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| Booking flights and hotels on the Internet is a
fine way to manage very specific itineraries. |
| Getting around |
For speed and enjoyment, travel by train. Such
a statement might leave UK residents, yet to visit Japan, doubting
my sanity. But be assured, the Japanese railway network is as different
from ours as going by Concorde is to flying by kite! Trains are clean,
comfortable and punctual to the minute.
It is always best to book your seat the day before. |
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| The Japan Rail Pass |
If you plan to do a lot of travelling, visitors
can purchase one of these before leaving the UK (it is validated when
you arrive).
Available for 7, 14 or 21 day periods they are convenient to use and
represent great value, highly recommended. |
| The JR Rail Pass is valid for
all JR Railways, with one exception (pictured here) - the super fast
and luxurious - Nozomi. |
| Hotels |
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Obviously
I can only recommend those at which I stayed and maybe I was lucky
but these all proved to be excellent.
My requirements (travelling alone) were quite simple: a good standard
in a good location. I was not too interested in extra facilities as
my intention was to be out and about as much as possible.
These are all western style hotels and my only regret was that I didn't
try one of the Japanese Ryokans (traditional
Japanese Inn) |
Tokyo
- Shiba Park Hotel A good location near
the Tokyo Tower and
close to the JR Hamamatsucho station. Comfortable and convenient. |
Kyoto - New Miyako
Hotel
A short walk from the Kyoto Station, this was
my choice for exploration of the southern Temples of Kyoto.
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On my return, after a stay on Shikoku,
I stayed at the Kyoto Royal Hotel. Located
close to the Kama River, a more convenient location for visiting Temples
in the north and west. |
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Takamatsu - Rihga Zest Hotel
Located in the center of the town this was
my choice for visiting Ritsurin Park and
Yashima, both a local rail trip away. |
| If anyone would like to recommend
other hotels, I may extend this section. |
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