8D Package Tour to Japan

[cloud77]

Hi guys, I am planning on going on a package tour to Central Japan, likely late Nov to Mid Dec period, trying to confirm these few days if possible.

Can I just check with you guys if you have any feedback from ASA / SA Tour as both their itinerary seem most suitable so far ? was considering this 8D6N
http://asa-rs.s3.amazonaws.com/itinerary/2015/Japan/Group/JOSU8_Eng Chi.pdf

Any tips and advice for me or things to look out for ? Thanks in advance

 

[anyhowsaysay]

I will advise going Free and easy on your own instead of packaged tour.

The way they structured the tour is really super rushed and also they ate one of your day for flight (Day 1).

From the different locations, you will be spending much of your time on tour bus since they are quite far away.

 

[cloud77]

I will advise going Free and easy on your own instead of packaged tour.

The way they structured the tour is really super rushed and also they ate one of your day for flight (Day 1).

From the different locations, you will be spending much of your time on tour bus since they are quite far away.

Thanks for your advice. I will be with my kid and I am not familiar with Tokyo or Japanese thus it will be difficult for me to do free and easy.

 

[darkhonour]

I went for package tours twice and have the following points to highlight:
1. As said, yes, day 1 is normally 'eaten up' as night flight is usually selected
2. Very very rushing, city to city travel. When I landed in Osaka, the tour agency sent us off to USJ immediately despite being tired from the flight
3. Whole day is usually packed so if you want to do your own shopping, normally the last day (opt out of some activity like Disneyland) to do free & easy; by the time you reach your hotel, shops would be closing
4. A lot of tourist traps + tour guides pushing sales
5. Food is not necessarily Japanese cuisine; maybe 80 - 90% close to Chinese food as tour agency need to assume not everyone is comfortable with Japanese food
6. If it involves Tokyo, last night of stay is normally near Narita Airport
7. Most tours don't include bullet train (at most one small segment) as the bus cannot keep up with the bullet train

If you are a young parent and going with your kid, I think free & easy is still okay. If you have grandparents etc going with you, I'd then strongly recommend going on a tour.

 

[VD]

F&E defintely, u control the pace and u will enjoy more of the sight. Guided tour very rushing, u wake up very early to travel from place to place, sometimes hours on the road. Not really enjoyable.

Japan ain't difficult to move around, even without knowing their language. I managed not uttering a word of japanese. In Major cities, the abundant of English signage will help u along, you just need to do your research on the places of interest you or your family would enjoy.

 

[zack14]

its much better to go your own free and easy

 

[lunafan]

Thanks for your advice. I will be with my kid and I am not familiar with Tokyo or Japanese thus it will be difficult for me to do free and easy.

Nowadays, with data plan and google map, anyone who isn't familiar with Tokyo also can navigate like a pro

I used to familiarise myself with the metro/JR lines before going. Now, I don't even know how the lines link up and where are the interchanges. Google just tells me what line to take and where to alight.

 

[zack14]

Nowadays, with data plan and google map, anyone who isn't familiar with Tokyo also can navigate like a pro

I used to familiarise myself with the metro/JR lines before going. Now, I don't even know how the lines link up and where are the interchanges. Google just tells me what line to take and where to alight.

what website u use for info on which metro/JR lines to take?

 

[evilerniex]

what website u use for info on which metro/JR lines to take?

use hyperdia website

 

[lunafan]

what website u use for info on which metro/JR lines to take?

For pre-trip planning, use hyperdia
For on the spot route info, use google
You can use google too for pre-trip planning but remember to set the correct date/time when you search. At different time, it recommends different route. Somehow it links to the same database as hyperdia

 

[hanneng]

In all the major train and subway stations, tourism information offices, department store, drugs discount store, even some 7-11, I managed to find English/Chinese speaking staff.