t would you do if you had 2 weeks in Japan?
 

I'm going to Japan in 2 weeks, so I have short time to make an itinerary. I know for the first week I will split my time in Shinjuku, Tokyo (the most metropolitan and 'city' part of Tokyo) and Hachioji (not as nice a part, but still 'city').

I have a train pass to go anywhere in Japan for free. Anywhere.

I think I will visit historic Kyoto, visit friends in Iwakuni, visit the Tokyo tower, and hike Mt. Fuji (can anyone tell me what that's like and how to prepare compared to American hiking?). Definitely got to visit the Tokyo fish market and Sony's headquarters.

Never been to the Northern half of Japan either. Don't know if anything is there anyways

Thanks. All input appreciated. Just want to hear what would you do in Japan so I can come up with ideas.

Sorry to inform you, but it is unlikely that you will be able to hike Mt Fuji during your trip, since it is only open for climbing a few months a year in mid to late summer. I've climbed it three times - it's quite an experience...literally breathtaking, since at the pace most people climb at, the change in oxygen can have quite an effect.

If you are able to climb, then I recommend starting in the day, staying at one of the stations at night, and then making the final climb so that you arrive right at sunsrise. For me, doing so was an almost spiritual experience.

Kyoto and nearby Nara, are two of my favorite cities to visit in Japan. Osaka and Kobe are close by each other and both are also well worth visiting.

Other than that, there are many more places to see than you will have time for, so all I can say is plan your trip around your interests. There are many good web sites with rich descriptions and photos of places to visit, and things to do, in Japan.

Google a few key words, such as Japan +sightseeing and you will be on your way.

Have a great trip, and post pix when you come back... :thumbsup

ADG

Love hotels, 3 a day. Every day. What other sites are there to see? I'm sure there's one somwhere with a nice view of Mt. Fuji.

I'd make a day trip from Tokyo to Nikko to see the Tokugawa Shrine.

I'd go to Fukuoka by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and then on to Mt. Aso (the volcano) and Beppu for the hot springs.

Be sure to spend some time in Tokyo's Akihabara (Electronic District) for the latest gadgets and fun game software.

I like to stay in Ikebukuro (10 minutes from Shinjuku) at the Kimi Ryokan where the price is right. Google it.

I could spend a day in Jimbocho and Kanda visiting the bookstores for manga.

See what is happening at Tokyo Big Site. You might be surprised.

If there on Sunday, walk the Omotesando in Harajuku to see the Maids and Goth chicks and, sometimes, they have free concerts in Yoyogi Park nearby. Lots of cool people show up for the music. All kinds of acts from Doo Wop to Goth.

Kyoto and Nara are interesting and pretty if you are into Japanese culture; but, not a lot happening if you're not connected to the locals. Osaka is much better for "gaijins".