we can't read, so we just resort to taking our trash with us back to ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/yokohama-journals-j5988036.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_TdSkazIp4hMN9FTSIdMWOvTVh4E_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/TdSkazIp4hMN9FTSIdMWOvTVh4E_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_TdSkazIp4hMN9FTSIdMWOvTVh4E_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=TdSkazIp4hMN9FTSIdMWOvTVh4E_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fyokohama-journals-j5988036.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/yokohama-journals-j5988036.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-10:5967826 2007-11-10T12:02:17Z 2007-11-10T14:18:04Z Pepperqueen http://realtravel.com/member-m5538639-pepperqueen.html <p><em>"...An Artistic Mix of Individually-themed Cafes and Pensions"</em></p> <p>a entry by Pepperqueen from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tochigi-japan-reviews-hotels-d1292324.html">Tochigi, Japan.</a></p> <p>Nasu-Kogen is a resort area that hugs the foothills of Nasu-dake, one of Kanto's still-active and still-steaming volcanoes. Hot springs (salt and sulfur springs) are the main attraction for this town divided into two sections: the modern pension-restaurant-cafe maze in the thickly wooded foothills (where most of the "hot springs" are fake) and the old-fashioned typical Japanese-style "onsen town" higher up on the mountain, where the hot water is the real thing. Both parts seem to overflow with half of Tokyo's population on weekends and public holidays. Traffic jams can back up easily in this ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tochigi-journals-j5967826.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_F.lDdJ.aozKth6eYkLIIiPPC3OY_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/F.lDdJ.aozKth6eYkLIIiPPC3OY_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_F.lDdJ.aozKth6eYkLIIiPPC3OY_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=F.lDdJ.aozKth6eYkLIIiPPC3OY_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftochigi-journals-j5967826.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tochigi-journals-j5967826.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-10:5967844 2007-11-10T12:02:18Z 2007-11-10T13:20:06Z Pepperqueen http://realtravel.com/member-m5538639-pepperqueen.html <p>a review of "The Cannery" (Ka-na-ri), a place to stay in <a href="http://realtravel.com/tochigi-japan-reviews-hotels-d1292324.html">Tochigi, Japan</a>.</p> <p>It was poorly lit from outside and there were barely any signs marking the lodge so we had to circle twice to find the place. Upon walking in, we couldn't see where the friendly greeting was coming from -the reception desk was hidden around the corner from view. That didn't make a fine first impression. The room didn't either: thin walls, no chairs (only 2 twin beds and a very low sofa, no lawn chair like the picture promised) and it reaked of cigarettes (as many rooms in Japan will). We had just arrived at 6:20 and had 10 minutes left to pee and pay up front before being sped off to dinner. ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tochigi-reviews-b5967844.html">[Read full review]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_uDMIb9gDKMQGQkKoiTGOWK6Fa5Y_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/uDMIb9gDKMQGQkKoiTGOWK6Fa5Y_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_uDMIb9gDKMQGQkKoiTGOWK6Fa5Y_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=uDMIb9gDKMQGQkKoiTGOWK6Fa5Y_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftochigi-reviews-b5967844.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tochigi-reviews-b5967844.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-05:5932524 2007-11-05T07:36:46Z 2007-11-05T17:22:28Z beachlover http://realtravel.com/member-m1415049-beachlover.html <p>a entry by beachlover from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/takayama-gifu-reviews-hotels-d1292238.html">Takayama, Gifu.</a></p> <p>Seeing as we had covered Ninja City in half a day, we decided to return the car early in Nagoya so we can have a head start in travelling to our next destination of Takayama. Geographically, Takayama is much closer to access from Ninja City (Iga Ueno) but we had heard that Takayama should be enjoyed on foot so we figured that we’d save some Yen and not keep the car for longer than we needed.</p><p>Takayama is a scenic 2 hour train ride from Nagoya on the Hida Express. The view of the country side and mountains was so breathtaking that the time passed very quickly. Takayama is a ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/takayama-journals-j5932524.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_pORMxB8uPfnmL4VG3JYmXYeGp4k_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/pORMxB8uPfnmL4VG3JYmXYeGp4k_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_pORMxB8uPfnmL4VG3JYmXYeGp4k_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=pORMxB8uPfnmL4VG3JYmXYeGp4k_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftakayama-journals-j5932524.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/takayama-journals-j5932524.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-05:5932542 2007-11-05T07:36:48Z 2007-11-05T17:21:22Z beachlover http://realtravel.com/member-m1415049-beachlover.html <p>a review of Rickshaw Inn, a place to stay in <a href="http://realtravel.com/takayama-gifu-reviews-hotels-d1292238.html">Takayama, Gifu</a>.