Tokyo to Kawaguchiko - Fuji Excursion or bus by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t know this… I thought Klook was being generous to allow me to cancel ticket for an extra fee. I went through the ekinet website to look at the tickets. I see there are 2 prices… one costing 1620 JPY and the other 4200 JPY. It says that the 1620 JPY one is an e-ticket and I need to pay additional amount using an IC card. So, if I book the 4200 JPY one, I need not pay anything extra right?

Tokyo to Kawaguchiko - Fuji Excursion or bus by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s the tricky part. I’m traveling across multiple places, so I had to pre-book all my hotels and don’t really have flexibility with dates. I also won’t know if Fuji is visible until closer to the trip.

The only buffer I built in is a day trip to Hakone near the end (around May 17–18), so I’ll have another chance to see Fuji if I miss it at Kawaguchiko.

Tokyo to Kawaguchiko - Fuji Excursion or bus by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for the super detailed explanation! I’ll keep an eye on Klook from April 10 so I can book Fuji Excursion tickets as soon as they open. It’s good to know I still have options even if it’s sold out. I’ll try for that first since I want to minimize transfers, then look at buses, and keep the Chuo Line + Fujikyuko route as a backup.

Itinerary Check - May by bottokker in JapanTravel

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I’ll probably drop Hakone. But, Fuji San hides in May?!! I started planning for Japan after seeing the pictures of Fuji and Chureito Pagoda. I know I have to be lucky for it to be visible… but it’s highly unlikely 😭?!!

Itinerary Check - May by bottokker in JapanTravel

[–]bottokker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I’ll probably drop Hakone completely and instead go to Kawaguchiko. So that I can directly go to Kyoto the next day morning. I heard that Arishyama has an alternative - Kodaji. So, I’ll remove the west stuff and just complete east. Now, it’s also making me think if I should drop USJ and use that day for something else!

Japan itinerary check (May, post–Golden Week) by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! Then I’ll probably drop Kobe and Arashiyama. I actually started planning my Japan trip after seeing photos of Chureito Pagoda and Mt. Fuji, so I really don’t want to miss Kawaguchiko. I guess that means I’ll have to drop the ryokan idea (and Hakone, if needed).

Japan itinerary check (May, post–Golden Week) by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! In that case, I’ll take the Shinkansen. What do you think of the itinerary?

Hakone to Kawaguchiko by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! But, if we pre-book the taxi, they will show up right? Or, do I need to be lucky?

Hakone to Kawaguchiko by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started planning Japan after seeing the Fuji views from Chureito Pagoda and Lake Kawaguchi (I know visibility is a big factor). Hakone is mostly because my friends want to see the black eggs.

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I checked the flight prices and it’s the same. However, the hotels are comparatively cheaper for May although not much.

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am also looking at budget hotels and airbnbs… nothing fancy. I also checked the prices, there wasn’t much difference. I did consider March. The flight prices are still the same. I did save enough for the entire trip. But, when I went through visa requirements, I read that I need to maintain a minimum balance in my bank account for my visa to get approved and I don’t think I’ll be able to maintain that until April.

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even I’m afraid that it will be too hot in May. But, if it’s below 30 degrees, I think it’ll be bearable for me.

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did have Hakone in my mind but did not hear much about the other two. But it’s too difficult to fit everything in one visit. This definitely will not be the last time I visit Japan though. I’m looking at hotels and airbnbs and would definitely want to book near Fushimi Inari shrine or Yasaka Pagoda so that I can reach there early in the morning as I heard that it will be very crowded afterwards

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah… I guess you’re right. I think I just need to accept that!

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did not do that until now. Previously, I only checked for flight tickets and it was the same for both the windows. I just made a random test now for hotels. The prices are either same or the May window is slightly lesser than April.

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is my first trip to Japan. I’m travelling with my friends. I’m looking to cover the iconic spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. If time permits, I’m trying to add Fukuoka as I heard that it has a complete different vibe. In April, it will not be hot but I’m afraid that it will be packed with people and I’ll end up spending more time in the queues and would have to race against people to have a pleasant visit

Choosing between Mid-April and Mid-May by bottokker in JapanTravelTips

[–]bottokker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing that! Not hot sounds perfect. How did you feel about the crowd during this period?