Overplanning strikes again!

[morganskye]

Its begun. I've already started planning what I want to see/do in Japan. I've been peeking at a few sites, looking at hostels, etc. and I already have a decent list. Since Mom's been sweet enough to lend us her time share (more on that soon), that will take care of 7 days/nights of stay time. With that savings, plus we're aiming for a $15k budget we're going to stay for 3 weeks instead of two. Wootness!!

We're planning on 3-4 cities. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and possibly an overnight to Sendai. Right now we're aiming for the end of March/beginning of April since 1) it's before the tourist rate hike 2) the cherry blossoms should be starting.

There are some things we're definatly going to do. Shrine/temple visits are a must, as well as Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji. I can probably convince him to go to an onsen (hot spring) too. The geeks in us are going to Gamerz for shopping, the Sega park, the Sony building, Miyazaki's museum, and any other otaku land we can find. The only one I'm going to have to fight him on is Sanrio Puroland. Yah, it's $60 for the two of us to get in, and we probably wouldn't be there for more than 2 hours, but damnit! We have to GO!!! *whines* Any other tips, suggestions, ideas are welcome.

As for the timeshare...we have 1 week to stay at any resort on this massive list since my parents bought the highest level timeshare (all by accident btw). Anyway, it's now a matter of 'where the hell do we stay?'. We're shying away from Tokyo, mainly because I've found some hostels I like that allow extended stays. I want to try and stay someplace a little country with local things to do. That way we can take a day hike, or see the sights on bike, or just vegg for the day.

My faves are:
More Resort Vacation Club This is my #1 because of all the outdoor activites, plus it has a partial kitchen in the unit. It's also outside of the range of the other cities we're visiting.
Toba
Shirahama

So, any thoughts?

Comments

[giapet.livejournal.com]

If you're planning on trying to find ONE place to stay for the whole trip, and you want to be able to go to different cities, let me say that your #1 priority probably should be access to JR stations.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Actually we're staying at different places through-out the trip. It just happens that for one week we're staying in one spot, which is why I liked the nature resort. We'll have two more weeks to explore the cities.

[alyssachan.livejournal.com]

If you want to do ANYthing at Puroland, it WILL cost you more than 60. All the shows and rides require a different ticket than the Passport, which is the 30$ one.

Other than that, THAT PLACE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!@

I have lots of piccies from there if you wanna see any!!!!

[alyssachan.livejournal.com]

Also, Meiji Shine!!! It is in Tokyo. My fav of all the shines/temples visited. It is a must visit!! ^.^

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Plus I have a request if you go there. I lost a charm that I got there. I'll give you money for a replacement. I'm desperate and sad!!!!

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Oohh! I'd love to see pics of Puroland! We're thinking of going after 4pm because there's a price reduction. That and I don't think Barry could take too much cute before his head explodes!

Np babe. I've got a budget for presents. Just remind me before I go. ^_^

[jaradcel.livejournal.com]

What? You're not stopping by Singapore? *eyes fill up with tears*

NOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*wails in a corner* :(

Japan:

Depends on where your one week stay is. If it's going to be in Tokyo, I really recommed a place called Hotel Ikebukuro. You need to book insanely early, but it is hands down one of the best budget-hotels for people like us. I've had tons of favorable reviews from friends who've staid there (Most important, the owner speaks english!! ANd there's internet! FREE!) and even planned to stay there for my trip.

Elsewhere I'm not so sure.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Sorry sweetie. We're on a tight budget and can't make any stops, although goodness knows I really want to.

I'm still not sure what we're doing for Tokyo (or how long we're staying there), but I'll look into it. It would be nice not to have to keep all our stuff with us at all times. Our budget also determines when we go too. We could technically afford to go in 3(ish) years, but it could be pushed back to 6 years, which might mean a stop over in other countries. ^_^

[missmalade.livejournal.com]

That's a sweet budget. Congrats on being able to have this splurge!

Get bentos while you're over there. Don't eat anything that isn't compartmentalized! Swear on it!

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Yah, I want to have the best trip possible since I'm pretty sure I won't be able to go back again.

I figure I'm going to have at least one bag of 'stuff' that I'm bringing back, but since we're also trying to pack light it's going to be a struggle. Hoi!

I have one bento box, but I was stupid and didn't get one with compartments. Now I can hardly use it. -_-;

[missmalade.livejournal.com]

I don't see how you can get one bag of stuff. You may need to mail stuff to yourself! Heh.

[morganskye.livejournal.com]

Probably. I can just see myself buying up whole sets of stuff! Boy will I have a long wait at customs.