</p> <p>The Rickshaw Inn seems to be a favorite amongst foreign travellers as the staff speak English. It's a good valued inn with small but clean rooms. We stayed in a room without a bathroom for 9800 yen ($98) a night. You can get a room with a ensuite bathroom for 11,600 yen ($116) per night if there are any available. The inn is mid sized but quite popular so you'll have to book months ahead if you're wanting your own bathroom. This was the first place that we had stayed in with a shared bathroom facility so we were skeptical but it wasn't bad at all. Luckily our room was right across from ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/takayama-reviews-b5932542.html">[Read full review]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_6y-GBPFjf2MrSt3ExD.22vXAGoI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/6y-GBPFjf2MrSt3ExD.22vXAGoI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_6y-GBPFjf2MrSt3ExD.22vXAGoI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=6y-GBPFjf2MrSt3ExD.22vXAGoI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftakayama-reviews-b5932542.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/takayama-reviews-b5932542.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-10-28:5859509 2007-10-28T00:47:53Z 2007-10-30T21:19:39Z Carla V http://realtravel.com/member-m5790720-carla_v.html <p><em>"There was only one other guest in the whole place and I started to feel very alone."</em></p> <p>a entry by Carla V from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/matsue-shimane-reviews-hotels-d2069682.html">Matsue, Shimane.</a></p> <p>The trip up to Matsue took quite a few hours, but I arrived without getting lost. I went straight to the tourist information where they explained how to wait and take the bus. Luckily, there was a kind Japanese guy who noticed all my maps and notes and told me when to get off and actually walked me to the hostel. He gave me his card and told me to call him if the place turned out to be bad. I think he was a bit suspicious of a hostel out in the country. He spoke just a bit of english, but did manage to recall that Al Capone was from Chicago (or as he pronounced it, CA-PON-EEEE).</p><p>In the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/matsue-journals-j5859509.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_L2D3LdFHvrK0pdNoAdMouF3hPak_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/L2D3LdFHvrK0pdNoAdMouF3hPak_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_L2D3LdFHvrK0pdNoAdMouF3hPak_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=L2D3LdFHvrK0pdNoAdMouF3hPak_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fmatsue-journals-j5859509.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/matsue-journals-j5859509.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-10-14:5778017 2007-10-14T23:37:42Z 2007-10-14T23:37:42Z MJB http://realtravel.com/member-m4656029-mjb.html <p><em>""En atteignant le but, on a manque tout le reste" proverbe japonais."</em></p> <p>a entry by MJB from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>5 heures du matin- le lendemain de notre arrivee.</p><p>Ce matin je me suis reveille dans un autre monde. Nous sommes a Tokyo. Apres une marche dans la ville, je me trouve dans l'embarras du choix: comment choisir parmi tant de sujets? Comment choisir les choses dont je ne vais pas en parler?　Est-ce que Tokyo est differente des autres grandes villes ou c'est juste une autre metropole？</p><p>Hier soir j'ai failli metttre a terre un des murs de l'auberge ou on reste et transformer les 4 chambres bien divisees "a la japonaise" en un beau loft moderne et spacieux. J'ai quand-meme reussi a faire ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j5778017.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_lwImAy8yPKxCj6Kw1H49JIZN1oc_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/lwImAy8yPKxCj6Kw1H49JIZN1oc_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_lwImAy8yPKxCj6Kw1H49JIZN1oc_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=lwImAy8yPKxCj6Kw1H49JIZN1oc_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j5778017.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j5778017.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-08-19:5343156 2007-08-19T14:25:37Z 2007-08-19T15:09:44Z Eli & Jess Travel http://realtravel.com/member-m4833672-eli__jess_travel.html <p>a entry by Eli &amp; Jess Travel from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-japan-reviews-hotels-d6443.html">Kyoto, Japan.</a></p> <p>We took the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto Saturday morning, arriving at 11:45am. It was a 2.5 hour ride, very comfortable and very fast. We saw much of the countryside between the two cities, it was beautiful with mountain layers and fog settling between. A family friend of the Thuli's, Kentaro Esaki, picked us up at Kyoto Station and we headed to a "sushi train" restaurant for fabulous fresh, raw sushi (conveyor belt style...). We then headed to the Golden Temple, a temple on a pond that is covered in gold leaf. It was newly re-golded, and so it was shiny and beautiful. ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j5343156.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_PjVps5sczR2vH46tB-mNEmgaHBc_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/PjVps5sczR2vH46tB-mNEmgaHBc_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_PjVps5sczR2vH46tB-mNEmgaHBc_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=PjVps5sczR2vH46tB-mNEmgaHBc_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fkyoto-journals-j5343156.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j5343156.html