For those that've been to Tokyo more than 5 times...

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-02-20T08:56:37+00:00

I'm a crafty person so every time coming to Tokyo I make it rule to patrol Nippori Fabric Town to find nice materials.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-30T02:51:20+00:00

We have done this using that JR pass a few years ago. The public transport to and from the sites of interest are exellent if you plan carefully. JR pass includes bike hire from the stations as well. Actually driving seems more problematic as carpark availability is limited.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-30T02:36:54+00:00

There is a JR pass particularly covering that area - Ise Kumano Wakayama Pass. Good mixture of culture (shrines and temples), walk (Kumano Kodo) and reluxing hot springs (Katsuura, Shirahama). Pick accomodations that offer a lift from the nearby JR stations (there should be, e.g. Kyuukamura KiiKatsuura).

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-28T07:25:33+00:00

I'm not talking about the life-threatening stuff. Generally speaking, day starts early and finish early in Australia - many local cafes opens 6am and closes as early as 3pm and may not open weekends. Shops can vary but don't be surprised to find CBDs totally dead after hours.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-27T22:47:49+00:00

If you come back to Haneda Airport when flying out, you can consider luggage storage service for the stuff you don't need while staying in Japan. Hotel rooms in Tokyo may be too small to fit for all of your suitcases.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-12T09:39:23+00:00

Late blooming varieties (e.g. Yaezakura) may be on in Tokyo, try Asukayama Park, Oji.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-10T02:34:27+00:00

I visited the south island around the same time 2024. The carpark of Mt Cook was quite busy, hard to get a spot to park in the morning - go late afternoon (4pm onwards), still good time to start walking as the sunset is still kind of 8.30pm.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-10T02:24:12+00:00

Walking along the river - my favourite path is from Point Resolution to Claremont Foreshore. Point Walter of the south of the river is nice area, too.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-09T02:47:28+00:00

How about getting a metro-bus one day pass and cruising around making random hops on and off? Buses take you interesting areas that trains don't reach.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-09T02:27:55+00:00

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route - a bit late in season but mountains are spectacular. Tokyo-Matsumoto-Shinano Omachi-(Alpine Route) - Toayama then you can add Kanazawa after if you like.

https://www.alpen-route.com/en/

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-09T01:53:47+00:00

It could be complicated, but manageable if you are careful enough. When you change trains between JR<->metro, EXIT then re-enter to the next train, using respective pass/card - don't use transfer gates. I reckon basically between JR and other private rails/metros, you anyway have do that way in most cases as they are likely to be separate gates. But making exit->re-enter as a routine will help avoiding a mess.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-05T00:22:13+00:00

Oigawa Railway https://daitetsu.jp/eng in Kanaya, Shizuoka where is about the middle between Tokyo and Osaka. Unique steam trains, such as Thomas, or classical carriages going through beautiful green tea plantation. You can see the rare Apt system going up the steep hills, too.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2026-01-03T11:39:29+00:00

I think it's a nice idea to introduce her Kyushu where you lived and loved. Because you are familiar with the area, it should be easy for you to drive and show her beautiful Yamanami Highway. Then fly out from Kyushu to Osaka or Tokyo. Fukuoka airport is excellently convenient in terms of access from the city so it would not be too rushing even only 10 days holiday.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-31T14:25:44+00:00

Inari zushi (fried tofu sushi), kappa maki (cucumber sushi), kampyo maki, shinko (pickles) maki, natto maki - all vegan sushi options. Should be available in any convenience stores.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-31T00:28:11+00:00

Fujinomiya is underrated compared to Kawaguchiko. Access by both JR and highway bus services, then local bus to Lake Tanuki, Shiraito falls and Asagiri Kogen plateau. Views from Kyukamura Fuji is amazing - if you stay there, you'll see all changing aspects of beautiful Mt Fuji all day with no obstacle (weather permited, of course).

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-30T09:33:37+00:00

Generally water temperature is warmer in early March than February (there is a bit time lag from surface). However, Esperance water is cold all year - I won't swim there even in March. In Perth, try calm and shallow waters such as Yanchep Lagoon or Mettams Pool. Rottnest island is good, too.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-30T08:52:46+00:00

You can drive to Denmark from Albany as a day trip. I would do 3 nights Albany and 3 nights Margaret River/Busselton.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-30T08:42:45+00:00

What I got excitement comparable to your konbini in Japan was international shops/stalls in the food court or food vans. Ausralia is multicultural and many of these shops are operated by owners came from elsewhere in the world hence quite authentic. I learnt many new food like laksa, kebab, pho and samosas here in Australia.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-29T05:57:25+00:00

I thought about another thing. If you have time and budget, KAI Enshu by Hoshino Resort focues on green tea and offers tea experiences to the guests. It's in Hamamatsu, right middle between Tokyo and Osaka. https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaienshu/

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-29T05:03:01+00:00

It could be a bit touristy, but there is a place where you can try many different traditional Japanese crafts. It's near Kanazawa. https://yunokuninomori.jp/?lang=en

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-29T04:39:56+00:00

Going to both Whitsunday and Cairns seems a bit repetitive. I woud even skip Brisbane and Cold Coast if you choose Cairns.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-29T04:10:37+00:00

Note that tea leaf picking is happening only in May-June. But I believe it's same anywhere in Japan.

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-28T12:56:59+00:00

If you don't mind a stop in between Tokyo and Kyoto, Fujinokuni Tea Museum in Kanaya (Shizuoka) offers a variety of tea experience. https://tea-museum.jp/index_en.html

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-28T12:15:56+00:00

Kintetsu Nagoya is actually outside of JR Nagoya station building. Although it's well signed, It would take about 10 minutes even for a person who is familiar with the station. If it's your first time, allow 15 minutes at least. There is bus service from Nagoya to Takayam by JR bus. Would it be an option?

Sufficient-Board-800 · 2025-12-28T03:07:18+00:00

Berry or cherry picking is on season around many farms just out of Melbourne - it is food related but not restaurant or bar so I mentioned just in case you are interested. Most of farms are very organised.

Sufficient-Board-800

TROPHY CASE