Trip Coach: August 8, 2006

New York, NY: Hello, We are travelling to Kyoto in the second week of October. We would love to know more about the different neighborhoods. Can you suggest a off the beaten track place to stay? Thanks so much!

Chris Rowthorn: Hi,
Thanks for the question.
You could try Ryokan Uemura. It's not exactly off the beaten track, but it's hidden down a lovely pedestrian lane. It's my favorite place to stay in Kyoto. You have to book ahead, though, to get a place, as there are only three rooms.
Otherwise, Arashiyama is an interesting place to stay. The village of Kibune is another cool spot (literally, as the whole village is air-conditioned by the stream that runs thruough it).
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Chris

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Pittsburgh, PA: I will be going to Japan as part of a 3 country trip including Australia and New Zealand and want to figure out economically the best order to visit the countries in. I plan to take 4 weeks in total, with approximately 7-10 days in Japan. What are the must see areas outside of Tokyo and within Tokyo itself?

Chris Rowthorn: Hi,
Thanks for the question.
Outside of Tokyo, I recommend Nikko, which is the real must-see in that area, and the Izu-hanto Peninsula. If you are more adventurous, you might also try heading down to the island of the Izu-shoto group. If you are climber, Mt Fuji is also a highlight.
Within Tokyo, you MUST see Tsukiji Fish Market, and be sure to go at 5am for the tuna auction. After that, I recommend Meiji-jingu, Asakusa, East Shinjuku at night, the Tokyo Metro Goverment Office Buildings, and, Shibuya, which is where lots of Lost in Translation was filmed.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Chris

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New York, NY: Where are some best value places to stay and eat if you want to shop and see Japanese high tech innovative gadgets? Where is the section known as Electric City? I don't have a trip scheduled yet. I need to know how much to budget and if I can afford it. I saw gadgets on TV. It is not the same as being able to shop for these items.

Chris Rowthorn: Hi,
Thanks for the question.
Japan's two biggest electronics neighbourhoods are Akihabara, in central Tokyo, and Den Den Town, in southern Osaka. Both are on the subways and train systems in these cities, so you can stay anywhere in either city and easily reach them. If you want to stay nearby, in Osaka, try a hotel in Namba/Shinsaibashi, and in Tokyo, anywhere within the loop line should work.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Chris

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Seattle, WA: My family and I are planning a trip to Hong Kong for December. My brother and I plan to visit Japan upon the rest of the family's departure from Hong Kong and would like to spend about 7-10 days in Japan. We would like to know where is a good place to stay and explore that is not the tourist or big city areas such as Tokyo.

Chris Rowthorn: Hi,
Thanks for the question.
I strongly recommend Kyoto, with a sidetrip to Nara. If you want to sample urban Japan, Osaka is only a half an hour away from Kyoto by train. And Kyoto is the most lovely city in Japan.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Chris

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